पहिया जे छप्पुरिसा
By पं. कैलाशचन्द्र शास्त्री, डॉ. आ. ने. उपाध्याय
Summary
Six travelers with different leśyās (karmic colorations) became lost in a forest. They came across a single tree laden with fruit. Each traveler contemplated how to obtain the fruit according to their leśyā. The traveler with kṛṣṇa (black) leśyā thought to uproot the entire tree. The one with nīla (blue) leśyā considered cutting the trunk. The kāpota (pigeon-colored) leśyā traveler planned to cut a large branch. The tejo (fiery) leśyā traveler intended to cut a small branch. The padma (lotus) leśyā traveler decided to pick only the fruit without harming the tree. The śukla (white) leśyā traveler resolved to eat only the fruit that had already fallen to the ground. The text states that the mental intention preceding speech determines the action corresponding to each leśyā. This passage from the Gommaṭasāra (Jīva-kāṇḍa) illustrates how different levels of spiritual development, represented by leśyās, influence one's approach to obtaining desired objects, ranging from violent destruction to complete non-violence. The commentary is by Dr. A. N. Upadhyay and Paṇḍit Kailashchandra Shastri.
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Conclusion
The six travelers' varied responses to the fruit-laden tree illustrate how different leśyās (psychic colors) directly shape intentions and actions, with outcomes ranging from destructive to non-violent. This parable underscores that one's mental and emotional state determines ethical conduct, not external circumstances. The implications are profound for spiritual practice: cultivating a pure leśyā (like śukla) leads to harmlessness and contentment with minimal resources, while darker leśyās (kṛṣṇa, nīla) justify violence and exploitation. The text thus offers a framework for self-assessment, urging practitioners to recognize their current disposition and actively work toward refinement. Ultimately, the outcome of spiritual progress hinges on transforming inner tendencies, as actions rooted in greed or aggression perpetuate suffering, while those arising from equanimity and compassion lead to liberation.