Jyoti Kothari: Bhavanas – Reflections for a Meaningful Life

१६ भावनाएँ (16 Bhavanas) – Reflections for a Meaningful Life

Jainism teaches us to reflect deeply on certain thoughts, called Bhavanas, to develop wisdom, kindness, and detachment. The 12 Bhavanas help us understand the truth of life, while the 4 Additional Bhavanas guide us in maintaining good relationships with others. Bhavanas are the gateway to Dhyana (Meditation) and a powerful tool to eradicate Karma (Nirjara).

By thinking about these 16 Bhavanas, we can become better human beings and move toward liberation (Moksha).

Bhavana and Dhyana (Meditation)

The 12 Bhavanas (१२ मुख्य भावनाएँ)

1️⃣ अनित्य भावना (Anitya Bhavana) – Impermanence of the World

Everything in mundane life is temporary or impermanent. Our body, relationships, and possessions do not last forever. Understanding this reduces our attachment to material things.

2️⃣ अशरण भावना (Asharana Bhavana) – Helplessness

No one—family, friends, or wealth—can protect us at the time of death. This is the helplessness in everybody's life. Only our good or bad karma follows us. Understanding this is understanding the truth.

3️⃣ संसार भावना (Samsara Bhavana) – Cycle of Birth and Death

We have taken countless births in different forms—human, animal, insect, and more. This cycle of birth and death is full of suffering. The only way to escape is by following Dharma, the path of Moksha.

4️⃣ एकत्व भावना (Ekatva Bhavana) – Aloneness

We are responsible for our own karma. No one else can take the results of our actions, and we alone will face their consequences. Understanding of this aloneness combined with helplessness, leads to a deeper truth.

5️⃣ अन्यत्व भावना (Anyatva Bhavana) – Separateness

The soul (Atma) is separate from the body and all worldly things. Realizing this helps us avoid false attachment. This Bahavana, in a way, is opposite to the previous one.

6️⃣ अशुचि भावना (Ashuchi Bhavana) – Impurity of the Body

The human body is made up of blood, bones, and waste, unclean substances. It is constantly changing and will decay one day. Instead of being obsessed with the body, we should focus on the pure and eternal soul.

7️⃣ आस्रव भावना (Asrava Bhavana) – Influx of Karma

Karma enters our soul because of our actions, thoughts, and emotions. Negative emotions like anger, greed, and ego bring bad karma. Mithyatva, Raga, and Dwesha are the main causes of Asrava. Understanding this truth to the level of perception is Asrava Bhavana.

8️⃣ संवर भावना (Samvara Bhavana) – Stopping the Inflow of Karma

Restraining the influx of Karma is one of the main goals of spiritual life. Samvara Bhavana helps understanding this. True knowledge, along with right perception and practicing self-control, non-violence, and discipline, we can stop new karma from entering our soul.

9️⃣ निर्जरा भावना (Nirjara Bhavana) – Shedding of Karma

We can remove past karma through penance, meditation, and self-discipline. The lighter our soul becomes, the closer we get to liberation.

🔟 लोक स्वरूप भावना (Loka Swaroopa Bhavana) – Understanding the Universe

The universe is eternal, consists of six Dravyas and follows fixed rules. It consists of heavens, hells, human and animal realms, and infinite living beings. By understanding this, we become aware of our true purpose in life.

1️⃣1️⃣ बोधि दुर्लभ भावना (Bodhi Durlabha Bhavana) – Rarity of Right Knowledge

Getting a human birth is rare. Learning the right Dharma and conceiving it is extremely rare. We should not waste this opportunity and must follow the teachings of Tirthankaras.

1️⃣2️⃣ धर्म सुआख्यातत्व भावना (Dharma Suākhyātatva Bhavana) – Glory of True Dharma

True Dharma is well-proclaimed by the Tirthankaras and leads to Moksha. The Dharma is well defined. We should follow the TriRatna (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct) to achieve true happiness.

The 4 Additional Bhavanas (४ अतिरिक्त भावनाएँ)

1️⃣3️⃣ मैत्री भावना (Maitri Bhavana) – Friendliness

We should be friendly and loving towards all living beings. This removes aversion and helps create peace and harmony in our mind, thus in the world.

1️⃣4️⃣ प्रमोद भावना (Pramod Bhavana) – Appreciation of Virtuous Souls

Instead of feeling jealous of good and noble people, we should appreciate and respect them. We should try to follow their example. This helps in inculcating virtues in ourselves.

1️⃣5️⃣ करुणा भावना (Karunya Bhavana) – Compassion for the Suffering

Mercy and compassion are great virtues. It is said that all virtues follow Karuna (Kindness). Whenever we see someone in pain, we should help them with kindness. We should avoid harming any living being.

1️⃣6️⃣ मध्यस्थ भावना (Madhyastha Bhavana) – Neutrality towards the Wicked

One who is evil, unjust, or doing something wrong, we generally retaliate. Ignoring them, instead, is Madhyastha Bhavana. If someone is doing bad deeds, we should not feel hatred or take revenge. Instead, we should stay neutral and avoid getting involved in negativity.

Understanding the word Bhavana

The Meaning and Sanskrit Origin of the Word "भावना" (Bhavana)

The word भावना (Bhāvanā) has deep roots in Sanskrit grammar and philosophy, and it carries a profound meaning beyond just "thought" or "reflection." Let’s break it down in detail.

1. Etymology of "भावना"

The word भावना (Bhāvanā) is derived from the Sanskrit root "भू" (bhū), which means "to be," "to exist," or "to become."

Root: √भू (bhū) → "to be, to grow, to manifest"
Suffix: -अना (ana) → Used in Sanskrit to denote a continuous process, making something happen
Formation: भू + अना → भावना (Bhāvanā)

Thus, भावना literally means "the process of bringing something into being" or "the act of cultivating and manifesting a thought or state of mind."

It is not just passive thinking but actively generating and nurturing an idea, quality, or state of consciousness.

2. Meanings of "भावना" in Different Contexts

In Jainism & Spirituality:
- भावना refers to deep contemplation, reflection, and internalization of spiritual truths.
- It is a mental exercise to bring about a transformation of the soul by aligning thoughts with the ultimate truth.
- The 16 Bhavanas are meant to purify the soul and develop detachment, kindness, and wisdom.
In General Sanskrit Usage:
- "Feeling" or "Emotion" – भावना refers to emotions like love, compassion, devotion, and respect.
- "Cultivation" or "Development" – Just as a seed grows into a tree with care, भावना means the deliberate cultivation of thoughts and virtues.
- "Imagination" or "Visualization" – In poetry and literature, भावना means the act of envisioning something deeply.
In Sanskrit Grammar (Vyākaraṇa)
- The term भावना is used in Pāṇini's grammar to describe the "intended meaning" or "conveyed sense" of a verb or action.
- It indicates causation and mental effort behind an action (Kārya-kāraṇa sambandha).

3. भावना as a Path to Transformation

Unlike ordinary thoughts, भावना is a systematic method of focusing the mind on higher truths.

It bridges the gap between knowledge and experience.
By practicing Bhavanas, a person shifts from intellectual understanding to an inner realization.
It is an active state – one does not just think about impermanence (Anitya Bhavana), but deeply realizes it, feels it, and integrates it into life.

Thus, भावना is a practice, an effort, and a deep realization all at once.

4. भावना in Jain Philosophy

In Jainism, भावना is a critical concept because it is a mental discipline that purifies the soul and reduces karma.

The 16 Bhavanas are not just meditations but powerful mental tools to reshape our perception of life.
They are not blind beliefs but contemplations leading to self-experience.
This aligns with अनुप्रेक्षा (Anuprekṣā), which means systematic inner reflection.

Example:

When one deeply meditates on Anitya Bhavana (Impermanence), it is not just thinking about impermanence. It is seeing impermanence in everything around, feeling it, and letting go of attachments naturally.

5. Conclusion: Why is भावना So Important?

भावना is the foundation of self-transformation.
It is not just a thought but a living experience that changes our actions and emotions.
It is the first step toward wisdom (Jnana) and liberation (Moksha).

Jainism beautifully integrates भावना as a bridge between knowledge (Darshan) and conduct (Charitra), leading to the purification of the soul.

Thus, भावना is not mere thinking—it is the conscious, systematic cultivation of the right perspective that leads to inner awakening. 🙏

Exercise:

A. Match the Following

अनित्य भावना → A. Friendliness towards all
संसार भावना → B. Appreciating noble people
मैत्री भावना → C. Everything is temporary
प्रमोद भावना → D. Cycle of birth and death
मध्यास्थ भावना → E. Neutrality towards the wicked

(Answers: 1 → C, 2 → D, 3 → A, 4 → B, 5 → E)

B. Fill in the Blanks

_________ भावना teaches us that nothing in the world is permanent.
_________ भावना helps us understand that only our karma stays with us at the time of death.
_________ भावना encourages us to feel compassion for those who are suffering.
_________ भावना tells us that true Dharma is the only path to Moksha.
_________ भावना reminds us that our soul is different from our body.

(Answers: 1. अनित्य, 2. अशरण, 3. करुणा, 4. धर्म सुआख्यातत्व, 5. अन्यत्व)

C. Think and Write

Which Bhavana do you like the most and why?
Can you name one daily habit that will help you practice Maitri Bhavana?
What does Samsara Bhavana teach us about our past and future lives?
How can we stop new karma from entering our soul?
What is the difference between Pramod Bhavana and Karunya Bhavana?

D. Creative Activity

Storytelling: Write a short story where a person follows at least three Bhavanas in their daily life.
Drawing: Make a poster with all 16 Bhavanas in a creative way.
Discussion: Share an experience where you practiced Maitri, Karunya, or Madhyastha Bhavana in real life.

Conclusion

The 16 Bhavanas help us understand life better and guide us toward a peaceful, wise, and kind way of living. By thinking about them daily, we can make better choices, be more compassionate, and move closer to Moksha.

🌿 Which Bhavana will you practice today? 🌿

Thanks,

Jyoti Kothari

(Jyoti Kothari, Proprietor, Vardhaman Gems, Jaipur represents Centuries Old Tradition of Excellence in Gems and Jewelry. He is an adviser, Vardhaman Infotech, a leading IT company in Jaipur. He is also ISO 9000 professional)