ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

Author(s): International School for Jain Studies
Publisher: International School for Jain Studies

Page 28

B.5.2
Lesya and its Transformation
Dr. Viney Jain
SCHOOL
1. Krsna Leśya (black)
2. Nila Lesya (blue)
OF
3. Kāpota Lesya (gray)
4. Taijas Lesya (red)
5. Padma Leśyā (yellow)
6. Sukla Lesya (white)
HAN STUDIES
SELF STUDY IS THE
SUPREME AUSTERITY,
स्वाध्याय परमं तप
Lesya, a unique concept in Jain metaphysics denoting light or radiation, links the dynamics of the soul (consciousness) and the karmic body with the psycho-physical activities performed by the physical body, and is believed to be associated with every consciousbeing, Jīva (except Ayoga Kevali and Siddha Jīva). Jīva in their mundane existence as worldly living-beings, constitute impure states due to association of souls with matter, which profoundly influence their behavior and evolution.
Living Being = F (Subtle body, Gross Body) = F ((Soul + Karmic-particles), (Physical Body))
STUDY NOTES version 5.0
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Lesya, is postulated to relate to the Bhāva-dhārā or the stream of emotions, passions and instincts, originating from the dynamic interactions of Adhyavasaya with karma induced kasaya (basic instincts and passions) and the resulting psycho-physical activities (Yoga) of the living organism. Dravya-lesya, the material form, in the presence of kaṣāya and yoga induce bhāva Lesya reflecting the state of consciousness. Bhava-lesya blends in turn with kasaya and yoga to attract corresponding Karmic particles. Bhava-lesya is modified by the instant change in the state and power of the consciousness, thus allowing scope for effort (puruṣārtha) in modification of behavior and diluting karmic determinism.
Behavior dispositions and the spiritual progress of living systems are characterized by 6 different types of Lesyās, denoted by different colors:
The path of purification of the soul leads from inauspicious lesyas (black, blue and grey) through auspicious lesyas (red, yellow, white) to a stage without lesya (alesi), where there is no-kaṣāya and Karmic-influx, thus achieving the pure state of consciousness (Ayoga Kevali). During this dynamic process strong correlations between the color of Lesya and the
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