Jain Darshan Bhavna Part 01

This is a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Darshan Bhavna Part 01" by Sadhvi Punyasheelashreeji, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Darshan Bhavna Part 01 Author: Sadhvi Punyasheelashreeji Publisher: Sanskrit Pragat Adhyayan Kendra Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/009230/1

This voluminous work delves into the concept of "Bhavana" (meditative contemplation or disposition) within Jain philosophy, aiming to explore its essence and expression. The author, Sadhvi Punyasheelashreeji, presents this as her Ph.D. thesis, completed in 2004 under the guidance of Dr. J. R. Joshi. The book is structured into eight chapters, systematically exploring the multifaceted concept of Bhavana.

Overall Scope: The book provides a deep dive into the concept of "Bhavana" in Jainism, tracing its roots from the foundational Jain culture, religion, and literature (Agamas) to its manifestation in post-Agamic and contemporary Jain literature. It emphasizes how Bhavana is crucial for spiritual progress, leading from inauspicious tendencies towards auspiciousness and ultimately towards pure spiritual states. The author meticulously analyzes various Bhavanas mentioned in Jain scriptures and philosophical texts, presenting a comprehensive and scholarly study.

Chapter-wise Summary:

• Chapter 1: Jain Culture, Religion, and Literature:

  • This chapter sets the stage by discussing human life, religion, and the confluence of Brahminic and Shramanic cultures in India.
  • It provides an overview of Jainism's ancient origins, the cyclical nature of time (Avasarpini and Utsarpini periods), and introduces the 24 Tirthankaras, with a particular focus on Bhagwan Mahavira.
  • It delves into the Jain Agamas, explaining their division into Angas, Upangas, Mula Sutras, Cheda Sutras, and Prakirnak literature, highlighting their significance in understanding Jain philosophy and practice.
  • The chapter lays the groundwork for the subsequent exploration of Bhavana by establishing the context of Jain philosophy and its canonical texts.

• Chapter 2: The Concept of Bhavana: Essence, Importance, and Introduction:

  • This chapter focuses on defining "Bhavana," exploring its etymology and its connection with the word "Yoga."
  • It elaborates on the nature, presence, and definitions of Bhavana, introducing concepts like "Anupreksha" (contemplation) and briefly touching upon the "Dvadasha Bhavana" (Twelve Contemplations) and the "Chatur Dharma Bhavana" (Four Benevolent Dispositions like Maitri, Pramod, Karuna, Madhyastha).
  • It highlights Bhavana as a means to overcome the cycle of birth and death ("Bhava Nashini").

• Chapter 3: Bhavana in Ardhamagadhi Agamas:

  • This chapter delves into the specific discussions of Bhavana within the Ardhamagadhi Agamas, considered the earliest Jain scriptures.
  • It examines the concept in texts like Acharaanga Sutra (discussing the five Bhavanas associated with the five Mahavratas), Sutrakritanga Sutra, Sthananga Sutra, Samavayanga Sutra, Bhagavati Sutra, Jnātādharmakatha, Vipaka Sutra, and Uttaradhyayana Sutra.
  • It specifically details the 25 Bhavanas related to the five Mahavratas described in the Acharaanga Sutra and mentions the presence of Dvadasha Bhavana and Chatur Dharma Bhavana in other Agamas.

• Chapter 4: Introduction to Post-Agamic Literature and Inauspicious Bhavanas:

  • This chapter shifts focus to post-Agamic Jain literature, introducing scholars and saints who contributed to the understanding of Bhavana.
  • Crucially, it dedicates significant attention to the "Inauspicious Bhavanas" (Ashubha Bhavanas) that hinder spiritual progress. It discusses 34 such negative Bhavanas, including those related to violence, falsehood, theft, sensuality, possession, and the four Kashayas (anger, pride, deceit, greed), along with various complex negative emotions like Kandarpadi. The author emphasizes the need to understand these to overcome them.

• Chapter 5: Bhavana in Post-Agamic and Modern Jain Literature:

  • This chapter continues the exploration of Bhavana in later Jain literary traditions.
  • It focuses on the 12 "Vairagya Bhavanas" (Contemplations of Detachment), which are presented in a more structured manner in post-Agamic texts compared to the scattered mentions in the Agamas. These Bhavanas are considered foundational for detachment and ultimately for liberation.
  • It also discusses the utility of the word "Yoga" in conjunction with Bhavana, highlighting Bhavana Yoga as the highest form of Yoga for achieving liberation, as mentioned in the Sutrakritanga Sutra.
  • The chapter emphasizes how Bhavana influences all aspects of human behavior and leads to either downfall (through inauspicious Bhavana) or upliftment (through auspicious Bhavana), ultimately leading to spiritual realization.

• Chapter 6: The Development of the Seeker from Detachment to Yogic Bhavana:

  • This chapter focuses on the four "Yoga Bhavanas" (Maitri, Pramod, Karuna, Madhyastha), which are seen as crucial for progressing from detachment to a state of yogic absorption.
  • It explains that while the 12 Vairagya Bhavanas cultivate detachment, these four are essential for experiencing ultimate peace, happiness, and advancing in Yoga and Meditation.
  • The chapter highlights how these Bhavanas help in controlling the senses and mind, leading to freedom from bodily attachment and the attainment of ultimate peace through concentration of the mind. It also emphasizes their role in fostering true humanity, dispelling envy and conflict, and potentially creating a "heaven on earth."

• Chapter 7: The Path from Inauspicious to Auspicious and Pure Bhavana:

  • This chapter delves into the philosophical aspects of progressing from inauspicious to auspicious and ultimately pure states of Bhavana.
  • It discusses the nature of auspicious and inauspicious deeds in relation to karmic bondage and the concept of "Shudh Upayoga" (pure consciousness) leading to the shedding of karma and ultimate liberation.
  • The chapter emphasizes the study of the soul's pure consciousness and the impermanence of the body, wealth, and loved ones as essential for spiritual well-being. It cautions against "Pramada" (negligence) in spiritual practice, as it can lead to falling prey to spiritual adversaries.

• Chapter 8: Conclusion:

  • This concluding chapter summarizes the critical analysis of Bhavana presented throughout the thesis.
  • It expresses the hope that these eight chapters will aid seekers in destroying karma, achieving a state of being Siddha, Buddha, and Mukta.
  • The author's intent is to provide a intellectual tool for seekers and to make the abstract concept of Bhavana more tangible.
  • The chapter also includes a detailed "Gratitude Expression," acknowledging the blessings and inspirations received from gurus, scholars, and institutions.

Key Themes and Concepts:

• Bhavana: The central theme is the concept of meditative contemplation, disposition, and mental cultivation, emphasizing its crucial role in spiritual progress.
• Karma and Liberation: The book constantly links Bhavana to the shedding of karma and the ultimate goal of liberation (Moksha).
• Auspicious vs. Inauspicious Bhavana: A significant portion is dedicated to understanding and overcoming negative Bhavanas (Krodh, Man, Maya, Lobh, Hinsa, etc.) to cultivate positive ones.
• Dvadasha Bhavana (Twelve Contemplations): Anitya (impermanence), Asharana (helplessness), Sansara (transmigration), Ekattva (oneness), Anyattva (otherness), Ashuchi (impurity), Ashrava (influx of karma), Samvara (stoppage of karma), Nirjara (shedding of karma), Dharma (right conduct), Loka (the universe), and Bodhi-durlabha (rarity of enlightenment).
• Chatur Yoga Bhavana (Four Yogic Dispositions): Maitri (friendliness), Pramod (joy in virtue), Karuna (compassion), and Madhyastha (equanimity).
• Agamas and Post-Agamic Literature: The study draws heavily from Jain canonical texts and later commentaries and literature, highlighting the evolution of the concept.
• Self-Realization: The ultimate aim of practicing Bhavana is to realize the true nature of the self (soul) and achieve liberation from the cycle of birth and death.

In essence, "Jain Darshan Bhavna Part 01" is a meticulously researched and elaborately presented exploration of Bhavana within the Jain tradition, offering a profound understanding of how mental cultivation is central to the path of spiritual liberation.