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CONDUCT
makes us aware of its futility and our ignorance. Thinking about our trivial place in the vastness of the universe makes us humble and dissolves our pride.
11 Bodhidurlabh Bhävanä (Rarity of Enlightenment)
This Bhävanä is about contemplating how difficult it is for souls wandering in the four stages of existence to attain human life and Jin dharma. It is only as a human, and only through following teachings of Tirthankar Bhagawän, that we can attain liberation. In this Bhävanä, we should contemplate that it is a rare thing that we are born as humans and are fortunate to have the benefit of the teachings of Jineshvar Bhagawän. We must use this human life for the betterment of our souls and help others to do the same. The soul, always entangled with passions and natural instincts, needs vigorous effort to overcome weaknesses and to cultivate virtues. Therefore, it is said in the scriptures that:
C04 Bhävanäs (Reflections)
"After listening, understanding, and comprehending religion, whenever we try to initiate efforts to follow religion, the swarm of inner enemies (attachment, hatred, fatigue, laziness, sleep) are always ready to attack good endeavors and to try to obstruct us."
It is also said in Uttarädhyayan Sutra, "In this world four things, are rare to living beings: the human life, listening to religion, faith in religion, and the energy to follow right conduct."
12 Dharma Bhävanä (Religion)
True religion is one that helps us achieve the cherished goal of liberation. The religion taught to us by Tirthankar Bhagawän is comprised of non-violence, self-control, and penance. Tirthankars have established a religion which teaches us charity, right conduct, austerity, and spirituality. We should constantly contemplate on the thought that this religion should prevail in our hearts forever.
03 Four Auxiliary Bhävanäs (Compassionate Reflections)
The four auxiliary Bhävanäs represent a positive means of supporting the five vows. They help to develop purity of thought and sincerity in the practice of religion. They play a very important role in the day-to-day life of a householder in acquiring tolerance, calmness, and compassion. Moreover, these reflections can be practiced very easily. Adopting these Bhävanäs in daily life can make a person very virtuous.
Maitri Bhävanä
Pramod Bhävanä Karunä Bhävanä Mädhyastha Bhävanä
Contemplation of Friendship Contemplation of Appreciation
Contemplation of Compassion Contemplation of Neutrality
1 Maitri Bhävanä (Contemplation of Friendship)
Lord Mahävir said, "We must be friends to all living beings." The feeling of friendship brings love and respect to others. Our soul has been in contact with each soul existing in this universe from the infinite cycle of past births. Every living being has a keen desire to live just as we do. Everyone wants to be happy and free of pain just as we want to be.
This initiates a feeling of goodwill towards all living beings and in turn leaves no room for harm or deceit. If we contemplate on Maitri Bhävanä, our thoughts, words, and actions will not be harsh, and we will not hurt anybody. On the contrary, we will help and protect every living being. We should think of only the loving and caring experiences of the past, and pardon every soul for their mistakes. Friendliness softens the heart and nourishes the capacity to be tolerant, forgiving, and caring for one another. Friendliness and nonviolence strengthen each other.
2 Pramod Bhavana (Contemplation of Appreciation)
Sincere appreciation of good qualities in others is an extremely powerful tool for attaining the same qualities ourselves. In this Bhävanä, we admire the success of others.
Compendium of Jainism - 2015
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