States of mind--six kinds
Just as the gem called the Sphatika-crystal is pure and
transparent, the soul also is pure and transparent in its original form.
If we place near the Sphatika any colour, it acquire that colour and
radiance. The soul also assumes various forms in accordance with the
effect of the various Pudgals on it. It keeps wandering through various
conditions. The Jain Dharma gives the name Leshya to the various
transformations that the soul undergoes.
Leshya means a mental propensity. The propensity and
mental reaction are called Leshya The effect of thinking, of the
environment, and of food falls on the body and the mind either deeply or
lightly. The colour of the body also changes in accordance with that
effect. The face of an angry man grows red; and blood seems to rush out of
his eyes. The face of a man who is in despair or dejection, grows pale.
The brightness of his face fades away. The face assumes a different colour
under the impact of love or infatuation. All these changes take place on
account of Leshya. The Leshyas have been properly classified on the basis
of the colors that appear or disappear in the face, on account of the
effect of propensities, and thoughts.
There are six leshyas.
1. In Krishna leshya, black leshya, color is black
like Collyrium. The person in this conditin would be devoid of Dharma;
he will have no kindness, or sympathy; he will be burning with jealousy;
he will be angry; and will be steeped in animosity and malice. If person
dies in this condition then such person would go to Hell.
2. In Neel leshya, blue leshya, color is blue like
the throat of a peacock. The person in this conditin would be lazy,
haughty, cowardly, steeped in stupefying passions, and will be a cheat
and a hypocrite. If person dies in this condition then such person would
be born as a in tree, plant, etc.
3. In Kapot leshya, Brown leshya, color is brown like
the throat of pigeon. The person in this conditin would be gloomy,
excited, of a dejected, despondent, Iamenting calumniating others;
praising himself and will lack mental poise. If person dies in this
condition then such person would be born as a bird or animals.
4. In TeJo leshya, Red color, color is red like the
beak of parrot. The person in this conditin would be religious, death, a
benevolent and thinks will of what can be done what should not be done.
He has a wholesome and balanced personality. If person dies in this
condition then such person would be born as human.
5. In Padma leshya, Yellow lesya, color is yellow
like gold. The person in this conditin would be forgiving by nature and
makes sacrifices. He is very conscious; wakeful in the performance of
austerities. He remains unaffected by joys and sorrows and is always
cheerful. If person dies in this condition then such person would be
born as celestial beings in devloka.
6. In Shukla Leshya, White leshya, color is white
like cow's milk or conch shell. When the Jiva is firmly rooted in this
Leshya that person becomes omniscient; becomes totally free from
attachments and hatred and becomes immersed in soul- experience and
self-realization. If person dies in this condition then such person
becomes Mukta and attins salvation.
The first three Leshyas are the worst (most harmful);
worse (more harmful) and bad (harmful) respectively. They lead the soul on
the wrong path or the path of ruin. The last three leshyas are good
(auspicious); better (more auspicious) and the best (the most auspicious)
respectively; and they lead the soul on the path of righteousness and
spiritual prosperity.
Leshya is a portrait of man's mental state. Even the
other philosophies than Jainism also define man's various propensities on
the basis of his mental states. The Rajoguna has been described as being
red; because it makes the mind stupid on account of infatuation. The
Tamoguna has been described as being black; because it eclipses the
knowledge of man. The Satvaguna has been described as being white because
by means of that quality, the mind becomes pure and happy. The entire
science of colour - appeal and colour - treatment is based on the science
of Leshya or mental states causing colors; and this is no exaggeration.
It is possible to infer and define truthfully and
perfectly, a man's nature, his individuality, his mental propensities, his
future etc., on the basis of his preference for certain colors. It is not
only the face but even the colour of the face that is the index of the
mind. Even the colour of a man's face can reveal his mind.
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