ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 29

SCHOOL
TIONAL
OF
SELF STUDY IS THE SUPREME AUSTERITY
स्वाध्याय परम तप
AN STUDIES
markers of the spiritual development such as kaşaya Intensity, types of Bhava, Dhyana, Gunsthānas and Karma- dynamics have been described.
Lesya also influences the psychophysical activities of the gross physical body and Lesyadhyāna (color meditation on psychic-centers) is being practiced to improve emotional control and behavior. Associations of Dravya-Lesya with the aghati-karmas viz. Nama and Gotrakarma, the determinants of the structure and environment of the physical body, have been described. Since chromosomes and DNA provide the basic genetic information for the development of the physical body, systematic explorations on the precise relationships of Leśya with the structure and functioning of the physical body using the modern scientific methods should be initiated.
Transformation of Lesya from inauspicious (black, blue and grey) to auspicious (red, yellow and white) ones can be brought about by practices directed towards self-realization and soul purification as recommended in the Jain philosophy and way of life. The practice of Sāmāyika involving righteous contemplation and virtuous meditation combined with introspection, repentance and forgiveness (Pratikramana) will encourage development of equanimity, emotional control, self-restraint, tolerance, non-violence and compassion as natural personality traits and could be effective in bringing appropriate modifications in human behavior required to meet the challenges in the present day world.
It is further suggested that comprehensive theoretical and experimental studies on the possible correlations of lesya with (a) the pattern of bio-photons (emission of very low intensity of coherent light in the wavelength range of 200-900 nm by living organisms) and (b) aura should be undertaken to advance our understanding of lesya and applications of lesya transmutation for behavior modification.
1. Introduction
Lesya is a Sanskrit word that denotes light or radiation. In Jain metaphysics, leśyā is conceived to provide the crucial linkage of the Subtle-body (sūkṣma-śarīra) with the Grossphysical-body (sthüla-sarira). The Subtle-body is assumed to be constituted by the karmic particles enveloping the soul/consciousness. Lesya is related to the spiritual as well as the physical domain involving the interactions of theconsciousness (soul enveloped by the Karmic-body) with the psychophysical activities. Lesya, therefore, is an important and useful concept to understand the behavior in relation to the spiritual evolution of the living being.
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STUDY NOTES version 5.0