Preksha Dhyana Perception Of Psychic Colours - Book Summary

This document is a summary of the book "Preksha Dhyana: Perception of Psychic Colours" by Acharya Mahaprajna, published by Jain Vishva Bharati. The book is part of the "Science of Living" series and aims to present ancient Jain philosophy in a way that is understandable with modern scientific concepts.

Core Concept: Lesya and its Impact

The central theme of the book is the concept of "lesya," a technical Jain term that bridges the gross physical body and the subtle "karma sharira" (micro-body of contaminating matter). Lesya is described as the force that translates primal drives into tangible actions. It is intimately linked to one's "psychic colours," which are believed to profoundly influence one's attitude, behavior, and overall personality.

The Problem of Human Behavior

The book addresses the persistent conflict in human behavior: why individuals sometimes act virtuously and at other times wickedly, despite a desire for self-control. It argues that conventional methods like willpower, vows, and resolutions are often insufficient to eradicate ingrained negative habits. This is because these impulses are not merely mental functions but originate from a deeper, subtle level of existence.

Lesya as the Solution

According to the text, lesya is the key to understanding and transforming these deep-seated tendencies. There are six types of lesya, categorized into:

Dark/Malevolent Lesyas: Krishna (dark black), Neela (dark blue), and Kapota (dark grey/smoky). These are associated with negative emotions like cruelty, hate, jealousy, and irrational fear.
Bright/Benevolent Lesyas: Taijasa (bright red), Padma (bright yellow), and Shukla (bright white). These are associated with positive qualities like compassion, love, fearlessness, and bliss.

The book posits that individuals attract and assimilate environmental "radiations" corresponding to their dominant lesya. Malevolent lesyas lead to negative thoughts, speech, and actions, while benevolent lesyas purify these tendencies.

Preksha Dhyana and Lesya Dhyana

Preksha Dhyana (perceptive meditation) is presented as the practice that enables the transformation of malevolent lesyas into benevolent ones. Specifically, "Leśyā-dhyāna" (perception of psychic colours) is the core technique discussed. This involves concentrating on specific psychic centers (chakras) and visualizing specific colors associated with the benevolent lesyas.

The Mechanism of Transformation

The book explains that this process works through:

Transmutation of Impulsive Forces: Leśyā-dhyāna transmutes the fundamental emotional forces, rather than just regulating behavior.
Neuro-Endocrine Interaction: Psychic colors are believed to interact with the neuro-endocrine system, influencing hormone secretions and thus altering emotional states and behavioral patterns.
Energy Waves: The practice involves generating benevolent "energy waves" through visualization, which neutralize or weaken malevolent waves originating from negative emotions.

Benefits of Leśyā-Dhyāna

The practice is said to offer a wide range of benefits, including:

Mental Happiness and Inner Peace: Leading to a state of contentment rather than fleeting joy.
Purification of Character and Strengthening of Willpower: Making individuals more resilient and virtuous.
Self-Awareness and Self-Realization: Understanding one's true spiritual self.
Attitudinal Change and Behavioral Modification: Leading to a more integrated and positive personality.
Freedom from Sensual Pleasures: Not by abstaining, but by transcending attachment.
Cessation of Mental Weakness: Enhancing resilience in the face of adversity.
Enlightened Living and Glorious Death: Achieving a state of spiritual fulfillment.

The Technique

The book outlines the preparatory steps and the meditation techniques, emphasizing the importance of a systematic approach. This includes:

Relaxation (Kayotsarga): Achieving physical stillness.
Internal Trip (Antaryatra): Directing awareness along the spinal cord.
Visualization: Mentally picturing specific bright colors (emerald green, peacock blue, rising sun red, golden yellow, full moon white) on designated psychic centers.
Intense Willing (Bhavana/Auto-suggestion): Reinforcing the desired outcome and emotional state.

Scientific and Philosophical Integration

The book attempts to bridge ancient Jain philosophy with modern scientific understanding, referencing concepts like the electromagnetic spectrum, the neuro-endocrine system, and psychology of color. It presents Leśyā as a scientifically explainable phenomenon influencing human physiology and psychology.

Overall Message

"Preksha Dhyana: Perception of Psychic Colours" presents a holistic approach to personal transformation, rooted in Jain philosophy and presented in a way that resonates with contemporary scientific thought. It offers a practical method, Leśyā-Dhyāna, to overcome negative tendencies, cultivate positive qualities, and achieve inner peace and self-realization.