Anitya Bhavana

Here is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Anitya Bhavana" by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Indradinna Suriji, based on the provided pages:

The text "Anitya Bhavana" (Reflection on Impermanence) by Acharya Shrimad Vijay Indradinna Suriji, discusses one of the twelve reflections in Jainism. It emphasizes the importance of understanding and internalizing the impermanent nature of all things in the world.

The author begins by acknowledging the benevolent rule of Lord Mahavir and highlights the contributions of spiritual leaders like Upadhyay Shrimad Vinay Vijayji Maharaj, who composed the "Shant Sudharas" which details these twelve reflections, placing "Anitya Bhavana" first.

The Problem of Modern Man: The text criticizes the modern, scientifically "progressive" human for becoming increasingly disconnected from their roots. Driven by the illusion of happiness, individuals are constantly chasing external allurements, neglecting introspection and the fundamental questions of life: Who am I? What is my purpose? What is life? Where am I going? What do I need to achieve? What is my relationship with the world? This neglect, coupled with a loss of the ability to distinguish between the self and the external world, leads to unhappiness, distress, and a lack of peace, despite material progress.

The Core of Anitya Bhavana: The central tenet of Jain philosophy is to "discern the self from the other and to purify the mind." "Anitya Bhavana" is crucial for this, as without understanding impermanence, neither self-discrimination nor mental purity can be achieved.

Understanding Impermanence:

• Not Negation, but Transformation: The text clarifies that impermanence does not mean considering the world and its objects as false or a dream. Instead, it means understanding them as transient and ever-changing, which helps in detaching from them.
• Foundation of Renunciation: Jainism is a religion of renunciation and detachment. The understanding of the impermanent reality of worldly objects and relationships strengthens this spirit of renunciation.
• Awakening and Awareness: Experiencing, observing, and analyzing impermanence cultivates an awakened and vigilant perspective. An individual who practices "Anitya Bhavana" remains internally alert.

Attachment and Suffering: Attachment (asakti or mamata) to worldly possessions and enjoyments is identified as the root cause of suffering, anxiety, and all troubles. This attachment intensifies when people believe these worldly things are real, permanent, and unchanging. The deeper the attachment, the greater the suffering.

Illustrative Example: The text uses the example of a factory owner losing their factory to fire. The profound shock and impact on the owner, leading to a heart attack, is attributed to their deep attachment to the possessions.

Detachment from Possessions and Relationships: The advice is to avoid binding oneself to material objects, be it a house, car, shop, money, factory, spouse, children, grandchildren, or even one's own body. While possessing these, one must cultivate the perspective that they are not truly "mine" and will eventually be separated. Understanding their impermanent and transient nature, which can be lost at any moment, is key.

Developing Equanimity: When one can view possessions and relationships with this perspective, the loss of a child or the destruction of property will not lead to despair, lamentation, or shock. Instead, one will remain neutral, recognizing the impermanence and thinking that what was lost could be regained through effort.

The True Jain Approach: This attitude is characteristic of a true Jain follower. "Anitya Bhavana" cultivates this art of living, dispels illusions, and clarifies the distinction between the self and the other.

Anitya Bhavana is Not Escapism: It is not an escape from life but a message to engage with it. The understanding of impermanence should not lead to negativity or despair. Instead, it should foster a positive outlook and inspire proactive effort. It encourages using one's life, youth, wealth, and opportunities for righteous activities, developing a philosophical perspective on life, the world, and death.

The Uncertainty of Life: The text highlights the deep attachment people have to life, youth, wealth, and their bodies. Life is likened to monsoon clouds, which can dissipate at any moment. Life is uncertain, while death is certain. One can die at any age, in any situation, anywhere, or through any means. Despite this uncertainty, people live as if they are immortal, forgetting the transient nature of life and the inevitability of death. The only way to reduce this attachment is to constantly keep death in sight.

The Volatility of Youth: Youth is described as an age of indiscretion and infatuation, characterized by the strongest attraction and attachment to the world. The text includes a devotional verse (pad) by Acharya Shri Vijayananda Surishwarji Maharaj beautifully describing the fleeting nature of youth, wealth, and worldly pleasures, urging one not to be deluded by worldly illusions and to focus on the eternal soul.

The Cycle of Change: Every aspect of the world undergoes constant change, as evidenced by the progression of the day (morning, noon, evening, night). Youth fades like the afternoon, and life ends like sunset.

The Uncertainty of Tomorrow: The text uses the example of Lord Rama's planned coronation, which was dramatically changed to exile by a single night, illustrating the unpredictable nature of the future.

Attachment to the Body and Cosmetic Practices: A significant portion of the text focuses on the attachment to the physical body and the practices associated with enhancing its beauty. It criticizes the extensive use of cosmetics and beauty products, particularly those that involve violence against innocent creatures. The author argues that such practices, even for women with inherently compassionate hearts, reflect a hardening of the heart. The text strongly advocates against the use of these products, emphasizing that true beauty lies in inner qualities like wisdom, humility, gentleness, and service. The pursuit of external beauty for a temporary, decaying body is deemed a waste of precious life and an act of violence and sin. The body is a vehicle for spiritual practice, and the beauty of the soul is paramount.

The Scene of Death: A poignant devotional verse by poet Udayaratnaji vividly describes the scene after death, where the deceased is removed from their grand house, and loved ones lament their passing. The verse emphasizes that only punya (merit) and papa (demerit) accompany the soul, not possessions or relationships.

The Illusion of Relationships: When a person dies, the stark reality of the impermanence of relationships becomes evident. The mourners' grief highlights the fleeting nature of familial bonds, and it's understood that only one's karma truly accompanies them.

The Impermanence of Even the Strongest: The story of King Karakandu observing an arrogant bull that eventually ages, weakens, and becomes vulnerable serves as a powerful allegory for the impermanence of strength, beauty, and influence. Witnessing this, King Karakandu renounces his kingdom to pursue spiritual realization. This perspective is presented as the true way to observe the world.

Anitya Bhavana Leading to Moksha: The text concludes by highlighting the example of Mother Marudeva, mother of the first Tirthankara, Lord Adinath. Her profound understanding of impermanence, even in the face of deep maternal affection for her son, led her to attain Kevalgyan (omniscience) while sitting on an elephant after hearing Lord Adinath's teachings. Her realization that all worldly relationships are impermanent and that only the soul is eternal allowed her to transcend her sorrow and achieve spiritual liberation.

Conclusion: Ultimately, "Anitya Bhavana" equips individuals with the knowledge of the world's true nature and life's purpose, leading to the purification of the mind, detachment from worldly pleasures, and the attainment of inner peace. Understanding impermanence naturally elevates the mind, and this is the core of mental discipline.