Aao Jeena Sikhe - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Aao Jeena Sikhe" by Alka Sankhla, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Aao Jeena Sikhe (Let's Learn to Live) Author: Alka Sankhla Publisher: Dipchand Sankhla

Core Message and Purpose:

"Aao Jeena Sikhe" is a book aimed at fostering the all-round development of an individual's personality, with a particular emphasis on character building and moral education. The author, Alka Sankhla, believes that while academic education is important, it is incomplete without the knowledge and practice of how to truly live a meaningful and fulfilling life. The book serves as a guide to impart essential life skills, moral values, and spiritual understanding, especially for children and young people, but is beneficial for all ages.

Key Themes and Concepts Explored:

The Art of Living: The central theme is that "living" is a skill that needs to be learned. The book emphasizes that true happiness and a meaningful life come from understanding and practicing this art, rather than just acquiring knowledge or material possessions.
Character and Value-Based Education: The book strongly advocates for the cultivation of good character and moral values. It criticizes the current educational system for being incomplete and solely focused on intellect and earning money, neglecting the development of good human beings.
Holistic Development: The author stresses the importance of the all-round development of a child, encompassing physical, mental, intellectual, and emotional growth.
Self-Discovery and Self-Reliance: A significant portion of the book focuses on understanding oneself, recognizing one's inner potential, and becoming self-reliant. The idea of being one's "own lamp" ("Aapne diye khud bano") is highlighted.
Practical Application and Experimentation: The book is not just theoretical; it encourages readers to engage in practical exercises and experiments to integrate the learned principles into their lives. The author believes that consistent practice is key to transformation.
The Importance of a Positive Mindset: Concepts like positive thinking, self-confidence, determination, and the power of positive thoughts are discussed as crucial for success and happiness.
Discipline and Planning: The book emphasizes the necessity of discipline, time management, and systematic planning (Ayojan-Niyojan) in all aspects of life, from daily routines to achieving goals.
Addressing Modern Problems: The book acknowledges the challenges of modern life, such as the overuse of TV and computers, the decline in moral values, stress, and anger, and offers practical solutions from a Jain and holistic perspective.
The Role of Yoga and Spirituality: Yoga, meditation, and spiritual practices are presented as vital tools for physical, mental, and emotional well-being and for gaining deeper self-understanding. The author shares her personal transformation through yoga.
The Power of Anuvratas: The book promotes the adoption of Anuvratas (small vows) as a foundational step towards ethical living, character development, and a balanced life, aligning with Jain principles. It explains that these are not restrictive but a path to self-improvement.
The Significance of Knowledge and Learning: The author stresses that learning is a lifelong process ("Seekhne ki koi umra nahin hoti") and encourages continuous pursuit of knowledge, not just academic, but also knowledge of living. Reading good books is highlighted as a way to enrich the soul.
Indian Culture and Heritage: The book draws upon and promotes the richness of Indian culture, traditions, and the wisdom of ancient practices, like yoga, as essential for a balanced life.

Key Sections and Their Content:

Foreword and Blessings: The book includes blessings and appreciation from prominent figures like Acharya Mahapragyaji and Sadhvi Pramukh Kanakprabha, endorsing its focus on character building and the holistic development of children. They highlight the book's unique approach and its potential to positively impact the younger generation.
Dedication: The book is dedicated to spiritual leaders like Gurudev Tulsi and Acharya Mahapragyaji, acknowledging their profound influence on the author's life and work.
Who Should Read This Book? It clarifies that the book is not just for children but for anyone who hasn't received proper guidance in living, wants to achieve their dreams, or wishes to guide their children effectively. Schools and educators are also encouraged to use it.
Acknowledgments: The author expresses gratitude to various individuals and institutions who inspired and supported her in writing the book.
Introduction to the Author: Briefly mentions Alka Sankhla's background and her dedication to child welfare and value-based education.
Chapters on Specific Skills/Concepts: The bulk of the book is structured into chapters that detail various aspects of "learning to live," including:
- Why read this book?
- The meaning of living and life's purpose.
- What education provides and its limitations.
- Self-discovery and knowing oneself.
- Identifying and overcoming modern-day problems.
- The path to success (truth, knowledge, determination, discipline, self-confidence, health).
- The negative impacts of TV and the need for experimentation.
- Managing emotions like anger.
- Memory development and effective study techniques.
- The importance of interest (Hobbies).
- The role of discipline and planning.
- The power of self-confidence and willpower.
- The science of healthy living and yoga.
- The importance of speech and controlled communication.
- The drawbacks of excessive TV and computer use.
- The significance of Anuvratas.
- The power of resolutions (Sankalp).
- Understanding success and failure.
Conclusion: The book ends with a call to action, urging readers to apply the learned principles, live a life of good conduct and virtue, and strive for holistic development. It also provides contact information for further courses and resources.

Overall Impact:

"Aao Jeena Sikhe" aims to be a practical guide for self-improvement, blending philosophical and spiritual insights with actionable advice. It seeks to equip readers with the tools to lead a balanced, ethical, and joyful life, thereby contributing to a more virtuous society. The book's emphasis on experiential learning and self-transformation makes it a valuable resource for anyone seeking to live a more purposeful and fulfilling life.