Answer

A Bhāva Śrāvak is a lay Jain who is a shrāvak not just outwardly, but with true inner भावना. One Jain text describes him as having 17 inner virtues/contemplations. ( jainqq.org)

Explanation

In simple words, these 17 inner signs are the mind’s steady reflections that make a person a genuine Jain householder. They are centered on detachment, self-control, right understanding, service, and a neutral attitude toward worldly life. ( jainqq.org)

Here is the commonly taught list in simple English:

1. Detachment from passion for women.
2. Detachment from wealth.
3. Control over the senses.
4. Understanding that samsār is full of sorrow and bondage.
5. No attachment to sense-pleasures like sound, form, taste, smell, and touch.
6. Keeping occupations and business activities to a minimum.
7. Realizing that household life involves much violence and bondage.
8. Valuing samyaktva more than any worldly jewel.
9. Thinking deeply about one’s real purpose in life.
10. Seeing the Jain Āgams/Jināgam as the true path.
11. Practicing charity and other spiritual activities with good intent.
12. Treating relatives, food, and household things with neutrality.
13. Loving upashama, self-control, and freedom from attachment and hatred.
14. Seeing all material things as temporary.
15. Developing renunciation even while living in the world.
16. Using worldly comforts only as necessity, not as enjoyment.
17. Treating family attachment as external only, with a fully detached mind. ( jainqq.org)

Spiritual Understanding

The heart of a Bhāva Śrāvak is not show, but inner purity. The outer life may still be that of a householder, but the inner direction is toward vairāgya, samyaktva, and moksha. That is why Jain texts emphasize these inner feelings so strongly. ( jainqq.org)

Takeaway

So, the 17 signs of a Bhāva Śrāvak are essentially 17 inner attitudes of detachment, discipline, right faith, and spiritual sincerity. Different editions may phrase the last few items a little differently, but the core meaning is the same. ( jainqq.org)