In Jainism, “contemplation” means steady inner reflection that purifies the mind and helps the soul stop new karmas and shed old karmas. Two traditional words are used:

• Anupreksha (or Bhavana): repeated, wholesome reflection to internalize the truths taught by the Jinas.
• Dhyana: focused meditation. Jainism classifies mental absorption into four kinds; only Dharma-dhyana (virtuous) and Shukla-dhyana (pure) lead toward liberation.

Twelve Anuprekshas (Dvādasa-anuprekṣā) Reflect on these again and again, calmly and sincerely: 1) Anitya – all worldly things are impermanent. 2) Aśaraṇa – there is no ultimate refuge in the world except one’s own purified soul. 3) Saṃsāra – the cycle of birth and death is full of bondage and suffering. 4) Ekatva – I alone am responsible for my actions; I come and go alone. 5) Anyatva – body, relations, wealth are other-than-the-soul. 6) Aśuci – the body is impure by nature; the soul is pure. 7) Āsrava – passions and activities cause karmic inflow. 8) Saṃvara – restraint, vows, and right conduct stop karmic inflow. 9) Nirjarā – austerity, repentance, and meditation shed karmas. 10) Loka-svabhāva – the universe functions by its own nature and laws. 11) Bodhi-durlabha – right faith, knowledge, and conduct are rare and precious. 12) Dharma – true religion (Ratna-traya) is the path to liberation.

About traditions

• Śvetāmbara and Digambara both teach these 12 reflections. Names/order may vary slightly (e.g., Loka or Loka-svabhāva; Dharma or Tattva), but the intent is the same: to awaken detachment, right view, and effort for samvara and nirjarā.

Dhyana (Meditation)

• Inauspicious: Arta-dhyana (painful brooding), Raudra-dhyana (cruel/angry dwelling) — to be avoided.
• Auspicious: Dharma-dhyana (contemplation on truths like the 12 reflections, forgiveness, compassion) prepares the mind.
• Highest: Shukla-dhyana (pure, passionless absorption in the soul’s nature) leads to kevala-jñāna and moksha.

In daily life, contemplation is practiced especially during Sāmāyika and Pratikraman by reflecting on these truths and aligning conduct with non-violence, restraint, humility, and self-purification.

For simple articles on Jain dhyāna and contemplation:

• Dharma/Śukla-dhyana overview
• Shukla-dhyana in brief Q&A