Here are the traditional 12 Bhāvanā (Anuprekṣā) in Jain Dharma, with simple meanings:

1) Anitya-bhāvanā (Impermanence)

• All worldly things, states, bodies, relations and possessions are transient; attachment to them causes sorrow.

2) Aśaraṇa-bhāvanā (No External Refuge)

• No deity, person or possession can save us from our own karma; true refuge is in right faith, right knowledge and right conduct.

3) Saṃsāra-bhāvanā (Cycle of Birth and Death)

• The worldly cycle of wandering through four gatis is full of suffering; liberation is the highest goal.

4) Ekatva-bhāvanā (Aloneness of the Soul)

• We are born alone and die alone; only our karma accompanies us, not family or wealth.

5) Anyatva-bhāvanā (Otherness from Body and Things)

• “I” am the soul; body, mind, name, relations and objects are different from me.

6) Aśuci-bhāvanā (Impurity of the Body)

• The body is a temporary, impure aggregate; do not be deluded by its appearance.

7) Āsrava-bhāvanā (Influx of Karma)

• Due to passions and unguarded activities, karmic particles flow into the soul.

8) Saṃvara-bhāvanā (Stoppage of Karma)

• By restraint, vigilance, vows and right conduct, the inflow of karma is stopped.

9) Nirjarā-bhāvanā (Shedding of Karma)

• Through austerity, repentance, forgiveness and meditation, accumulated karma is shed.

10) Loka-svabhāva-bhāvanā (Nature of the Universe)

• The universe is beginningless, finite in extent, without a creator; souls rise or fall within it according to karma.

11) Bodhi-durlabha-bhāvanā (Rarity of Right Awakening)

• Right faith, right knowledge and right conduct—and the opportunity to practice them—are extremely rare and precious.

12) Dharma-bhāvanā (Contemplation on True Dharma)

• Reverence for true dharma: Ahimsā, self-restraint, the Three Jewels, and devotion to the Pañca-Parameṣṭhī; resolve to live by them.

Notes on traditions

• Both Śvetāmbara and Digambara traditions accept these 12 bhāvanās with the same essential meanings. The titles sometimes vary slightly (e.g., “Loka-svabhāva” is also said as “Loka”), but the intent remains identical.

How to practice simply each day

• Read one bhāvanā slowly, reflect on its meaning for a few minutes, and relate it to your day.
• End with a small resolve (sankalp), e.g., “Today I will practice more vigilance (saṃyama) to support saṃvara.”
• Weekly, cycle through all 12 to deepen detachment and strengthen Ratnatraya.

If you wish to explore related basics like vows, pratikraman, or pañca-parameṣṭhī in simple form, you can refer to JainKnowledge resources here: