Lessons for
juniors(17)
BHAVANAS
Bhavana means reflection or contemplation. We are always
thinking of something which may be near us or could even be as
far away as the other end of the world. This thinking may cause
happiness, sorrow, anger, greed, jealousy, or egoism, etc.
And depending upon how we react, we attract different types of
karmas to our souls. No prudent person would like to attract bad
karma and at certain stages any karma at all. But it is not as
easy as turning off a switch. So to minimize the bondage of
karmas, the Jina have taught us to observe sixteen Bhavanas. Of
them the following four can easily be practiced by the
householders while the rest of twelve may be observed once we
become more serious about spiritual uplift.
1) Maitri Bhavana (Thinking of being a Friend)
2) Pramod Bhavana (Thinking of Appreciation)
3) Karuna Bhavana (Thinking of Compassion)
4) Madhyastha Bhavana (Thinking to stay neutral or uninvolved)
Let us understand how these bhavanas play important roles in
our lives, how they can keep us away from bad karmas, and
ultimately how they can improve our overall chances to uplift our
souls.
- Maitri Bhavana (Thinking of the Friendship) Lord
Mah�vira said, "We must be friend to all living
beings." The feeling of friendship brings love and
respect to others. It also initiates a feeling of
brotherhood among all and in turn leaves no room for the
harm, deceit or quarrelsomeness with anybody. If we
contemplate on Maitri Bhavana, our thoughts, words, and
actions will not be harsh, and we will not hurt anybody.
On the contrary, we will support and protect everybody.
Friendship will lead us to be tolerant, forgiving, and
caring for one another. Therefore, if we develop a
friendship with all living beings, we will avoid bad
karma.
- Pramod Bhavana (Thinking of the Appreciation) In
this bhavana, we admire the success of our friends,
spiritual leaders, and the Arihants. One of the most
destructive forces in our lives is jealousy. However,
friendship combined with the admiration, destroys
jealousy . As jealousy subsides, negative impulses are
turned into positive ones, and in due time, we will be at
peace.
- Karuna Bhavana (Thinking of the Compassion)
Instead of succeeding, many of our friends may be getting
into trouble for the things that can be avoided and
should not be done. Even some of those who are successful
may be accumulating vices such as greed and ego. They are
not on the right path. They may be weak, helpless, and in
distress. At a time like this, we should contemplate on
the karuna Bhavana and show compassion for them instead
of disgust or hate. We should show them the right path
with the patience, tolerance, and forgiveness and offer
them the needed support. This way we can avoid
accumulating bad karma for us as well as for them.
- Madhyastha Bhavana (Think of staying neutral or
uninvolved) The life appears to be nothing but
involvement. Sometimes the situation works out favorably
and sometimes it does not. So instead of getting
disappointed, angry, or more involved, we should
contemplate on Madhyastha Bhavana which leads to the
feeling that "I did my best to resolve the
situation." This leads our mind to decide that if
someone does not want to understand, then leave that
person alone without getting further involved. We should
simply hope that one of these days, that person may
understand things and change. By observing Madhyastha
Bhavana, we remain in equanimity, instead of provoking
turmoil in our minds. When our mind stays neutral and
uninvolved, then the karma stay away.
In short, we can avoid the influx of bad karmas and live
peacefully in this worldly life by developing friendships with
all living beings, admiring their success, holding their hands
when they are in the distress, and leaving them alone at the
times when they do not understand what is right or wrong. So
until it becomes the natural way of life to observe the above
bhavanas, one should contemplate on them as many times as needed.
If there is a goal, then there is an achievement!