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Leshya
To purify the inner world, we have to enter the world of feelings. When two people meet each other, what are the feelings which emerge in their hearts? Which aspect of their relationship triggers joyous or sorrowful feelings amidst them? What causes affection or animosity between parents and children? All of this depends on their verbal interaction and on their mutual behaviour. To a great extent, this is true because words and behaviour are a medium of our expression. But there is a truth beyond these, an invisible power which gives rise to attraction or repulsion, duty or disinterest in relationships. This factor is known as leshya, as described in Jaina thought. It is defined as the colouring of the soul due to its association with karmic matter. This subtle world which is defined by the mental and emotional state of a person forms the leshya of a person.
