About the Author: Yogendra is JAINA Secretary, past chairman of
JAINA Long Range Planning Committee, NorthEast JAINA VP and Director, and teaches levels 5 and 6
Pathshala at the Jain Center of Greater Boston. He has led more than a
dozen "out the box” seminars and ground breaking projects including Tattvarth
Sutra: Ancient Scriptures Come Alive, Discovery of the Soul, Strengthening
of Faith, and Measuring Your Jain Way of Life Progress.
The objectives of these projects as well as this book are to expand
the understanding of Non-Violence, Non-Absolutism, and Non-Possessiveness in
modern way of life for Jains and Non-Jains.
More about the book
(Table of Content, About the Writer/Editor):
Table of Content (200
pages)
Jainism Simplified
What is Jainism?
Jain Prayers
My Aspirations (Prayer)
Treasures in Jainism
Non-Violence (Ahimsa)
Non-Absolutism (Anekantvad)
Non-Possessiveness (Balance Needs and Desires – Aparigrah)
Unity and Diversity Among Jains
24 Reasons to Believe in and Live a Jain Way of Life
Vegetarian Way of Life
Measuring My Progress in Living a Jain Way of Life
My Mind & My Body - A Self Evaluation
My Things - A Self Evaluation
My Consumptions - A Self Evaluation
My Life & My World - A Self Evaluation
My Spirituality - A Self Evaluation
Many Dimensions of Violence (Himsa)
Food
Compassionate Healthy Diet
Responsible Food Purchasing
Eating and Drinking Out and Enjoying: Best Practices
Family
How to Raise a Jain Child
Marriage Commitment - A Conversation
A Typical Day - Jain Way of Life
Vacations, Retreats, and Camps
Very Responsible Purchasing
Guidelines to Donations and Gift Giving
Self and Work
Excelling in the Workplace
Jain Relaxation and Meditation
My 12 Reflections
Guidance
Cherish the Jain Experience in North America
Guidelines for High School Students
Animal Rights - Your Critical Role
Partnerships with Non-Jain Groups
Forgiveness and How to do it
Steps to Spiritual Progress
Celebrations
Family Celebrations - Birthday, Graduation, Mothers/Fathers Day, Anniversary, Marriage
The Art of Dying
Jain Festivals
Mahavira’s Life and Teachings,
Mahavir Jayanti (Birth) and Diwali (Liberation)
Celebration of the Soul
Paryushan Parv and Das Lakshan
8-10 Days of Living a Jain Way of Life
The Practice of Equanimity and Pratikraman
Celebrating Thanksgiving - The Jain Way
Jain Pujas, Symbols, Temples, History
Jain Philosophy - Mini Overview
Jain Pujas
Jain Symbols
Jain History
Jain Scriptures
Jainism and Other Religions
Resources
Web Resources
Cruelty-Free Products
Jain Centers and Societies
Glossary of Non-English Jain Terms
Questions on Jainism
*** Book Chapters ***
Excelling in the Workplace -
Are
you happy and engaged at your job? Are you using your best strengths
and developing them into your recognized core competencies? Does your
boss praise you and recognize your work? Or are you frustrated with the
quarreling, turf wars, and endless delays in decision making in your
workplace?
Internalizing and practicing our core Jain values helps
us excel in our work place and greatly enhances the environment for
team work and higher productivity. Evaluate your corporate leaders –
are they are following these Jain core values?
The table below shows how you can apply core Jain values to excel in many workplace situations.
(Core Values of NV=Non-Violence; NA=Non-Absolutism; NP=Non-Possessiveness)
Jain Relaxation and MeditationJain
scriptures offer extensive guidance on meditation techniques to achieve
full knowledge and awareness. Meditation is one of the most pleasant,
serene, and joyous feelings. We can gain tremendous energy by managing
our fickle mind. It offers us tremendous physical and mental benefits.
The following table describes a simple, six-stage technique which you
can use for yourself or to guide a family or group meditation session.
Click here to read on ...
Jain Relaxation and Meditation
My 12 ReflectionsHumans
have a great ability to mentally reflect on our current, past, and
future. Jain scriptures eloquently prescribe 12 reflections to help us
reinforce our Jain way of life practices. These reflections allow us to
understand that we are alone in this world, but at the same time
interconnected to every living being. By observing these reflections,
we can deepen our view of Non-Violence, Non-Absolutism, and
Non-Possessiveness. Click here to read on ...
My 12 Reflections
By
taking this simple self-evaluation test you can determine your JWOL
state of mind and practice of your consumption habits. This exercise
will expand your awareness and stimulate your mind in thinking about
ways to live and promote a Jain Way of Life.
My Things - A Self Evaluation So
much of our lives is consumed by collecting, managing, and maintaining
"My Things.” Some are, of course, necessary for a comfortable
lifestyle. However, others distract us and consume tremendous time and
energy.
By taking this simple self-evaluation test you can
determine your JWOL state of mind and practice. This exercise will
expand your awareness and stimulate your mind in thinking about ways to
live and share a Jain Way of Life.
My Consumptions - Jain Way of Life - A Self EvaluationWe
are physically and mentally consuming. We eat, and think about eating,
numerous times a day. We take care of our bodies using many products.
My Life and My World - A Self EvaluationWe are not alone. My Life & My World are part of an ecosystem with tremendous opportunities as well as distractions.
By
taking this simple self-evaluation test you can determine your JWOL
state of My Life & My World. This exercise will expand your
awareness and stimulate your mind in thinking about ways to live and
promote a Jain Way of Life.
My Mind and My Body - A Self EvaluationManaging my mind and body is critical for happiness, challenge, discovery, and spiritual growth. JWOL is living a
life grounded in thoughts, words, and actions of the core Jain principles of:
• Non-Violence: in our diet, speech, and thoughts.
• Non-Possessiveness: where we balance our possessions and desire for them.
• Non-Absolutism: where we strive to keep our mind open and understand other views.
By
taking this simple self-evaluation test you can determine your JWOL
state of mind and practice. This exercise will expand your awareness
and stimulate your mind in thinking about ways to live and promote a
Jain Way of Life. The goal is to progress toward Level 4 and 5.
My Spirituality - Jain Way of Life - A Self EvaluationThere
are many distractions on the spiritual path. By taking this simple
self-evaluation test you can determine your JWOL state of Spirituality.
This exercise will expand your awareness and stimulate your mind in
thinking about ways to live and promote a Jain Way of Life.
My Family:
How to Raise a Jain Child -
Parents’ greatest wish is for their children to be happy, healthy,
intelligent, successful, and selfless. It takes a core and extended
family, community, culture, tradition, and religion and a responsible
Way of Life to raise a child. Practice of Jain Way of Life in
thoughts, words, and actions insures happy, healthy, and balanced
children. The following are some practical and effective actions which
will help your children follow, internalize, and cherish a Jain Way of
Life. This can be your gift to your children which will last a lifetime
and will be carried through many generations. Read on... click on
How to Raise a Jain Child.
Marriage Committment - A Conversation
- Marriage can dramatically change your life direction, beliefs,
practices and way of life, and affects many generations to come. Your
Jain Way of Life (JWOL) practice can be strengthened or be severely
setback depending on whom you marry. Hence, it is important that you
have a conversation on critical issues when contemplating a serious
relationship leading to marriage. Unique life experiences and
upbringing, coupled with religious practices, determine ones outlook.
No two people will align on all issues but there are some critical
issues that you may not wish to compromise on. Also, a relationship has
an intangible element called "chemistry.” Sometimes chemistry in a
potential relationship overpowers parents’ reasoning and guidance. Even
when the chemistry appears to match and all stars appear to align, it
is always a good idea to have a conversation.
The following are
guidelines for a heart to heart conversation with a potential life
partner to affirm living a JWOL (Jain Way of Life) for the rest of your
lives. Read on... click on
Marriage Committment - A Conversation.
A Typical Day - Jain Way of Life
- We pass through many stages in life and our typical daily activities
and priorities change. However, the core of our typical day can be
grounded in a Way of Life which is mindful, compassionate, and able to
increase our spiritual strength. Be sure that once every hour you take
a long deep breath lasting at least 15 seconds. The following are
typical day activity highlights: Read on... click on
A Typical Day - Jain Way of Life
Vacation, Retreats, and Camps
- Going on vacations and retreats is important for relaxation, learning
about the world, and being together with family and friends. In
addition to tingling our senses and emotions, some parts of the
vacation should include appeal to the mind and the Soul. This can be
quite an exhilarating experience. Vacations should also be a time to
reflect about ourselves, our practices, and our habits. In the United
States as well as all over the world, there are thousands of vacation
spots and retreats which are not only fun but also spiritually
uplifting. Read on ... click on
Vacation, Retreats, and Camps
Very Responsible Purchasing
- Jain core practice of Non-Violence extends far beyond being
vegetarian and avoiding activities that hurt insects. The products we
buy, how we use them, and how we dispose of them are important
opportunities for Jains to practice Non-Violence and
Non-Possessiveness. Most Jains are familiar with what happens on farms
and in slaughter houses to make meat and leather products. Similarly,
it is important to understand how other everyday products – such as
food, electronics, jewelry, and clothing – are manufactured. Some of
these processes inflict violence on people, animals, and the
environment in the form of poor labor conditions, human rights abuses,
pollution, inefficient use of resources, health risks, and social and
economic injustice. Read on ... click
Very Responsible Purchasing
Guidelines to Donations and Gift Giving
- Jains have a rich tradition of philanthropy. However, as the
pressures of daily living, paying for children’s education, and health
increase, we forget the critical role that Jain Way of Life
organizations play in strengthening our family and religious values.
These organizations are competing against mass media and don’t have the
financial prowess to compete for your money. It is for this reason that
we must take every opportunity to proactively donate money to these
organizations. Even today in some traditions, up to 10% of income is
donated to a church, temple, or religious charities. The following are
some guidelines:
Guidelines to Donations and Gift Giving
My Food:
Vegetarian Way of Life -
Jain
philosophy and its practice of Non-Violence and vegetarianism was a
positive influence to many non-Jains in ancient India for whom animal
consumption and sacrifices were common practices. However, the need for
a vegetarian lifestyle is even more applicable today where billions of
animals are painfully raised, dismembered, tortured, and slaughtered
for food, leather, and other byproducts. Click here to read on ...
Vegetarian Way of Life
Compassionate Healthy Diet -
Throughout
the day we eat a variety of food. Food governs not only our physical
health but our mental well being and our social interactions. A Jain
Way of Life diet minimizes harm to living beings. Jains believe that
all living beings have Souls, unlike other traditions, who believe that
only humans have Souls. Hence, killing of any living creatures, may it
be a plant or a human being, is violence. However, Jains categorize
living beings by the number of senses they possess (from one to five
senses). The level of violence that is committed when any creature is
harmed depends on the senses it possesses. For example, plants and
bacteria are one-sense beings and cows, pigs or humans are five-sense
beings. Eating meat is many orders of magnitude more violent than a
plant based diet.
Compassionate Healthy Diet
Responsible Food Purchasing -
Food
preparation begins with food purchasing. We must be mindful of how the
food arrives in the grocery store, what the labeling on the package
means, and what process the food has already been subjected to. In the
Jain diet, food, from growth to consumption it, is treated in such a
way as to minimize harm to living beings.
Responsible Food Purchasing
Eating and Drinking Out and Enjoying: Best Practices -
When
it comes to eating cruelty-free in North America, today’s options are
endless. But confusion about food ingredients, not knowing where to
find vegetarian-friendly restaurants, and uncertainty about meat-free
meal preparation can hinder even the most committed vegetarian. For
some, cooking a Jain meal can be spiritually uplifting and meditative,
but eating out can be enjoyable and entertaining and a chance to try
new tasty dishes. Whatever the reason, if we follow Eating Out: Best
Practices, we can enjoy clean, healthy vegetarian food without any
mixing and contamination with non-vegetarian food. A simple rule of
thumb is to eat out at vegetarian restaurants. Most major cities have
at least serveal such restaurants where one of them is probably a South
Indian, another will be Buddhist, and some will be American
Vegan/Vegetarian/Heath Food.
Eating and Drinking Out and Enjoying: Best Practices
My Guidance
Cherish the Jain Experience in North America -
Welcome
to the United States of America. Whether you are a student, parent
(visiting to help your son or daughter have their first child), on a
temporary work assignment, or just visiting this country for vacation,
it is very easy to maintain your Jain Way of Life practices. In fact,
in North America you will experience new and innovative Jain practices
and expand your understanding of this healthy and compassionate way of
life.
North American Jains are dynamic and active with more than 68
Jain organizations and more than 30 Jain temples. All major Jain
festivals are celebrated, and conventions are held every year for
youths and families. Click to read on...
Cherish the Jain Experience in North America
Guidelines for High School Students -
High school years are demanding. Jain Way of Life offers a strong foundation for you to grow. The following are some
issues you will come across throughout your high school years. Click to read on...
Guidelines for High School Students -
Animal Rights - Your Critical Role -
Animal
rights is the core of Jain practice. For thousands of years, Jains have
been protecting all types of animal life from abuse, consumption, and
neglect. Click to read on...
Animal Rights - Your Critical Role -
Partnerships with Non-Jain Groups -
Jainism
is not only a religion, but a way of life. Gandhi once said, "As soon
as we lose the moral basis, we cease to be religious. There is no such
thing as religion overriding morality. Man, for instance, cannot be
untruthful, cruel or incontinent and claim to have God on his side.”
Thus, we should not only look inwards toward our Soul, but at the world
around us. Click to read on...
Partnerships with Non-Jain Groups -
Forgiveness and How to do it -
One
key ingredient to happiness is unconditional forgiveness. It is
critical in the practice of nonviolence and transforming our thoughts,
speech, and actions to equanimity and harmony.
It is as important
to ask for forgiveness as it is to forgive others. Asking for
forgiveness is so essential that it is the central aspect of the Jain
ritual Pratikraman. In Pratikraman, we ask for forgiveness from all
levels and from of living beings. By asking for forgiveness, we lessen
the attachment to that event or incident and avoid such actions in the
future. By asking forgiveness, we learn and better ourselves. Click to
read on...
Forgiveness and How to do it -
Steps to Spiritual Progress -
For
centuries humans have sought guidance on how they can progress on their
spiritual journey. The sages who authored the Jain scriptures
Ratnakarand Shrävakachar have laid out a systematic 11 step plan, much
like Stephen Covey’s Seven Habits of Highly Successful People. The 11
steps, which are like the rungs of a ladder, are called
Shrävaka-pratimä. They begin with intuition and awakening and lead up
to an ascetic life. Click to read on...
Steps to Spiritual Progress -
My Life Celebrations:
Family Celebrations - Birthday, Graduation, Mothers/Fathers Day, Anniversary, Marriage, Baby Showers - Prayers
– On the day of the celebration, contemplate on the event for a few
minutes. Do longer prayers in the morning when you get up and before
you go to bed.
Family – Touch your parents feet or call them up and spend more time with them on the phone.
Family – Call and/or visit your parents/grandparents and pay respect to them.
Expectations
– If your family, relatives, friends (or even your spouse) forgets this
date, gently remind them without sarcasm and don’t hold grudges.
Temple – Try to go to temple on that day or on the weekend after the birthday, graduation, or anniversary.
Party – If you are having a party at your home, be sure to have eggless cake.
Party
– If you are going to eat out or cater, try to go to a vegetarian
restaurant or a place that has plenty of vegetarian food. If you are
paying, then you should pre-order only vegetarian health food. Alcohol
should not be part of any celebrations.
On these auspicious days, make one resolution for the next year.
Gifts I – Only accept gifts that are non-leather, silk, and non-animal tested. Mention this on the invitation card.
Invitation
Card – Instead of accepting gifts, let your guest know that NO gifts
are accepted – but optionally you can ask them to donate to a charity
that protects animals (Beauty without Cruelty, PETA, etc.) (See below.)
Donation – Give a donation at the temple (Appx. 10% of the amount that you receive in gifts).
Exercise – On celebration days, make it a point to celebrate your wonderful body. Exercise, meditate, pray, and relax.
Recycle – Recycle plates, glasses, bottles. In large multi-day gatherings, put names on cups/glasses. Avoid styrofoam.
The Art of Dying - Death
is simply a change in state. Just as one changes a house or changes
their clothes, with death the Soul changes from one body to another.
Death can happen anytime. Hence at any moment we must be ready for
this, and if it happens at a moment’s notice or drawn out over years,
we must be ready. This readiness happens with the strong practice of
Non-Violence, Non-Absolutism, and Non-Possessiveness in thoughts,
speech, and actions. "From the point of view of absolute principle
(Nischay Nay), death in fact is like our mother. Just like our worldly
mother, death gives us rebirth. Death brings another life for us. Death
takes us from one way to another way of life, from one body to another
body. She is the giver of liberation (Moksha). She liberates us from
the cycle of birth and rebirth.
Jain Festivals -
Generally,
festivals are celebrations and jubilations characterized by excitement,
enthusiasm, enjoyment and entertainment; but the Jain festivals are
characterized by both the external and internal celebration. This
internal celebration is through renunciation, austerities, study of the
scriptures, meditation, and expressing devotion for the Jinas (idols).
Even those people who are caught in the meshes of mundane life,
according to their ability and conveniences, get free from the external
worldly entanglements to the extent possible and become immersed in
worship and meditation.
Mahavir's Life and Teachings - Lord
Mahävir was the twenty-fourth and last Tirthankar of Jains in this era.
According to Jain philosophy, all Tirthankars were human beings but
they attained a state of perfection or enlightenment through meditation
and self-realization. They are the Gods of Jains. Mahävir rejected the
concept of God as a creator, a protector, and a destroyer of the
universe. He also denounced the worshiping of gods and goddesses as a
means of material gains and personal benefits and God’s abilities to
absolve their believers from their sins.
Celebration of the Soul - Paryushan Parv and Das Lakshan - Paryushan
is an eternal festival relating neither to people nor to any historical
event. It is a time to celebrate the natural qualities of the Soul.
Just as the Soul does not have a beginning or an end, Paryushan does
not have a beginning or an end. It falls three times a year but is only
celebrated once, around August/September because at this time, business
is slow (in India), businessmen can take time off for spiritual
pursuit. Also, it is the time of the monsoon retreat for monks and nuns
in India. During this time when insects flourish, the monks and nuns
reside in one city or community to avoid long distance travel so as to
minimize trampling or harming living beings.
8-10 Days of Living a Jain Way of Life -
Paryushan
Parv/Das Lakshan are festivals for celebrating the qualities and
essence of the Soul. These auspicious 8 or 10 days offer us an
opportunity to focus on our spirituality with the hope that we will
live a Jain Way of Life for the rest of the year.
Disciplining
oneself for these practices is a difficult task. The following activity
recommendations are for people of all ages along with point incentives.
A family can print this page and give one copy to each member of the
family to fill out and add up the points at the end of the festival. A
gift can be offered for achieving a certain point target. Each family
member should encourage and help others to achieve their best.
The Practice of Equanimity and Pratikraman -
Pratikraman
is a practice of confession and repentance and can be done in many
different ways. It can be performed at any time but is specifically
done on the last day of Paryushan Parv celebration. It includes the
following six essentials:
Celebrating Thanksgiving - The Jain Way -
Between 260 and 300 million turkeys are slaughtered annually in the United States, according to USDA statistics.
Of
these, approximately 45 million are killed for Thanksgiving, and 22
million are killed for Christmas. Per capita turkey consumption, which
has increased steadily in the United States, averages just below 18
pounds per person. In 1970, turkey consumption per person averaged just
6.4 pounds.
The White House turkey is pardoned and sent to the Washington Zoo each year during Thanksgiving.
Source: Jain Way of Life Handbook, A Guide to Compassionate, Healthy, and Happy Living. 2007
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