Leshya: You are what you think

[Guest guest]

Om Readers<br><br>Karmas are any action that we

perform, either in thought, word or deed. Each time that

we perform a Karma, we create a subconscious memory

or impression called a Samskara. Each time that we

die, the soul retains these Samskaras or subtle

impressions of merits and demerits acquired during previous

lifetimes. Each time that we are born, we arrive in the

world with a personality, a body and a mind that is the

result of past experiences and desires. The personality

is but a collection of these Samskaras or deeply

held tendencies. Samskaras remain latent until

specific circumstances trigger them and a subtle desire or

motivational impulse is released into the mind. This desire

that now has motivational momentum is called a Vasana.

If the tension created by the desire is strong

enough, one will perform Karmas to satisfy it. These

Karmas create more subliminal impressions (Samskaras)

that will eventually ripen into new desires (Vasanas)

leading to new actions (Karmas).<br><br>Every Karma that

we perform has an effect on the physical body. A

thought of fear produces certain physiological effects. A

feeling of hunger produces other physiological effects.

These physiological effects modify the chemistry of the

body. When the chemical composition of the body’s cells

change there is also produced a change in the

electromagnetic energies radiating from each cell. This change in

the body’s electromagnetic properties directly

influences the subtle body, causing it to produce a Karmic

substance called Leshya. Leshya flows through the nadis and

hita nadis of the subtle body causing the imprint of

new subliminal impressions (Samskaras) and causing

other changes in other components of the the subtle

body especially in the Antakarana or psyche (the inner

instrument of cognition comprising the Chitta -

consciousness, Buddhi - intellect, Ahankara - ego and Manas -

mind ) and in the Pranas. <br><br>Leshya accumulates

in the subconscious as impressions that result in

future joys or sorrows as they lead to the circumstances

and experiences of life. An individual’s personality

is continually developing in accordance with (1)

general status at birth (Jati) such as body type,

socioeconomic level;(2) deeper personality orientation

(Sanjna), i.e. the level of spiritual awareness; (3)

natural qualities (Gunas) and the resulting inner

harmony, restlessness, or slowness and (4) activities

(Karnas) of the present life. <br><br>The nature of Leshya

is determined by the Gunas. Sattvic Leshya arises

from the performance of postive and selfless actions

and brings happiness, serenity and knowledge and

attraction to Karmas of a Sattvic nature. Rajasic Leshya

arising from selfish actions leads to restlessness,

cravings, more selfishness and the performance of sensual

and pleasure-seeking activities. Tamasic Leshya

brings dullness, misery and ignorance resulting in a

preference for destructive and evil actions.<br><br>The

production of Leshya can only be stopped when the Yogi who

has transcended time and space, who rests in the

Atman and who has burned up all past Karmas,performs

non-Karmic actions (Akarmas). So, as we continue to perform

our duties in the world but do so with less and less

ego, with less and less attachment to the fruits of

our labour, then we are increasing the Sattvic

Leshya. <br><br>Eventually, as we become clearly aware of

the Atman and identify with Atman, our actions become

egoless and we experience our past Karmas in less and

less graphic ways and after burning off these Karmas,

we are free to leave the cycle of births and deaths,

never to returm. <br><br>Hari Om Tat Sat<br><br>Omprem

[Guest guest]

Thanks omprem for the introduction to the term

Leshya. While I know the concept I had no idea there was

a sanskrit term for it. <br><br>Hope to hear more

on it from others

too.<br><br>Thanks...<br><br>_/\_<br><br>UMa