metaFOUR: Kashayas

Education Corner

Young Jains of America (YJA)
Young Minds

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What can we learn from a gust-o of wind? Read through this issue’s Education Corner to learn more about the elements, how they compare to the four Kashayas (or inner enemies), and how we can approach them to come closer to our true, inner selves!

Energy is quintessentially tied to fire. When energy is focused, its flame can be helpful, producing light, heat, and warmth. But when that energy is misdirected and grows uncontrollably, a roaring fire ensues.

It is often for small reasons that our energy transforms into anger, just as a forgotten ember can spark a forest fire. When in this state, one might find themselves lashing out and spreading that negative energy to those around us. In such moments, one must seek to return to their calmer self by realizing the importance of forgiveness.

Moving through all kinds of currents, air comes in many forms. Smooth and direct winds are predictable and typically beneficial. Misdirected and manipulated winds, however, lead to chaos and damage of all kinds. Tornados and hurricanes are just a couple of the devastating forms that air can take.

In the same vein, when we are manipulative, our relationships are marked by distrust. To cultivate trustworthiness and be reliable in the eyes of others, we must instead practice straightforwardness.

Naturally, water has an uninterrupted, balanced flow… self-sufficient, almost. In its purest form, one’s mindset is a steady stream of thought symbolizing peace and contentment. However, in the presence of increased rainfall or melting ice sheets, those streams become rivers that can swell, often leading to floods.

When we focus on just our needs, our mindset mimics a flowing stream. However, when one becomes greedy, that steady stream overflows, resulting in floods and subsequent destruction. Greed is the root cause of all four Kashayas, so we must keep our wants in check by practicing contentment.

The earth serves as a foundation for life. Only when one’s roots are strong does one flourish and grow unboundedly. When one fails to respect the earth and tend to its needs, it becomes dry and loose, unable to keep all that is planted in it upright.

Similarly, if one is grounded in the right principles, spiritual growth occurs. A healthy foundation consists of the teachings of Bhagwan Mahavir and of Maharaj Sahebs. At times, we may feel that we know more than our teachers or treat them with disrespect. To maintain our foundation and experience spiritual upliftment, we should remember to be humble and enter all learning opportunities with an open mind, appreciating our gurus for their vast knowledge.

Written by Harshita Jain

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YJA is an internationally recognized Jain youth organization built to establish a network for and among youth to share Jain heritage and values. http://yja.org