Discourse

The Face of the Divine

A question arises—if a stranger looks at us with malice, how can we recall their cheerful face, since we have no prior acquaintance with them? In such moments, remember the face of your revered one.

If for any reason you cannot bring the cheerful face of the other person to mind, you can recall the face of your deity. Connecting with their energy will help you overcome the situation.

Don’t Become Gunpowder

We have four internal enemies—anger, ego, deceit, and greed. These are also called Kashayas (passions). Kashaya means “to bind,” that which shackles the soul. These four Kashayas constantly operate within us and lead to karmic bondage. Let’s reflect on how this happens. Have you ever considered how anger, greed, or other Kashayas overpower you?

Just as a driver cannot go anywhere without a vehicle, Kashayas cannot act on their own. They need a medium through which they express themselves. For example, let’s discuss anger. When you are angry with someone, do you curse them in your mind? Do you verbally abuse them?

Or, in extreme cases, do you even use your hands to hit them? It also happens that if you cannot harm the person, do you vent your anger on objects? Many people display their anger on inanimate objects like chairs or utensils. Thus, when the storm of Kashaya rages in mind, speech, and body.

A Life Controlled by Yoga: A Simple Path to Overcoming Kashaya

This means anger needs a vehicle—mind, speech, and body. The inclination of mind, speech, and body is called Yoga. If your “Yoga vehicle” has good habits—positive thoughts, encouraging words, loving and friendly behavior—then the result of that Yoga will be a virtuous Leshya (pure, radiant, luminous).

The fundamental truth of Leshya is that it is the result of Yoga, which is driven by discipline. Where there is Yoga, there is Leshya.
If through practice you can keep your mind, speech, and body calm and balanced, you will survive the earthquake of Kashaya. Just as a building with a strong foundation remains unshaken by an earthquake, the foundation of your life is Yoga.

If your Yogic tendencies are restrained, the earthquake of Kashaya will not be able to topple you. Therefore, there is no need to control Kashaya directly. Instead, discipline your Yoga. Some simple practices of Yoga include speaking softly, walking gently, and handling objects with care. Doing so will naturally pacify Kashayas.

Thus, practice Yoga continuously. Keep your mind, speech, and body calm, and cultivate restraint in their tendencies. Maintain a virtuous Leshya.
Leshya is the inclination of Yoga colored by the rise of Kashaya. As the scripture says—

‘Yoga pravritti leshya kashayodaya anuranjita bhavati.’

Gommatasara Jivakanda, Sutra 460

Leshya is the inclination of mind, speech, and body colored by Kashaya. That is, the tendencies of mind, speech, and body influenced by passions are Leshya.

Leshya operates through the combination of Kashaya and Yoga. Leshya is rooted in Yoga but dominated by Kashaya. If we observe our lives, Kashaya’s intensity may fluctuate, but the tendencies of mind, speech, and body persist continuously. Hence, the agitation of Kashaya catches our attention.

Also Read:

Whenever someone acts out of anger, ego, deceit, or greed, we notice it. If someone behaves with attachment or aversion, that too is visible, but we do not perceive what thoughts or vibrations are at play. Therefore, the enduring element of Leshya is Yoga. Kash

Yoga

Yoga is an ancient spiritual, mental, and physical practice originating in India over 5,000 years ago. Rooted in Hindu philosophy, it combines postures (asanas), breathing techniques (pranayama), and meditation to promote harmony between body and mind. Today, yoga is a globally recognized practice, valued for its health benefits and cultural significance.

Kashaya

Kashaya refers to both a Native American tribe and their traditional territory in present-day Sonoma County, California. The Kashaya Pomo people have lived in the region for thousands of years, known for their basket-weaving skills and deep connection to the land. Their history includes resistance to Spanish missions and later displacement during European settlement, but they continue to preserve their cultural heritage today.

Leshya

“Leshya” refers to a concept in Jainism rather than a physical place or cultural site. It represents the spectrum of mental states or aura colors that reflect an individual’s spiritual purity, ranging from black (most negative) to white (most pure). This doctrine is rooted in Jain philosophy and highlights the importance of ethical conduct and inner transformation.

Gommatasara Jivakanda

Gommatasara Jivakanda is a significant Jain religious text composed by Acharya Nemichandra Siddhanta Chakravarti in the 10th century. It elaborates on the concepts of souls (*jivas*) and their classifications, forming a key part of Jain philosophy. The text is highly revered in the Digambara Jain tradition and is often studied for its detailed explanations of karma and spiritual liberation.

anger

“Aanger” does not refer to a known place or cultural site. If you meant *Angers*, a city in western France, here’s a summary:

Angers is a historic city in the Pays de la Loire region, known for its medieval Château d’Angers, a 13th-century fortress housing the famous *Apocalypse Tapestry*. Once the capital of the historic Anjou province, it boasts rich heritage, including Gothic architecture and ties to the Plantagenêt dynasty.

Let me know if you meant a different location!

ego

“Ego” is not a specific place or cultural site, but rather a concept in psychology, philosophy, and everyday language referring to one’s sense of self or identity. In Freudian psychoanalysis, the ego represents the rational part of the mind that mediates between desires (id) and moral constraints (superego). If you meant a particular location or cultural landmark with a similar name, please provide more details for an accurate summary.

deceit

“Deceit” does not refer to a specific place or cultural site, but rather to the act of deception or dishonesty. If you meant a particular location or cultural landmark with a similar name (e.g., *Deception Island* in Antarctica or a historical event involving deceit), please clarify so I can provide an accurate summary. For example:

– **Deception Island (Antarctica)**: A volcanic island known for its horseshoe-shaped harbor, formed by a volcanic caldera. Historically used as a whaling station, it was named for its deceptive appearance as a normal island, hiding its volcanic nature.

Let me know if you’d like details on a different site!

greed

“Greed” is not a specific place or cultural site but rather a concept or moral theme often explored in literature, religion, and philosophy. Historically, it has been condemned in many cultures, such as in Christianity (as one of the Seven Deadly Sins) and Buddhism (as a source of suffering). It is also a recurring theme in stories and parables warning against excessive desire for wealth or power.

Would you like a summary of a specific cultural reference related to greed, such as a myth, artwork, or historical event?