Vedadom

21/09/2023

Understanding the Rules of Leela's Transformative Quest

Leela is a fascinating journey into the depths of consciousness. So how do you play this transformative Game of Life?

In Leela, just like in any other game, there are rules. These rules guide how players move through the playing field. But let’s start with understanding the purpose of this game and its basic principles:

• The game board or Leela’s playing field consists of 72 cells: each of them represents a specific state that we all experience in life.
• The game begins and ends in cell 68 "Cosmic Consciousness."
• The player formulates a request, and the roll of the dice launches them into the game. They enter the game by rolling a 6.
• The player moves across the field, studying the concepts and ideas embedded in the cells, looking inward, and listening to their sensations, and responses. Self-reflection and honesty are the main qualities required to fully benefit from the Game.
• When a player lands on the start of an arrow, they automatically ascend to its tip. If the cell they land on contains the head of a snake, they descend down to its tail.
• The roll of the dice precisely guides a person to where they need to go, i.e., to the cells that contain a message that is important for the player to hear, understand and accept right now. During the game, a player may find themselves repeatedly landing on the same arrows or being bitten by the same snakes until they receive and understand the message that corresponds to that particular cell.
• As a result of traversing this path, inner transformations occur that lead the person back to the final cell, "Cosmic Consciousness." This state is one of unity with oneself. A state in which we live in harmony with our spirit, with ourselves. A state of Yoga. After all, this is precisely the state that people engaged in various spiritual practices aspire to. In essence, Leela is a spiritual practice.

Two conditions:
1. You must complete the Game once it has started.
Before you start, make sure you have the time, desire and motivation to go all the way. Depending on your intention, mood, inner state and many other circumstances, it may take a while to find the answers. There are times when one has to get exhausted just to finally hear the voice of his Soul. Go all the way, and then you will be able to enjoy the value of your transformation.
2. Leela is played in an environment of safety and trust.
All states are temporary, and often even necessary, to play the game of life. Your Leela Guide is the guarantor that the environment will be safe and ecological, thus contributing to the harmony necessary for the process. The master of the game or Leela Guide is a person who deeply respects and understands other people. Not a teacher of life, not a Guru with all the answers. Just an empathetic professional: seeing, hearing, and feeling the situation, and using his knowledge and experience to guide players to self-discovery.

Actual Rules:
At the beginning of the process, participants usually sit around the field, greet the Game Masters, their Mentors, and Spiritual Guides, and thank them for the opportunity to receive assistance. Then people vocalise their requests and take turns rolling the dice, passing it around.
To play the game, four things are required: a dice, a game board, commentaries for each cell, and an item (like a ring) to represent each player's symbol.
As you already know, the goal of Leela is to return to your original state while gaining valuable experiences along the way. At the start of the game, the Soul is on a subtle plane until she embarks on a human body for experience. All players place their personal objects that symbolise them on cell 68 "Cosmic Consciousness" and enter the game by rolling a 6. Until a player rolls a six, they remain unborn on the “Cosmic Consciousness” cell. The moment of entry, the moment when that 6 is rolled, is crucial, as it indicates that the person's request is "correct," truly important for the player at this particular stage of their life.
After rolling a 6, they enter the Game through cell 1 "Genesis" and move to cell 6 "Delusion." In order to find the answer, we have to accept that we don’t know it yet and that currently, we are in a delusion and looking for guidance.
Each time, at any stage of the game, when a player rolls a six, they get the right to roll the dice again until a number other than 6 appears. There is a rule of "3 sixes," which allows the player to focus on a particular moment of the Game or a specific cell. If 3 sixes are rolled and then, for example, 1 is rolled, the three sixes "burn," and the focus is on the cell indicated by the 1. So, if a person is on cell 6 "Delusion" and rolls three sixes and a 1, they move only one step forward, landing on cell 7 "Vanity," and special emphasis is placed on this state. Another example is when entering the game, a player rolls three sixes in a row and then another number. In this case, they start from cell 1 “Genesis” and count forward the number of cells equal to the points rolled on the fourth roll.
If a person rolls 1, 2, 4, or more sixes in a row, they do not "burn" and a player continues rolling the dice until a number other than six appears. The person takes the corresponding number of steps, taking into account all snakes and arrows encountered along the way.
The goal of the game is to return to cell number 68. If a player reaches the eighth row but does not land on the “Cosmic Consciousness” cell and instead progresses to cells numbered 69, 70, or 71, they must wait until a roll produces either the exact number of steps separating them from cell 72 “Tamoguna” or a small number that allows them to move two or one step forward (for 69 - 1, 2, or 3 are suitable; for 70 - 1 or 2; for 71 - only 1). The snake of “Tamoguna” returns them to Earth so they can reach “Cosmic Consciousness” either through gradual ascension or by rolling a three and landing on the cell of “Spiritual Devotion,” where an arrow leads the player directly to their goal. If they are on cell 71, all numbers except one are useless. In the case where a player rolls a number that cannot currently be "played," that number "burns."
To avoid confusion when rolling a 6, it is better to continue rolling the dice until a number other than 6 is obtained. After that, considering the above-mentioned points, you can start moving on the field.

Ways to play Leela:
The Game can be used for group processes or individually, online or in-person, with or without a Game Master. In the case of a Game without a Guide, it is important to note that it is impossible to capture all possible aspects of the states reflected in the Game cells. In the case of a Game with a Game Master, the player has the opportunity to gain an "outside perspective," hear comments from someone outside the situation, and interpret it accordingly, unconditioned and unrestricted in interpretation. It's like having a psychologist's perspective to help you see things from a different angle.
It is also possible to play Leela all at once in one day or gradually. For example, by rolling the dice once a day or even less frequently. Many people prefer to break it down to a number of sessions. In this regard, there are no restrictions, and each person chooses their own way of working with the Game. You can play Leela all at once or take your time, rolling the dice when it feels right. There's no rush, and everyone can choose their own path. But remember, once started you must complete the Game.
To get the most out of the game, it's helpful to record the path Leela takes you on. By reviewing such records, you can discover some similarities between the snakes that keep appearing on your path or the arrows that come to your aid. This will help you learn about what elevates you and what puts you down in your life, in addition to finding connections between your inner and outer worlds. In the past, many saints used Leela to gain insight into their inner structure.

So, if you're looking for a unique way to explore the depths of consciousness, consider giving Leela a try! It's a cosmic journey that might just change your perspective on life. ✨

01/09/2023

Ever wondered about the fascinating history behind "Leela: The Game of Self-Knowledge"? Let's dive into its origins and evolution.

🎲 Historical Origins:
The roots of this intriguing game extend far back into the past, possibly thousands of years. Interestingly, there isn't one universally accepted version of its history.

One of the precursors to "Leela" was a game called "Liberation," and it's highly likely that its creator was Sakya Pandita, a prominent figure in Tibetan history during the 13th century. Sakya Pandita was one of the most significant political and religious leaders in Tibet. However, it's probable that he didn't invent the game's principles himself. In his later years, he interacted with wandering ascetic monks from Bhutan. He studied their works, titled "The Path and Its Fruits."

"Liberation" was well-known in Buddhist circles, particularly in Tibet and Nepal. The game featured boards with 72 cells, 77 cells in Bhutan, and 169 cells in Korea. Considering the influence of Hinduism and the Bon religion in these regions, the game was sometimes referred to as "Nagapasa," meaning the game of snakes or one controlled by serpents. Snakes in Asia symbolize wisdom and guardianship of underground treasures. A modern version with 104 cells was created in the early 20th century by a Tibetan monk, Pema Dorje, from the Nyingma school of Buddhism. The goal of the game is to reach cell 104, representing enlightenment.

🌍 Diverse Versions and Names:
Various versions of the game have been discovered, including Jainist, Hindu, and Sufi variations. Museums worldwide exhibit around 50 different game boards found in India, Nepal, and Tibet. The Jainist version is one of the oldest that has survived. It dates back to 1735 and was found in Rajasthan. The board has 84 cells and is kept in the National Museum in New Delhi. Unfortunately, descriptions of the game's rules from ancient times have not survived.

The game has gone by different names:

- Gyan Chaupar (Game of Wisdom)
- Jnana bazi/Gyan bazi (Game of Heaven and Hell)
- Vaikunthapaali Thayam
- Parama Pada Sopanam (Steps to the Supreme)
- Kismet
- Moksha Patam (Ladder to Salvation)
- Shatranj-Al-Afirin (Chess of the Wise)
- Nagapasa
- Snakes & Ladders / Chutes and Ladders

Game boards could consist of 72, 84, 101, 124, 132, or even 342 cells, with various arrangements of snakes and ladders.

The Muslim (Sufi) version was discovered in the late 17th to early 18th centuries, featuring 100 cells symbolizing the names of God, with the 101st cell representing the Abode of Allah. Unconventional versions have boards with 124, 324 cells, and segmented zones.

The Nepali Nagapasa had 72 cells, incorporating both Hindu and Muslim vices and virtues. It used two scripts: Persian (Arabic) and Devanagari (ancient Indian).

In the Buddhist Nagapasa, each cell featured a Buddhist figure. The board included blue, red, and white snakes. The ladders were replaced with red (good) snakes, while the white snake led to liberation.

The Hindu version, with 72 cells, was particularly popular among Brahmins. There are also Hindu versions with 100 or more cells. The surviving boards date back to the beginning of the 19th century.

🌍 Spread to the West:
In the early 19th century, the game lost popularity in India. As often happened with Eastern knowledge that found its way to the West, Leela made its way to Europe. In 1892, it arrived in England and gained widespread popularity. However, the interpretations of Indian "virtues" and "vices" (as seen by the British, with their vastly different culture and worldviews) were replaced with Victorian moral doctrines. Initially played by adults, the game was adapted for children as "Snakes & Ladders." "Chutes and Ladders," a well-known version, was released in the United States in 1943. Players move their pieces with a spinner instead of dice. The snake's representation was replaced by a ribbon. The game aims to teach children about cause and effect.

The modern Indian version of Leela was first described by Harish Johari, a scholar and custodian of Indian traditions, in 1974. Harish Johari's book "Yoga of Snakes and Arrows: The Leela of Self Knowledge", is a captivating exploration of Leela and its profound spiritual symbolism. This insightful work delves into the rich tapestry of Indian culture and philosophy, using the game as a metaphor for life's journey. Johari masterfully connects the ups and downs of the game to the twists and turns of our existence, highlighting the timeless quest for self-realization and enlightenment. Johari's book promoted the spread of Leela around the world, inspiring countless individuals on their own spiritual paths and offering a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness of all things. His book continues to be a source of wisdom and inspiration, inviting readers to navigate life's challenges with grace and mindfulness.

Isn't it fascinating how a simple board game can carry such rich history and cultural significance? Share your thoughts on the evolution of Leela!

01/09/2023

Dive into Self-Discovery with "Leela: The Game of Self-Knowledge" in London!

Hey! Have you ever wondered about the depths of your own personality, emotions, and relationships? Or maybe you are looking for a unique way to explore your inner world, connect with friends, and embark on a journey of personal growth right here in the heart of our vibrant city? If so, I'd like to introduce you to Leela.

🎲 What is Leela?
"Leela: The Game of Self-Knowledge" is not just any board game; it's a transformative experience with a rich history. Originating from ancient practices of self-reflection and mindfulness, Leela has been modernised into a powerful tool for self-discovery and personal growth.

We have before us a functional model of this Game. Leela is a board game that originally was created by scholars of ancient times to teach moral values and help people purify the mind and evolve. Yogis who have explored the labyrinths of human consciousness have established the existence of 72 primordial states of being. These states correspond to the squares of Leela's playing field or game board: "the periodic system of the elements of consciousness." Within these states, each player acts according to his karma, and the game ends only when the player fully penetrates its meaning, having reached Cosmic Consciousness.

The exciting part: Leela offers different ways to play! You can gather in person with friends at your favourite London spots, or if you prefer, you can connect online. Play in groups or engage in 1-to-1 sessions – the choice is yours!

Ready to explore the depths of your own self? 🚀 Then click on the WhatsApp button below and start your journey!

28/08/2023

We all need guidance. Although, sometimes it feels like everything is under control and we know exactly where we are heading. At those times, we feel like we don’t need any help. At other times, chaos prevails, we feel lost and start looking for the lighthouses around to stay safe and not crash our boat on rocks of material turmoil. We talk to friends and family, read books and articles, scroll Facebook newsfeeds and browse through endless Instagram posts… we look for answers outside. But the answer is always within us, it’s always inside. Our Soul, our unconscious has all the keys, all the answers to our questions and problems. But how to connect with the Soul or the Self as Jung called her? How to hear her voice and receive guidance? There are different ways and paths into the unconscious, to the Soul, for example, dreams, psychotherapy, sadhana or spiritual practice, mindfulness, I-Ching, selfless service and devotion. The list goes on. Leela is one of them. Leela represents a tool that helps to connect with your True Self and receive guidance from your unmanifested spiritual mentors or directly from your Soul.

People play Leela, the transformational game of self-knowledge, for many reasons. Some people are just curious, they cannot miss an opportunity to experience something new and exciting, especially if it is related to personal growth and development. Others join the game because they have questions that do not have answers. People who feel lost or frustrated may find Leela particularly helpful and enlightening as it can support them in creating life-changing goals, provide a clear plan of action, and reveal a new vision for the future. Leela can be incredibly beneficial for people who are looking for more awareness in their lives, and for those who seek to be more self-reflective and mindful. It can bring deep personal realisations and substitute years of psychotherapy. Originally, this game was designed as entertainment for the saints. Therefore, spiritual seekers who follow the path of self-knowledge are naturally attracted to it. But anyone can play the game, even the most hard-headed sceptics, atheists, and materialists.

To enter the game, one has to formulate a question or request. These questions, broadly speaking, could be divided into three groups. The first one consists of questions related to purpose in life, spiritual development and meaning. The second group of questions is all about career, life’s work or calling, professional development and earning money. The third one is about all kinds of relationships and family. This question is important as it allows us to enter the game. The question has to be carefully worded and represent something important for the Soul, not the mind. And there is one clear sign that the question is right, which is getting six when a die is thrown. Throwing a six allows you to enter the game.

After all, there is another dimension to the question ‘Why do people play Leela?’ As Leela symbolises life itself, it’s then worth asking why the Soul chooses to manifest in this material world and enter the stage. And is there a choice? The answer lies in the realm of belief systems and philosophy. Vedic scriptures say that we are tied with ropes of karma. We have to reincarnate until all lessons are learnt and all experiences gained. At the same time, the Soul may have specific desires that can be fulfilled only in material form on our beautiful planet. Vedic Astrology talks about karmic tasks as well as Atma-Karaka, the planet-significator of the Soul’s desire. Each one of us has our unique reasons to be here when we look at this question from a spiritual perspective. Biology tells us that we are here to reproduce and continue our species. Psychology talks about the hierarchy of needs and self-actualisations, self-realisation and individuation. Vedic science talks about Moksha, liberation. Liberation from the illusion of who we are, liberation from the Matrix or Maya. We play this game again and again in the search for the True Self. We desire only one thing – the awakening to the Divine Love.

25/05/2023

I have studied Vedic Astrology with David Frawley and Rami Bleckt, two most renowned Vedic astrologers in the West. My degree in psychology and passion for Jungian archetypal theory allowed me to create my own, unique approach to Vedic Astrology which is more in line with Psychological Astrology, or Astro-psychology.
Jung’s archetypal model is a central thread in Astro-psychology, but it also borrows from other schools of thought, including psychodynamic theory and developmental psychology. It is the result of the cross-fertilisation of the fields of astrology with depth psychology, humanistic psychology and transpersonal psychology.
From my perspective, Astro-psychology is an incredible tool for self-knowledge and exploration of your personality, relationships, karmic tasks and much more.

02/12/2018

Dhanvantari is the Hindu god of medicine and an avatar of Lord Vishnu. He appears in the Puranas as the god of Ayurveda. Though he is one of the Yakshas, who brought nectar of immortality from Samudramanthan. It is common practice in Hinduism for worshipers to pray to Dhanvantari seeking his blessings for sound health for themselves and/or others, especially on Dhanteras or Dhanwantari Trayodashi.

03/12/2017

This exhibition takes its title and inspiration from the ‘Ayurvedic Man’ – an 18th-century Nepali painting depicting the organs and vessels of the male body according to classical Ayurveda. Showcasing an exquisite range of material, including Sanskrit, Persian and Tibetan manuscripts, vibrant ...

03/08/2016

03/07/2016

Many people today look to Patanjali, the compiler of the Yoga Sutras, as the father or founder of the greater system of Yoga. While Patanjali’s work is very important and worthy of profound e…

25/02/2016

Six fundamental facts most yogis today don't know! Revised version of the controversial post which finally unveils the truth (from the traditional perspective, anyway) about the subtle energy centers called chakras.

13/02/2016

The secret of good health and happiness is actually very simple. Whatever portion of love and energy one gives, approximately the same amount of health, money and happiness one receives. If one gives back five times more energy than money or luck one has got, then that person will have stable health and happiness, and the unexpected influx of money and prosperity will not kill the person. If you gained or desire to gain something several times more than you gave, then you're a sick person. No longer will you have that wealth because the wealth will own you...
..Why do stars shine? They shine because they want to be happy. To give energy is happiness and not only for animate but also to inanimate beings. On the subtle plane, the animate and the inanimate feel and react alike. Whether we receive or give externally, there is always a release of energy of love. When we get a gift and rejoice, our energy bursts out. When we give a gift and feel happy, there is an even a bigger splash of energy. This is the universal law.

S.N. Lazarev. Man of the Future. The First Step into the Future (Book 1. Chapter 1).

06/11/2015

Ayurvedic Consultation
True goal of the health consultation is to find out the root causes of patient's disbalance. Qualified Ayurvedic practitioner spends one hour on asking the patient most relevant questions. New patient will be asked to provide their full medical history as well as describe their lifestyle and diet. All aspects of the patient’s life are important in creating individualized management plan taking into account social and work environment. The patient will receive advice in three areas according to their body/mind constitution and presented condition: diet, lifestyle and herbal supplements if needed.