12 bhavana.

1. Anitya Bhavna - Imperman.ence of the world
Under this reflection, one thinks that in this world
every thing such as life, youth, wealth, and property
are transient or subject to alteration. Nothing in the
universe is permanent, even though the whole
universe is permanent or constant. Spiritual values
are therefore worth striving for as soul's ultimate
freedom and stability. This will help to break all
worldly attachments.
2. Asarana Bhavna - No one provides protection
Under this reflection, one thinks that he is helpless
against death, old age, and disease. The only way he
can conquer death and disease is by destroying all
his karma. The soul (person) is his own savior, and
to achieve the total freedom and enlightenment, one
takes refuge to the true path of the religion and to
the five benevolent personalities. They are
Arihanta, Siddha, Acharya, Upadhyay and Sadhus or
monks. The refuge to others is due to delusion, and
must be avoided.
3. Samsara Bhavna - No permanent relationship in
universe
Under this reflection, one thinks that the soul
transmigrates from one life to the other and takes a
birth in a human, animal, hellish, or heavenly
body. The continual cycle of birth, life, and death is
full of pain and miseries. He has not yet ended this
cycle. There are no permanent worldly relations
like father, mother, friend, and foe. It is we who
establish these relations and live accordingly.
This kind of thought will help minimize or stop any
attachments to other living beings, or objects. The
soul must achieve ultimate freedom from it, which is
liberation or Moksha.
4. Ekatva Bhavna - Solitude of the soul
Under this reflection, one thinks that the soul is
solitaire, and lonely in existence. The soul assumes
birth alone, and departs alone from this world. The
soul is responsible for its own actions and karmas.
The soul will enjoy the fruits, and suffer the bad
consequences of its own action alone. Such thoughts
will stimulate his efforts to get rid of karmas by his
own initiative and will lead religious life.
5. Anyatva Bhavna - Separateness
Under this reflection, one thinks that one's own soul
is separate from any other objects or living beings
of the world. Even his physical body is also not his.
At the time of death, soul leaves the body behind.
The body is matter, while the soul is all
consciousness.
The soul therefore should not develop attachment
for worldly objects, other living beings, or to his
physical body. He should not allow himself to be
controlled by desires, greed, and urges of his own
physical body.
6. Asuci Bhavna - Impureness of the body
Under this reflection, one thinks about the
constituent element of one's body. It is made of
impure things like blood, bones, flesh, etc. It also
generates impure things like perspiration, urine,
and stool.
The soul, which resides within the body, remains
unattached to the body. The soul is alone, pure, and
liberated. The body ultimately becomes nonexistent,
but the soul is eternal.
Therefore emotional attachments to the body is
useless.
7. Asrava Bhavna - Influx of karma
Under this reflection, one thinks about karma
streaming into the soul. Every time he enjoys or
suffers through his five senses (touch, taste, smell,
sight, and hearing), he accumulates more karma.
This thought will make him more careful, and will
try to stop the influx of karmas.
8. Samvara Bhavna - Stoppage of influx of karma
Under this reflection, one thinks about stopping evil
thoughts, and becomes absorbed in achieving
spiritual knowledge and meditation. This prevents
the influx of karma.
9. Nirjara Bhavna - Shedding of karma
Under this reflection, one thinks about the evil
consequences of karma, and striving to destroy the
previously acquired karma by austerity and
meditation.
10. Loka Bhavna - Transitory of universe
Under this reflection, one thinks about the real
nature of this universe. Judging from the standpoint
of substance, it is eternal but from the standpoint of
modification it is transitory.
Thus all objects of the world come into existence
and perish. This thought makes him understand the
true nature of reality, which is necessary for right
knowledge and faith.
11. Bodhi-durlabha Bhavna - Unattainability of
right faith, knowledge, and conduct
Under this reflection, one thinks that it is very
difficult for the transmigrating soul to acquire right
faith, right knowledge, and right conduct in this
world. Therefore, when one has the opportunity to
be a religious person, take the advantage of it to
develop right religious talent. This thought will
strengthen one's effort to attain right faith and
knowledge, and live accordingly.
12. Dharma Bhavna - Unattainability of true
preceptor, scriptures, and religion
Under this reflection, one thinks that the true
preceptor (teacher), religious scriptures, and religion
are excellent shelters in this world full of agony. All
other things lead to misery and suffering.
Four Bhavnas or Virtues
Besides the twelve Bhavnas described above Jainism
has laid great importance on the following four
Bhavnas or virtues.
Amity, love, and friendship - Maitri
Appreciation, respect and joy - Pramoda
Compassion - Karuna
Equanimity and tolerance- Madhyastha