Blankets and Bhavanas
By Sakhi Shah
As a part of YJA’s month-long Celebration of Compassion, Jain Sanghs across North America have been participating in Blankets and Bhavanas event series. Aimed at fostering discussion about the Jain value of compassion and facilitating service to help mitigate homelessness, each Sangh came together to make fleece blankets to donate to those in need, especially during these cold winter months. While the blanket-making constituted a significant portion of the event, participating youth were presented with lessons on homelessness, empathy, intent, and service.
Harshita Jain, the current YJA Director of Education, pitched the original idea to the YJA Executive Board after a service trip through an organization at Rutgers University. The organization, Rutgers University Alternative Breaks (RUAB), focuses on teaching members about the importance of giving back to the community by organizing service trips around the world. Harshita’s trip took place in Washington, D.C., where she explored the issues of homelessness and poverty through volunteering and conversation. In sharing her experiences, she emphasized a particular story that stood out. She was introduced to a woman suffering from homelessness and upon speaking to her, she found out that the woman had a relative that currently attends Georgetown University. She was astounded by the difference of standing within the same family.
Holding these experiences and stories close to her heart, Harshita was determined to spread awareness about the circumstances and perspectives she encountered by organizing service events.
One of the main lessons behind Blankets and Bhavanas was to not only be compassionate but to also be cognizant of the less fortunate. They are still people, and homelessness or any other circumstance they may face does not encompass their identity. Rather, it is something they transition through and out of, making homelessness a temporary phase in their lives Instead of referring to someone as “homeless,” try saying “a person experiencing homelessness.” Words hold power, and they affect people beyond just acting as a description. Furthermore, it is important to understand that homelessness can happen to anyone. We often associate homelessness with those who are suffering from poverty, unemployed, suffering from substance abuse, previously incarcerated, suffering from mental health issues, differently-abled — the list goes on. However, the reality remains that anyone — independent of their education, family upbringing, and other such factors — who are removed from their home, would effectively be suffering from homelessness.
Whether it be by fire, flood, or misfortune, we have no right to blame those individuals for having fallen victim to their circumstances. Conversely, we should extend compassion and support, withholding judgment as to those affected push through trying times.
Many of the lessons above show how we should be thinking about homelessness and those suffering from it. These ways of thinking, when seen from a broader perspective, constitute the Jain concept of Bhavanas. Bhavanas, or contemplations, provide a framework through which to view ourselves and the world. There are 12 main Bhavanas and 4 auxiliary ones. The main Bhavanas are primarily related to the self, while the auxiliary ones dictate how one interacts with the world. These four auxiliary Bhavanas are Maitri (friendship), Pramod (appreciation), Karuna (compassion), and Madhyastha (neutrality). Although Blankets and Bhavanas focuses on Karuna, all four auxiliary Bhavanas play significant roles in the realm of service.
Maitri Bhavana tells one to look at all Jiv (living beings) in this world as the same as oneself. Even though each lifeform is in a different state or circumstance, they all share the same common denominator, the soul. When this idea takes root in one’s mind, then all differences seem trivial and all biases fall apart. Every Jiv is treated equally and with respect it deserves.
Pramod Bhavana teaches that every Jiv should be considered one’s benefactor. It is easy to see how family, friends, teachers, and mentors fall into this category. Those who are one’s beneficiaries, however, should also be considered benefactors. Those Jiv are the medium through which one has the opportunity to practice Daan (charity) and Daya (mercy). Such a viewpoint prevents the emergence of a savior mentality, which diminishes the value of life being helped.
Karuna Bhavana does not define compassion as just an act, but rather a mindset. A compassionate person is not necessarily one who is constantly volunteering or giving charitable donations. A beggar can be filled with Karuna, even though he has nothing to give. Karuna Bhavana emphasizes a compassionate mentality not limited by physical means. One should actively help and give to others as much as possible, while also expressing boundless love for all beings.
Finally, Madyastha Bhavana instructs one to stay neutral in all circumstances, both in mind and body. It is possible that after helping, one is honored and praised; it is also possible that one is ignored or even criticized. Regardless of the outcome, one must stay neutral and make consequent decisions with an unbiased mind. This is achieved through the removal of ego and by deep study of the other three Bhavanas mentioned above.
In the future, when participating in any service activity and interacting with those in need, take a step back and consider what assumptions were made about them and their situations. Listen to the dialogue around those situations. Is the way they are talked about complicit in perpetuating false beliefs? Should their identity be defined by their circumstances? Is the method of assisting them the most empowering, or does it take away their freedom of choice? This introspection can help us find simple ways to help the less fortunate in a dignified way that has the greatest chance of doing long-term good.
