Bhavanas means reflections or contemplation. We are always thinking of something or another 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, and egoism, etc. And, depending upon how we react we attract various 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 light switch. 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 householders while the rest may be observed once we become more serious about spiritual uplift.
Maitri Bhavana (Thinking of being a Friend)
Pramod Bhavana (Thinking of Appreciation)
Karuna Bhavana (Thinking of Compassion)
Madhyastha Bhavana (Think to staying 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 a Friendship)Lord Mahävira said that we must be a friend to all living beings. The feeling of friendship brings love and respect for others. It also initiates a feeling of brotherhood among all and in turn leaves no room for 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. It can be seen that if we develop a friendship with all living beings, we will avoid bad karma.
Pramod Bhavana (Thinking of Appreciation)In this bhavana we admire the success of our friends, spiritual leaders and Arihants. One of the most destructive forces in our lives is jealousy. However, friendship combined by admiration, destroys jealousy. As jealousy subsides, negative impulses are turned into positive ones, and in time you will be at peace.
Karuna Bhavna (Thinking of Compassion)Instead of succeeding, many of our friends may be getting into trouble for things they should not be doing and even those who are successful may be accumulating vices such as greed and ego. If such is the case then, they are not on the right path and may be weak, helpless, and in distress. At a time like this you should contemplate on the karuna Bhavana and show compassion towards them instead of disgusted towards them or hating them. Show them a right path with patience, tolerance, and forgiveness and offer them needed support. In this way not only will you be avoiding bad karma, but so will your friends.
Madhyastha Bhavana (Think of staying neutral or uninvolved) Life appears to be nothing but involvements. Sometimes life works out favorable and sometimes it does not. So instead of getting disappointed, angry, or more involved, you should contemplate onMadhyastha Bhavana which leads to feeling that ‘I did my best to resolve the situation.’ If someone does not want to understand, then leave them alone without getting further involved. You should simply hope that one of these days they may understand and change. By observing Madhyastha Bhavana you will remain in equanimity instead of provoking turmoil in your mind. When your mind stays neutral and uninvolved it keeps karma away.
In short, you can avoid influx of bad karma and stay in peace while living in worldly life by developing a friendship towards all living beings, admiring their success, holding their hands when they are in distress, and leaving them alone at 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!
(There are Twelve More Bhavnas which are not discussed here at this point)
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