$JES 904 Compendium of Jainism (Jain Academic Bowl Manual 3rd Edition)

Author(s): JAINA Education Committee
Publisher: JAINA Education Committee

Page 147

CONDUCT
C04 - Bhävanäs (Reflections)
C04 - Bhävanäs (Reflections)
01 Introduction Jain religion puts a significant emphasis on the thought process of a human being. A person's behavior and his or her actions are generally the reflection of his or her thought process. So, it is not only the action, but also the intention behind the action is vital in the accumulation of Karma. Therefore, one should be very careful about his or her thoughts, and the subject matter of his or her thoughts. To bring equanimity of thoughts and self-control in life, Jainism recommends reflecting or meditating on the twelve specific aspects of thought process known as Bhavanä (Anupreksha). Bhävanä means reflection or contemplation. They are designed to serve as an aid to spiritual progress leading to the path of renunciation. They are reflections upon the fundamental facts of life. Reflecting on these aspects, one can come closer to seeing life as it really is, without preconceived ideas and delusion. By engaging in these reflections, one can stop the entry of new karmas as well as eradicate old karmas. The following are the twelve main Bhävanäs: 02 Twelve Main Bhävanäs
01 Anitya Bhävanä (Impermanence)
All external substances including the body are transitory (Anitya).They are constantly changing and are perishable. But behind this continuous change, there is an unchanging constant entity, the soul. Therefore, we should not have attachment for temporary things, but we should strive to uncover the purity of the eternal soul. The following stanza from Jain scriptures describes this philosophy: "Oh you fool! Why do you unnecessarily worry about your prosperity and beloved family? Oh you fool, know and realize that your life and relatives are as fragile as a drop of water, dangling on top of a blade of grass, constantly shaking in the wind." Thinking about impermanence should not lead one to become lazy. On a positive note, to attain the pure nature of the soul, one should walk on the path of morality. This Bhävanä also helps us to not
be troubled in times of adversity, as that too will pass. 02 Asharan Bhävanä (Helplessness)
When everything is transient, where can one find protection? Who can one depend on? Human beings experience tremendous agony when disease, old age, and death occur. No worldly things like wealth, family, and fame can provide comfort or take away our pain. Meditating on the second Bhävanä helps us to build inner strength. One can find protection in the four pure entities - Arihanta; who have conquered inner weaknesses, Siddha; the perfect soul, Sädhu; who guides one through the religion, and Dharma, the religion taught by the enlightened. When a person succumbs to old age and death, not a single relative will be able to save him from that death. So, the best thing to do is take refuge in Jin Dharma!
This Bhävanä uproots the passion of pride. It also helps one to face the adversities of life in perfect equanimity by being self-dependent. However, the thought of no one being able to help another person should not keep one away from benevolent acts of compassion and friendliness. Meditating on this reflection makes one humble and reminds us that only salvation is ultimate freedom from
miseries. 03 Samsär Bhävanä (Cycle of Life and Death)
The cycle of life is full of dualities - birth and death, pleasure and pain, happiness and misery, good and bad. Circumstances in life go up and down like a ferris wheel. If one does not identify with these dualities by neither grieving in pain nor being elated in pleasure, and stays unaffected by just being an observer, they can free themselves from the miserable cycle of birth and death. Meditating on this Bhavana gives a purposeful direction to life.
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
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