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Q37. What is the theory of Bhavana? Discuss the meaning and the importance of each Bhavana. A37. "Bhavana" means conception: Jainism teaches certain basic conceptions of life, and asks us to keep them constantly in mind in our day to day affairs so that it would be easy for us to lead the daily routine of life without tension and in accordance with the fundamental principles of Jainism. These Bhavanas are twelve in number, namely, 1. Anitya (transitory), 2. Asharana (want of refuge), 3. Ekatva (aloneness), 4. Anyatva (otherness), 5. Sansar, 6. Asrav, 7. Samvar, 8. Nirjara, 9. Ashuchi, 10. Dharma, 11. Loka, 12. Bodhi.
Anitya - Always and at every moment remember that this is a changing world where everything is transitory. We come to grief when we resent the change. Only thing which does not change is our consciousness (Chetna), which is the attribute of our soul. So, we may better concentrate on our self.
Asharan - This Bhavana wants us not to depend upon any outside agency for our upliftment - not even upon the Tirthankars. We have to make our own efforts on the path pointed out by them.
Ekatva and Anyatva - Constantly remember that we have come in this world alone. We have to chart our course of spiritual progress also alone and to bear the brunt of life also alone. Our friends and relatives can be of no help. This Bhavana brings confidence in our own self.
Sansar - Repeated birth and death is sansar. When we keep this Bhavana in mind a question is bound to arise in the mine intelligent being whether this constant coming in and going out of life has any purpose to serve or not. What is this drama about? Such questions may lead one to apprehend and to know the reality.
Asrav, Samvara, Nirjara - These are already explained in answer to question 24. Constant remembrance of these Bhavana helps us in keeping a right path.
Ashuchi - We are all attached primarily to our body and try to satisfy all its undisciplined cravings. This Bhavana therefore teaches to be realistic and points out that most important in this body is the Jiva because without it the body is nothing but dirt, decease and impurities. This Bhavana does pot prescribe hatred for bodily wants but teaches us to discipline them so that it could be properly used for spiritual progress.
Dharma, Loka, Bodhi - These three Bhavanas remind us of ten virtues and the nature universe and the inter play of Jiva and Ajiva These Bhavanas supply a practical course of life and if properly followed our living is bound to become more rational and fruitful.
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