Jain Philosophy and the Jain Philosophy and the EnvironmentEnvironment

Who is this guy?Who is this guy?

Tushar Mehta MD CCFPTushar Mehta MD CCFPOntario, Canada!!!!Ontario, Canada!!!!ER Medicine Georgetown HHER Medicine Georgetown HHAddictions Medicine SJHCAddictions Medicine SJHCFamily Practice Family Practice

Who is this Gal??Who is this Gal??

Tushar Mehta MD CCFPTushar Mehta MD CCFP ER Medicine Georgetown HHER Medicine Georgetown HH Addictions Medicine SJHCAddictions Medicine SJHC Family Practice Family Practice

Why is this a relevant Why is this a relevant presentation today?presentation today?

We are all hearing about big environmental We are all hearing about big environmental problemsproblems

We look to our belief systems to: We look to our belief systems to: a) understand the problem a) understand the problem b) to guide us b) to guide us

Four Parts to Presentation Four Parts to Presentation What does Jain philosophy say about the environment?What does Jain philosophy say about the environment?

What are Jain traditions that deal with the environment?What are Jain traditions that deal with the environment?

What are the biggest things that affect the environment?What are the biggest things that affect the environment?

What are solutions to these big problems, and what What are solutions to these big problems, and what would be the modern Jain reaction to these?would be the modern Jain reaction to these?

What is Jainism and what is a What is Jainism and what is a Jain??Jain??

Do you really believe in this crazy stuff? Do you really believe in this crazy stuff? (J(Jain philosphy is often very different than what we think it is)ain philosphy is often very different than what we think it is)

Just the parts that are convenient??Just the parts that are convenient??

What has happened to Jainism in modern What has happened to Jainism in modern times? times?

What happens to Jain values over time??What happens to Jain values over time??

Other Belief systemsOther Belief systems

what other things do we follow just like a religion these days?what other things do we follow just like a religion these days? belief in elements of the modern world may have belief in elements of the modern world may have

characteristics of religion “characteristics of religion “ North American style capitalism”, North American style capitalism”, communism, consumerismcommunism, consumerism political parties, etc … political parties, etc … can take on a religions characteristics to the point where can take on a religions characteristics to the point where

people just see the world in a certain way and think that it is people just see the world in a certain way and think that it is the only way to live, or the right way to live. the only way to live, or the right way to live.

May be very different from Jain philosphy – compete in our May be very different from Jain philosphy – compete in our mindsminds

Guilt vs ResponsibilityGuilt vs Responsibility

Remember!Remember! that these are ideas … we are not here to judge that these are ideas … we are not here to judge

people, though at the same time we do not people, though at the same time we do not want to underestimate the degree of the want to underestimate the degree of the problemproblem

Guilt – BADGuilt – BAD Responsibility and Empowerment = goodResponsibility and Empowerment = good

Who Cares Who Cares

How many here are really concerned about How many here are really concerned about what is happening to the environment?what is happening to the environment?

What is happening to the environmentWhat is happening to the environment

So …So …

Has anybody here killed an elephant?Has anybody here killed an elephant?

Jainism Your Way?Jainism Your Way?

What does this mean??What does this mean??

Does it meant do what you want to do, and Does it meant do what you want to do, and then call it Jainism …then call it Jainism …

How accurate is our knowledge on Jain How accurate is our knowledge on Jain Philosphy Philosphy

What does Jain philosophy say What does Jain philosophy say about the environment? about the environment?

Part IPart I

What is the ENVIRNOMENT in Jainism?? What is the ENVIRNOMENT in Jainism?? Does Jainism have a concept of it?? Does Jainism have a concept of it??

Some philosophers say Jainism does not have Some philosophers say Jainism does not have an idea of the environmentan idea of the environment

The Universe The Universe

Space time motion rest jiva ajiva = the dravyas = the universeSpace time motion rest jiva ajiva = the dravyas = the universe

Almost everything in Jainism is alive, and has a consciousness Almost everything in Jainism is alive, and has a consciousness of some sort.of some sort.

Water, air, earth and soil, all material that comes from the Water, air, earth and soil, all material that comes from the earth – has:earth – has: a) living things imbedded in them, and a) living things imbedded in them, and b) interconnectedness to all other living things b) interconnectedness to all other living things so to disturb one so to disturb one

things causes a rippling to effect many other thingsthings causes a rippling to effect many other things

WE AIN’T THE KING OF THE WE AIN’T THE KING OF THE JUNGLEJUNGLE

Jainism - humans not separate from other life/ Jainism - humans not separate from other life/ environment environment

(so some philosophers say that Jainism does not have a concept of the environment)(so some philosophers say that Jainism does not have a concept of the environment)

Humans NOT at the top of the environment Humans NOT at the top of the environment Might/ Brains Might/ Brains ≠ Right≠ Right

(like other religions/philosophies may do we are not really superior … our (like other religions/philosophies may do we are not really superior … our might and our intellect does not make it right to take from others … it might and our intellect does not make it right to take from others … it never makes it right for us to do this.never makes it right for us to do this.

How many of us really believe this??How many of us really believe this??

Ahimsa Ahimsa

Jainism recognizes that by living we are going Jainism recognizes that by living we are going to hurt othersto hurt others

UnavoidableUnavoidable

Try to do ABSOLUTE MINIMUM HARMTry to do ABSOLUTE MINIMUM HARM

This does not mean Animsa as convenient This does not mean Animsa as convenient

AHIMSA DefinitionAHIMSA Definition

COMPASSION or JIV DAYA for all life = COMPASSION or JIV DAYA for all life = core of Jain beliefcore of Jain belief

Definition or categories of violence Definition or categories of violence Thought Word and DeedThought Word and Deed Direct and IndirectDirect and Indirect Knowingly and UnknowinglyKnowingly and Unknowingly Doing one’s self, Having another doing it for you, Doing one’s self, Having another doing it for you,

Appreciating violence another has done Appreciating violence another has done

Is being vegetarian enough? Is being vegetarian enough?

Is vegetarianism the main component of ahimsa Is vegetarianism the main component of ahimsa practice?practice?

Violence todayViolence today = mainly = mainly indirectindirect (done by others) (done by others) and and unintentionalunintentional (sure, who ever means to hurt (sure, who ever means to hurt others) and others) and unknowinglyunknowingly (now this is controversial) (now this is controversial) many degrees of separation many degrees of separation

Such violence may exceed that of eating meatSuch violence may exceed that of eating meat

So killing an elephant …So killing an elephant …

Such violence may exceed that of eating meat.Such violence may exceed that of eating meat.

So has anybody here killed an elephant?So has anybody here killed an elephant?

What about seeing someone’s big new house, What about seeing someone’s big new house, and then thinking/saying “wow that is really and then thinking/saying “wow that is really great!”great!”

APARIGRAHA: APARIGRAHA: Two componentsTwo components

1) 1) non-possessivenessnon-possessiveness –would not seek to possess –would not seek to possess things especially if they hurt others. Lack of desire. things especially if they hurt others. Lack of desire. An attitude. An attitude.

2) 2) non-possessionnon-possession

why is this important – OVERCONSUMPTIONwhy is this important – OVERCONSUMPTION

note – Jain philosophy does not believe in that private property is an note – Jain philosophy does not believe in that private property is an absolute right absolute right

Capitalism and Private Property are Tools / Human ConventionCapitalism and Private Property are Tools / Human Convention

Aparigraha – and 4 KashayaAparigraha – and 4 Kashaya

Maan Maya Lobh KrodhMaan Maya Lobh Krodh Ego Deceit Greed AngerEgo Deceit Greed Anger

Greed – to take more than fair share,Greed – to take more than fair share, Especially if it hurts othersEspecially if it hurts others

Ego – to think we are important enough to take from Ego – to think we are important enough to take from other living beingsother living beings

Deceit – to fool ourselves into acceptance of Deceit – to fool ourselves into acceptance of consumptionconsumption

Aparigraha – and Stealing Aparigraha – and Stealing (Asthaya / Achoryia)(Asthaya / Achoryia)

There is no private propertyThere is no private property But there is stealing…But there is stealing…

Stealing from Stealing from future generationsfuture generations Stealing from all the Stealing from all the plant and animal lifeplant and animal life

ANEKANTAVAAD ANEKANTAVAAD in practice - when it comes to the environmentin practice - when it comes to the environment

Can you see life from the point of view of all other creaturesCan you see life from the point of view of all other creatures

Are you trying?Are you trying?

Most importantly: Most importantly: are you trying to see the impact of your are you trying to see the impact of your actions through the eyes of all the life forms that you are actions through the eyes of all the life forms that you are affecting, and the ripples you cause though the living affecting, and the ripples you cause though the living world?world?

Do you hide from the truth? Do we reinterpret information in Do you hide from the truth? Do we reinterpret information in favour of our desires?? favour of our desires??

Anekantavaad – Trees and Anekantavaad – Trees and PlantsPlants

These are alive as one sensed beings These are alive as one sensed beings (believe it??)(believe it??)

but I have also been told by some monks that though but I have also been told by some monks that though they are considered to have only one sense, the depth they are considered to have only one sense, the depth of their consciousness can be massive … of their consciousness can be massive …

trees live for centuries, and some over 1000 years… trees live for centuries, and some over 1000 years… Tirthankars usually meditate under a tree!Tirthankars usually meditate under a tree!

Jainism and the non living thingsJainism and the non living things

All Ajiva is considered to interact and be All Ajiva is considered to interact and be interdependent with all life. interdependent with all life.

Disturbing any inanimate object has a myriad Disturbing any inanimate object has a myriad of consequences for Jivaof consequences for Jiva

This is amazingly true for the environmentThis is amazingly true for the environment

Life is complex and Life is complex and INTERDEPENDANTINTERDEPENDANT

There area a massive number of life forms on There area a massive number of life forms on this level of existencethis level of existence

All life is interdependent All life is interdependent PARASPAROPAGRAHOJIVANAAMPARASPAROPAGRAHOJIVANAAM

Kristi Wiley Kristi Wiley the function of souls is to render service to one another (the function of souls is to render service to one another (parasparo-parasparo-

pagraho jivanampagraho jivanam)." In his translation of this famous verse from the )." In his translation of this famous verse from the Tattvartha-sutraTattvartha-sutra, Nathmal Tatia has noted, "souls influence each other , Nathmal Tatia has noted, "souls influence each other through service which may be favorable or unfavorable, beneficial or through service which may be favorable or unfavorable, beneficial or harmful. They cannot live independently of one another. They have to harmful. They cannot live independently of one another. They have to share their pleasure and pain with others." Awareness of the correct share their pleasure and pain with others." Awareness of the correct view of reality (view of reality (samyak-darsanasamyak-darsana), including the interrelatedness of life ), including the interrelatedness of life and the intrinsic worth of each living being, is associated with a feeling and the intrinsic worth of each living being, is associated with a feeling of compassion for othersof compassion for others

Kristi Wiley Kristi Wiley http://www.csupomona.edu/~jainism/images/Abstracts.pdfhttp://www.csupomona.edu/~jainism/images/Abstracts.pdf

Mahavira Quote Mahavira Quote

menkamenka

What are Jain traditions What are Jain traditions that deal with the that deal with the

environment?environment?Part IIPart II

The Jain IDEAL of a MONKThe Jain IDEAL of a MONK

A monk is considered to live the purest human life – A monk is considered to live the purest human life – the most in keeping with Jainismthe most in keeping with Jainism

many Jains feel: hey, “I’m not a monk. As long as I many Jains feel: hey, “I’m not a monk. As long as I am a vegetarian, do the pujas, and go to the temple – am a vegetarian, do the pujas, and go to the temple – I’m done”I’m done”

what does Philosophy say about that idea?what does Philosophy say about that idea?

this is a continuum, not an all or none ideathis is a continuum, not an all or none idea

Fasting, and all other food Fasting, and all other food restrictionsrestrictions

Choviar Uupvas – min of 36 hours of no Choviar Uupvas – min of 36 hours of no eating or even water eating or even water

Fasting is to get as close to non-consumption Fasting is to get as close to non-consumption and non interference in the world as possibleand non interference in the world as possible

LIFESTYLE vs RITUAL – when we fast, it is LIFESTYLE vs RITUAL – when we fast, it is supposed to teach us to impact the world lesssupposed to teach us to impact the world less

Vegetarianism and Jiv DayaVegetarianism and Jiv Daya

This applies to vertebrate animals This applies to vertebrate animals Also to invertebrates and smaller creaturesAlso to invertebrates and smaller creatures Even to plants Even to plants

To eat in such a way that disturbs nature the To eat in such a way that disturbs nature the leastleast

Jainism: Vegan, organic, local, simple dietJainism: Vegan, organic, local, simple diet

Jain DietJain Diet

limiting number of items eaten per day limiting number of items eaten per day

Eating simple foodsEating simple foods

Staying away from certain foods that would Staying away from certain foods that would kill the whole plant and cause more digging kill the whole plant and cause more digging (Roots) (Roots)

Material Possessions – i.e. Material Possessions – i.e. “Stuff”“Stuff”

Minimal (or nil) ownership of material Minimal (or nil) ownership of material possessions possessions

You do not have to be a monk to do thatYou do not have to be a monk to do that

Limiting earning of wealth Limiting earning of wealth limiting wealth is a Jain tradition that is almost limiting wealth is a Jain tradition that is almost

forgotten - but we still know folks who do itforgotten - but we still know folks who do it Was a very strict tradition for manyWas a very strict tradition for many Compare that with capitalism, and modern Jains Compare that with capitalism, and modern Jains

Material Possessions – i.e. Material Possessions – i.e. “Stuff”“Stuff”

Spending of wealthSpending of wealth If you have wealth do not spend on material thingsIf you have wealth do not spend on material things Do not buy things extract from the earth/affects other Do not buy things extract from the earth/affects other

life life Donate your wealth Donate your wealth (WARREN BUFFETT example) (WARREN BUFFETT example)

Jainism recognizes that every thing comes Jainism recognizes that every thing comes from the earth, and goes back into itfrom the earth, and goes back into it

And can devastate all live, affect the balenceAnd can devastate all live, affect the balence

Not buying or having a houseNot buying or having a house

Tushar’s grandmother and great grandmother Tushar’s grandmother and great grandmother

This was a Jain tradition to minimize built propertyThis was a Jain tradition to minimize built property

““nothing can cause more harm to other life than the nothing can cause more harm to other life than the building of a home”building of a home”

Vow to live with family, smallest material needVow to live with family, smallest material need

Minimize resource use - extremeMinimize resource use - extreme Minimizing fire and any energy useMinimizing fire and any energy use

Minimizing water usedMinimizing water used

What uses the most water in our societyWhat uses the most water in our society answer: animal farming and manufacturinganswer: animal farming and manufacturing i.e. Milk 3000 liters to one literi.e. Milk 3000 liters to one liter The most energy is from manufactuingThe most energy is from manufactuing

Sitting still and minimizing breathing, movement, etc (a part Sitting still and minimizing breathing, movement, etc (a part of meditation)of meditation)

Minimizing air use!!!Minimizing air use!!!

Choice of professions Choice of professions

Jain philosophers have long debated what professions Jain philosophers have long debated what professions should be avoided … the list was not ever fully should be avoided … the list was not ever fully agreed upon, agreed upon,

But the idea that one’s occupation had a profound But the idea that one’s occupation had a profound impact on their soul, and on the world/violence impact on their soul, and on the world/violence around them.around them.

This is an idea that has largely been lost in the This is an idea that has largely been lost in the modern age? modern age?

Samvasari Pratikraman Samvasari Pratikraman

we ask for giveness for moving we ask for giveness for moving up/dowm/N/S/E/W why???up/dowm/N/S/E/W why???

The idea existed that travel had an impact on The idea existed that travel had an impact on the environmentthe environment

That using vehicles had a greater impact That using vehicles had a greater impact

Samvasari PratikramanSamvasari Pratikraman

We ask forgiveness to all 1-5 sensed creatures We ask forgiveness to all 1-5 sensed creatures that we have ever harmed that we have ever harmed

What does that mean … so sorry, and do it What does that mean … so sorry, and do it againagain

What do most Jains do after PratikramanWhat do most Jains do after Pratikraman ?? Life a ususal … drive to a big home in an SUV with leather ?? Life a ususal … drive to a big home in an SUV with leather

seats??seats??

Many people do not know…Many people do not know…

That Jainism was an oral tradition – here were no That Jainism was an oral tradition – here were no writingswritings

One reason was that monks would not cut even a few One reason was that monks would not cut even a few leaves from palm trees to make booksleaves from palm trees to make books

That was too violent (but we eventually needed to)That was too violent (but we eventually needed to)

How does that contrast with how we live our lives How does that contrast with how we live our lives now? now?

The practice of Jain LivingThe practice of Jain Living

Living Jainism takes detailed care on the most Living Jainism takes detailed care on the most minute levelsminute levels

How does this compare to the massive impacts How does this compare to the massive impacts of the lives we live todayof the lives we live today

Is there a contradiction between things we do Is there a contradiction between things we do as a ritual (i.e. not to eat roots) and what we do as a ritual (i.e. not to eat roots) and what we do in routine life (consumerism)in routine life (consumerism)

As it turns outAs it turns out

Almost every original Jain lifestyle tradition is Almost every original Jain lifestyle tradition is profoundly ecological!!!!!profoundly ecological!!!!!

Modern Environmental Movement –Modern Environmental Movement –Principles and Problems?Principles and Problems?

Part IIIPart III

What is the Environment in modern What is the Environment in modern Western thought? Western thought?

Refers to the “Natural Environment”Refers to the “Natural Environment”

That which exists without significant impact That which exists without significant impact from human activitiesfrom human activities

Somewhat different than Jain idea of nature, Somewhat different than Jain idea of nature, which does not distinguish the surrounding which does not distinguish the surrounding world from humansworld from humans

Information: Too Much and Not Information: Too Much and Not EnoughEnough

We are inundated with this and that are going We are inundated with this and that are going to HURT or SAVE the environmentto HURT or SAVE the environment

what are the big factors – and why are they what are the big factors – and why are they importantimportant

small ones – good to work on also, but not small ones – good to work on also, but not without the big ones.without the big ones.

The main problem in one wordThe main problem in one word

OverconsumptionOverconsumption

Some other good words?? The mindset??Some other good words?? The mindset??

Greed Greed

MaterialismMaterialism

ConsumerismConsumerism

Modern Western Capitalism Modern Western Capitalism

Lack of knowledge, selfishness, egoLack of knowledge, selfishness, ego

GLOBALIZATIONGLOBALIZATION Material/overconsumption globalization (trumps everything) )Material/overconsumption globalization (trumps everything) )

Overpowers the globalization or RIGHTS, ENVIRONMENT, Overpowers the globalization or RIGHTS, ENVIRONMENT, COMPASSION, ETHICS, COMPASSION, ETHICS,

The ECONOMY is worshiped like a GODThe ECONOMY is worshiped like a GOD

(I am not saying that the economy is not important)(I am not saying that the economy is not important)

Remember, that Jainism does not believe that private property Remember, that Jainism does not believe that private property is an absolute right- Capitalism and Property are Tools/ is an absolute right- Capitalism and Property are Tools/ Human ConventionHuman Convention

MATERIAL GLOBALIZATIONMATERIAL GLOBALIZATION

Where is the Damage??Where is the Damage??Life looks good to me! Life looks good to me!

A) far away A) far away the damage to people, animals, environment – the damage to people, animals, environment – the benefits are in front of us – personalthe benefits are in front of us – personal hidden, just pictures on the TV or internethidden, just pictures on the TV or internet the powers that control these things want it that waythe powers that control these things want it that way

B) in front of you but you don’t realizeB) in front of you but you don’t realize Anekantevaad againAnekantevaad again

The Big Bad things – to the ENVThe Big Bad things – to the ENV

turning natural areas into farmsturning natural areas into farms

urban sprawl – building stuff –scorched earthurban sprawl – building stuff –scorched earth

look out a plane window, and on google mapslook out a plane window, and on google maps

climate changeclimate change

Big Bad thingsBig Bad things

human population explosion human population explosion

resource extraction and manufacturing of all resource extraction and manufacturing of all things (big things especially)things (big things especially)

animal agricultureanimal agriculture

Fresh water, ocean , fishingFresh water, ocean , fishing

Big Bad things …Big Bad things … Resource extraction and manufacturing of all things Resource extraction and manufacturing of all things

(big things especially)(big things especially)

Ecosystem annihilation and ecosystem segmentationEcosystem annihilation and ecosystem segmentation

Human subspecies extinction, extinction of race, Human subspecies extinction, extinction of race, ethnicities, cultures (especially ethnicities, cultures (especially

WAR-Iraq is and other WAR-Iraq is and other How many people have died there?How many people have died there? Is overconsumption of oil a factor (Sudan Iraq Is overconsumption of oil a factor (Sudan Iraq

SMALL THINGS ( do not cause SMALL THINGS ( do not cause permanent damage)permanent damage)

Poor recycling Poor recycling Smog, particulatesSmog, particulates Old light bulbsOld light bulbs PesticidesPesticides The thousands of green products that are The thousands of green products that are

advertisedadvertised (some are okay, some a sham, some outright bad for the (some are okay, some a sham, some outright bad for the

environment i.e. ethanol) environment i.e. ethanol)

Solutions to the Big Problems, Solutions to the Big Problems, and the modern Jain approach? and the modern Jain approach?

Part IVPart IV

Theory: The Inner and the OuterTheory: The Inner and the Outer((at the same time)at the same time)

Find inner happinessFind inner happiness Think and learn and spiritualizeThink and learn and spiritualize Put your soul, and other souls firstPut your soul, and other souls first Put material things lastPut material things last Life first, Material secondLife first, Material second

The outerThe outer By living a nonviolent life, it enhances the soulBy living a nonviolent life, it enhances the soul Good outer actions can lead to better inner developmentGood outer actions can lead to better inner development

Inner solutionsInner solutionsTHINK THINK THINKTHINK THINK THINKLEARN LEARN LEARNLEARN LEARN LEARN

about what is going on in the world around youabout what is going on in the world around you remember things that are far away and out of sightremember things that are far away and out of sight WikipediaWikipedia Document - Livestock’s Long ShadowDocument - Livestock’s Long Shadow NPR and CBC radio 1 and BBCNPR and CBC radio 1 and BBC

Environmental DefenseEnvironmental Defense RAN RAN Sierra Club Sierra Club Vegetarian Associations, Vegetarian Associations, PCRM PCRM PETA, PETA, IFAW IFAW Humane Society International, Humane Society International, Amnesty InternationalAmnesty International Document - Livestock’s Long ShadowDocument - Livestock’s Long Shadow

DO DO DODO DO DO(theory of doing)(theory of doing)

Passive CompassionPassive Compassion Make changes in your own life!!!!!Make changes in your own life!!!!!

Active CompassionActive Compassion Getting out there and working for changes in the Getting out there and working for changes in the

worldworld

(both are important)(both are important)

Practical Things Practical Things modern day Jainism modern day Jainism

CONSUME LESS!!!!CONSUME LESS!!!!

HOUSING Restrict Urban sprawl HOUSING Restrict Urban sprawl choose a choose a small dwelling, high densitysmall dwelling, high density area area Apartment>town home> Semi Detached/Small home> Apartment>town home> Semi Detached/Small home>

huge homehuge home Jainism supports the least possible Jainism supports the least possible Jain and Indian tradition supports Jain and Indian tradition supports living withliving with extended extended

familyfamily Room mates and friendsRoom mates and friends Choose a Choose a transittransit oriented place to live oriented place to live

Housing cont …Housing cont … (Practical Things - modern day Jainism)(Practical Things - modern day Jainism)

High density mixed use communitiesHigh density mixed use communities less land destroyed / used less less land destroyed / used less

heating and coolingheating and cooling

less need for car and roadless need for car and road

more walking and mass transitmore walking and mass transit

Materials and CarbonMaterials and Carbon (Practical Things - modern day Jainism)(Practical Things - modern day Jainism)

CONSUMER GOODSCONSUMER GOODS Buy Less Stuff - MINIMIZEBuy Less Stuff - MINIMIZE Buy used stuffBuy used stuff Buy Recycled stuffBuy Recycled stuff

CARBONCARBON Less FlightsLess Flights Less CarLess Car Buy less stuffBuy less stuff Veg/veganVeg/vegan

(Practical Things - modern day Jainism)(Practical Things - modern day Jainism) WASTEWASTE (low impact – when something is (low impact – when something is

made, most if the damage is done)made, most if the damage is done) Recycle/compostRecycle/compost Get to Zero GarbageGet to Zero Garbage

FOOD – Huge impact!!!!!FOOD – Huge impact!!!!! Vegetarianism, Vegan diet (3000 liters of water to Vegetarianism, Vegan diet (3000 liters of water to

make one liter of milk)make one liter of milk) Local Food Organic FoodLocal Food Organic Food Beware of so-called green products (are you Beware of so-called green products (are you

consuming less because of it)consuming less because of it)

(Practical Things - modern day Jainism)(Practical Things - modern day Jainism) YOUR JOBYOUR JOB!!!!!!! !!!!!!! YOUR BUISNESSYOUR BUISNESS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

What do you do for a livingWhat do you do for a living Touchy, takes gutsTouchy, takes guts

GOVERNMENT AND ECONOMIC ADVOCACYGOVERNMENT AND ECONOMIC ADVOCACY Economic models that create lots of employment and Economic models that create lots of employment and

economyeconomy Support of Support of political partiespolitical parties on all levels that have solid on all levels that have solid

eco policies, not just sham policieseco policies, not just sham policies Jainism and democracyJainism and democracy i.e. ETHANOL i.e. ETHANOL i.e. WARi.e. WAR

GET INVOLVEDGET INVOLVED (Practical Things - modern day Jainism)(Practical Things - modern day Jainism)

Support Environmental Organizations Support Environmental Organizations WWFWWF Sierra ClubSierra Club Rainforest Action Network Rainforest Action Network Vegetarian Organizations / PETAVegetarian Organizations / PETA Local stuffLocal stuff

Money and volunteer Money and volunteer

Sustainable International developmentSustainable International development (Practical Things - modern day Jainism)(Practical Things - modern day Jainism)

Population increase Population increase sustaineable developmemt, sustaineable developmemt, education in developing countries, especially education in developing countries, especially

female education andfemale education and empowerment of womenempowerment of women better maternal and child healthbetter maternal and child health Sustainable developmentSustainable development Trade justiceTrade justice

(Practical Things - modern day Jainism)(Practical Things - modern day Jainism)

Jainism Your Way Jainism Your Way The modern and relevant application of Jain The modern and relevant application of Jain

philosphyphilosphy

Put the ENVIRONMENT into YJA’s Projects Put the ENVIRONMENT into YJA’s Projects and Goalsand Goals

SummarySummary

Jainism Philosophy is extremely ecologicalJainism Philosophy is extremely ecological (although Modern Jains may not be) (although Modern Jains may not be)

Ahimsa Ahimsa Aparigraha Aparigraha AnekantevaadAnekantevaad ParasparopagrahojivanaamParasparopagrahojivanaam Greed Ego DecietGreed Ego Deciet

Summary – the Environment TodaySummary – the Environment Today

Massive Permanent DevestationMassive Permanent Devestation turning natural areas into farmsturning natural areas into farms urban sprawl – building stuffurban sprawl – building stuff climate changeclimate change resource extraction and manufacturing of all things (big things especially)resource extraction and manufacturing of all things (big things especially) human population explosion human population explosion animal agricultureanimal agriculture fresh waterfresh water fishing industry, oceanfishing industry, ocean species extinctionspecies extinction human subspecies extinction, extinction of race, ethnicities, cultures (especially human subspecies extinction, extinction of race, ethnicities, cultures (especially ecosystem annihilation and ecosystem segmentation ecosystem annihilation and ecosystem segmentation look out a plane window, and on google mapslook out a plane window, and on google maps

WAR-Iraq is and otherWAR-Iraq is and other

Summary Human BehaviourSummary Human Behaviour

Over-ConsumptionOver-Consumption is the Key issue is the Key issue

MaterialismMaterialism

ConsumerismConsumerism

GreedGreed

Current economy vs sustainable economyCurrent economy vs sustainable economy

SUMMARY your BrainSUMMARY your Brain

THINK LEARN MEDITATE THINK LEARN MEDITATE -Get into the know! (Especially form people who are -Get into the know! (Especially form people who are

not involved with multibillion dollar industries)not involved with multibillion dollar industries) Jainism Your Way Jainism Your Way that does not mean that- interpret it however you wantthat does not mean that- interpret it however you want it means apply the principles in the best way that you it means apply the principles in the best way that you

can, in a way that suits modern timescan, in a way that suits modern times

Calculate Your FootprintCalculate Your Footprint www.myfootprint.org www.myfootprint.org

Summary – what to doSummary – what to do

HousingHousing DietDiet ConsumerismConsumerism TransportationTransportation Your jobYour job Activism!!!! Get involvedActivism!!!! Get involved

Summary – Jain PhilosophySummary – Jain Philosophy

Every little detail of your action causes a ripple Every little detail of your action causes a ripple effect and affects all other beings in the worldeffect and affects all other beings in the world

Karma Chaos!Karma Chaos!

Compassion Compassion Compassion Compassion Compassion Compassion For ALL LIFEFor ALL LIFE Is EcologicalIs Ecological

Zimbabwe Zimbabwe

ZimbabweZimbabwe

Grassy NarrowsGrassy Narrows

Grassy Narrows – Amnesty Grassy Narrows – Amnesty International involvedInternational involved

Alberta Tar SandsAlberta Tar Sands

Alberta Boreal Forest Alberta Boreal Forest