Young Jains is a UK-based charity established in 1987 to promote Jain philosophy and culture to young people in the Western world. It offers study sessions, events, and activities to provide opportunities for questioning and exploring the relevance of Jain teachings. Young Jains has pioneered many firsts, such as international youth exchanges and conventions. It runs regular local events and collaborates internationally with other Young Jains organizations that have formed in response to its success.

1. P. O. Box 233, 1 Colonial Way, North Watford Herts WD24 4EW UK www.youngjains.org.uk [email_address] Young Jains YOUNG JAINS

2. 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

3. 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 ….

4. 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. Mission & Objectives Mission A 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.

5. 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 ….

6. 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. Who is Young Jains for? 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 activities Knowledge 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.

7. 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 ….

9. 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 ….

11. 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 ….

12. 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 Jain Societies established at UK Universities – Young Jains Students First ever international, full colour Jain magazine, Jain Spirit launched with Mahavir World Vision Inc 1999. First ever Jain Parents and Toddlers group established - still in its infancy

13. 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 ….

15. 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 ….

16. 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. Young Jains Mehfil A 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 1988 Ofcourse! - 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, 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.

17. 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 ….

18. 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! Young Jains International Conventions 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 21 st 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

19. 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 ….

21. 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 ….

22. Study Sessions The 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 ... ISKCON: Hare Krishna Hindu Marathon Jain Viswa Bharti Harrow Link-Up Janjeriya Garbas with Oshwal Youth, Navnat Youth, Nation Hindu Students No Barriers - Disability Awareness HARROW MENCAP

23. www.youngjains.org.uk [email_address] Young Jains YOUNG JAINS