Magdelini+-+CD+-+SP13

Character name: Durga Singh

Aspects of Jain Culture.

Language: The Jain culture does not have a language of it's own. Since the Jain culture originated in India thousands of years ago, people of this Indian culture, naturally speak Indian. It might not be the same type of Indian dialect because based on location, the dialect may vary. Indian dialects are spoken all over the world, though. Indian is also one of the top five languages spoken around the world, so communicating with others might be easier than expected.

Beliefs: Jainism revolves around a few main beliefs. The most prominent seems to be Ahimsa (which translates to non-violence in word, deed, or thought).Also, life forms have no beginning, but rather than the life forms are embodied differently, due to karma, in certain lives. People of the Jain religion and culture also believe that the vegetarianism (not even root vegetables because when the root is pulled, micro organisms might be harmed) and celibacy will help them lead a holy life and this will also break any cycle of possible suffering. Meaning, that if they lead good, pure, and controlled lives, the Jain people will not have to worry about being reborn into a life of suffering, but they will instead be reborn into a life filled with their good karma. This karma belief seems to have taken the place of the Jain looking up to a god. Instead they more so "admire" the 24 spiritual figures who have lead good cycle lives. All of these main beliefs are interconnected in one way or another. The vegetarianism is connected to the Ahisma. Violence in any way towards any type of life form, big or small, is forbidden. Therefore, killing animals for food is not something that the Jain do. Being connected to materialistic things is also something the Jains go against in their beliefs. Some of the Jain monks go nude because clothing is materialistic. Although these monks can be nude, it is prohibited that women are fully clothed and they usually wear the color white. Obviously, if the Jain step out of line with their own beliefs and rules, that will effect them in their later lives.

Behaviors: The behaviors of the Jain are, in one way, somewhat cautious. In order to avoid any sort of accidental killing of any miniscule creature, many Jain go barefoot. That goes to show that their behaviors not only embody caution and awareness, but compassion and humility as well. The Jain religion is strong, maybe not so much in numbers (around 5 million members; around 1% of India's population), but strong in heart and dedication. The Jain people try to act like the great founders and great leaders of their ways that came before them. This involves practicing the fasts or vegetarian lifestyle and practicing celibacy (it is even considered unacceptable if a women accidentally brushes against a male and vise versa). Because of the Ahimsa belief, many Jain have shelters where they care for hurt animals or animals that were saved from slaughter houses. Again, that embodies their compassion and awareness that they essentially practice every day in every aspect of their lives.

Values: Jains obviously value other life forms, big or small, because they don't even want to accidentally harm a micro organism while pulling out a root vegetable. Physically hurting someone is definitely forbidden, but saying something negative or even thinking negatively about another being is forbidden. That's how Jainism plays into valuing others. As important as valuing others are, the Jains value their personal salvation and that journey is completely individual. Ultimately, they want to live a cycle of good lives with good karma. That's where most of the self value comes into play with their personal journey of salvation.

Character Summary: My name is Durga Singh and I am apart of the Jain culture. My compassion and awareness that I apply to all aspects of my life would be perfect for being chosen as an Ambassador. Although, I haven't had much interaction with technology, I know how to approach any problem or situation in a calm manner and not give into any frustrating or harmful actions or words. I know how to do so because of my non-violence beliefs. My humble lifestyle has lead me to believe that all life forms are equal no matter what and that many things are interconnected and will work out - if approached in a respectful manner. My ability to be compassionate for any other type of being would probably be the strongest quality that I could bring to this ambassador program and I hope that it will be taken into consideration.

Citations. Primary Sources: Digital image. NewWorldEncyclopedia.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2013. . Jainism 1/5. Jainism 1/5. YouTube, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2013. .

Secondary Source: "Jainism." Wikipedia.com. Wikipedia, n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2013. .

Print Source: "Jainism." Guardian.co.uk. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Jan. 2013. .