BHAVANAS
Bhavana means reflection or
contemplation. We are always thinking of something which may be near us or
could even be as far away as the other end of the world. This thinking may
cause happiness, sorrow, anger, greed, jealousy, or egoism, etc. And
depending upon how we react, we attract different types of karmas to our
souls. No prudent person would like to attract bad karma and at certain
stages any karma at all. But it is not as easy as turning off a switch. So
to minimize the bondage of karmas, the Jina have taught us to observe
sixteen Bhavanas. Of them the following four can easily be practiced by
the householders while the rest of twelve may be observed once we become
more serious about spiritual uplift.
1) Maitri Bhavana (Thinking of being a
Friend)
2) Pramod Bhavana (Thinking of
Appreciation)
3) Karuna Bhavana (Thinking of
Compassion)
4) Madhyastha Bhavana (Thinking to stay
neutral or uninvolved)
Let us understand how these bhavanas
play important roles in our lives, how they can keep us away from bad
karmas, and ultimately how they can improve our overall chances to uplift
our souls.
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Maitri Bhavana (Thinking of the
Friendship) Lord Mahävira said, "We must be
friend to all living beings." The feeling of friendship brings love and
respect to others. It also initiates a feeling of brotherhood among all
and in turn leaves no room for the harm, deceit or quarrelsomeness with
anybody. If we contemplate on Maitri Bhavana, our thoughts, words, and
actions will not be harsh, and we will not hurt anybody. On the
contrary, we will support and protect everybody. Friendship will lead us
to be tolerant, forgiving, and caring for one another. Therefore, if we
develop a friendship with all living beings, we will avoid bad karma.
-
Pramod Bhavana (Thinking of the
Appreciation) In this bhavana, we admire the
success of our friends, spiritual leaders, and the Arihants. One of the
most destructive forces in our lives is jealousy. However, friendship
combined with the admiration, destroys jealousy . As jealousy subsides,
negative impulses are turned into positive ones, and in due time, we
will be at peace.
-
Karuna Bhavana (Thinking of the
Compassion) Instead of succeeding, many of our
friends may be getting into trouble for the things that can be avoided
and should not be done. Even some of those who are successful may be
accumulating vices such as greed and ego. They are not on the right
path. They may be weak, helpless, and in distress. At a time like this,
we should contemplate on the karuna Bhavana and show compassion for them
instead of disgust or hate. We should show them the right path with the
patience, tolerance, and forgiveness and offer them the needed support.
This way we can avoid accumulating bad karma for us as well as for them.
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Madhyastha Bhavana (Think of
staying neutral or uninvolved) The life
appears to be nothing but involvement. Sometimes the situation works out
favorably and sometimes it does not. So instead of getting disappointed,
angry, or more involved, we should contemplate on Madhyastha Bhavana
which leads to the feeling that "I did my best to resolve the
situation." This leads our mind to decide that if someone does not want
to understand, then leave that person alone without getting further
involved. We should simply hope that one of these days, that person may
understand things and change. By observing Madhyastha Bhavana, we remain
in equanimity, instead of provoking turmoil in our minds. When our mind
stays neutral and uninvolved, then the karma stay away.
In short, we can avoid the influx of bad
karmas and live peacefully in this worldly life by developing friendships
with all living beings, admiring their success, holding their hands when
they are in the distress, and leaving them alone at the times when they do
not understand what is right or wrong. So until it becomes the natural way
of life to observe the above bhavanas, one should contemplate on them as
many times as needed. If there is a goal, then there is an achievement!
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