Real-Life Application of Contemplation

Q33. How can we apply Jain values & contemplation in real-life scenarios and avoid reacting in a way that leads to suffering in self and others?

The first article in the series of making Jainism more accessible focused on Mindset. We explored how being clear on our purpose for practicing Jainism can provide direction and become the driving force of our choices. We reflected that gaining knowledge is not enough, we must also be diligent and mindful in our practices. In the second article, we delved into the importance of meditation practices and mindfulness as tools that help us live with more awareness.

In this article, we will take up a few practical examples of how to be aware of our feelings and direct them so that we relate better to the world around us and, as importantly, within us. The feelings that come from knowledge of our true self are known as Bhavnas or Reflections in Jainism.  Contemplating these Jain Bhavnas can provide a practical framework for integrating Jain values into daily life.

These reflections on Bhavnas and Core Values, encourage mindfulness and moral living, fostering inner transformation, peace, harmony, and spiritual growth. By contemplating the impermanent nature of the world, the inevitability of suffering, the solitude of the soul, and the importance of spiritual discipline, individuals can cultivate detachment, self-reliance, and a deeper understanding of the universe and their place within it.

Real-Life Application of Bhavnas & Virtues

To make these reflections accessible in day-to-day life, let’s consider some common challenges and how the Bhavnas can guide us. It is imperative to ensure that the Bhavnas are aligned with Jain values and should not be used to justify violence, greed, gluttony, deceit, laziness, and other such vices.

 

Stress and Anxiety to -> Acceptance and Finding Balance in Chaos

Challenge: Imagine you are experiencing financial difficulties, feeling a heavy weight of worry about bills and future stability. This anxiety affects your sleep and overall well-being, making you feel trapped and hopeless.

Practice: In this situation, take a moment to engage in Anitya Bhavna (Contemplation on Impermanence). Reflect on the idea that all material conditions, including financial struggles, are temporary and subject to change. Just as seasons shift, so too will your circumstances. Spend time meditating on the impermanence of wealth and possessions, recognizing that true peace comes from within and not from external sources. This awareness can help you cultivate detachment and acceptance, alleviating your anxiety and allowing you to face challenges with a more balanced mind. Embrace the belief that this phase will pass, and focus on nurturing your inner self.

Bhavna: Anitya Bhavna (Contemplation on Impermanence)

 

Dependence on Others to -> Cultivating Self-Reliance and Strength in Solitude

Challenge: You find yourself feeling anxious and upset when a family member does not provide the emotional support you expected during a difficult time, leaving you feeling unworthy or alone, and intensifying your sense of isolation.

Practice: In this situation, take a moment to reflect on Ekatva Bhavna (Contemplation on Solitude of the Soul). Embrace the understanding that true strength comes from within and that your well-being does not solely depend on the support of others. Consider that solitude can be a powerful space for growth and self-discovery. For instance, when you feel let down, use that time to engage in activities that nourish your soul, such as meditation, journaling, or pursuing a hobby. This practice fosters inner peace and a deeper connection with yourself, reinforcing the idea that you can find joy and strength independently.

Bhavna: Ekatva Bhavna (Contemplation on Solitude of the Soul)

 

Coping with Loss to -> Finding Peace and Growth in Grief

Challenge: Experiencing the profound grief of losing a loved one can be one of life’s most difficult challenges. The pain and sorrow can feel overwhelming, making it hard to find solace or meaning in everyday activities.

Practice: In times of loss, reflect on the natural cycle of life and death, acknowledging that suffering and separation are inherent parts of existence. This contemplation can help you accept the reality of your grief, allowing you to process your emotions more healthily. For example, after the passing of a family member, meditating on the inevitable nature of life’s transitions can provide solace and help you find peace amidst the sorrow. Understanding that death is a part of life’s journey can gradually transform your grief into a deeper appreciation for the time you shared and the memories you created.

Bhavna: Asharana Bhavna (Contemplation on the Insecurity and Helplessness of the Soul)

 

Material Success to -> Rediscovering Purpose beyond Material Wealth

Challenge: You go through a blue patch and start getting disproportionate success in your work. You reach a position where material wealth is chasing you and start chasing it back. Your entire attention and focus shifts to making and managing your wealth, and you start neglecting things and people that bring happiness and satisfaction to you.

Practice: It is more common to search for refuge in religion and spirituality when situations are difficult. However, handling success with a sense of dispassion and awareness is as significant. It is important to be recognized whenever you find yourself overly attached to material possessions, leading to greed, dissatisfaction, and a constant craving for more. This attachment might manifest in an insatiable desire for the latest gadgets, luxury items, or status symbols, which ultimately brings more stress and less fulfillment. When you notice an excessive attachment to material things, reflect on the transience and separateness of these objects from your true self and the eternal. This reflection can guide you towards more mindful and meaningful living. By focusing on the impermanence of material possessions, you can shift your attention to what truly matters, such as relationships, personal growth, and spiritual fulfillment.

Bhavna: Anyatva Bhavna (Contemplation on the Separateness of the True Self with Objects)

 

Dealing with Difficult co-workers to -> Building Bridges through Kindness

Challenge: You encounter a coworker who is difficult to get along with, creating a tense and uncomfortable work environment.

Practice: In such a situation, practice Maitri Bhavna by cultivating an attitude of friendliness and goodwill towards this person. Instead of reacting with frustration or avoidance, try to understand their perspective and find common ground. For instance, you might make an effort to engage in small talk, show genuine interest in their opinions, or offer help when needed. Additionally, consider sending silent good wishes to them—wishing for their happiness, peace, and success. This practice can help shift your mindset from resentment to compassion, fostering a sense of connection even amidst conflict. By approaching the relationship with kindness and openness, you can transform a potentially negative interaction into a positive and constructive one, thereby improving the overall work environment.

Bhavna: Maitri Bhavna (Contemplation on Friendliness)

Transforming Pity into Purpose -> Extending Help with Heart

Challenge: You come across a homeless person on the street, feeling a mix of pity and helplessness about their situation.

Practice: Reflect on Karuna Bhavna by cultivating compassion and empathy. Instead of merely feeling sorry, take a moment to consider how you can actively help. This might involve giving food, donating to a shelter, or simply offering a kind word and a smile. Practicing compassion not only aids those in need but also enriches your sense of purpose and connection to humanity. For example, volunteering at a local soup kitchen can provide practical assistance to those in need and offer you a profound sense of fulfillment and community.

Bhavna: Karuna Bhavna (Contemplation on Compassion)

 

Countering Deceit to -> Releasing Resentment and Embracing Forgiveness

Challenge: A close friend or family member has deceived you, leading to feelings of anger, betrayal, and resentment.

Practice: In such a scenario, practice Kshama by focusing on forgiveness. Understand that holding onto anger only harms you and impedes your peace of mind. Reflect on the situation from a place of empathy, considering the other person's perspective and the possibility that their actions might have been unintentional or influenced by circumstances. By forgiving them, you release yourself from the burden of negative emotions and pave the way for reconciliation and healing. For instance, having an open conversation to express your feelings and understand their side can facilitate forgiveness and restore harmony in your relationship.

Jain Virtue: Kshama (Forgiveness)

 

Conclusion

Incorporating the Bhavna and Jain meditation practices into daily life provides a practical path to achieving inner transformation, peace, and spiritual growth. By reflecting on these principles and engaging in regular meditation, individuals can navigate life's challenges with equanimity and contribute to a harmonious and compassionate world. This approach not only enhances personal well-being but also fosters a supportive and positive environment for those around us. Through mindful practice, we can truly embody the essence of Jain values in our everyday lives. Some of these benefits that you may observe are:

Inner Transformation: Regular reflection and meditation cultivate a deep sense of self-awareness and spiritual growth.

Peace and Harmony: Mindfulness practices reduce stress, promote emotional balance, and enhance interpersonal relationships.

Spiritual Growth: Consistent engagement with Jain principles fosters a sense of purpose, leading to a more fulfilling and enlightened life.

Positive Influence on Others: Practitioners often inspire those around them to adopt similar values, creating a ripple effect of peace and ethical living.

As we conclude this article, we want to hear from our readers, YOU!

We encourage you to reflect on your own experiences. Have there been moments in your life where you consciously applied Jain values or the Bhavna to overcome a challenge? How did it shape the outcome for you and those around you? Alternatively, if you're currently facing a difficult situation and are unsure how to incorporate Jain principles into it, feel free to share your thoughts. Together, we can explore ways to approach these challenges mindfully, fostering peace, harmony, and spiritual growth in everyday life. Please share your experiences and/or your questions in the comments below.

 

Making Jain Values Accessible - Right Foundation with Meditation

Q32. What role do meditation and mindfulness practices play in making Jain values/principles more accessible, practical and meaningful in the context of our current world?

The first article in the series of making Jainism more accessible focused on Mindset. We explored how being clear on our purpose for practicing Jainism can provide direction and become the driving force for our choices. We also investigated the importance of being open, curious and using our own logic, reasoning and learning from our own experiences and not follow blindly by faith alone. When we build trust in knowledge through our own experience then we develop unwavering confidence and gain valuable insights to transform our life. And finally, we reflected that gaining knowledge is not enough, we must also be diligent and mindful in our practices. 

To continue this journey, in this article we will focus on the importance of meditation practices and how living mindfully is so fundamental and foundational in our spiritual journey. We will share some simple ideas to start or continue our practices. These practices enables us to live with more awareness, so we can more consistently embody and integrate Jain values and principles in our everyday life.

Jainism and Meditation

Meditation has been a core spiritual practice in Jainism since the time of Lord Rishabha. All the twenty-four Tirthankaras practiced meditation for deeper introspection and to gain insights.

When we look at Lord Mahavir’s life, we can categorize his life into three major phases. He lived as a householder for 30 years. As a householder, we know that he lived his life aligned with core Jain values such as non-violence, compassion, service, gratitude, honesty.

Then he renounced his worldly life and meditated for 12.5 years. He realized kevalgyan at the age of 42.  For practical purposes, it appears that what Mahavir Swami attained after 12.5 years of meditation was the ability to be fully present in the current moment and attain the state where no negative mental afflictions such as anger, ego, greed, jealousy, attachment, aversion, craving arose within him. His thoughts, words and actions were always in alignment with the soul's natural qualities such as peace, compassion, joy, love, and equanimity, no matter what the external situations or stimulants were. 

After that, he formed a fourfold sangha with monks, nuns, laymen and laywomen to build a community. The remaining 30 years of Lord Mahavir’s life were in service to humanity. He shared the insights he gained not only with his community but also traveled across India delivering sermons. His direct teachings are documented in our sacred scriptures.

His teachings are essential for us. They are focused on Jain philosophy, meditation practices, values/principles, ethics, conduct, and rituals to live a simple spiritual life. It is unfortunate that overtime the meditation practices didn’t remain as prevalent as outward facing rites and rituals. Without meditation practices, we can’t truly build the capacity within to understand, integrate, and deeply experience Mahavir’s insights and consistently live in alignment with Jain values and principles. 

One can see from Mahavir Swami’s journey that those 12.5 years were the most transformative years of his life.

Meditation Practices

Like Mahavir Swami, we have to go through our own transformative journey through our meditation practices to generate the energy of mindfulness. The energy of mindfulness enables us to be more aware and look deeply. Like other skills, meditation is a skill that we can learn, practice and grow. 

Interest in meditation and mindfulness has grown significantly worldwide. This increased interest might reflect our need for improving quality of life through spirituality in our current times.

In this article, we’d like to share some simple practices to start or continue our meditation journey to live more mindfully. For more thorough information on meditation, yoga and various meditation practices in Jainism, please refer to our detailed article on meditation.

We can think of meditation as essentially a set of practices to help us:

• Become more aware
• Know ourselves
• Clear our mind of mental affliction (kashayas)
• Silence the mind
• Cultivate Stillness
• Experience inner happiness

This might sound like a lot, but it starts with training our attention and generating the energy that allows us to be more aware of what’s going on in the here and now. Be more aware of:

• What's going on in our body
• What's going on in our feelings
• What's going on in our mind with our thoughts and perceptions
• What's going on around us

The practice can be in the form of concentrating on a sound, particular object or our breath and trying to keep our attention on that anchor, recognizing if the attention shifts then bringing it back to that anchor to build the attention muscle. Keeping our attention where we want requires training and practice.

A study by the National Science Foundation suggests that we humans have 12,000 to 60,000 thoughts per day. With these many thoughts, our mind could feel like a shaken snow globe with dust particles floating around. And only when we rest the snow globe, the dust settles, it gradually becomes calm and clear, and we can see what’s inside better. 

Similarly, by collecting our attention and letting it rest on an anchor, we can experience calmness and stability in the mind which enables us to see more clearly within, gain insights and inevitably experience a natural sense of happiness.

We can also practice building the capacity to notice and become more aware of what’s going on in our body, especially when navigating painful feelings to recognize them and care for them with compassion.

To strengthen the Jain values within us and build our capacity to use them in everyday life situations, we can practice in the form of contemplation of our soul’s natural qualities and visualize that our thoughts, words and behavior are in alignment with them. We can also meditate on 12 Bhavanas as outlined in the meditation article. These contemplation are so powerful and help us in forming and shifting to more supportive perspectives. They empowers us to let go of things that obstruct our peace, happiness, joy, freedom.  

Meditation is a cornerstone of Jain practice. The Jain rituals article provides information on key daily essential meditative practices including Samayik, Chauvisattho, Vandana, Pratikraman, Kayotsarga and Pratyakhyana.

In Summary

While we can set aside time each day for dedicated practice, it is also important that we identify ways to integrate small mindfulness practices as we move through our daily routine so we can touch peace and stillness throughout our day. We live in a world where we are always over-stimulated and each one of us has to determine what stillness and peace would look like for us in the day. We benefit from making time for little points of stillness throughout our day.

These practices may sound simple, but they are so profound in establishing the right foundation. They give us the path to take spiritual knowledge beyond intellectual exercise and bring knowledge into our experience and way of being, making it our wisdom. Wisdom positions us to respond mindfully in alignment with our values. 

We also need to be mindful that we are not meditating to attain something, though we might see benefits or fruits in our life as we practice. We may achieve fruits such as the ability to create happiness, handle and calm our difficult emotions, enjoy the present moment, and be in touch with life as it is. However, there is more as mentioned in a previous article, meditation practices lead to numerous benefits in all aspects of our life, spiritual, mental, emotional and physical. 

At the core, these practices provide us with much needed mindful pauses. Too often, when we face undesirable external situations or stimulants, we react/respond without pausing. 

It was Victor Frankl who said – “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”

If we are more aware, then we are able to find the space between stimulus and response. With practice we can increase that space to respond more mindfully in our everyday life situations and not feel compelled to react based on our emotions that lead to suffering in self and others. In the next article we will focus on some real-life situations where being aware can guide us in navigating challenging life situations more skillfully.