Jain Dharm Ka Leshya Siddhant Ek Manovaigyanik Vimarsh - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jain Dharm ka Leshya Siddhant Ek Manovaigyanik Vimarsh" by Sagarmal Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Jain Dharm ka Leshya Siddhant Ek Manovaigyanik Vimarsh (Jainism's Leshya Doctrine: A Psychological Discussion) Author: Sagarmal Jain

This work explores the Jain Leshya doctrine, presenting it as a scientifically and psychologically relevant concept for understanding human personality and character. The author argues that personality is intrinsically linked to an individual's emotions and impulses (kashayas). The greater the intensity and dominance of these impulses, the lower and more unstable the personality. This instability, in turn, leads to a decline in moral strength and is the root of immorality.

The book posits that the Jain Leshya doctrine, which classifies individuals based on their mental states and resulting actions, is one of the most ancient methods of personality categorization. It predates other Jain concepts like the theory of "Trividha Atma" (three types of souls) and "Gunsthans" (spiritual stages), which emerged later, around the 5th century CE. Leshya, found in early Jain scriptures like the Bhagavati Sutra and Uttaradhyayana Sutra, is considered more ancient than similar concepts in other Sramanic traditions (like "Abhijati" in Buddhism) or Hindu traditions (like "Daivi" and "Asuri Sampada" in the Gita).

Key Concepts:

Leshyas Defined: Leshyas are defined as those states or qualities that bind the soul to karmas, or the subtle luminous aura or shadow that influences a being's mental states. They are described as both a physical (dravya) and a mental (bhava) phenomenon.
- Dravya Leshya: This refers to the subtle material elements that form a person's aura or atmosphere, influencing their mental states and subsequent actions. It's likened to an "aura" and is understood to be influenced by, and also influence, one's mental disposition. Different interpretations exist regarding its composition, with some suggesting it's formed from karmic matter, others as a flow of karmas, and still others as the result of physical, verbal, and mental actions.
- Bhava Leshya: This is the soul's inner disposition, its mental attitude, or "adhyavasaya." It's characterized by varying degrees of "sanklesha" (mental distress or agitation) and "yoga" (activity).
Six Leshyas (Classification of Personality): The core of the Leshya doctrine is the classification of beings into six categories based on the nature and intensity of their mental states (bhava-leshyas), ranging from the most negative to the most positive. These are presented as a classification of personality types.
- Ashen (Aprashasta) Leshyas:
  1. Krishna Leshya (Black Leshya): The lowest form of personality, characterized by extremely base and cruel thoughts, overwhelming sensual desires, lack of control over actions, and a tendency towards violence, theft, and accumulation for selfish gain. Individuals are cruel, inflict pain, and act out of a perverse nature rather than self-interest.
  2. Neel Leshya (Blue Leshya): Slightly better than Krishna, but still negative. Behavior is driven by desires but with the use of intellect, often leading to cunning and indirect harm. Characterized by jealousy, intolerance, ignorance, deceit, shamelessness, lust, and laziness. Actions are motivated by self-interest, even if it means causing significant harm to others for minor gains.
  3. Kapota Leshya (Dove-colored Leshya): Also a negative disposition. Inconsistency between thought, word, and deed. Lacks simplicity, characterized by deceit and ego. Tries to hide faults, has an unrealistic perspective, and engages in deceitful speech, revealing secrets for personal gain, and is prone to envy. Harm is done primarily for self-interest.
- Auspicious (Prashasta) Leshyas: 4. Tejo Leshya (Fiery/Yellow Leshya): A pure disposition. Individuals are mindful of sins and avoid immoral actions, though they may seek pleasure. They do not resort to immoral means to achieve pleasure. They have faith in religious and moral conduct and find joy in auspicious actions. There is a sense of goodwill towards others. Such individuals are virtuous, humble, honest, desireless, disciplined, and yogic. They are steadfast and benefit others, but may cause harm if their interests are threatened. 5. Padma Leshya (Lotus/Red Leshya): Greater purity than Tejo Leshya. Negative emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed are minimal or absent. The individual is disciplined, meditative, self-controlled, and radiant. They are less talkative, calm, and have controlled senses. They consider the welfare of others and are inclined towards virtuous actions. 6. Shukla Leshya (White Leshya): The highest form of auspiciousness. All the positive qualities of Padma Leshya are present with greater purity. The individual is peaceful, self-controlled, and joyful. Their behavior is gentle, and they do not wish to cause harm to others, even for their own benefit. They are unified in thought, word, and deed and have complete control over themselves, driven by their ideals and duty. They are immersed in their true nature.
Leshyas and Personality Classification: Leshyas are not just a classification of mental states but also a classification of personalities based on character. Character is seen as the external manifestation of one's intentions, which are translated into actions. The author emphasizes the deep connection between one's mental state (manobhumi) and one's conduct (aacharan). Thus, the Leshya doctrine becomes a practical system for classifying personality based on moral (shubh) or immoral (ashubh) orientations. The six Leshyas represent a quantitative differentiation within these qualitative categories.
Comparison with Other Traditions: The book draws parallels between the Leshya doctrine and personality classifications found in other traditions:
- Buddhism: Similar classifications exist, with distinctions between "Krishnavarn" (dark) and "Shuklavarn" (light) based on actions and mental states. The concept of "Abhijati" in Buddhism also serves as a classification.
- Hinduism (Bhagavad Gita): The Gita categorizes people into "Daivi" (divine) and "Asuri" (demonic) natures, which align with the concepts of auspicious and inauspicious Leshyas.
- Mahabharata: Mentions six "varna" (colors) – Krishna, Dhumra, Neela, Rakta, Haridra, and Shukla – linked to happiness and suffering, and also connects colors to social classes (Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya, Shudra) and even states of beings (hellish, human, divine).
- Yoga Sutras of Patanjali: Presents a four-fold classification: Krishna, Krishna-Shukla, Shukla, and Ashukla-Akṛṣṇa, corresponding to impure to purer states.
Historical Development: The author traces the historical development of the Leshya concept, suggesting its origins might lie in the six "Abhijatis" of the Ajivikas, but firmly attributes the specific "Lesya" terminology and detailed conceptualization to Jain tradition. The term "Lesya" itself is considered unique to Jainism. The presence of related terms in ancient Jain texts like Acharanga Sutra and Uttaradhyayana Sutra confirms its antiquity.
Modern Science and Leshya Doctrine: The book highlights the relevance of the Leshya doctrine in the context of modern psychology, chromotherapy, and the concept of aura. It credits Acharya Tulsi's disciple, Acharya Mahapragya, and scholar Dr. Shanta Jain for their work in reinterpreting the Leshya doctrine through a modern scientific and psychological lens. This approach provides a new dimension to ancient Indian concepts and their contemporary relevance, emphasizing the importance of purifying our "psycho-somatic and mental environment" (the "leshya") in addition to the physical environment.

Conclusion:

The book argues that the Jain Leshya doctrine offers a profound psychological framework for understanding and classifying human personality and character. It demonstrates how ancient Indian thought, particularly Jainism, possessed sophisticated insights into human nature that are still relevant and can be integrated with modern scientific understanding. The Leshya doctrine serves as a guide for personal development, encouraging the purification of one's mental states to achieve a balanced, stable, and mature personality, ultimately leading to spiritual liberation.