Charge Kare Zindage - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Charge kare Zindage" by Chandraprabhsagar, based on the provided pages:

The book "Charge kare Zindage" (Charge Your Daily Life) by Pujya Shri Chandraprabh is presented as a guide to revitalizing and enriching one's life. The author views life as a precious gift from God, a treasure brought into existence without effort, which is meant to be utilized to its fullest potential. As life progresses, it naturally "discharges," and the book's purpose is to "recharge" it by setting good goals and taking steps towards positive paths. The ultimate aim is to live a life where each day feels like a "happy birthday."

The book is described as a "long-life charging book" whose every word from the "great life-visionary" Pujya Shri Chandraprabh charges the "battery of our life," injecting new direction and enthusiasm. Each page is intended to set the course for "culture and prosperity" for generations. It is positioned as a stepping stone for one's journey, acting as a charger to provide the energy needed for a long-lasting life. When feeling overwhelmed by negativity or the weariness of life, the book suggests reading any passage to feel re-energized, serving as a milestone that guides the way forward.

Key themes and areas covered in the book, as indicated by the table of contents and initial pages, include:

Transforming Home into a Temple: This section emphasizes the sanctity of family, viewing parents as divine beings (Brahma, Vishnu, Mahesh) and siblings as supportive angels. It defines family as a unit built on love, particularly between parents and children. It stresses the importance of unity among siblings, spouses, and in-laws to create a home resembling a temple rather than a graveyard. Love is highlighted as the foundation of family, society, and nation, encouraging forgiveness and filling the future with sweetness. The importance of respecting elders, being generous to family members in need, and prioritizing service to parents is also discussed. The text also offers four formulas for a happy marital life: trust, conversation, shared time, and mutual love. It distinguishes between "Lakshmi" (daughter) and "Griha Lakshmi" (daughter-in-law), advocating for cherishing the latter. It suggests daily rituals like touching parents' feet and hugging siblings to foster a celebratory atmosphere.
Improving Children's Future: Children are portrayed as the "lamp of the family" and the future's support. A father's role is equated to that of a hundred teachers, imparting life lessons through values. The dangers of being blinded by parental affection, like Dhritarashtra, are warned against, potentially leading to destructive children. Children are likened to malleable clay, with efforts playing a crucial 70% role in their development. Parents are encouraged to raise children who are capable and respected. The influence of television is seen as potentially more dangerous than external attacks on family values, urging parents to protect children from negative influences. Creating a positive home environment is paramount, as it's the child's first school. The importance of choosing schools that don't compromise on values, teaching life management skills, instilling respect for elders (even through "pranam"), and helping children choose life goals are stressed. Building self-confidence through inspiration and encouragement is vital. The wisdom of grandparents is highlighted as a valuable source of संस्कार (values). Stories from epics and fables are recommended for their impact. Controlling bad behavior, habits, and company is crucial to prevent them from becoming criminals. Children learn more from observing parents' behavior than from their words.
What to Do for Children? This section elaborates on the role of grandparents, seeing them as a source of joy, values, and optimism. Grandparents are described as treasuries of stories and dear friends. Children are hungry for love, laughter, time, stories, and play, which elders can provide. Homes should be designed to inspire nature, the divine, and good values. Inspirational pictures on walls are encouraged. Children should be given opportunities to play and take healthy risks. Investing time in children is crucial for future happiness. Teaching them about religion and respect for elders is important. Treating all family members and staff with kindness and respect is essential for children to learn politeness. Creative naming of healthy foods (e.g., "Pooch wali dal" for sprouted moong) is suggested to make them appealing. Healthy eating habits should be encouraged, limiting junk food. TV viewing should be regulated. Picture storybooks are highly recommended for their effectiveness.
Be a Woman, Not an Iron: This section advises wives to be supportive secretaries and inspiration sources for their husbands, rather than just fluttering around like butterflies. It emphasizes not comparing husbands, being content with them, and avoiding criticism. It highlights the importance of being a "secretary" and "inspiration source" to help them bloom. Wives are cautioned against nagging, urging them to win their husbands' hearts with love, respect, and shared happiness, creating a home of love and peace. Upon a husband's return, a wife should express joy rather than complaints. Communication should be polite and at a relaxed time. The importance of repairing broken hearts within the family, fostering love and prosperity, and respecting in-laws as one's own parents is stressed. Wives are encouraged to inspire their husbands to earn honestly, avoiding dishonesty that could lead to legal troubles. Caution against negative influences from friends (like Manthara) is given. For husbands with bad habits like chewing tobacco or drinking, wives are advised to use wisdom to explain the drawbacks and encourage them to be role models. Treating husbands with regal respect is suggested to foster reciprocal treatment.
The Wife is Griha Lakshmi, The Husband is Griha Pati: The wife is revered as the goddess of the heart, a life partner, and a sharer of joys and sorrows. She is described as a combination of mother, sister, and life partner, often sacrificing her identity for her husband. The text emphasizes simple gestures of care, like soothing a husband's headache, as deeply meaningful. Welcoming a wife back from her parental home with a warm greeting is as valuable as a gift. Keeping a wife happy is presented as crucial for the husband's own happiness. The husband should show magnanimity, apologize when necessary, and praise his wife's contributions. Criticizing a wife publicly is detrimental, while private correction leads to respect. Listening patiently to a wife's frustrations is advised, even if she sometimes vents. The advice is to not focus on her anger but to understand it as pressure release. Using respectful terms like "Aap" for one's wife is encouraged. A compromising approach in marital life is suggested, while standing firm on essential principles for the sake of the family.
Do Something Like This...: This section focuses on mindful speech and action, advising to speak what can be done and do what can be signed. Speech should be melodious, not sharp. Apologizing for one's own mistakes and forgiving others are presented as keys to maintaining physical and mental health. Protecting children from bad company is as important as shielding them from the evil eye. Children are the future, and investing in their values, education, and time will bring them success and happiness. Seeking the shade of elders is like relying on a mature tree that offers solace. Homes should be kept clean and organized to be inviting. The book stresses the importance of being present for parents in their old age, just as they were present at birth. It humorously suggests that anger should only be expressed during auspicious times, but advises against it. Respecting the "Lakshmi" within the home (the wife) is crucial for maintaining the "Lakshmi" in the shop. Elder's gentle guidance, rather than constant nagging, fosters strong family bonds. Those who give are considered divine, while hoarders are like demons. Smiles should be frequently shared, like a current bank account. Transforming an antagonist into a pacifist or a non-vegetarian into a vegetarian is likened to undertaking significant spiritual journeys. Destiny is not changed by wearing gems but by developing a habit of giving. The moment an idea arises is the best time to act. The inherent energy within everyone just needs to be "charged." Life is like a game of snakes and ladders; persistence is key to overcoming challenges.
Munna Bhai! Keep Going with Dedication: This section uses the popular phrase "Munna Bhai!" to encourage perseverance. Problems are natural, like sunlight and shade, and facing them leads to growth. The core message is to never give up. If one method fails, try another, and continue until victory is achieved. Mental strength should be cultivated to overcome obstacles like flying over mountains. Enthusiasm should not wane, as giving up is complete defeat. Reminds readers that if one year is lost, life continues. Recommends exercise and pranayama for energy and drawing inspiration from stories like the thirsty crow to persevere. The secret to victory lies in struggling. A little more patience and dedication could have led to desired miracles. The mantra "If I decide, I can do anything" should be internalized to boost energy and drive towards success. Success comes from struggle, not from running away. Players should gather courage and move forward with faith.
Have You Become a Failure? This chapter encourages those who have failed to learn from their setbacks and draw inspiration from the sun, which rises again after setting. It emphasizes that defeat comes from within, and victory from a strong mind. Re-sowing seeds of enthusiasm on the land of the heart can revive life. Comparing oneself to others is discouraged; instead, learn from successful individuals. The mantra for success is "Keep going with dedication." Steady effort and a strong will can overcome any challenge. The story of the tortoise and the hare is cited as a reminder that consistent effort leads to victory. Seeds and fruits are inseparable; desired results require sowing the right seeds of high goals and effort. It's important to learn the secrets of successful people and adopt their practices. Abandoning bad company and valuing time are crucial for building a strong foundation for future success. Education is essential for growth beyond basic labor. The "Three R's" (Remembering, Revising, Writing) are recommended for memory. Resilience, like a Japanese doll that bounces back after falling, is highlighted. Success is a journey, not a destination; continuous progress is key.
Plant a Tree of Hard Work on the Land of Destiny: This chapter asserts that success is not a result of chance or luck, but of strong will, hard work, and high goals. It draws a parallel between India's few Olympic medals and China's many, attributing it to the latter's dedication. It stresses that continuing the same actions will yield the same results. The natural law of sowing seeds and nurturing them before reaping a harvest is emphasized. Deciding what you want is the first step to success. Clarity of goals leads to effective action. Even a difficult path can be navigated with clear objectives, while a goal-less person will not reach anywhere even on an easy path. Becoming passionate about what you desire is crucial. God helps those with a strong will to win. The most important power for victory is the "winning mindset" and belief. Toxic thoughts, people, and books should be avoided. Faith, even if small, must be strong. Six rules for success are outlined: decide what you want, keep it visible, set a deadline, plan, act immediately, and do something daily. If you lack resources, don't dwell on it; start with what you have. Don't wait for perfect conditions; start working, and your mind will also begin to move. Be grateful for favorable circumstances and resilient in unfavorable ones, sowing new seeds with faith.
Learn How to Achieve Success: Success is the sweetest achievement, not a magical event, but the result of continuous effort towards a goal. Shaping one's life as desired is success. Strategic planning in life's "Kurushetra" is the first success. It highlights China's Olympic success and Michael Phelps' achievements compared to India's, stating that success is not due to coincidence. Six essential elements for success are listed, analogous to the needs of a good crop: clear goals, hard work, a better plan, superior intelligence, strong self-confidence, and effective time management. Even the most failed person can succeed with self-confidence, which is like Hanuman who can overcome any obstacle. Gold medalists attribute their success to guidance, hard work, determination, high goals, technical knowledge, and blessings. Setting goals, whether material or spiritual, is crucial for motivation and enthusiasm; otherwise, life is just "time pass." Without goals, even spiritual practices are directionless. Investing 100% of your strength for 100% success is advised. Disciplined execution of plans is key. The chapter encourages planning for prosperity if poor, health if sick, education if uneducated, and a meaningful old age if elderly. Like Napoleon, it suggests that nothing is impossible with human effort. It discourages being infertile or useless, urging individuals to take the first step towards progress. Putting old disappointments behind and embracing enthusiasm will lead to success.
14 Rules to Get Rid of Financial Worries: This section emphasizes peace and happiness as the greatest wealth, with worries being like termites. Money facilitates comfort. Fourteen rules for financial well-being are presented: 1. Keep track of weekly expenses to understand spending and budget needs. 2. Stick to a budget for peace of mind. 3. Invest capital wisely, preferably in government banks and post offices over private companies. 4. Buy quality items like gold jewelry and real estate, as they offer both adornment and security, and land is a future investment. 5. Don't increase financial burdens; live within your means for mental peace. 6. Avoid extravagant spending on events like weddings that compromise long-term stability; live within your means. 7. Avoid debt; if necessary, maintain credibility and repay on time to avoid interest burdens. 8. Save a portion of income monthly for emergencies like illness, fire, or accidents. 9. Do not indiscriminately give lump-sum pensions to children, as savings can be depleted quickly. 10. Make arrangements for a monthly allowance for the widowed wife. 11. Teach children the value of money, open bank accounts, and instill saving habits. 12. If income is insufficient, find additional sources of income. 13. Avoid intoxicants like cigarettes, tobacco, and alcohol due to health and financial consequences. 14. Refrain from gambling or stock market speculation, as losses can destroy peace.
12 Rules to Gain Strength: This chapter offers advice on gaining strength and influence. It suggests using the light of the sun for personal benefit and leveraging the knowledge and reputation of seniors. It advises using even enemies for personal gain, contrasting wise individuals who benefit from adversaries with fools who suffer even from friends. It stresses the importance of not prematurely revealing objectives, plans, and progress until victory is achieved, drawing a parallel to a wise general who secures victory before the war. Speaking less is beneficial, as excessive talking can lead to foolish statements. Great people influence others with few, powerful words. Reputation is like a valuable treasure that must be carefully guarded. It's important to attract everyone, as what is unseen has no existence. Making one's actions impactful and interesting ensures focus remains on them. Influencing others through actions, rather than arguments, is more effective. Truth is what is seen, not just spoken. Associating with happy and fortunate people is recommended to avoid negativity. Being with generous and optimistic people helps overcome weaknesses and absorb their positive qualities.
Does Your Behavior Cause Dissatisfaction to Anyone? This section emphasizes that behavior is a mirror of personality, character, and nobility. Pleasant and courteous behavior can win hearts without financial expenditure. Great people treat even enemies with greatness, while petty people betray friends. It encourages self-assessment to eliminate any meanness from one's behavior. Politeness and dignified presentation are key, allowing even the blind to recognize one's character. True beauty lies in the character and behavior, not just outward appearance. Politeness should be extended to everyone, including family members. Using praise and a sweet demeanor when interacting with employees and subordinates is more effective than harshness. Recognizing the value of applause, even for ants. It is important to approach elders rather than calling them, and to sit at their level. Offering food and drink politely before consuming it oneself is a fundamental lesson in life. Careful selection of words is crucial; not everything that is thought should be spoken. The wise think before speaking, while fools speak and then think. Criticizing others' flaws is easy, but rectifying them is difficult. It's unnecessary to find fault in others when no one is perfect. It questions who the real "Ravana" is, given the differing perceptions. It encourages self-forgiveness for past mistakes and making positive decisions for future interactions.
How to Behave with Employees? This section addresses the employer-employee relationship, comparing it to that of devotee and God. Employees will only give their best if they receive fair compensation and encouragement. Employers should provide goals along with work, as fulfilling great objectives brings pride to employees. Training employees properly is more effective than shouting. Kindness and smiles are more impactful than anger. Praise employees publicly, but reprimand them privately. Praise motivates increased work, while reprimands encourage caution. Employees should never be treated in a way that creates enmity, as the repercussions can be severe. Helping employees with their tasks fosters a sense of collaboration and motivation. Those who go above and beyond, doing ten tasks instead of five, pave their way for advancement. Reprimands should be accompanied by bonuses for good work. The employer-employee relationship should be like a family, offering paternal love and support. Small gestures like gifting sweets on festivals are important. An employer's happiness depends on employee hard work, and employees' happiness depends on fair wages. Paying salaries on time is crucial. Providing basic necessities like flour and medical support as humanitarian aid strengthens the relationship between employer and employee.
What to Do When Angered? This chapter defines anger as temporary madness, advising against repeating it. Anger kills laughter, destroys happiness, blocks wisdom, and banishes discretion. It harms health, breaks relationships, and can ruin careers. The book warns that a moment of anger can spoil one's entire future. It suggests responding positively to accusations, embracing humor, and drinking water to calm down. Food prepared in anger and milk fed to children in anger are harmful. Taking a 15-minute nap or a relaxing break can help. Looking in the mirror during anger can induce self-hatred and help control it. Practicing patience can transform anger into constructive dialogue. Reflecting on past unjustified anger can lead to better decision-making. It's futile to keep erupting; choose to be peaceful. Never invite anger, as it can lead to debt. A written reminder to stay calm and reading it during anger can bring peace. Observing a four-hour silent fast weekly can improve speech and reduce anger. Smiling upon waking can dispel worries, anger, stress, and anxiety. Observing a monthly fast from anger is presented as a great penance.
Let Laughter Bloom in Life: Laughter is described as a energizing tonic, keeping anger, worry, stress, and depression at bay. It enhances beauty, while crying causes sadness. Laughter is presented as a natural gift that enhances beauty and can lead to achieving goals that others pursue through asceticism. Smiling and making others smile is a challenging but rewarding task. The book suggests that while one may be born crying, dying with a smile is the ultimate fulfillment. It distinguishes between superficial laughter and heartfelt laughter, the latter stemming from the soul. Meeting cheerful people brings joy; withered faces are as unappealing as wilted flowers. A photographer's first suggestion is "Smile, please," and adopting this throughout the day can lead to natural beauty. Laughing heartily at least three times a day can prevent depression and heart attacks.
Useful Talks, Knowledge, and Tongue: This section emphasizes that serving God means helping the needy. Thinking calmly before acting decisively is advised. Gifts that are lasting and useful are better than temporary ones. Giving a book of inspiring thoughts is like giving light in darkness. Actions and words should be guided by wisdom. Sweetening one's tongue can resolve many problems. Developing a habit of learning from everyone, rather than just teachers, is encouraged. Giving just advice is not enough; it should be helpful and fair, not self-serving. Five reasons to avoid are: walking while eating, laughing while talking, dwelling on the past, remembering favors done, and interfering in conversations. Accepting good advice, regardless of the giver's own adherence, is important, much like buying sweets from a confectioner without questioning their personal consumption. True sermons are those that inspire thoughtful consideration, not just applause. Behavior should be such that it breaks hard hearts and mends broken ones. Speeches should be engaging and not overly long. Incorporating examples and stories can increase the impact of one's words.
Why Live by the Principles of Dharma? Dharma is presented as refuge, direction, and prestige in the ocean of life. The five steps of Dharma are Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Asteya (non-stealing), Aparigraha (non-possession), and Brahmacharya (celibacy/discipline). Those who follow Dharma have successful nights, while those who practice Adharma have fruitless days. Ahimsa is the foundation of universal security; understanding that no one desires suffering, one should extend love and friendship to all. Truth is the abode of vows, penance, self-control, and all virtues. Truthful people are trustworthy, respected, and loved. Wealth earned through dishonesty, bribery, or adulteration leads to destruction. Begging is better than casting greedy eyes on others' wealth. Since life is solitary, attachment to accumulated wealth, possessions, and land is unnecessary. Practicing celibacy is a supreme vow and penance. Even contemplating someone else's spouse is a sin; self-restraint is necessary even within marriage. The chapter reiterates the importance of peace, urging readers to refrain from anger and to forgive, promising divine grace and peace. Love is the path to making the earth a heaven. Humility is like a flexible reed that doesn't break. Four steps to humility are: respecting neighbors, responding to bitter words with sweetness, remaining silent during anger, and showing gentleness even when punishing an offender. Understanding that destiny governs events helps one remain unperturbed by losses and un-arrogant in gains. Death comes only once and at its appointed time, so fear is unnecessary; trust that God is with you. Silence is golden compared to speech, as relationships are built or broken by words, and peace is found in silence. Knowledge gained in childhood forms the foundation of life; continuous reading ensures the flow of knowledge even in the next life.
Are Prayers Answered? This section emphasizes faith in God as a spiritual guardian who helps in times of trouble and guides correctly. Prayer doesn't require formality and can be offered anywhere, anytime. God resides in the heart, not just in temples; surrendering to the divine within is paramount. Asking God for something is not selfishness, as we are God's children. God is omnipresent and with every child. Communication with God is like making a phone call. God desires a joyful life and helps in favorable circumstances, not hindering us. God walks with us in happiness and carries us in sorrow. Expect miracles only when you truly love God. During natural disasters, we realize our helplessness without divine assistance. Patience during crises signifies strong faith in God. Heeding internal warnings and intuitions is important, as God may be communicating through our conscience. Trust that whatever God does is for our good, and we will understand His actions eventually. Smile and express gratitude to God for His blessings. Avoid excessive pleas to God, as He is omniscient and cares for our well-being. Connect with God from the heart and leave the fulfillment of prayers to Him. Setting dreams and goals is important, as even difficult tasks can be accomplished with hard work and dedication.
Drown in the Sea of Breaths: Meditation is presented as the path to spiritual truths, being both a science and a practice. It offers solutions for an agitated mind and is achieved when all activities cease. Conscious deep breathing (pranayama) is the gateway to meditation. Deepening breaths naturally leads to a rhythmic and calm state. "Shwasarahit sthiti" (breathless state) opens the inner dimension of meditation. Breath is a bridge to inner consciousness. Conscious breathing or chanting "So-ham" (So-breath in, Ham-breath out) creates unity between body and mind. A calm and pure mind is meditation, which can occur at any time. As meditation practice deepens, it becomes a constant companion. Concentrated effort leads to concentration, while spontaneous concentration is meditation. Meditation is silence, peace, joy, and understanding. Experiencing joy means being in one's true existence. Meditation is entering the cave of intellect, but opening the heart's door first. The heart is the gate to truth. Descending into the heart through breath leads to peace, the path to heaven. Meditation is an experience of joy and gratitude. Witnessing is the soul of meditation; it's an all-encompassing experience. Meditative individuals remain peaceful regardless of their surroundings, radiating tranquility. Integrating meditation into daily activities—eating, driving, shaving, sleeping—provides spiritual results for every action. A 30-minute meditation session in a quiet environment, with inner silence and focus, brings joy and self-realization.
What to Ask from God? God's glory and radiance are everywhere, not confined to places of worship. Parents, teachers, children, and guests are manifestations of God; love and respect them, and share your possessions. God cares about your desire to find Him, not the path you choose. God is immensely grand, yet resides within everyone. Devotion means remembering God daily and following His commands in practical life, maintaining His presence in the heart for strength during crises. God walks with us in happiness and carries us in sorrow. If we become one with God, our problems will end. Out of 24 hours, dedicating even 24 minutes to God is suggested. Call out to God from the heart, not through microphones, as heart-felt prayers connect directly. Keeping God in the heart, home, and shop prevents sin, makes food a prasad, and turns customers into connections with God. Offering meager amounts to God after giving lavish gifts to others is questioned. Prayers should include remembering God daily, donating a portion of income to the needy, observing a monthly fast, and undertaking pilgrimage. Offer tears of repentance for past sins born of ignorance and delusion. What to ask from God: good nature, honest earnings, wealth for charity, family harmony, and the strength to endure hardships. The prayer concludes with a wish for the world's betterment, starting with oneself.
Let it Be a Resolution: The New Year's dawn inspires making resolutions to enhance sweetness and happiness. Just as a lock opens with the opposite turn of the key, our thoughts, words, and actions should be adjusted to reopen closed relationships. A little perfume refreshes the air; a smile dispels gloom. Resolving to smile will enhance facial beauty and create a positive mindset, banishing anger. Prioritizing health through balanced diet, timely sleep, and avoiding anger, worry, and overwork is crucial for peace of mind. A compassionate resolution is to provide 11 kg of flour along with the monthly salary to employees. Reading a good book daily for 20 minutes and sharing beneficial insights via SMS is recommended. Beyond children's education, resolve to contribute to a poor woman's delivery, a poor girl's wedding, or a poor child's education. Resolving to buy the same gift for one's mother as for one's wife is a gesture of equal respect. Supporting the needy with small donations of food for beggars or grass for cows can alleviate planetary disharmony. Additional resolutions include: greeting parents daily for blessings, dedicating half an hour to meditation and prayer on Sundays, observing a monthly fast, donating blood, and refraining from eating sweets on the day of a loved one's passing. These five resolutions can serve as "Panchamrit" for the New Year. Inspiring eye donation upon the death of a loved one ensures sight for generations.

This comprehensive summary covers the core messages and advice presented in the initial pages of "Charge kare Zindage," highlighting its focus on positive living, family values, personal development, and spiritual well-being, all framed within a framework of practical guidance and motivational encouragement.