Bhavna Ek Chintan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "भावना : एक चिन्तन" (Bhavna: A Contemplation) by Dr. Ranjankumar, focusing on the philosophical and spiritual significance of "Bhavna" (contemplation or mental disposition) in Jainism.

Core Concept: The Primacy of Bhavna in Jainism

The text establishes "Bhavna" as the most crucial and influential element within the Jain path to liberation. While Jainism emphasizes various principles like karma, reincarnation, ahimsa, and syadvada, it's Bhavna that acts as the ultimate guide for navigating the cycle of birth and death (samsara). Without Bhavna, even virtuous actions like charity, ethical conduct (sheel), or rigorous penance are considered futile, akin to sowing chaff instead of grain. Bhavna is not merely a component of Jainism but its very essence, the means to achieving the ultimate goal (paramartha).

Bhavna as Mental Cultivation and Liberation

The human mind is constantly engaged in thinking, generating both auspicious and inauspicious thoughts. Auspicious thoughts lead to well-being, while inauspicious ones lead to suffering. From a philosophical and religious perspective, thoughts that facilitate detachment from the world are considered auspicious, while those that foster attachment are inauspicious. The text clarifies that its focus is on the "Bhavna-vicharna" (contemplation of Bhavna) as expounded in Jain philosophy, rather than delving into the complexities of determining auspiciousness.

Key Jain Scholars and their Views on Bhavna

Digambara Acharya Kundakunda: He believed that for both ascetics (shramana) and householders, Bhavna is the driving force for spiritual development. Without fully comprehending the essence of Bhavna, any spiritual endeavor, whether asceticism or study, is ultimately unproductive.
Jain Acharyas in General: They consider Bhavnas as crucial stepping stones towards achieving Moksha (liberation) or Kaivalya (omniscience). These contemplations weaken worldly attachments and pave the path to spiritual freedom.

Distinguishing Between Four and Twelve Bhavnas

The text addresses a potential ambiguity regarding the number of Bhavnas. While some Jain texts mention four Bhavnas (Maitri, Pramod, Karunya, and Madhyasth – qualities of kindness, joy in others' virtue, compassion, and equanimity), the primary focus of this discussion is on the Twelve Bhavnas (Anupreksha). These twelve are not mere qualities but represent stages of contemplation and spiritual practice.

The Twelve Bhavnas

The text then elaborates on the significance of the twelve Bhavnas:

Anitya Bhavna (Contemplation of Impermanence): This is the realization that all worldly possessions, power, youth, strength, health, and even the body are transient and perishable. Just as the morning's appearance of a thing differs from its midday or afternoon state, so too do all worldly things change. Attachment or aversion to such impermanent things yields no benefit.
Asharan Bhavna (Contemplation of Helplessness): This is the understanding that in times of suffering and ultimately at the time of death, one is alone. No worldly possession or relation can offer true refuge.
Sansar Bhavna (Contemplation of the Cycle of Birth and Death): This involves reflecting on the continuous cycle of birth, death, and rebirth across various realms (hellish beings, animals, humans, and celestial beings) driven by one's karma.
Ekatva Bhavna (Contemplation of Solitude): The understanding that the soul is ultimately alone, distinct from the body and mind, and that one must face the consequences of karma individually.
Anyatva Bhavna (Contemplation of Otherness): Recognizing that all worldly things – body, possessions, relationships – are external to the true self (soul) and ultimately belong to others or are subject to change.
Ashuchi Bhavna (Contemplation of Impurity): Reflecting on the impure nature of the physical body, its origins, and its constituent elements, leading to detachment from bodily desires.
Asrava Bhavna (Contemplation of Influx of Karma): Understanding the channels through which karmic particles enter the soul, leading to bondage and suffering.
Samvara Bhavna (Contemplation of Cessation of Karma): Reflecting on the means to stop the influx of new karma, primarily through controlling the senses and mind.
Nirjara Bhavna (Contemplation of Shedding of Karma): Understanding the processes of shedding accumulated karma through penance and austerities.
Loka Bhavna (Contemplation of the Universe): Meditating on the structure and nature of the universe and the soul's place within it.
Dharma Bhavna (Contemplation of Righteousness): Reflecting on the true nature of dharma and its principles.
Bodhi Bhavna (Contemplation of Enlightenment): Aspiring for and meditating on the path to ultimate knowledge and liberation.

Detailed Exploration of Anitya Bhavna (Impermanence)

The text then provides a detailed explanation of the first Bhavna, Anitya Bhavna:

Body as Impermanent: The human body is described as transient, impure, and born of impurity. Even the soul's residence in the body is temporary. The body is the source of all worldly suffering and pain. Therefore, one should not develop attachment to it, as this strengthens worldly desires and karmic bonds.
Analogy of the Foam Bubble: The body is likened to a foam bubble, which forms and disappears quickly. Just as a bubble bursts when internal pressure exceeds external pressure, the body too is limited in duration. One should not take pride in or develop attachment to this fleeting physical form.
Consequences of Attachment to the Impermanent: The text emphasizes that realizing the impermanence of the body and worldly possessions should lead to diligence in spiritual practice and prevent complacency. One should understand that their time in this form is temporary and that they will be reborn according to their karma.
Bhavna Yoga's Perspective: Bhavna Yoga illustrates this with the analogy of a bird leaving a tree in the morning; similarly, beings are reborn into different life forms based on their karma when their allotted lifespan ends.
The Four Realms: The cyclical movement through the four realms of existence (hellish beings, animals, humans, celestial beings) further reinforces the concept of impermanence. Experiences of happiness and suffering, youth and old age, health and illness are all transient, teaching the soul the lesson of Anitya.
Comparison with Other Traditions: The text notes that the concept of Anitya Bhavna is also found in other traditions, such as Mahabharata and Buddhism. In Buddhism, all sensory organs and mental faculties are considered impermanent, and realizing this leads to the cessation of suffering and the attainment of Nirvana.
The Current Predicament: The lack of understanding of Anitya Bhavna leads individuals to be trapped in delusion, accumulating karma and strengthening their bonds. They worry about wealth, possessions, and relationships, even as their bodies deteriorate and their hopes increase. Their minds become tainted as their lifespan dwindles, and they remain engrossed in worldly pleasures while neglecting their true self-interest.
Call to Action: The text urges individuals to heed the teachings of spiritual and philosophical leaders regarding impermanence. If they seek their welfare, they must begin their spiritual efforts promptly, lest they be left with only regret. The past cannot be regained. One should renounce impermanent pleasures for eternal happiness and strive to attain the status of the omniscient and omniscient, ultimately achieving liberation.

Conclusion

Anitya Bhavna is presented as a foundational step in the path of spiritual practice, enabling the aspirant to attain the Siddha state. Jainism believes that Siddhas are liberated from the cycle of birth and death, experiencing eternal bliss. Thus, by cultivating Anitya Bhavna, the aspirant can break free from this cycle and dwell in supreme happiness.

References:

The text concludes with a list of references from various Jain scriptures and philosophical works, indicating the scholarly basis for the presented arguments.