Young Minds is back!!!
Jai Jinendra,
We hope you enjoy reading this issue of Young Minds. Our goal is to keep the
readers connected, informed, and entertained with articles across North America.
As you leaf through this edition, you will find a completely new make-over on the newsletter. This year’s Director of Publications, Sheenika Shah, and Director of Public Relations, Vaishali Shah, have been hard at work in order to include new sections and spreads in the Young Minds newsletter, including a regional updates- past and future events near you, “Dear Atma” column- answering some of the questions we received from you and articles written by our board members.
Enjoy reading,
~YJA Board
Please send us your feedback, questions or updates at youngminds@yja.org.
Happy Diwali and Happy New Year!
The path may be difficult,
Light lamps of love and affection
Then it will be Diwali of heart.
As Michael from NBC’s The Office says, “So put on your saris, it’s time to celebrate Diwali.”
Indians of all religions celebrate Diwali. In many parts of India, it is the homecoming of King Rama (of Ramayana fame) of Ayodhya after a 14-year exile in the forest. Southern India marks it as the day Lord Krishna defeated the demon Narakasura.
But specifically, why do Jains celebrate Diwali? Diwali is the day that Lord Mahavira attained nirvana at Pavapuri. Lord Mahavira attained nirvana at the dawn of the amavasya (new moon). According to the Kalpasutra (a pictorial description of Lord Mahavira’s life and past lives) by Acharya Bhadrabahuswami, written during the 3rd century BC, many Gods were present, illuminating the darkness of the dawn.
The following night was pitch black without the light of the gods or the moon. To symbolically keep the light of Lord Mahavira’s knowledge alive, kings and Gods lit lamps. They said: “Since the light of knowledge is gone, we will make light of ordinary matter.” The next day, after lamenting over the Nirvana of Mahavira, Gautam Swami, Mahavir’s first Ganadhar (chief disciple), attained Nirvana as well. This day is known as the Jain New Year.
This Diwali, take the time to reflect upon the meaning of Lord Mahavira’s message of non-violence and compassion towards all living beings.
Have a Happy Diwali and prosperous new year!
~ YJA Board!
Jain Center of America’s Fall 2008 Camping Trip
Maybe we’ll remember the sulphurous water. Maybe we’ll remember Alok’s discussion on the six truths regarding the soul as interpreted by Shrimad Rajchandraji. Maybe we’ll remember the vegetarian/vegan smores. These were all highlights from the trip, but you know what will certainly last from the Jain Center of America’s Fall 2008 Camping Trip? The individual bonds that formed because 60 youth came together in the name of Jainism.
The fun began on Saturday, October 11, 2008, with a trip to Siddhachalam in Blairstown, New Jersey. First, we performed Darshan and Chaitya Vandan in the main dherasar (temple). Then, we ate delicious Bhojanshala food in the newly constructed dining hall. Then, after a short recreation period, we departed for Harmony Ridge Campgrounds in Branchville, New Jersey.
On Saturday afternoon, after getting acclimated to the campgrounds, all of us were free to do whatever we wished for a short period. Some of us played basketball or volleyball, some explored the campgrounds, and some just simply took the time to get to know each other. Afterwards, a short (and competitive) small group-based icebreaker took place, in which the two losing teams were encouraged to take part in a dauntingly named, but in reality, very light, “physical challenge”. For legal purposes, we are including the disclaimer that no one was forced to do anything; well, except singing, “Mary Had a Little Lamb”.
Laughter ensued and soon thereafter, Arvind Bobra led a discussion on, “The Subtleties of Jainism,” in which he dissected the lives of young Jains and gave us pointers on how to reduce to amount of cruelty, passion, and violence in our daily lives – kind of like reducing our himsa (violence) footprint.
Dinner was delicious pasta and salad, all prepared Jain style (without any underground vegetables (garlic, onion, mushroom, carrot, etc.)). One camper half-seriously noted after looking at his salad, “What are all of these other vegetables doing here? I just want to eat my lettuce!” Unfortunately for him, but fortunately for all of us, this nutritious yet delicious meal was just what was needed after a day of traveling, playing sports, and just plain old moving around a lot. The evening concluded with all of the campers gathered around the glowing campfire, listening to a round of chilling ghost stories, and eating vegetarian/vegan smores, a rare treat for Jain youth.
Sunday morning began with the bravest of the brave (well, only two of us) conquering the campground trails with a 2.5 mile run. After breakfast and showering (in some of the most unpleasant water known on this side of the world), Alok Lal led a thoughtful discussion on the connection between the 7/9 Tattvas and the 6 Fundamental Truths of the Soul. [As John McCain would say, “The fundamental truths of our soul are strong”…except that they really are.] Many interesting questions arose about the nature of the soul and what exactly a soul is.
Then, all of us took part in multiple games of ‘Capture the Flag’. Soon thereafter, we ate chutney sandwiches for lunch and engaged in a, “Questions about Jainism You Were Afraid to Ask” discussion with Shardule Shah where he collected anonymously submitted questions from youth 17 and under. These thought-provoking questions spanned from the purpose of praying to basic Karma Theory. With the help of all 60 youth, many basic and not-so-basic questions were answered.
Towards the evening, tensions boiled over during a game of football. But all was not lost. After all, this is a group that practices ahimsa (non-violence). Thus, while hard-hitting, fast, and physical, the 15 on 15 game of football was enjoyed by all and ended on a dramatic 4th down-and-goal touchdown pass from Chintan Shah to Sejal Bavishi.
The evening pizza dinner was enjoyed over a warm fire and good times were had by all. After some down time, many of us headed to the main lodge to enjoy group-building activities such as puzzle-making and Taboo while others remained by the fire, getting to know each other better. On the way to the main lodge, many of us were scared by six ghosts, who, oddly enough, armed themselves with worn-out pool sticks and looked eerily like six missing teenagers who came with us on the camping trip. Hmm…
Finally, the camping trip concluded on Monday morning with a campsite clean-up and an introduction to the activities of the Young Jains of America (YJA) and the Jain Center of America (JCA).
Thank you very much to the organizers of the trip; Chintan Shah, Alok Lal, Shilpa Pandya, and Minina Dalal.
We hope to see you all for JCA’s Fall 2009 Camping Trip!
-Shardule Shah
Das Lakshana - Humility
Often times, there are things that can lead a person to gain pride. Things such as wealth, intelligence, and gaining materialistic objects can lead one to become deeply attached to these things and leads to unhappiness. The best option to avoid this unhappiness is to have a sense of humility. In my opinion, having humility is the best way to stay down to earth and remain happy. If you become involved in your own belongings, it will lead to a viscous cycle of misery and pain. There is a certain limit to having pride and as long as one is within this realm, one will remain humble and live a peaceful life.
- Original Post by Shital Shah of Schaumburg, IL
Paryushan 2008 Website
Svetamber Paryushan may have past. However, Digamber Das Lakshan is just beginning.
If you want to find out more information on this past week’s practice or more information on Das Lakshan, see the Paryushan 2008 Website for more information!
Share your thoughts on the content. Always, ask questions if you want to find out more, the YJA Board is here to help!
YJA Convention Feedback from Detroit Youth
“YJA was a swell time. I met new people. I made CONNECTIONS (and yes the all caps are necessary). I met a whole variety of people that I would otherwise have never met. It broadened my horizons, and shifted my paradigm on myself and on what being a Jain means. YJA was truly life impacting I just hope I can make it to the next one.” - Neal M. Shah, 18 of Plymouth, MI as Detroit Youth Group (JOY) President.
“The 2008 Young Jains of America Convention in Lincolnshire, IL was a life-changing experience for me. I went to informative sessions, ate some great food, and ‘created’ myself as a person. However, the best part of YJA, I would have to say, was meeting new people from across the country and sharing our lives with each other. The sessions were inspiring and enhanced my connection with the Jain Way of Life and the social events were amazing to say the least. If anything, I learned new Garba/Dandiya Raas steps and Bhangra dance moves! The rest of my life will be impacted by the memories I had at YJA and the friends I met will never be forgotten. Overall, YJA 2008 was a weekend I will never forget and I am already looking forward to the next convention in 2010.” – Anshul Mehta, 16 of Ann Arbor, MI, as a speaker and JOY member.
“This was my first YJA convention and I didn’t know what to expect. I thought that it would just be a bunch of boring Jain kids at a convention where we learned about Jainism. I couldn’t have been more wrong. The people there were really cool and I attended some interesting sessions about different issues in life. Overall, it was a great experience and I hope to go to the next convention.” – Vishal Mehta, 15 of Ann Arbor, MI, as a speaker and JOY member.
“The YJA Convention 2008 was a great experience! The Chicago team and the board managed the event smoothly and efficiently. The sessions were new and engaging, the food was fantastic, and the nightly events kept everyone entertained. But by far the best part of this convention, or any convention, was the interesting people I met, and the new friends I’ve made.” – Sonali R. Shah of Novi, MI and student at the University of Michigan
“The 2008 YJA Convention in Chicago was a phenomenal experience. Although it was very different from what I imagined it to be, it was that way for the better. I met a ton of people, made a lot of friends, and learned a lot more about Jains my age. I had many memories this July, and I’m really looking forward to future conventions.” – Neil R. Shah of Sterling Heights, MI as a JOY Board Member.
“The 2008 YJA Convention in Chicago was an experience I will never forget. I met Jains from all around the country, and I was surprised at how similar they were to me and my friends. The carnival was very fun, especially the dance at the end. The very last day was the best, because it was formal and everyone was really close to each other, because it was the last day of the convention. Because of this convention, I am eager to go to the JAINA convention next year, and can hardly wait for the YJA 2010 Convention. I learned a lot of new things about Jainism that I never knew before, and I feel that YJA has helped me connect better to the Jain community here in Detroit.”
- Neal Gandhi of Sterling Heights, MI as a JOY Board Member
“YJA was such a great experience for me because I was able to gain a much better understanding of the actual purposes and methods of practicing and following Jainism. At this four day convention, I was able to attend numerous lectures, sessions, and was able to talk to and learn from very learned scholars about our way of life. While doing this, I was able to meet and have a great time with other Young Jains from across the US. I came back feeling more educated about my way of life, as well as more connected to people who feel the same.” – Paras Vakharia of Rochester Hills, MI and student at St. Louis College of Pharmacy
“This is the third time I have attended a YJA Convention, and every time, it gets even better. I learn something new about Jainism at each convention, and another perspective about the philosophy is introduced in a way I never thought of before; almost an interesting and ironic way to apply/experience Anekantvaad. The sessions are enlightening to some extent- I was able to be in the presence of Gurudev Chitrabhavnuji and the Houston Samanijis in small groups and have some questions answered. In addition, the very core of non-violence was fostered amongst the attendees, through sessions about veganism, especially by the keynote speaker, Dr. Will Tuttle. The sessions also teach ways to apply Jainism practically to our lives as students in college were explained. The effort put in by the YJA Board and volunteers was phenomenal. The food was great and even tasty vegan pizza was served! Meeting Jain people all different ages and all different backgrounds was a great learning experience since it was eye-opening and motivating to be able to share life experiences. If maintained, some of the friendly relationships developed can turn into life-long friendships. For instance, I met my best friend 4 years ago at the YJA 2004 Convention.” – Sonali Vakharia of Rochester, MI and student at St. Louis College of Pharmacy
“Before YJA, I expected the planning and sessions to be really good, but I thought that most of the attendees would not really be interested in Jainism. My prediction about the planning was correct: there weren’t any major problems and the food was fine. Most of the sessions were interesting, and I liked that we were not forced to go to the sessions on our name tags. I liked the Garba Night and the Mela, although the Dance Fusion Competition would have been better if we were allowed to see the fireworks. My prediction about the attendees was partially correct, but even the attendees who were not really interested were not disruption and still participated, leading to some interesting debates. Except for a few virtually unavoidable problems, everything in the convention went well.” – Shan Kothari of Ann Arbor, MI
“This was my first YJA Convention, so I did not entirely know what to expect aside from comments about previous year’s conventions. It was a good social experience and I really bonded with my roommates. Unfortunately, many of the groups there were very ‘cliquey’ and would only stick with those they knew. Many of the sessions were informative, but others were redundant with information I already knew. Otherwise, it was a good time. Please order more small t-shirts next time!” – Monika Kothari of Ann Arbor, MI
YJA 2008 Reflection by Shardule Shah
-Shardule Shah
Take a few deep breaths
It’s all over now
Yah, I’m talking about YJA 2008
But the memories will last forever
Let me take you back to the entrance
Hershey Kisses and a Chanlo
Friendly greetings by the board
Nervousness and excitement fell upon all
How was it going to be?
Who were we going to meet?
But all was laid to rest by the time Garba rolled around
The energy was sky high and the ice cream just right for the evening
The next few days
Will Tuttle, Gurudev and Pramodabhen Chitrabhanu, and all the other dignitaries presented us with a gift
Knowledge and the thirst for more…their mere presence touched us all
They knew what the youth go through on a daily basis
Speakers and attendees were not so much talker and listener
But rather two active participants in a conversation
Walls were broken
And lessons were taught
It’s sort of hard to tangibly sum up what we all miss
Just the mere presence of 800 unique, yet like-minded individuals in the same area
Something about that feeling
Something that cannot be recaptured
Just smile when you think about the Mela
Just smile when you think about speed dating at JNF
Throw your head back and laugh when you remember what embarrassing things you revealed about yourself at icebreakers
Chuckle a little when you think about how much attention you put into getting ready for each day
Know that all of the people who were there now share a common bond
A bond of friendship that will pass through the tests of Facebook, GTalk, and AIM
A bond of friendship that unites us under one roof (or tent!)
A bond of friendship so tight that even though years may pass until we see each other again, it would be as if a beat was not missed
This is the story of YJA 2008
How do you remember your chapter being written?
Do you want to experience this all over again?
Just go to YJA 2010
Frito Lay’s products
Be aware of what we take for granted as being vegetarian. Make sure you read the ingredients!! Porcine Enzymes are enzymes extracted from a pig’s intestine.
Seasoned Products Made Without Porcine EnzymesProducts Made and Distributed in the U.S.
Last Updated August 23rd, 2007
http://www.fritolay.com/fl/flstore/cgibin/ProdDetEv_Cat_351852_NavRoot_361689_ProdID_564690.htm
http://www.fritolay.com/fl/flstore/cgi-bin/dietary_choices.htm
These products DO NOT have Porcine Enzymes but they still might be made with Chicken Stock or other meat flavorings. Please be aware and check the links.
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MangalamShow.com
Amit on November 2007JAINA is very happy to announce “Mangalam” a half hour TV Broadcast every Sunday on TVASIA beginning September 16th 2007. The Broadcast will be at 9:00 AM EST on Dish Network in North America (some local cable networks may have a different time slot) We request all to support this great venture to ensure the future of our Jain heritage and our unity in North America by advertising on the program. For more information contact Dr. Mamta Shah, Chair person of JAINA Media Production Committee, (516) 487-1852 or Mshaha8087@aol.com
On November 11th, we will be featuring a Youth Special and News report on the Multifaith conference in Mexico. Do not miss this exciting episode of Mangalam!
Register Now! Southeast Regional Leadership Summit
The next Leadership will be held on November 17th, 2007 at Emory University in Atlanta, GA. The registration fee of $40 includes 3 meals, workshops, and conference materials. To register, please go to http://www.jainleadership.org/register.htm
Over the past three years JAINA’s Long Range Planning Committee, together with other Jain leaders, have developed a vision for the future of Jainism in North America. Dr. Dipak Jain, the Dean of Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, invited Jain leaders from across USA and Canada to a historic first summit to discuss the future of Jainism in North America on April 15-17, 2005 at the Kellogg School of Management in Chicago. Led by Dipak Jain and Prem Jain, Former Senior Vice President of CISCO, the conferences introduced concepts of management and organization that can be applied to improving the performance of our leadership and result in greater involvement of our community in solving common challenges facing us.
The cost will be minimal and includes conference materials, as well as breakfast, lunch, snacks, tea break, and dinner. As there is limited space, please confirm as soon as possible.
The highlights of this conference includes:
- Leadership Training
- Community Concerns and Challenges
- Personal Experiences from Successful Community Members
And workshops such as:
- Universalization of Practices at Jain Centers in USA
- Community Concerns and Challenges
- Youth Issues
- Jain Center Policies
For more information, please contact:
Manoj Jain, Jain Center of Memphis, TN - JAINA LRPC - 901-240-2602
mkjain@aol.com
- Community Concerns and Challenges
- Personal Experiences from Successful Community Members
- Community Concerns and Challenges
- Youth Issues
- Jain Center Policies
mkjain@aol.com
About Jain Diaries
Jain Diaries is a blog by YJA about Peace, Compassion, and having a good time. Written and edited by youth just like you. Enjoy!