47
Young Generation The Unchained Jain By Sahil Kothari
Sahil Kothari believes that if we each choose a job that we love, we will never have to actually “work” a day in our lives. Outside of his current profession, Sahil enjoys volleyball, skiing, hiking, and studying philosophy. He was born and raised in a Jain household and continues to explore his spirituality through meditation, workshops, and deep conversations with “interesting people.” Sahil graduated from New York University with a degree in Marketing & International Business, however, he is truly a life-long learner where he continues to take classes on unique topics that fit his wide range of interests such as laughing yoga, story-telling, and innovation to name a few! Sahil currently resides in New York. Although he will always be an “east-coaster” at heart, he has dreams to one day experience life in California and visit outer space. (This article was originally published in June 2019 issue of YJPerspectives)
Mental chains, May block spiritual gains, Or lead you on a life — that’s both plain and mundane. Personal progress may be restrained, Exponential growth might be not be attained. For bright sunshine, instead of clouds and rain, Work towards becoming, an ‘Un-chained Jain.’ Above words just came to my brain, If they sound insane, just give me a chance to explain. Ok! Got the attempted poetry out of my system…so let’s begin. I was born “Jain”, raised “Jain” and am “Jain.” One can say I’ve been “Jain” my whole life. I put the term in quotes because I personally try to avoid labeling people, beliefs or frankly anything. If change is the only constant, then any form of labeling today will be outdated tomorrow. How can we label ourselves with a singular identifier such as “Jain,” when our bodies, brain and mindsets all inevitably evolve over time? For the purpose of this essay, let’s accept the idea of being labeled as a “Jain” and explore how this connects with one’s personal identity. While the label exists, note that there is constant evolution in regards to the connection to this label. My name is Sahil Kothari. My parents are Jain, therefore I was born and raised as a Jain. But does this make me a Jain? What does being Jain really mean? Are there Christians who behave more “Jainly” than some “natural born Jains?” And are there times a devout Jain has moments of “un-Jain” thoughts or actions, yet continues to identify as a Jain? I believe the answer to both of these questions is paradoxically — yes. While growing up, Jainism came off like a prisoner’s guide to life and a boring way to live. “Don’t eat onions. Don’t eat potatoes. Don’t eat after sunset. Don’t drink alcohol. Don’t resort to violence and just turn the other cheek. Don’t think negative thoughts. Don’t even think about sneezing during Pratikaman. As a child, this came off as a highly restricted way of living. Admittedly, I rebelled against so many “rules” of Jainism back then. At the same time, as directed by my parents, I visited the derasar regularly, memorized a number of Jain prayers and songs, learned all the Tirthankar names, and almost “accomplished” the ability to perform Samayik on my own. Lots of my family and friends would be so impressed by me knowing all this; but in reality, I simply memorized ancient words and blindly followed rituals without any real meaning. In reflection, I would say I was a “Chained Jain.” To help provide definition and context, I view a “Chained Jain” as a Jain attempting to live within the strictest norms of Jainism, following all the core mandates prescribed within Jain scriptures and by our traditions. But while living this
