Our Story
Welcome to IMJM Canada, a charitable organization dedicated to promoting non-violence and compassion through Jain education. Since 1983, our camps, study groups, and adult retreats have provided a safe and supportive environment for thousands of youth and adults.
Founded by Acharya Sushil Kumarji Maharaj, IMJM Canada has recently merged with Towards Ahimsa Inc., a nonprofit organization that started the non-denominational Vegetarian Eco Camp in Canada and the new generation of the Jain Youth Camps in Canada and USA.
Supported by our donors, IMJM Canada continues to provide a vibrant and engaging platform to critically consider the benefits and feasibility of applying non-violence, compassion, truth, and non-attachment to daily life. We invite you to join us on this journey of self-discovery and growth.
We envision a friendly, safe, nurturing society, living in harmony with the planet and its creatures, whose foundation lies in each individual's realization of ahimsa/nonviolence.
Guiding Philosophy
Our organization is guided by teachings found in Jain philosophy:
Parasparopagraho Jivanam (Sanskrit): Meaning all life is bound together by mutual support and interdependence.
Ahimsa (Sanskrit): Meaning without violence or nonviolence. The principle of Ahimsa suggests managing our thoughts, words and actions so that we do not harm nature, plants, animals, or humans in any way.
Aparigraha (Sanskrit): Suggests minimizing attachments or feelings of possessiveness, especially for material goods, as they lead to greed, jealousy, selfishness, ego, hatred, and violence.
Anekantavada (Sanskrit): Theory of manifoldness, which recognizes that reality possesses infinite characteristics, which cannot be perceived or known at once by any ordinary individual. This theory supports individuals to seek knowledge, critically consider other perspectives, and determine what is true.
Our Curriculum
Our curriculum is divided into 3 parts: Peace-In, Peace-Out, and Outdoor Education and is offered within our camps, retreats, and workshops.
Peace - In
Being peaceful on the inside helps individuals improve their self-awareness, self-control and reactions to different situations.
Yoga, meditation, and mindfulness classes are provided as tools to help individuals strengthen their sense of inner peace.
Peace - Out
Being peaceful on the outside means considering the impact of your choices and making informed choices in daily life.
Workshops on various topics including environmental issues, animal welfare, social justice and equity are offered to help build critical thinking and conscious leadership.
Outdoor Education
Participants develop an appreciation for the outdoors and build life skills through challenges like hiking, wall climbing, high/low ropes courses, archery, swimming, and group games.
Debrief sessions ensure that campers have a chance to reflect on what they've learned, cementing their newfound skills and knowledge.
Teaching Method
We feel that critical thinking and self-reflection are valuable tools for personal growth and development. Our sessions are designed to encourage participants to explore new ideas, discuss them with their peers and facilitators, and draw their own conclusions. Our approach is supportive, interactive and experiential, allowing participants to learn through group discussions, practical experiences, and engaging activities.