Jainism in America: Challenges and Growth Through Ahimsa
By Anisha Shah, Ruchika Chitrabhanu
Summary
The article discusses two main topics. The first section explores the concept of "Silence – The Journey Within" by Anisha Shah, detailing her experience at a Maun Sadhava Shibir led by Gurudev Sri Yasho Vijayji Maharajsahab. It emphasizes the importance of Aagna (spiritual guidance) in religious practices, meditation as a means to self-discovery, and the challenges of maintaining silence. The author, a practitioner of alternative healing with 22 years of experience, shares her journey from being a talkative individual to embracing silence through this spiritual retreat. The second section covers the JAINA Convention 2023, highlighting its success as the first in-person event since the pandemic. Authored by Ruchika Chitrabhanu, a Jain philosopher and founder of The Earthen One, it discusses the convention's focus on Ahimsa (non-violence) and unity, attracting over 3,000 attendees from nine countries. The event featured spiritual leaders like Gurudev Chitrabhanuji and Sushil Muniji, who have been instrumental in spreading Jain principles in North America. The convention included diverse programming, inspiring collective growth and reinforcing Jain values.
Conclusion
The document highlights the transformative power of spiritual practices like silence (mauna) and meditation in achieving self-realization, emphasizing the necessity of following scriptural guidelines (Aagna) for spiritual progress. It also underscores the success of the JAINA Convention 2023 in fostering Jain principles, particularly Ahimsa, through collective engagement and inspiring discourses. The outcomes include a renewed focus on internal spiritual growth and the strengthening of Jain identity in diverse communities, bridging traditional values with contemporary challenges.