Jain Darshan Me Bhavna Vishyak Chintan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the provided Jain text, "Jain Darshan me Bhavna Vishyak Chintan" by Shanta Bhanavat:

The text "Jain Darshan me Bhavna Vishyak Chintan" (Contemplation on Bhavana in Jain Philosophy) by Dr. Shanta Bhanavat explores the profound significance of Bhavana (mental disposition, contemplation, sentiment) within Jainism.

Meaning and Definition of Bhavana:

Bhavana is defined as intense and focused contemplation or thinking on a particular subject. This process cultivates mental impressions or samskaras. The quality of contemplation directly influences the resulting samskaras, underscoring the adage, "As is the intention, so is the reward."
Acharya Haribhadra defines Bhavana as "that by which the mind is imbued or cultivated." Acharya Malayagiri likens it to parikarma, or the adornment of thoughts, akin to decorating the body with oils and perfumes.
In the Jain scriptures (Agamas), Bhavana is sometimes referred to as Anupreksha, which means self-contemplation. Acharya Umāsvāti and Acharya Kundakunda also use Anupreksha and Anuvekkha respectively to denote Bhavana, with Kundakunda even authoring a work on the twelve Anuprekshas.
Jain scholars have conducted extensive analysis of Bhavana, recognizing its broad scope, ranging from simple contemplation to the highest stages of meditation and mantra recitation (japa). It can be understood as intense dispassion, strengthening mental fortitude, purifying conduct, or even the various positive and negative mental states.

Importance of Bhavana:

Bhavana is considered a vehicle for crossing the ocean of worldly existence and the key to unlocking the door of Dharma. It acts as a medicine to cure the disease of worldly suffering.
An soul devoid of proper Bhavana cannot achieve liberation, even with considerable effort. The four paths to liberation in Jainism are Dana (charity), Shila (virtue), Tapas (austerity), and Bhava (mental disposition). Without the right intention or Bhavana, the other paths yield only limited results.
True liberation is achieved only through pure Bhavana. Kabir's verse highlights that God resides not in external places of worship but within true faith and pure thoughts. The focus should be on the "mind's mantra" rather than merely the "rosary's beads."
The Padmapurana narrates an instance where Lord Vishnu tells Narada that he resides not in Vaikuntha or the hearts of yogis, but wherever his devotees call upon him with devotion, implying the power of Bhavana.

Types of Bhavana:

The text broadly categorizes Bhavana into two main types:

Ashubha Bhavana (Inauspicious Contemplation):
- This arises from negative mental states like attachment (raag), aversion (dwesh), and delusion (moh). It leads the soul to lower states of existence and downfall, even affecting highly ascetic monks.
- The Uttaradhyayan Sutra identifies four types of Ashubha Bhavana: Kandarp Bhavana, Abhiyogi Bhavana, Kilvishi Bhavana, and Asuri Bhavana.
- The Sthananga Sutra further elaborates on these, detailing sixteen types of Ashubha Bhavana, each with four subdivisions. These include tendencies towards anger, quarrelsomeness, attachment to food during austerities, practicing divination for livelihood, self-praise, criticizing others, performing rituals for appeasing negative forces, deluding others, denouncing Arihants and their teachings, denouncing spiritual leaders, and obstructing the righteous path.
- The purpose of discussing these is to understand their detrimental effects and purify one's inner conscience.
Shubha Bhavana (Auspicious Contemplation):
- This is crucial for purifying one's conduct and character. Contemplating Shubha Bhavana cultivates good samskaras and steers the aspirant towards spiritual progress.
- The text focuses on the twenty-five Charitra Bhavanas (Conduct Bhavanas), which are essential for upholding the five Mahavratas (Great Vows) of Jainism: Ahimsa (non-violence), Satya (truth), Achaurya (non-stealing), Brahmacharya (celibacy), and Aparigraha (non-possession).
- Each Mahavrata is supported by five specific Bhavanas:
  - Ahimsa: Bhavanas related to careful movement (Erya Samiti), proper thinking (Manah Samiti), disciplined speech (Vachan Samiti), pure food acquisition (Eshana Samiti), and mindful handling of objects (Adan Nikshepan Samiti).
  - Satya: Bhavanas related to truthful speech, forgiveness (Kshama), non-greed (Nirlobh), fearlessness (Abhaya), and control over jest (Hasya Mukti Vachan Sanyam).
  - Achaurya: Bhavanas related to living in secluded places (Viviktavas), accepting permitted bedding (Avagrah Samiti), avoiding excessive decoration of the resting place (Shayya Samiti), sharing food equitably (Pindapat Labh Samiti), and showing respect to fellow monks (Samik Vinaykaran Samiti).
  - Brahmacharya: Bhavanas related to avoiding situations that disrupt celibacy (Asansaktvas), abstaining from discussions about women (Stri Katha Virati), renouncing attraction to feminine beauty (Stri Roopdarshan Virati), avoiding past sensual memories (Poorvakreet Virati), and practicing dietary restraint (Praneet Ahar Tyag).
  - Aparigraha: Bhavanas related to controlling the senses: hearing (Shrotrendriya Samvar), sight (Chakshurendriya Samvar), smell (Ghranedriya Samvar), taste (Rasnedriya Samvar), and touch (Sparshendriya Samvar).
- These twenty-five Bhavanas strengthen character, inspire a life of renunciation and detachment, and help one progress on the path of self-control.
- Shubha Bhavana is described as Bhavana Bhavana nashini (Bhavana that destroys the cycle of birth and death). The text cites examples of how auspicious thoughts led to spiritual enlightenment and even favorable rebirths for animals.
- In the modern scientific age, humans are often engrossed in material pursuits, leading to a decline in spiritual contemplation and a rise in negative tendencies like attachment, anger, pride, deceit, and greed. This results in frustration, despair, and unrest.
- Shubha Bhavana enhances mental strength, enabling individuals to face difficulties with patience and courage, thus preventing despair and suicide.

The Twelve Bhavanas (Twelve Contemplations of Renunciation):

The text also delves into the Twelve Bhavanas, which are primarily focused on cultivating detachment and renunciation (vairagya). These are:

Anitya Bhavana (Impermanence): Contemplating that all material things, including the body, wealth, family, and possessions, are temporary and perishable.
Asharan Bhavana (Lack of Refuge): Realizing that no worldly possession or relation can offer true refuge or protection from death; only Dharma provides lasting solace.
Samsara Bhavana (Cycle of Birth and Death): Reflecting on the endless cycle of birth, death, and rebirth across various life forms and realms, and the suffering involved.
Ekatva Bhavana (Aloneness): Understanding that the soul is inherently alone, the sole creator, destroyer, and enjoyer of its actions, and must seek its own spiritual welfare.
Anyatva Bhavana (Otherness): Recognizing the distinction between the soul and the body, as well as all external objects, to avoid attachment and suffering.
Ashuchi Bhavana (Impurity): Contemplating the impure nature of the physical body, filled with decaying matter, to foster detachment from it.
Asrava Bhavana (Inflow of Karma): Understanding the channels through which karmic matter enters the soul, leading to suffering and continued transmigration.
Samvara Bhavana (Cessation of Karma): Reflecting on the methods to stop the inflow of karma, such as vows and restraint, leading to self-purification.
Nirjara Bhavana (Shedding of Karma): Contemplating the process of shedding accumulated karma through austerities and spiritual practices.
Dharma Bhavana (Righteousness/Dharma): Understanding Dharma as the intrinsic nature of things and the path to overcome suffering, leading to faith and practice.
Loka Bhavana (The World): Contemplating the nature of the universe and the interconnectedness of all beings, fostering a sense of detachment and responsibility.
Bodhi Durlabha Bhavana (Rarity of Enlightenment): Recognizing the extreme difficulty of attaining the human birth and the opportunity for spiritual awakening, which is as rare as a wish-fulfilling jewel.

Conclusion:

The text emphasizes that cultivating pure Bhavana is paramount for individual spiritual growth, leading to a life of peace and well-being. It also suggests that widespread adoption of pure Bhavana can foster a harmonious environment at family, social, national, and international levels. By focusing on these contemplations, individuals can overcome negative tendencies and achieve a pure, peaceful, and ultimately liberated existence.