Young Jains of America

Paryushan 2008 Website

Apurva — Fri, 05 Sep 2008 04:27:46 +0000

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!

www.yja.org/paryushan2008

YJA Convention Feedback from Detroit Youth

Apurva — Mon, 18 Aug 2008 03:58:51 +0000

“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

Apurva — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 15:17:53 +0000

Way to Go

-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

Amit — Sun, 11 Nov 2007 06:39:50 +0000

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.

BAKED! CHEETOS® Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks

BAKED! LAY’S® Barbeque Flavored Potato Crisps
CHEETOS® ASTEROIDS® Mini Cheese Flavored Snacks
CHEETOS® Crunchy Cheese Flavored Snacks
CHEETOS® PUFFS Cheese Flavored Snacks
CHEETOS® Twisted Cheese Flavored Snacks
DORITOS® COOL RANCH® Flavored Tortilla Chips
DORITOS® COLLISIONS® Hot Wings and Blue Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips
DORITOS® COLLISIONS® Zesty Taco and Chipotle Ranch Flavored Tortilla Chips
DORITOS® Jalapeno Cheddar Cheese Flavored Filled GOLDEN TOAST® Flavor Sandwich Crackers
DORITOS® Ranchero Flavored Tortilla Chips
DORITOS® Salsa Verde Flavored Tortilla Chips
DORITOS® Sweet Chili & Spice Flavored Tortilla Chips
FLAT EARTH® Apple Cinnamon Grove Baked Fruit Crisps
FLAT EARTH® Peach Mango Paradise Flavored Baked Fruit Crisps
FLAT EARTH® Tangy Tomato Ranch Flavored Baked Veggie Crisps
FLAT EARTH® Wild Berry Patch Flavored Baked Fruit Crisps
FRITOS® BBQ Flavored Corn Chips
FRITOS® Chili Cheese Flavored Corn Chips
FRITOS® Flavor Twists® Honey BBQ Corn Chips
FUNYUNS® Wasabi Flavored Rings
LAY’S® Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored Potato Chips
LAY’S® Chili Limon Flavored Potato Chips
LAY’S® Flamin’ Hot Potato Chips
LAY’S® Italian Rosemary & Herb Flavored Potato Chips
LAY’S® Barbeque Flavored Potato Chips
LAY’S® Hot ‘N Spicy BBQ Flavored Potato Chips
LAY’S® Light Barbeque Flavored Potato Chips
LAY’S® Limon Flavored Potato chips
LAY’S® Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Potato Chips
LAY’S® Kettle Cooked Jalapeno Flavored Extra Crunchy Potato Chips
LAY’S® Kettle Cooked Mesquite BBQ Flavored Extra Crunchy Potato Chips
LAY’S® Kettle Cooked Sea Salt and Malt Vinegar Flavored Extra Crunchy Potato Chips
LAY’S® Kettle Cooked Sweet Chili and Sour Cream Flavored Extra Crunchy Potato Chips
LAY’S® STAX® Mesquite BBQ Flavored Potato Crisps
LAY’S® STAX® Hot ‘N Spicy BBQ Flavored Potato Crisps
LAY’S® STAX® Ranch Flavored Potato Crisps
LAY’S® STAX® Salt & Vinegar Flavored Potato Crisps
LAY’S® STAX® Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Potato Crisps
LAY’S® STAX® Spicy Buffalo Wings Flavored Potato Crisps
LAY’S® Wavy Hickory BBQ Flavored Potato Chips
LAY’S® Wavy Ranch Flavored Potato Chips
MAUI STYLE Onion Flavored Potato Chips
MAUI STYLE Salt & Vinegar Flavored Potato Chips
MISS VICKIE’S® Jalapeno Flavored Potato Chips
MISS VICKIE’S® Lime and Black Pepper Flavored Potato Chips
Natural CHEETOS® White Cheddar Cheese Flavored Snacks
Natural DORITOS® White Nacho Cheese Flavored Tortilla Chips
Natural LAY’S® BBQ Flavored Thick Cut Potato Chips
QUAKER® Cinnamon Sugar Snack Mix
QUAKER® Honey Graham Snack Mix
ROLD GOLD® Honey Mustard Flavored Tiny Twists
ROLD GOLD® Honey Mustard & Onion Flavored Mini Sticks Pretzels
ROLD GOLD® Honey Wheat Braided Twists
RUFFLES® Cheddar & Sour Cream Flavored Potato Chips
RUFFLES® Authentic Barbeque Flavored Potato Chips
RUFFLES® Sour Cream & Onion Flavored Potato Chips*
RUSTLER’S® Beef Jerky
RUSTLER’S® Spicy Sticks
SABRITAS™ Salt ‘N Lime Flavored Peanuts
SABRITAS™ Spicy Picante Flavored Peanuts
SABRITONES® Lime and Chili Flavored Wheat Snacks
SMARTFOOD® White Cheddar Flavored Popcorn
SUNCHIPS® Cinnamon Flavored Multigrain Snacks
SUNCHIPS® French Onion Flavored Multigrain Snacks
SUNCHIPS® Garden Salsa Flavored Multigrain Snacks
TOSTITOS® Flour Tortilla Chips
TOSTITOS® Hint of Lime Flavored Tortilla Chips
DIPS FRITOS® Hot Bean Dip - canned
FRITOS® Bean Dip – canned
FRITOS® Mild Cheddar Cheese Dip – canned
FRITO-LAY French Onion Dip - canned
TOSTITOS® All Natural Chunky Salsa - Mild – Medium – Hot
TOSTITOS® Monterrey Jack Queso
TOSTITOS® Picante Sauce - Mild, Medium

MangalamShow.com

Amit — Sat, 10 Nov 2007 17:24:38 +0000

JAINA 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

Meghi — Fri, 09 Nov 2007 18:41:10 +0000

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

IndiCorps - a tremendous opportunity to help others in need

Amit — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:47:56 +0000

I just completed the Indicorps Fellowship, where I spent a year in India doing grassroots development work. The fellowship challenged me to live simply, to give without expecting anything in return, to love and serve a community as if they were my own, to reflect upon my own life and how to live consciously – all of which were principles that I felt my resonated with my Jain upbringing.

The fellowship experience was life defining - check out the website (www.indicorps.org). Even if its not the right time for you, spread the word for someone else looking for the opportunity to come to India, to do community service, and to contribute to positive change…

Ketki Sheth - ketki@indicorps.com

Please check out this video get a better feel of what we are involved in.

http://www.news.indicorps.org/magazine/content/blogcategory/16/35/

Day 10

Amit — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 07:40:58 +0000

Supreme Celibacy – UTTAM BRAHMCHARYA
External View: This means not only refraining from sexual intercourse but also includes all pleasures associated with the sense of touch, e.g. desiring for a cool breeze on a hot summer’s day or using a cushion for a hard surface. Again this dharma is practiced to keep our desires in check. The monks practice this to the highest degree with all their body, speech and mind. The householder refrains from sexual intercourse with anyone
except his or her spouse.

Internal View: Brahmacharya is derived from the words Brahma (Soul) and charya (to dwell). Nischay Brahmacharya means to dwell in your Soul. Only by residing in the Soul you are the master of the Universe. Residing outside your Soul makes you a slave to desires.

Day 9

Amit — Wed, 26 Sep 2007 07:12:33 +0000

Non-attachment – UTTAM ÄKINCHANYA
External View: This assists us in detaching from external possessions. Historically, ten possessions are listed in scriptures: land, house, silver, gold, wealth, grain, female servants, male servants, garments and utensils. Of course in today’s world, money, investments, car, and clothes are part of our possessions as well. Remaining unattached from these helps control our desires and leads to an influx of punya Karmas.
Internal View: This assists us in being unattached from our internal attachments: false belief, anger, pride, deceit, greed, laughter, liking, disliking, lamentation, fear, disgust, and
sexual desire.

Day 8

Amit — Mon, 24 Sep 2007 06:29:28 +0000

Renunciation – UTTAM TYÄG
External View: Contrary to popular belief, renouncing worldly possessions leads to a life of contentment and assists in keeping desires in check. Renunciation is done at the highest
level by monks who renounce not only the household but also their clothes. A person’s strength is measured not by the amount of wealth he accumulates but by the amount of wealth he renounces. By this measure the monks and laypeople living
balanced, Non-Possessive lives are the richest.

Internal View: Renouncing the emotions, the root cause of misery, is Nischay Uttam Tyag, which is only possible by contemplating on the true nature of the Soul.