Square 12: Envy (Irshya) – Facing Emotional Comparison

Square twelve in your Leela journey brings you to Irshya, meaning "envy" or "jealousy." Within the Sacral Chakra (Svadhisthana), Irshya represents the emotional pain that arises from comparing yourself unfavorably with others—limiting your joy, creativity, and self-expression.

What is Irshya?

In Sanskrit, Irshya translates directly as "envy" or "jealousy." It manifests as a feeling of inadequacy or bitterness triggered by the perceived success, happiness, or possessions of others. Irshya arises from the belief that someone else's happiness diminishes your own potential for fulfillment.

In the Leela game, Irshya challenges you to confront this unhealthy comparison, inviting you to transform envy into inspiration, self-acceptance, and personal growth.

Symbolism of Irshya in Leela

Encountering Irshya invites you to:

Recognize Comparison: Identify how comparing yourself to others affects your self-esteem and emotional well-being.
Cultivate Authenticity: Shift your focus toward your unique path, talents, and achievements, rather than seeking validation externally.
Turn Envy into Inspiration: Learn to use envy as a signal—pointing you toward personal growth rather than self-criticism.

Irshya teaches you the importance of emotional independence and genuine self-appreciation.

Key Insights from Irshya

Reflecting deeply on envy offers valuable spiritual insights:

Illusion of Scarcity: Envy stems from the false belief that joy, success, or fulfillment are limited resources.
Personal Authenticity: True fulfillment arises when you honor and embrace your authentic journey rather than attempting to replicate others' paths.
Growth through Envy: Recognizing envy as a signal can motivate meaningful self-reflection and personal development.

Reflective Exercise: Transforming Envy into Self-Understanding

Engage in this exercise to gently transform envy into clarity:

Sit quietly, close your eyes, and breathe deeply.
Recall a situation in which you recently felt envy or jealousy.
Without judgment, gently explore the root of this envy—what does it tell you about your own desires, fears, or unmet needs?
Silently affirm:

"I honor my own path and potential. I celebrate the success and happiness of others without diminishing my own."

Allow your heart to soften, transforming envy into compassionate understanding and self-awareness.

Journal Prompt for Irshya:

When did you last feel envy? What triggered this emotion, and how did it affect your self-perception?
What deeper desires or insecurities does envy reveal about your own life?
How can you use envy constructively—to inspire personal growth rather than resentment?

Moving Forward in the Game

Overcoming Irshya deepens your emotional intelligence and clarity, paving the way toward greater self-awareness and genuine happiness. Understanding envy prepares you to navigate the emotional challenge of Nullity (Antariksha), the next step on your emotional and spiritual journey.

Roll the dice again, embracing your unique path with confidence and compassion.

Square Navigation

Current Square: 12 - Envy (Irshya) | Chakra: Svadhisthana

Previous Square: Square 11: Entertainment
Next Square: Square 13: Plane of Celestial Music

Progress Through the Game

You are now in the second row of the game board, associated with the Svadhisthana (Sacral) Chakra. This chakra governs creativity, emotions, and pleasure.

Squares in the Svadhisthana Chakra:

Namaste.