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सचित्र उत्तराध्ययन सूत्र
CHATUSTRIMSH ADHYAYAN :
LESHYADHYAYAN
Foreview
The title of this chapter is Leshyadhyayan or Study of Soul-complexions. The name itself makes it clear that the topic of discussion is ‘soul-complexion' (leshya).
It is necessary to know what soul-complexion is and how does it influence? These and other relevant themes must be thoroughly understood.
In scriptures soul-complexions have been defined as follows1. Passion tainted inclinations of soul. 2. Activities associated with mind, speech and body tainted by rise of passions. 3. Factors instrumental in karmic-bondage through fusion of karmas with soul. 4. Guiding principles of karmas.
Soul-complexions are divided into two kinds-(1) dravya leshya or physical (manifestation of) soul-complexions, and (2) bhaava leshya or mental (manifestation of) soul-complexions.
The mental manifestation of soul-complexion is evident in passion tainted sentiments guiding mental, vocal and physical activities. The physical manifestation of soulcomplexion is made up of matter particles. The attributes of colour, smell and taste mentioned here are associated with this dravya leshya.
It is true that the inclinations of soul (sentiments, feelings and thoughts) influence matter and matter particles in turn influence soul.
However, it is also mentioned in scriptures that dravya leshya is related to body. Body creating karma, a sub-class of naam-karma (karma responsible for body type), is said to be directly related to dravya leshya. Conclusively it has been accepted that dravya leshya (body complexion and other physical attributes) remains unchanged throughout life and bhaava leshya keeps on changing according to inclinations of soul. That is why a man with black complexion can have white soul-complexion (shukla leshya) and that with fair complexion can have black soul-complexion (krishna leshya).
Modern science claims to have developed such sensitive cameras that are capable of photographing the hues of sentiments influenced by passion (anger etc.) tinged inclinations of soul.
Acharyas have given various names to this dravya leshya including materialcomplexion, atomic glow, sheen and hue.
