ISJS Jainism Study Notes E5 Vol 03

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

Page 35

wicked, revengeful, angry and violent behavior lacking in self-control, while red, yellow and white are auspicious and promote humane, forgiving, equanimous and helpful attitudes and non-violent behavior free from evil deeds.
2.6. Leśyā and Spiritual Evolution It is believed that spiritual development signifies progress of the living being (Sāṁsārika-jīva) towards the highest goal of achieving moksa, a state characterized by complete stoppage of the karmic-influx, elimination of all the existing karmic-bondage and perfect expression of all ne attributes of the pure consciousness. In this pure state, the soul (Siddha-jīva) exists in eternal bliss and omniscience, free from the cycle of death and rebirth.
2.6.1. Behavioral and Spiritual Correlates of Leśyā The colors of leśyā can be related to the spiritual development from the impure to the pure state of consciousness. The path of purification of the soul leads from inauspicious Leśyās (black, blue and grey) through auspicious leśyās (red, yellow, white) to a stage without leśyā (aleśī), where there is no kaşāya and karmic-influx does not occur, thus achieving the pure state of consciousness (Ayoga-Kevali).
Stages of spiritual development in Jain system of thought are generally characterized on the basis of Gunasthānas. The journey of the soul from the impure to the pure state is based on Karma-Dynamics and described in 14 stages termed Gunasthānas. The Gunasthāna, varies from moment to moment depending on the activation (udaya), influx (āśrava), dissolution and suppression (Nirjarā) of karma. The activities of the karmic-body in turn are influenced by leśyā or the stream of bhāva (reflecting the type and intensity of kaşāya and the psychophysical activities).
The transition from one Gunasthāna to another is not linear and proceeds according to certain logical rules. The lowest stage, called mithyā-drsti, prevails due to the activation of Darśana-mohanīya-karma (Deluding-karma), and is characterized by false perception and perverse attitude about knowing the truth and reality. The soul achieves the highest state of purity and omniscience in the 14th Gunasthāna called the Ayoga-kevali Gunasthāna. Table 1 depicts the correlations between leśyā, kasāya, bhava, Gunasthānas, dhyāna and karma dynamics.
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