Bhav is a Sanskrit word which means (among many other meanings): coming into existence, state of being, or becoming. In the practice of yoga, bhav is one's attitude or state. Sometimes we informally refer to the "bhav" of a yoga teacher, student, or studio, as the "state of being" of that place or person in terms of whether the state is perceived to be peaceful, non-peaceful, devotional, worldly, etc...
Bhavana means "cultivation"... to "cultivate, assume or practice an attitude".
Some examples from the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali:
2.33 Vitarkabhadane pratipaksabhavanam ||
Thoughts contrary to the yamas and niyamas are to be countered by taking the attitude of the opposing point of view in a debate.
1.33 Maitrikarunamuditopeksanam sukhaduhkhapunyapunya
vishayanambhavanatascittanirodhah ||
Undisturbed stillness of mind is cultivated by practicing an attitude of friendliness toward those who are happy, compassion toward those who are unhappy, delight in those who are virtuous and dispassion toward those who are wicked.
Our bhav (attitude) gives meaning to our experiences. If we cultivate an attitude of sarcasm, dismissiveness and negativity, then our mind becomes colored by those negative feelings and our experiences become trivial and unworthy. If we cultivate an attitude of reverence, devotion, compassion, and deep feeling, then our experiences become meaningful and uplifting.
The practice for the week is to become aware of your bhav and practice bhavana - cultivating positive and uplifting attitudes.
Bhavana means "cultivation"... to "cultivate, assume or practice an attitude".
Some examples from the Yoga Sutra of Patanjali:
2.33 Vitarkabhadane pratipaksabhavanam ||
Thoughts contrary to the yamas and niyamas are to be countered by taking the attitude of the opposing point of view in a debate.
1.33 Maitrikarunamuditopeksanam sukhaduhkhapunyapunya
vishayanambhavanatascittanirodhah ||
Undisturbed stillness of mind is cultivated by practicing an attitude of friendliness toward those who are happy, compassion toward those who are unhappy, delight in those who are virtuous and dispassion toward those who are wicked.
Our bhav (attitude) gives meaning to our experiences. If we cultivate an attitude of sarcasm, dismissiveness and negativity, then our mind becomes colored by those negative feelings and our experiences become trivial and unworthy. If we cultivate an attitude of reverence, devotion, compassion, and deep feeling, then our experiences become meaningful and uplifting.
The practice for the week is to become aware of your bhav and practice bhavana - cultivating positive and uplifting attitudes.
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