Practicing Jain Principles – Experiences Shared by Community Members During March/April 2021 we had asked our community members to share their experiences of peace, joy, fulfillment; as well as challenges they have faced in practicing Jain principles. We thank all those who submitted their entries. The Jain Digest editorial team reviewed all the entries carefully. A few selected entries are included in this article. Many of the entries have been edited due to size limitations without losing the main message the writers wanted to convey. Please note that the experiences and opinions expressed in these writings do not necessarily express the opinions of the editorial team or any JAINA official. We sincerely appreciate the efforts our members have taken to share their thoughts.
My hotel partner started buffalo wings restaurant business and asked me to invest since he thought it was a lucrative business. However, me and my wife rejected this proposal because we did not want to be a partner in a non-vegetarian business. Later, we found out that all investors had lost a lot of money. We were happy that we followed Jain principle of nonviolence and avoided financial problems as well. Once I was working as a management consultant for a small steel company and based on my recommendation, they decided to buy a large steel company. The CFO advised me not to buy stocks because I was an insider, and the SEC will sue me for making a profit. I controlled my greed and decided not to buy stocks. As soon as the news was released the stock doubled; but I was not investigated by the SEC. Other insiders who bought stock and made a lot of money, went to prison. Again, following Jain principles helped me reduce my passions and kept me out of trouble. -
Surendra Singhvi, Dayton, OH, USA
Jain way of living is quite near to natural way of living. Take example of dietary practices in Jainism. This is what nature tells us to practice. We can overcome many diseases by following Jain dietary principles. Problem comes when we follow them as rituals and not as part of our habits where there is no element of compulsion. Similarly, seeking forgiveness is another novel practice to be followed. However, when we look into this during Paryushan Parv, it appears more to be a showmanship rather than from one’s heart. Darshan is a matter of self-practice rather than a work of exhibitionism -
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Pratap Sanchetee, Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Reading and understanding Jain Bhavnas deeply when I was 18 years old changed the direction of my life and made me a better person. Now 15 years later, Jainism is still a big part of my life; from reciting the Navkar Mantra to learning to do Samayika. Without the English translated Jain educational materials this would not have been possible. I learned that living as a true Jain comes from within and no one else besides myself can put the work into it. Sometimes I made difficult decisions to continue living by Jain principles even when it was in contrast with what was going on around me. I also feel so grateful for the knowledge I have gained. Jain philosophy, prayers, and values have always been the guiding light during difficult times. When I am feeling lost, the core practices of “right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct” give me a purpose and help me back on a positive path. When I’m alone, remembering the “Panch Parmesthis,” saying “Chattari Mangalam Sutra” and reflecting on the meaning gives me a feeling of peace. When everything is going well, Jain values help to stay grounded. I hope I can always remember these for the rest of my life too. -
Anonymous, Philadelphia, PA, USA
In order to practice non-violence in day-to-day life, me & my family have adapted the vegan lifestyle. We also try to respect nature/ environment by reducing/ recycling/reusing things being used in day-to-day life. We use hybrid cars to reduce pollution. By practicing “Live & Let Live” really helps us to pursue a “Guilt free” lifestyle & also helps us to be kind & compassionate towards every living being!!! -
Anonymous, RSM, CA, USA
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