Paryushana has begun. This is a great time for reflection. A good time to think about the Bhavanas.
So what’s a Bhavna? Well…Jainism puts a significant emphasis on the thought process of a human being. A person’s behaviour and his actions are the reflection of his internal thoughts, day in and day out. Our thoughts and actions result in the accumulation of Karma. Thus we should be mindful in our thoughts. Jainism expresses a need to make room for pure thoughts, and to drive out the impure ones. A way to do this would be through reflecting or meditating on the twelve thoughts or Bhavnas.
Nirjara Bhavana
This Bhavana reflects the idea of shedding our karmas and where possible, bringing them to fruition early so that we can get to moksha quicker.
There are 12 types of tapas/austerities that we can perform to help us destroy our already bound karmas. However, it’s not like dieting, whereby if you eat specific things or do certain exercises, you’ll lose weight. This action of shedding karmas needs to be carried out with the correct understanding and with spirituality. Otherwise it will not work.
It be would wise to seek guidance from someone who has experienced their soul; before deciding which austerities to follow.
