Jain Study Center NC Raleigh 1997 11 YJA Regional Convention

Author(s): Jain Study Center NC Raleigh
Publisher: USA Jain Study Center NC Raleigh

Page 52

Twelve Bhavnas (Reflections or Thoughts)
Pravin K. Shah Jain Study Center of NC
Jain religion puts a significant emphasis on the thought process of a human being. A person's behavior and his actions are the reflection of his internal thoughts, day in and day out. It is not the action but intention behind the action that results in the accumulation of Karma.
One should be very careful about his thoughts, how he thinks, and the subject matter of his thought.
To make room for pure thoughts, and to drive out the evil ones, Jainism recommends to meditate the following twelve thoughts or Bhavnas.
The twelve Bhavnas described here are the subject matters of one's meditation, and how to occupy one's mind with useful, religious, beneficial, peaceful, harmless, spiritually advancing, karma preventing thoughts. They cover a wide field of teachings of Jainism. They are designed to serve as aids to spiritual progress, produce detachment, and lead the aspirants from the realm of desire to the path of renunciation. They are reflections upon the fundamental facts of life, intended to develop purity of thought and sincerity in the practice of religion.
The reflections are also called Anuprekshas, longings, thoughts, aspirations, or Bhavnas.
eivono
Anitya Bhavna Asarana Bhavna Samsara Bhavna Ekatva Bhavna Anyatva Bhavna Asuci Bhavna Asrava Bhavna Samvara Bhavna Nirjara Bhavna Loka Bhavna Bodhi-durlabha Bhavna Dharma Bhavna
- Impermanence of the world - No one provides protection - No permanent relationship in universe - Solitude of the soul - Separateness - Impureness of the body - Influx of karma - Stoppage of influx of karma - Shedding of karma - Transitory of universe - Unattainability of right faith, knowledge, and conduct - Unattainability of true preceptor, scriptures, and religion
11. 12.
1. Anitya Bhavna - Impermanence of the world
Under this reflection, one thinks that in this world every thing such as life, youth, wealth, and property are transient or subject to alteration. Nothing in the universe is permanent, even though the whole universe is permanent or constant. Spiritual values are therefore worth striving for as soul's ultimate freedom and stability. This will help to break all earthly attachments.
Jain Education Interational