Leela: The Game of Self-Knowledge [Box set] [Game]

Harish Johari (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: September 1, 1993

Leela is nothing less than the game of life, providing insight into our own consciousness and a key to divine knowledge. Four things are necessary for one or more to play: the book and game board, a die, and a significant object that belongs to the player, such as a ring, to serve as the player's symbol during the game. Each of the seventy-two squares on the board represents a virtue or vice, an aspect of consciousness or a plane of reality; the players' progress is dictated by the fall of a die corresponding to the forces of karma. 

Designed by Hindu sages over two thousand years ago, this is the precursor to the popular game "chutes and ladders." 

Simultaneously a game and a serious method of enlightenment, Leela parallels the spiritual journey toward liberation, advancing the player along that path by means of the self-exploration that the game demands. 

Repeated playing of Leela will reveal past karmas, current concerns, and the cosmic patterns governing your life.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Leela is both a boardgame and practice on the spiritual path.  The game is an analog to the spiritual journey.  Following the roll of the die (which represents karma), the player advances along the path toward liberation of the soul." 

(

Omega New Age Directory

)

About the Author

Tantric scholar, composer, and artist, Harish Johari (1934-1999) authored numerous books for Westerners on the spiritual practices of India, including Ayurvedic Massage, Tools for Tantra, Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine, Numerology, Numerologia, Chakras,  The Healing Power of Gemstones, and Breath, Mind, and Consciousness. He has also produced several audiocassettes, including Sounds of the Chakras, Sounds of Tantra, Attunements for Day and Night, and Attunements for Dawn and Dusk.

Product Details

• Game: 144 pages
• Publisher: Destiny Books (September 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0892814195
• ISBN-13: 978-0892814190
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 8.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,885,997 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Amazing. Metaphysical Chutes and Ladders, April 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Leela: The Game of Self-Knowledge (Game)

Every play a children's game called Chutes and Ladders? This is it's original metaphysical predecessor, played by saints and children in India. Each row of squares is a different chakra, and each square concerns a challenge or opportunity of that chakra. Instead of ladders you have arrows that raise your consciousness, instead of chutes you have snakes that lead you back downward. Your path through the game is your metaphysical path through life.

As someone who is not an expert in Indian philosophy, I found the book a bit challenging, especially when all I wanted to do was play the game, not get caught up in the detail of it. I am sure someone will or has created a more playable booklet with only a few lines for each square.

The board design is lovely, and the structure behind the game unique. A must for any spiritually oriented person's collection. The game also replays well, and even after having owned my copy since not long after it came out, it is still a game I come back to, think about and play.

7 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars consciousness-raising game, June 30, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Leela: The Game of Self-Knowledge (Game)

I am buying this game after having played it at a friend's house. This game can spark much discussion, self-reflection, and interpersonal sharing at a deeper than usual level - and for this reason alone it is worth 'playing'. Also, I loved the detailed playbook - It is like a concise handbook of Indian spiritual metaphysics! A very worthwhile and handy item to have on your bookshelf.

14 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Leela is nothing less than the game of life, July 15, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Leela: The Game of Self-Knowledge (Game)

Provides insight into our own consciousness and a key to divine knowledge. Four things are necessary for one or more to play: the book and game board, a die, and a significant object that belongs to the player, such as a ring, to serve as the player's symbol during the game. Each of the seventy-two squares on the board represents a virtue or vice, an aspect of consciousness or a plane of reality; the players' progress is dictated by the fall of a die corresponding to the forces of karma. Simultaneously a game and a serious method of enlightenment, Leela parallels the spiritual journey toward liberation, advancing the player along that path by means of the self-exploration that the game demands. Repeated playing of Leela will reveal past karmas, current concerns, and the cosmic patterns governing your life. 1st Row: The Fundamentals of Being. 2nd: The Realm of Fantasy. 3rd: The Theater of Karma 4th: Attaining Balance. 5th: Man Becomes Himself. 6th: The Time of Penance. 7th: The Plane of Reality. 8th: The Gods Themselves