Introduction To Jainism

Author(s): Gunvant Barvalia
Publisher: SKPG Jain Philosophical and Literary Research Centre

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$S65AISISSA, INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM SKAISTAS
28-8-15 $9/8X/SISSA INTRODUCTION TO JAINISM SKAGASKAS
3. SANSAR BHAVNA
Meditational, Philosophical and Spiritual ponderance on subjects of peculiar and indifferent formation of material world, Type of karmas, manifestation of mental perversion, attitude of inclina towards attachment, aversion, personal interest taking place every moment and what makes these to happen etc. will lead a person (living being) towards 'Vitaragata' i.e. elevated Status of inner self that can be attained with gradual reduction of kashayas etc.
4. EKATVA BHAVANA
A ponderance as to the jeeva, that has come to the present birth (Bhava) alone and would also go alone to next birth after death.
5. ANYATVA BHAVNA
Except for own inner self, the rest of the material objects, persons, relation etc. are distinctly different and it is result of karmic combinations of the past.
6. ASHUCHI BHAVANA
A body of Jeeva i.e. "Audarik sharir" is full of dirty elements like Blood, Flesh, Bones, Pus, urine etc. This retracts and causes feeling of Aversion. Only invisible inner self, is pure & holy, precious element, This Bhavna leads to that type of ponderance for self elevation.
7. ASHRAVA BHAVNA
Influx of karmic particles towards Atma (soul) is called Ashrava. Mithyatva (False belief), Avirati (Avrati - without any avowed commitment to observe any vrat) Pramad (Laziness and more inclination towards worldly - sensual pleasures at the cost of "Spiritual self" (Atma - soul) ignoring own interests,) Kashaya (indulgence in Anger, Pride, Decipt & Greed), Ashubh Yoga i.e. undesirable sinful activities of mind, speech & body. These are five components of Ashrava.
An umbrella of vows will thus protect us from the rain of Kashays.
8. SAMVAR BHAVNA
Reflection to check inflow of Asrava and thereby protect inner self (Atma) from being dragged in wrong direction. This is practiced
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by undertaking vrats with avowed commitments to refrain from sinful activities to the extent possible.
9. NIRJARA BHAVANA
To practice penance, both external and internal, and develop pure thoughts in this direction to lighten the innerself from karmic bondage, which otherwise would make it heavy, causing harm spiritually.
10. DHARMA BHAVANA
Dharma Bhavana is meant for pondering on qualities like Daan (Charity Donation) sheel (Practicing whole/part celibacy and restrict and regulate in a way to keep high degree of character), Tapa (penance) and Bhava, reflection of mind towards spiritual development & purifying soul to achieve / attain liberation
11. LOKA BHAVANA
Pondering upon rotation of soul in different modes of life involving Birth, life & death in cyclic form and thereby subjecting to miseries involved therein Sensual pleasure ultimately turn out against interest of spiritual self.
12. BODHI BHAVANA
Ponderance to attain "Samyak Darshan" in this human mode of life, by appropriate spiritual practice, so as to proceed swiftly to the path of liberation i. e. from 45 to 14 gunasthanak & be default for salvation.
Over and above these 12 Bhavanas 4 more special bhavanas (Para Bhavna) are as under:
(1) MAITRI BHAVANA : A feeling of friendship towards all living beings and enmity with none. Forgiveness is by default included.
(2) PRAMOD BHAVANA : Appreciation of merits of others and get inner pleasure thereby. Devotion to saints etc. to be cultivated with sense of offering "VAIYAVACH" (services etc).
(3) KARUNA BHAVANA :
A Feeling of sympathy and compassion towards suffering of living beings and efforts to make them comfortable by nursing - attending, serving them.
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