Bhāvanā (Pali; Sanskrit: भावना, also bhāvanā) is a term that literally means "development", "cultivating" or "producing", in the sense of "calling into existence". It is an important concept in Buddhist practice, particularly within the framework of Patipatti (the application or practice of the Dhamma).
| Term | Bhāvanā |
|---|---|
| Language of origin | Pali; also Sanskrit (भावना) |
| Literal meaning | Development, cultivating, producing, calling into existence |
| Tradition | Buddhism |
| Domain | Patipatti (Buddhist practice) |
| General sense | Contemplation, spiritual cultivation |
The word bhāvanā derives from the root sense of bringing something into being or producing. In a religious and meditative context, it is generally rendered into English as "cultivation" or "development", with reference to qualities of the heart and mind that a practitioner seeks to nurture.
The term bhāvanā normally appears in conjunction with another word, forming a compound phrase that specifies what is being cultivated. Common examples include:
When used on its own, bhāvanā signifies contemplation and spiritual cultivation in a general sense, rather than a single specific technique.
Within Buddhist thought, bhāvanā is regarded as central to the practical dimension of the path. Rather than denoting passive reflection, it points to an active process of nurturing wholesome mental qualities through sustained effort, and so connects closely with meditative discipline and ethical training.