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 53

2. Asarana Bhavna - No one provides protection
Under this reflection, one thinks that he is helpless against death, old age, and disease. The only way he can conquer death and disease is by destroying all his karma. The soul (person) is his own savior, and to achieve the total freedom and enlightenment, one takes refuge to the true path of the religion and to the five benevolent personalities. They are Arihanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay and Sadhus or monks. The refuge to others is due to delusion, and must be avoided.
3. Samsara Bhavna - No permanent relationship in universe
Under this reflection, one thinks that the soul transmigrates from one life to the other in any of the four forms: human, animal, hellish, and heavenly.
The continual cycle of birth, life, and death is full of pain and miseries, and has not yet ended this cycle. There are no permanent worldly relations like father, mother, friend, and foe. It is we who establish these relations and live accordingly.
This kind of thought will help minimize or stop any attachments to other living beings, or objects. The soul must achieve ultimate freedom from it, which is liberation or Moksha.
4. Ekatva Bhavna - Solitude of the soul
Under this reflection, one thinks that the soul is solitaire, and lonely in existence. The soul assumes birth alone, and departs alone from this world. The soul is responsible for its own actions and karmas. The soul will enjoy the fruits, and suffer the bad consequences of its own action alone. Such thoughts will stimulate his efforts to get rid of karmas by his own initiative and will lead religious life.
5. Anyatva Bhavna - Separateness
Under this reflection, one thinks that soul is separate from any other objects or living beings of the world. Even his physical body is not his. At the time of death, soul leaves the body behind. The body is matter, while the soul is all consciousness.
The soul therefore should not develop attachment for worldly objects, other living beings, or to his own physical body. He should not allow himself to be controlled by desires, greed, and urges of his own physical body.
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