Jain Network
Hip hop makes scriptures cool for young Jains
Via Times of India:
Edison, New Jersey: Jain scriptures sung in hip hop. That’s the latest East-meets-West saga as over 5,000 Jains from the US and other countries congregate here on Friday for the Jain Associations In North America (Jaina) meet.
And, bringing about this unique fusion is cappella singer Krupesh Mehta, who will perform at the ‘peace JAM’ during the convention, to get youth attracted to the scriptures, using this popular genre of music.
And, how does he get them to mix ?
“Realising the power of the word ‘Om’ forms the premise of the track that I will be performing. The energy of ‘Om’, going into the depths of its meaning, inspires you to look within yourself, realise your capabilities. And Jain ideology too emphasises the same, with purity of soul and raising your consciousness being the ultimate aim,” says Krupesh, an NRG Jain.
Having been raised in Queens, New York, his inclination for hip-hop came naturally. “I grew up listening to it. I realised that the youth would find it more appealing if hip-hop was the mode of presentation,” he says.
Krupesh, ‘Kru’ to his friends, started writing in 2000 while in high school and has used his mastery over words for the performance. “The style is hip hop but it’s all about words. They truly reflect the essence of the Jain scriptures,” he says.
The four-day convention will see performers using a combination of poetry, music, and lyrics to communicate their vision and message about various topics ranging from politics to spirituality and from racial bias to social injustice. While generational icon, Lauryn Hill, has been specifically invited for her spiritual and lyrical alignment with the convention’s theme ‘Peace Through Dialogue.’
And, beyond music, about 60 Jain scholars will discuss the ‘Building of a Diaspora – Jains without Borders.’
Kellogg Conf, Jain Int’l convention in Udaipur (Aug 5-7)
Dr Kirti Jain has helped arranged a Jain International Convention of NRIs in the enchanting city of Udaipur under the auspices of Acharya MahaPragya Ji on “Relevance of Jainism in the Present Context” on August 5 thru 7, 2007.
Dr. Jirti Jain and his team of organizers have arranged for 4 days of complimentary lodging and boarding in accordance with the traditional Mewari hospitality, along with available heritage tours of the region including the famous Ranakpur & Dilwara temples.
Please view the invitation here
Video: How to act at a Jain Temple
I’m loving the tunes and the animation style. The lyrics could use some help, but I think that’s how they hold it down in India.
Maybe the adults could learn something from this video too!
Learning Jainism Website
Via Preya Shah:
The Institute of Jainology, based in the UK, has created a great Jain education website called: www.learnjainism.org
The website features everything from interactive games for youth to education guides for teachers.
The thing I like most about the website is that it is designed well and looks clean. I can totally see my younger cousins navigating this site with total ease.
Congrats to everyone involved in the project for building a wonderful foundation. Well done!
Young Jains Malaysia Float Procession
YJA recently got an email from Shameer Bakhda, a young Jain based in Malaysia. Shameer informed us that him and a few of his buddies organized an amazing float procession for Mahavir Jayanti and they’d be delighted if we shared the photos with youth in America.
More photos from the float procession here
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!