The Game of Life

LEELA

Discover the transformative power of the Game
Leela, an ancient self-knowledge game, offers a transformative experience for those seeking harmony, self-growth, and alignment with their soul’s purpose. Rooted in ancient Indian wisdom, this game provides a unique way to explore life’s questions, understand personal challenges, and discover paths to self-realization.

Let’s dive into the origins, purpose and rules of Leela, and why it has captured the hearts of seekers for centuries.
What Is the Leela Game?

Leela is often referred to as the most ancient transformational game. Created in India over two millennia ago, it draws from the Vedic principles of life. The game represents life in miniature, providing players with a space to reflect on their choices, patterns, and purpose.

Through the 72 states on its game board, Leela acts as a mirror of life. Each square symbolizes an aspect of existence, from virtues and obstacles to states of enlightenment. By rolling dice and progressing through the board, players engage in a profound dialogue with their inner selves, gaining insights into life’s interconnectedness and their soul’s journey.
A Glimpse Into Leela’s Rich History

It is not known for certain about the time and place of its origin, but it is based on Vedas – the ancient Indian treatises dating back to about 1500–1200 BCE, and the game boards were found in the different parts of the world as early as the 18th century, so we dare to assume that it is at least few centuries old. The game, also known as “Gyan Chaupar,” was designed not merely for entertainment but for deep self-reflection and education about life’s laws. It has undergone many changes – at different times the game board consisted of a different number of cells (from 72 to 342 cells). Each new generation who mastered this game made their own changes to it: they added new cells, changed their names, rewrote the comments and tried to appropriate them.

The British encounter with the game during their colonial rule of India led to its adaptation. Victorian versions, such as “Snakes and Ladders”, incorporated Christian morality into the squares, losing much of the original’s spiritual essence. However, the heart of Leela remains untouched, continuing to inspire those who seek its wisdom.

The game changed as life itself: as peoples, cultures, eras were changing. In the form which we know it now, we are indebted to the Indian philosopher Harish Johari, who in 1975 published the book "Leela. The game of self-knowledge", rethinking the ancient game in a modern way. And even since then, it has undergone a significant transformation in the names of cells, but its meaning has remained unchanged: knowledge of the laws of life.
Why Play Leela?

Leela is more than a game; it is a tool for transformation. People play Leela to:
  • Gain Insights: Understand life challenges, recognize limiting beliefs, and identify solutions.
  • Find Purpose: Explore personal questions about relationships, health, finances, and self-realization.
  • Experience Harmony: Align with one’s true desires and live authentically.
  • Learn Life’s Rules: Master the art of life by understanding its principles and interconnectedness.
The game offers a fresh perspective on life, making it easier to untangle complex situations and move toward fulfillment. Whether you are at a crossroads or simply seeking self-awareness, Leela provides clarity and direction.
The game can be played individually or in the group, online or offline
How to Play Leela: Rules and Flow

Playing Leela is straightforward yet deeply symbolic. Here’s how it works:

  1. Set an Intention: Begin the game by reflecting on a question or situation you wish to explore. This intention guides your journey on the board.
  2. Understand the Board: The game board consists of 72 squares, each representing a state of being. These states align with life’s laws, offering lessons and guidance.
  3. Roll the Dice: Players roll the dice to determine their movement on the board. Each roll symbolizes the unfolding of life events, driven by your intentions and life’s synchronicities.
  4. Reflect on Your Journey: As you land on each square, contemplate its meaning. Some squares represent challenges or limitations, while others signify progress or enlightenment.
  5. Seek Answers: Throughout the game, observe patterns, behaviors, and insights. These reflections act as a compass for navigating life’s complexities.
  6. Complete the Cycle: The ultimate goal is to move through the board and achieve the final square which represents harmony with yourself and the world.
The Transformational Impact of Leela

Leela is often described as a “portal to new levels of life.” By playing, you gain more than just answers to pressing questions — you undergo a shift in perspective. It is a practice that blends psychology, spirituality, and intellectual exploration, offering gentle feedback about your life and choices.

Key benefits include:
  • Clarity: Understand your true desires and remove obstacles that no longer serve you.
  • Growth: Recognize and overcome fears, limitations, and outdated patterns.
  • Alignment: Achieve harmony by aligning your actions with your soul’s path.
  • Empowerment: Find confidence to live your best life, rooted in authenticity.
Why Leela Stands Out

Leela stands apart from other games due to its profound spiritual and psychological depth. It is not just about entertainment but about evolving as a person. Through its ancient wisdom, players can reconnect with their inner truth and navigate life with a sense of purpose and joy.

  • Whether played offline or online, alone or with others, Leela offers a unique journey of self-discovery. By rolling the dice, you open doors to new possibilities and insights, transforming not just how you play the game—but how you live your life.
Are You Ready to Play the Game of Life?

Leela invites you to explore yourself, your challenges, and your dreams in a safe and transformative way. It’s more than just a game—it’s a journey to self-knowledge, harmony, and fulfillment.

  • Start living in alignment with your soul’s path. Roll the dice, and let Leela guide you toward your best life.