Bhavna Ek Chintan - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Bhavna Ek Chintan" by Ranjankumar:

The book "Bhavna Ek Chintan" (Contemplation on Bhavna) by Ranjankumar delves into the central role of thoughts and contemplation (Chintan) in the Jain philosophical framework, particularly as a means to achieve spiritual liberation. The author emphasizes that contemplation is an inherent human trait, leading to the formation of thoughts, which can be either auspicious (Shubh) or inauspicious (Ashubh). Auspicious thoughts are generally those free from negligence (Pramad), leading to the welfare of both the individual and society, while inauspicious thoughts are those associated with negligence.

The Jain tradition places significant importance on the flow of thoughts and emotions (Bhavna) in the mind. These Bhavnas are directly linked to an individual's actions and, consequently, to the fruits they receive from those actions. Jainism posits that karma is a subtle material substance (Pudgal) that binds the soul (Jiva) and is never fruitless.

The soul, in its true essence, is believed to possess infinite qualities (Anant Chaturthaya): infinite perception (Anant Darshan), infinite knowledge (Anant Gyan), infinite bliss (Anant Sukh), and infinite energy (Anant Virya). However, karma-covering (Karmavaran) obscures these inherent qualities, trapping the soul in the cycle of birth and death (Samsara) and causing attachment to the "self" and "other." When karmavaran is removed, the soul regains its infinite qualities, leading to a state of ultimate bliss and liberation, known by various names such as Siddhavastha, Mokshavastha, or Arihantavastha.

The ultimate goal in Jainism is to attain this supreme state of liberation. To achieve this, the practice of the Three Jewels (Triratna) – Right Faith (Samyak Darshan), Right Knowledge (Samyak Gyan), and Right Conduct (Samyak Charitra) – is considered essential. Liberation cannot be attained without their practice, which involves the shedding of karmas.

The process of shedding accumulated karma is known as Nirjara, and the prevention of the inflow of new karma is called Samvara. Both are crucial for spiritual progress. To achieve Samvara and Nirjara, it is necessary to control the restless mind. Bhavna or Anupreksha (contemplation or meditation) is presented as a key practice to focus the mind.

The book then elaborates on twelve specific Bhavnas that are central to Jain spiritual practice:

Anitya Bhavna (Contemplation of Impermanence): This Bhavna helps one realize that all worldly possessions, including the body, are transient and subject to decay. Attachment to these impermanent things is futile and leads to bondage.
Asharan Bhavna (Contemplation of Helplessness/Lack of Refuge): This Bhavna highlights that worldly resources like wealth, power, and even influential people cannot provide true refuge or protection from death and suffering.
Samsara Bhavna (Contemplation of the Cycle of Existence): This Bhavna emphasizes the inherently sorrowful nature of the cycle of birth and death. It fosters detachment from the pleasures and pains of worldly existence.
Ekatva Bhavna (Contemplation of Oneness/Individuality): This Bhavna stresses that each soul is responsible for its own actions and consequences. It encourages breaking free from the possessive "mine" mentality regarding family, wealth, and possessions.
Anyatva Bhavna (Contemplation of Otherness/Separateness): This Bhavna focuses on the inherent difference between the soul and all external objects, including one's own body, friends, and possessions. It encourages equanimity in the face of bodily discomfort and the sorrows of loved ones.
Ashuchi Bhavna (Contemplation of Impurity): This Bhavna involves recognizing the impure and unhealthy nature of the physical body and worldly objects of desire (artha, kama). It discourages attachment to them.
Asrava Bhavna (Contemplation of the Inflow of Karma): This Bhavna examines how karma enters the soul through mental, verbal, and physical activities driven by passions like jealousy, sorrow, pride, anger, greed, and hatred.
Samvara Bhavna (Contemplation of the Cessation of Karma Inflow): This Bhavna focuses on the practices and disciplines that stop the inflow of new karmas, leading to victory over passions and enemies like greed, anger, pride, and deceit.
Nirjara Bhavna (Contemplation of the Shedding of Karma): This Bhavna is about actively eradicating the karmas that have already bound the soul through various forms of penance (Tapa). It is through Nirjara that the soul can regain its pure state.
Loka Bhavna (Contemplation of the Universe): This Bhavna involves understanding the structure of the universe (Loka), its three divisions (Urdhva, Madhya, Adho Loka), and the different states of beings residing in them, from the celestial beings to the inhabitants of hell. It emphasizes the goal of transcending the lower realms and the mortal world to reach the Siddhashila (abode of liberated souls).
Dharma Bhavna (Contemplation of Righteousness): This Bhavna reflects on the nature of Dharma (righteousness or duty), its benefits, and one's obligations towards it. It highlights Dharma as the sole refuge for beings caught in the cycle of existence and as a path to freedom from self-interest and passions.
Bodhi Bhavna (Contemplation of Enlightenment): This Bhavna underscores the extreme rarity and importance of attaining Bodhi (Right Faith, Right Knowledge, Right Conduct). It emphasizes that the human birth is a precious opportunity to achieve this and urges continuous effort before the opportunity is lost.

In conclusion, the book argues that the regular contemplation of these Bhavnas helps to diminish negative thoughts, desires, and passions, leading to a state of equanimity (Samattva). This balanced state results in balanced thoughts, speech, and actions, reducing the bondage of karma and accelerating the journey towards Nirvana (liberation). Even if liberation is not immediately achieved, the practice of Bhavna can lead to a life of profound peace and happiness, which is invaluable in navigating the struggles of daily existence.