Going to Pathshala
Ami: Shila, most of
the other Jain centers have religious classes once a week, but your center
has it twice a week and you never miss it. Do you really like learning? Or
do you just go for the fun and food!
Shila: I don't care
about the food. I really like the religious classes.
Ami: What's so great
about it?
Shila: Everything. It
tells me how to be a better person. I learn how to gain true happiness.
Ami: What do they
teach you there?
Shila: Quite a lot!
They teach us how to share things with others, how to be kind to others, how
to respect your parents and teachers more, how to control your temper, how
to stay happy and content, and many more things that help you with your
life.
Ami: You don't have to
ruin your whole weekend to learn all of that! They teach that stuff in
school.
Shila: They teach
grammar, math, science, history, and social studies in school. They don't
have time to teach us the morals that we learn in our Jain classes.
Ami: I think you are
right. They must be teaching you good lessons there. Because the other day
when Manisha blamed you for something you did not do, you didn't get mad at
her. You didn't even tell your mom about it. When I told Manisha's mom about
that, she blamed Manisha and was
really proud of you. I bet
you learned how to control your temper in Jain school!
Shila: You are right!
Our Jain teachers are so wonderful, you should come there and see for
yourself.
Ami: I shall go home
and ask my mom right now. Oh, wait a minute! I forgot to ask you whether
there were any rules that I should know?
Shila: There are some
rules that we must follow. Many of them are the same rules we follow in
school. But some others rules are used only in Jain Pathshalas. The general
rules are:
Go to class every Sunday or
whatever other day is fixed by the center.
Be at the Pathshala on time.
Wear clean and simple
clothes.
Take your books to class.
Do not chew gum or eat candy
in class.
Take off your shoes before
entering the center.
Say "Jai-Jinendra" to the
teachers and to other students.
Be nice to everyone in the
class.
Do not quarrel or scream
during class.
Be polite to everybody and do
not use any bad language.
Do not show off in class.
Pay attention during class.
Keep your books in their
proper place and do not throw them around.
Do not wear any leather
products.
Do not wear silk material.
Participate in the
discussion.
If the teachers give you
homework, finish it before the next class.
Tell your friends to come to
the Pathshala.
Ami: I can follow
these rules easily. I'll see you at the next Pathshala class.
Shila: I'll be glad to
see you there. "Jai Jinendra."
Ami: "Jai Jinendra."
Questions:
1) How often are the
Pathshala classes at your Jain center?
2) Do you go to the Pathshala?
3) Can you write about what
you learned at your last class?
4) Would you tell your
friends to come to the classes?
5) What are some things you
can do at the Pathshala?
6) What are some things you
can not do in class? |