The Twelve Thoughts - Bhavnas

Jain religion puts a significant emphasis on the thought process of a human being. A person's behavior and his actions are the reflection of his internal thoughts. It is not the action but the intention behind the action results in the accumulation of Karma. Hence, one should be very careful about his thoughts, how he thinks and the subject matter of his thoughts.

To make room for pure thoughts and to drive out the evil ones, Jainism recommends to meditate the 12 thoughts or bhavnas.

The 12 thoughts are the subject matters of one's meditation and how to occupy one's mind with useful, religious, beneficial, peaceful, harmless, spiritually advancing and karma preventing thoughts. These thoughts are the fundamental facts of life, intended to develop purity of thought. 

1) Impermanence of World - Nothing in this universe is permanent

2) No one provides protection the only way to conquer death and disease is by destroying all the karma.

3) No permanent relationship in universe

4) Solitude of soul - soul is lonely in existence

5) Separateness - Soul is separate from other objects or living beings of the world.

6) Impureness of the body 

7) Influx of Karma

8) Stoppage of influx of karma

9) Shedding of karma

10) Transitory of universe

11) Unattainablity of right faith, knowledge and conduct

12) Unattainability of true teacher, religious scriptures and religion