Bhavana.

About.

Bhāvanā (Pali; Sanskrit, also bhāvana) literally means "development" or "cultivating" or "producing" in the sense of "calling into existence."

The word bhavana normally appears in conjunction with another word forming a compound phrase such as Citta-bhavana (the development or cultivation of the heart/mind) or Metta-bhavana (the development/cultivation of loving kindness).

When used on its own bhavana signifies 'spiritual cultivation' generally.

Bhavana is general term for any type of meditational practice involving continuous attention by the mind to any suitable object.

The two main types of meditation practiced in exoteric (form; outer/material) Buddhism are shamatha (calming) and vipashyana (insight) meditation, while in esoteric (essence; inner/spiritual) Buddhism various forms of visualization are used along with the methods practiced in exoteric Buddhism.


Compunds.

Bhāvanā is often found in a compound phrase indicating personal, intentional effort over time with respect to the development of that particular faculty.

For instance, in the literature one can find the following compounds:

Citta-bhāvanā, translated as "development of mind" or "development of consciousness."
kāya-bhāvanā, translated as "development of body."
mettā-bhāvanā, translated as the "cultivation" or "development of Loving-kindness."
paññā-bhāvanā, translated as "development of Wisdom" or "development of understanding."
Samādhi-bhāvanā, translated as "development of tranquil-Wisdom."

Samatha-bhāvanā, meaning the development of tranquility.
vipassanā-bhāvanā, meaning the development of insight.


It's the cultivation (bhavana) of a broad range of skills, covering everything from worldview, to ethics, livelihood and Mindfulness.


Links:
- Dana, Sila & Bhavana.