Leshya Aur Manovigyan - Book Summary

Here is a comprehensive summary in English of the Jain text "Leshya aur Manovigyan" by Shanta Jain, based on the provided pages:

Book Title: Leshya aur Manovigyan (Leshya and Psychology) Author: Mumukshu Dr. Shanta Jain Publisher: Jain Vishva Bharati, Ladnun (Rajasthan) Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/003048/1

This book, "Leshya aur Manovigyan," is a comprehensive research work that explores the Jain concept of Leshya (which refers to the subtle spiritual states or dispositions of a soul, often associated with colors and influencing one's outlook and behavior) through the lens of modern psychology. Dr. Shanta Jain, the author, aims to bridge the gap between ancient Jain philosophy and contemporary psychological understanding, demonstrating how Leshya can be understood and applied to personality development and transformation.

Core Concepts and Summary:

The book is structured into eight chapters, delving deeply into the theoretical, psychological, and practical aspects of Leshya.

Chapter 1: The Theoretical Aspect of Leshya

Dualism in Jain Philosophy and the Concept of Leshya: Jain philosophy, being dualistic, posits the existence of both soul (conscious) and matter (non-conscious). The interaction and combination of these two are what constitute the worldly existence (samsara), and their separation leads to liberation (moksha). Leshya is presented as the vital link that connects the soul with karma, acting as a bridge for the soul to become entangled with karmic matter.
Definition and Context of Leshya: Leshya is defined through various perspectives within Jain scripture, highlighting its role in karmic bondage, soul's disposition, and its connection to material substances (pudgala) that carry qualities like color, scent, taste, and touch.
Leshya and Yoga: The text explores the relationship between Leshya and Yoga, emphasizing how yogic practices and internal states influence and are influenced by Leshya.
Leshya and Subtle Entities: Leshya is discussed in relation to subtle bodies and their interactions.
Leshya and its Aspects: The book differentiates between Dravya Leshya (material Leshya, the subtle karmic matter associated with the soul) and Bhava Leshya (psychic Leshya, the soul's actual disposition or state).
Leshya and Karmic Stages (Gunsthana): The correlation between Leshya and the stages of spiritual progress (Gunsthanas) in Jainism is examined.
Leshya and Its Implications: The concept of auspicious (Shubh) and inauspicious (Ashubh) Leshyas is explained, relating them to positive and negative mental states and their karmic consequences.

Chapter 2: Leshya from a Psychological Perspective

Levels of Consciousness: The chapter delves into the psychological understanding of consciousness, including its various levels.
Instincts and Cognitions: It explores the role of basic instincts and cognitions in shaping behavior, drawing parallels with Jain concepts.
Qualities of Attitudes: The text analyzes the positive and negative qualities of attitudes and their psychological underpinnings.
Manifestations of Emotions (Kashaya): The psychological understanding of emotions like anger, pride, deceit, and greed (Kashayas) and their various expressions is discussed.
Leshya as a Link between Gross and Subtle Consciousness: Leshya is presented as the crucial link connecting the physical body (gross consciousness) and the subtler spiritual or mental states (subtle consciousness).
Karmic Bondage at the Unconscious Level: The book connects Jain concepts of karmic bondage with the psychological concept of the unconscious mind.
Mind Change and Bhavas: It emphasizes that the mind changes only when inner states (Bhavas) change, a principle closely aligned with the concept of Leshya transformation.
Attitude, Leshya, and Results: The interplay between attitude, Leshya, and their consequential outcomes is analyzed.

Chapter 3: Psychological Presentation of Colors

Physical Aspect of Color: The scientific basis of color, including wavelengths and frequencies, is explained.
Psychological Impact of Color: The influence of colors on human psychology, emotions, and behavior is discussed.
Dimensions of Color: Different aspects of color, such as hue, lightness, and saturation, are examined.
Qualities and Effectiveness of Color: The inherent qualities of colors and their impact on perception and well-being are analyzed.
Leshya Colors with Analogies: The six Leshyas (Black, Blue, Grey, Yellow, Red, White) are described with vivid analogies from nature and Jain scriptures, linking them to psychological states.
Leshya: Time, Length, and Weight: The text touches upon how Leshyas can be associated with concepts of time, space, and subtle "weight" or influence.
Leshya and Sensory Subjects: The interaction of Leshya with sensory experiences is explored.
Symbolism of Colors: The symbolic meanings of various colors across different cultures and traditions are discussed.
Color Therapy: The therapeutic applications of colors in healing and well-being are presented.

Chapter 4: Leshya and Aura

Tejas Body, Tejas Samudghat, and Tejolabdhi: These Jain concepts, related to subtle energetic bodies and their emanations, are linked to the formation of the aura.
Levels of Subtle Consciousness: The discussion extends to the subtle levels of consciousness as perceived in both Jain philosophy and parapsychology.
Multiple Images of Colors in Aura: The concept that an individual's aura can display various shades and colors reflecting their inner state is explored.
Aura Connected with Emotions (Bhavas): The direct correlation between one's emotional state and the colors and intensity of their aura is highlighted.
Varna: A Qualitative Identity of Personality: The chapter explores how colors, and by extension Leshyas, serve as a qualitative indicator of personality.
Is Aura Visible?: The possibility of perceiving the aura, both traditionally through spiritual insight and scientifically through modern instruments, is discussed.

Chapter 5: Personality and Leshya

Definition of Personality: Various definitions of personality from psychological and philosophical perspectives are presented.
Components of Personality Development: The contributing factors to personality formation, namely nimitta (external causes) and upadana (inherent causes), are analyzed. These include heredity, environment, physical constitution (Sanhana, Samsthana), nervous system, and body chemistry.
Personality Types: Different typologies of personality, from psychological theories (e.g., Freud, Jung, Kretschmer-Sheldon) and Jain perspectives (based on Leshyas), are compared.
Leshya and Personality Transformation: The book emphasizes that personality can be transformed by changing one's Leshya through spiritual practices. It suggests that while external factors play a role, the internal state (Leshya) is paramount in shaping personality.

Chapter 6: Personality Transformation is Possible

Who is Responsible?: The chapter addresses the factors responsible for personality disintegration and transformation, attributing it primarily to internal states (like Leshya and Kashaya) rather than solely external influences.
Mature Personality: The characteristics of a mature personality, aligned with Jain ideals of inner peace, self-control, and ethical conduct, are described.
Leshya Purification for Personality Change: The process of purifying Leshya through various spiritual disciplines is presented as the key to personality transformation.
Breaking the Cycle of Delusion (Murcha): The text discusses overcoming attachment and delusion (Murcha) as crucial for spiritual progress.
Fight Yourself: The importance of internal struggle and self-discipline in overcoming negative tendencies is emphasized.
The Three-Point Practice: A practical approach to inner transformation is suggested.
Entering into Dharma Dhyana (Righteous Contemplation): The transition from lower forms of contemplation to righteous contemplation is presented as a path to positive personality change.
Not Suppression, but Purification: The book advocates for purification and transformation of negative tendencies rather than mere suppression.

Chapter 7: Meditation in Jain Sadhana

What is Meditation?: The nature and purpose of meditation in Jainism are explained.
Types and Subtypes of Meditation: Various forms of meditation practiced in Jain tradition are described.
Preparation for Meditation: The prerequisites and preparatory steps for effective meditation are outlined.
Preksha Dhyana: The author highlights Preksha Dhyana, a meditation technique developed by Acharya Mahapragya, as a scientific and practical method for self-awareness and transformation. This includes:
- Kayotsarga: Mindfulness of the body.
- Antaryatra: Inner journey of self-exploration.
- Shwaspreksha: Awareness of breath.
- Sharirpreksha: Awareness of bodily sensations.
- Chaitanyakendra Preksha: Awareness of energy centers in the body.
- Anupeksha: Recollection or contemplation of specific truths.

Chapter 8: Color Meditation and Leshya

Purification of Outer and Inner Layers: The chapter discusses purifying both the external (physical) and internal (mental/spiritual) aspects of oneself.
Origin of Negativity: It explores where negative tendencies arise, linking them to specific Leshyas and psychological states.
Superior Colors of the Brain: The text references the idea of specific colors being associated with different brain functions and states.
Main Objective of Color Meditation: The purpose of meditating with colors is explained as a means to transform emotions and achieve desired psychological states.
Color Meditation as an Antidote to Negative Emotions: It highlights how focusing on specific colors can counteract negative emotions and tendencies.
Meditation on Auspicious Leshyas: The practice of meditating on the colors associated with auspicious Leshyas (Yellow, Red, White) is described as a path to positive transformation.

Overall Thesis:

Dr. Shanta Jain's work powerfully argues that Leshya, a concept deeply embedded in Jain tradition, is not merely a philosophical doctrine but a scientifically explainable psychological phenomenon. By integrating ancient Jain wisdom with modern psychological insights, particularly those related to emotions, consciousness, and behavior, the book demonstrates that understanding and consciously cultivating positive Leshyas (associated with favorable colors and mental states) can lead to significant personality development, emotional regulation, and ultimately, spiritual liberation. The book emphasizes that while external factors play a role, the internal transformation, achievable through practices like meditation and conscious awareness of one's Leshya, is the key to a balanced and fulfilling life.