Introduction To Young Jains

Young JainsYoung Jains

P. O. Box 233, 1 Colonial Way, North Watford

Herts WD24 4EW

UK

www.youngjains.org.uk

[email protected]

Young Jains

YOUNG JAINS


Audience: Young Jains Committee.

Purpose: To provide an insight into Young Jains, focusing upon key features of the organisation. An historical perspective has been taken to inform Committee Members of the development of Young Jains

Introduction to Young Jains


Mission & Objectives

Contents

Who is Young Jains for?

The Past to the Present

What does Young Jains have to offer?

First Ever Achievements

Young Jains International Conventions

What does Young Jains do?

Other events

Young Jains International

Young Jains And ….


Young Jains UK has been established since 1987. It is a registered charity (No. 1005856). Young Jains works within the parameters of its mission and objectives.


MissionA non-profit making society dedicated to the promotion of Jain Dharma in the western world.

To create a better understanding and awareness of Jain philosophy practice and culture.

To address specific problems faced by young Jains

Objectives

To take a further step towards adapting to a multicultural environment and living in multi-racial harmony

To prove that each one of us is talented and by working together, we can learn to respect ourselves and all around us.



Contents







Other events




Young Jains is open to all - not just those that are Jain by birth. There are many people who are walking the path of the Jinas (to conquer the ‘I’) or uphold the tenants of Jainism hence Jainism is not confined to cultural background. Our primary target market is for those aged from 18 to 35 years.


At present we have two very different groups whom we cater for:

1. People who have been members for a long time and enjoy Young Jains activitiesKnowledge level: Intermediate

2. Those that yet to be enthralled by teaching of the great gnani’s and are at the questioning stage. This is a very vital stage and all must be encouraged to ask these questions, since this is what will lead to better, stronger understanding.Knowledge Level: Beginner

Encourage those that haven’t thought about Jainsm.

This is probably the hardest market, since we are seeking to ‘open peoples’ eyes’ to spirituality and the value that Jain teachings can bring.



Contents







Other events




Young Jains was formed in 1987, by a group of young professionals. At the time that there was nothing like it around, although this situation has know changed.


Lectures on Jainism occasionally occurred (i.e. if Pujya Shree Chitrabhanuji was in the country or during Paryushan),

Often in high Gujarati No opportunity to explore ideas, raise concerns, ask questions Not an open discussion orientated environment.

THE PAST – pre YJ

Focus to explore the teachings of Jain Dharma Focus to explore the relevance that Jainism has in daily life. Guest speakers were invited on various subjects in line with the objectives Events hosted by trained YJ members (Jain Jedi) Events held in English Questions and discussion welcomed

YOUNG JAINS

NOW! Jainism is taught in various Gujarati schools and patshalas Shree Chandna Vidyapeeth (SCVP) in North London, South London,

Manchester, & Northampton teaching children from 6- 18 years old Adult classes at SCVP Adult classes certified by DeMontford University and SOAS Regular lectures during Paryushan Various study groups



Contents







Other events




Young Jains however still has a very unique sector and offering:


We are aiming towards a group of people who may have even rejected religion, because they do not see its relevance or yearning to better understand the message of Jain Dharma – i.e self-realisation

The 18 – 35 age group consists of those brought up in a Western environment, who are very demanding in terms of quality and are unlikely to accept ‘preaching’.

Our offering is unique. Young Jains provides the opportunity to :

Ask Questions

DiscussExamine the Relevance

of Jainsim for an Individual

Get involved in Projects

Increase Personal Development

Learn

Meet People and Have Fun

Share



Contents







Other events




Young Jains has a pioneering, adventurous spirit, and has taken many bold steps during the years. Some of the FIRST’s are ...

‘First Ever’ Achievements

First ever International Jain Youth Exchange from the UK to North America. This established a major bridge between the UK and North American Jain communities -1991

First ever International Jain Youth Convention -1994 (Now bi-annual)

First ever consistently produced International Jain Newsletter

First ever female leader of a major western Jain organisation - Dina Jayu Shah, followed by other females:Ila Narendra Shah, Ushma Hiten Shah, Priti Kishore Shah, & Dipa Mahendra Shah

First ever project and book on ‘Experiments with Jainism’, based upon the value of the anuvrats - 1991, pioneered by Dr. Atul K Shah

First ever conference on Jainism in Business and Professional Life - Key note speaker, Dr. Atul K Shah.

First ever Jain School, Shree Chandna Vidyapeeth launched in the UK with Veeraytaan UK.

First ever international, full colour Jain magazine, Jain Spirit launched with Mahavir World Vision Inc 1999.

First ever Jain Societies established at UK Universities – Young Jains Students

First ever Jain Parents and Toddlers group established - still in its infancy



Contents







Other events




Young Jains runs various regular activities catering for a variety of different needs:


Yoga & Meditation (est Jan 1998) Held every Sunday morning Practise of yoga postures, chanting and

guided meditation. Donation request from all.Sweet Harmony (est Jan 2000) Held on 1st Monday of the month An evening of stavans in a comfortable,

friendly atmosphere. Stavan sheets are in English and Gujarati. Meanings are explained and musical hints are provided.

Free to all.

Jain Parents & Toddlers (est 2002) Held on 1st Tuesday of the month A new group catering for young parents

needs. At a development stage

And what else …..

Study Sessions (est 1998) Held for a specific period Events cater for those that want more

depth and focused understanding. Sessions have included: Understanding

Karma, Goodness Gracious Jainism - its ME!, Atma Siddhi, 10 Study Sessions, ...

Regular Events (est 1987) (previously Friday nights)

Held on a monthly basis (previously fortnightly)

Events are light hearted, encouraging participation, exploring diverse topics and no prior understanding of Jainism is assumed. Learning is in bite size chunks.

Free to members. £1 charge is made to non-members - to not prohibitive anyone from trying out Young Jains but at the same time encouraging membership.



Contents







Other Events




Young Jains has an excellent reputation for events and a key part of these are the regular annual or bi-annual events that are held.

Other Events

Paryushan Parva (est 1997)Young Jains has pioneered the celebration Paryushan, in English, through the use of reflections, stavans, prayer and reading of the Kalpa Sutra - keeping true to the essence of Paryushan.

Raas Garba Extravaganza (est 1998)During Navratri, this provides an opportunity for Jains to get together and celebrate. Mathaji’s are also worshipped in Jainism, as the protectors, yaksha or yakshni of a Tirthankar.

Crisis @ Christmas Working with a national charity Young Jains actively supports the work of Crisis with homeless during the cold winter holiday period, and encourages people to take part in an act of service.

Young Jains MehfilA legendary social event, often raising funds for others including Northwick Park Hospital, and Veeraytaan UK (£6,001)

Chopda Pujan (2002 & 2003)Working with Jain Spirit and Oshwal UK, this is an event that appeals strongly to the business community. Run in 2002 & 2003 only.

Shibirs / Retreats (est 1988Ofcourse! - providing time out, training and a peaceful retreat.

Mahavir Janma Kalyanak (est 2004)Celebration of the birth of Mahavir Bhagwan. A family orientated event, with plays and songs to celebrate and explain why we celebrate.

Diwali: Mahavir Bhagwan’s Moksha Kalayanak (est 2003)Celebration of the Path to Moksha A family orientated event,



Contents







Other Events




Young Jains UK host international conventions are every two-years, with the first one held in 1994. Each convention is themed, has key note speakers, workshops allowing discussion and great food!


Tasting The Mango (2002) Focusing upon understanding the fundamentals of Jain philosophy and how this can be integrated into daily life leading to a deeper spiritual experience.

Freeing The Spirit (2000)Focused upon understanding the innate divinity within each and every person.

The Art of Living (1998)

Focused upon positivity, understanding that there is purpose for everything, and increasing harmony with all.

Reviving the Community Spirit (1996) Focused upon showing the value of community, and extending the idea of community from a small community through to the global community.

Taking Jainism into the 21st Century (1994) Focused upon ahimsa (non-violence) and the

green environment movement.

Tasting the Mango – the Next Slice! (2004) Refresher of TTM1, and introducing the steps on tackling Mohaniya Karma, in order to conquer body consciousness, Mithyatva, in order to achieve self realisation, Samyak Darshan



Contents







Other Events




Young Jains was first formed in the UK. Seeing the success of Young Jains UK, Young Jains America was formed and subsequent to that various other Young Jains organisations have formed.


Each Young Jains organisation operates autonomously and membership to one, does not imply membership to another

There is a great working relationship, that is continually built upon between the various groups

Young Jains America is an umbrella body, with regional co-ordinators. The various Jain Centres have their own youth groups and YJA generally are involved in forming national projects, the bi-annual YJA Convention, and supporting local initiatives when invited. Age Profile: Upto 25

Young Jains Professionals has formed in North America, with the objective of meeting the needs of those between 25 - 35 years old

Young Jains Nairobi, was kick-started by various members of YJUK (Dr. Atul, Ila & Priti) who went to Kenya and facilitated various session including a conference to business people.

Young Jains Mombassa was also kick-started, but unfortunately dissolved.

Young Jains Perth, an active group ,bringing the migrant Jain community together.

Young Jains India established and making great strides



Contents







Other Events




Study SessionsThe Goal - Self Realisation

guaranteeing Moksha - Shrimad Rajchnadra

Brahma Kumaris World Spiritual University

Raj Saubhag Satsang Mandal

Gujarat Earthquake Relief Fund

Mahavir Foundation

Navnat Vanik Assoc..

Oshwal Assoc. of the UK

Shishikunj

Institute of Jainology / Raj Saubhag Satsang / YJ members Digamber Centre

Hosted the first show, which led to the production of Geet Gamat

Numerous events including The What, Why & How

of Spirituality

Children’s Show - SANSAAR Art of Living Foundation

Young Jains has worked with many different organisations, when the objectives have been similar….

Young Jains And ...

Janjeriya Garbaswith

Oshwal Youth, Navnat Youth,Nation Hindu Students No Barriers -

Disability Awareness

HARROW MENCAP

ISKCON: Hare KrishnaHindu Marathon

Jain Viswa Bharti

Harrow Link-Up


www.youngjains.org.uk

[email protected]

Young Jains

YOUNG JAINS

Introduction To Young Jains

Spiritual

Transcript of Introduction To Young Jains