Tu Rangai Jane Rangma 04 - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Tu Rangai Jane Rangma 04" by Purnanand Prakashan, based on the provided pages:

This publication, "Tu Rangai Jane Rangma 04," is the fourth installment in a series designed to introduce young children to the principles and stories of Jainism. The title translates to "May You Be Colored in the Color," signifying the aim to imbue children with the vibrant essence of the Jin(a) shasan (Jain teachings). It's presented as a collection of coloring storybooks.

Key Features and Content:

Educational and Artistic Goal: The book aims to awaken children's artistic inclinations by presenting stories of great Jain personalities. By coloring these pictures, children can immerse themselves in the lives of these figures and simultaneously develop their sense of color and art.
Content: The fourth issue includes stories written by a young monk (Balmuni) and other children, encouraging readers to submit their own stories.
Milestone: This issue marks the completion of the first year of the publication series. The publishers express their eagerness to hear from readers about the benefits they've gained from the four booklets.
Subscription and Engagement: Readers are reminded to renew their subscriptions for the new year and encouraged to inspire their friends to become members.
Competitions and Rewards: The booklet announces a competition (Number 4) with eight questions based on the content of this issue. Instructions are provided for answering, including writing on a postcard, keeping answers to one word, and including full details for eligibility. Five lucky winners will be selected and their names published in the next issue. The answers to Competition Number 3 are also provided, along with a clarification regarding one answer ("Sanatmuni" instead of "Sanatkumar").
Editorial and Publishing Information:
- Publisher: Purnanand Prakashan, Ahmedabad.
- Inspiration/Guide: Poojya Nyanchandrasagarji M.Sa. (Ganivarya), disciple of Poojya Acharyadevshri Hemchandrasagarsurishwarji M.Sa.
- Honorary Artist: Pushyendra Shah.
- Contact: Pradipbhai S. Shah.
The Stories (Summarized):
1. The Thief Receives a Pardon and Wealth (Page 4-5): This story features Abhaykumar, son of King Shrenik. Abhaykumar uses his intelligence to solve the case of a thief who had damaged the king's mango tree. Despite the king's anger and death sentence, Abhaykumar cleverly devises a plan where the thief teaches the king his "attraction" (akarshani) skill in exchange for his life. This highlights the importance of humility in learning and rewarding those who benefit us, ultimately leading to the thief's release with wealth. The moral emphasizes using intelligence to solve problems, help others, and showing respect to teachers.
2. When is a Jain Mother Sad? (Page 6-7): The story of Samprati Maharaj, who conquered three continents. Upon returning to his kingdom and prostrating before his mother, she appears distressed. She reveals her sadness not at his worldly conquests, but at the potential increase in his worldly attachments and karmic bonds. A Jain mother rejoices in her child's spiritual progress and liberation, not material success. Inspired by his mother's words, Samprati Maharaj undertakes a massive project of constructing numerous Jain temples and statues, dedicating himself to spreading Jainism. The story highlights a mother's true desire for her child's spiritual well-being and the immense merit in building religious structures.
3. The Splendor of Shalibhadra (Page 8-9): Shalibhadra is portrayed as a highly virtuous and fortunate individual born to wealthy parents. Due to his immense past merit, he enjoys extraordinary wealth and comfort. His father, Gobhadra Seth, after entrusting his vast fortune to Shalibhadra, takes diksha (renounces worldly life). Gobhadra, reborn as a celestial being, continues to send immense wealth and comfort items to Shalibhadra and his 32 wives daily, demonstrating the ongoing influence of past deeds and parental affection. The story explains the origin of this boon through a past life connection with Tejpal, who borrowed gold coins from Dhanadatta. This narrative illustrates the power of accumulated merit and the karmic connections that persist across lifetimes.
4. The Beginning of Persecutions for the Lord (Page 10-11): This story describes an incident early in Lord Mahavir's ascetic life. On his first day after diksha, while meditating, the Lord is approached by a cowherd whose oxen are missing. The cowherd, unable to find his oxen, wrongly accuses the meditating Lord of hiding them. In a fit of rage, the cowherd attempts to strike the Lord with a rope. However, the Lord, engrossed in his meditation and focused on breaking karma, remains unfazed. The celestial Indra intervenes, stops the cowherd, punishes him, and places him elsewhere. The story emphasizes the Lord's immense patience, forbearance, and his deep focus on spiritual liberation amidst worldly disturbances. The moral lessons include learning from the Lord's endurance and the negative consequences of jumping to conclusions and anger.
5. Becoming Omniscient While Eating (Page 12-13): The story of Muni Nagdatt, nicknamed "Kurgadu Muni" (rice-pot monk) due to his intense hunger stemming from past life karma. Despite this, he dedicates himself to Jain practices, focusing on practicing forgiveness as advised by his guru. He lives a simple life, eating only rice. He is mocked by four ascetics who undertake long fasts, but he faithfully serves them. On a festival day, when he procures rice, the ascetics, in anger, contaminate his food with excrement. Muni Nagdatt, however, calmly consumes it, reflecting on his own shortcomings and engaging in self-reproach. This leads him to the state of Shukla Dhyana (pure meditation) and he attains Kevalgyan (omniscience) right there. The ascetics, witnessing this, realize their error and also attain Kevalgyan upon seeking forgiveness from him. This story highlights the profound spiritual merit of forgiveness, equanimity, and the internal state of a true ascetic, even when consuming simple food.
6. The Dharma of the Oxen (Page 14-15): Jinadas Seth and his wife Sadhudas live a simple life, adhering to Jain principles, including the vow of limited possessions, which extends to not keeping cattle. They develop a friendship with a shepherdess who offers them two bull calves as a gift. Despite his vow, Jinadas Seth accepts them out of compassion, fearing they would be mistreated. He cares for them, and by listening to Jinadas Seth read religious scriptures during his observances, the calves also develop virtuous inclinations. They refrain from eating when Jinadas Seth fasts. This deepens Jinadas Seth's respect for them, seeing them as fellow spiritual aspirants. Later, a friend takes the calves to a racing event, injuring them. Jinadas Seth lovingly cares for them in their final moments, administering the vows of anashan (fasting unto death) and chanting the Navkar mantra, ensuring their good rebirth as celestial beings, Kamble and Shambal. One of these celestial beings later protects Lord Mahavir from an attack. The story emphasizes compassion, the influence of virtuous company, and the importance of guiding dying beings towards a favorable rebirth.
7. Jagadusha, the Great Donor (Page 16-17): Jagadusha is revered for his immense generosity, especially during times of famine. The story recounts how his family tradition of kindness was inherited from his mother. He faced a divine wrath at sea, where a goddess's gaze caused destruction. To appease her, he offered his own life and that of his son, impressing the goddess with his profound compassion and stopping the destruction. Later, advised by a guru about an impending three-year famine, Jagadusha diligently stocked vast quantities of grain. He then distributed this grain freely to alleviate the suffering of millions across various regions, opening numerous charitable kitchens and spending a significant fortune. He was honored with the title "Sustainer of the World." The story emphasizes the importance of compassion, adhering to divine guidance, and the unparalleled merit of selfless giving.
8. The Influence of Donation (Page 18-19): The story of Guṇasār Seth, a wealthy merchant devoted to Jainism. Despite his affluence, he observes fasts and takes the twelve vows of a Śrāvaka (lay follower). When his wealth dwindles, his wife suggests seeking help from her father. On his journey to his father-in-law's house, Guṇasār stops by a river for his meal. He encounters a Muni who is observing a month-long fast and requests him to accept his food. This act of giving to a worthy recipient (supātra dān) transforms the simple food he carries into precious gems. Upon arriving at his in-laws', who initially scorn his poverty-stricken appearance, he reveals the gems, surprising everyone. This tale highlights that true wealth lies in virtuous deeds, especially selfless giving, and that the purity of intention (bhāv) is more valuable than the material offering itself.

In essence, "Tu Rangai Jane Rangma 04" is a vibrant and engaging publication that uses storytelling and illustrations to impart Jain values, ethical teachings, and inspiring life examples to young readers. It encourages active participation through coloring and competitions, fostering a deeper connection to their faith.