The Game of Self-Discovery
Leela Quest is a digital adaptation of the ancient Game of Leela (Sanskrit: लीला, "Divine Play"), combining timeless wisdom with modern technology to guide your spiritual journey.
The Ancient Wisdom of Leela
Ancient Beginnings
The ancient Indian game Leela, also known as "Gyan Chaupad" or "Moksha Patamu," has origins shrouded in antiquity. Different sources attribute varying ages to the game, with some claiming it dates back as far as 5,000 years, while others suggest a more conservative estimate of around 2,000 years.
The oldest physical evidence of the game dates back just over four centuries, with the earliest documented version being a Jain iteration from 1735 in Rajasthan. However, the oral tradition and spiritual teachings embedded in the game are believed to be much older, with connections to ancient Vedic knowledge.
This profound spiritual tool transcended cultural boundaries, with notable adaptations appearing in Islamic Sufi traditions. The great mystic Ibn Arabi (1165-1240 CE) created "شطرنج العارفين" (Shatranj al-Arifin) and "Wisal," Sufi versions that guided believers toward divine union through self-discipline and spiritual awareness.
Designed as a tool for spiritual growth and self-discovery, Leela was crafted to provide insight into human consciousness and divine knowledge. The game's name itself—Leela (लीला)—refers to the cosmic play of divine energy that creates and sustains our universe.
Historical Timeline
Ancient Origins (3000-1000 BCE?)
Possibly created by Hindu sages, with some traditions dating it to 5,000 years ago
12th-13th Century
Ibn Arabi (1165-1240 CE) creates "شطرنج العارفين" (Shatranj al-Arifin) and "Wisal", Sufi adaptations of the game
13th Century
Possibly formalized by Saint Gyan Dev as a teaching tool
1735
Earliest documented version (Jain iteration from Rajasthan)
19th Century
Brought to Victorian England during British colonization and transformed into "Snakes and Ladders"
1943
Milton Bradley rebranded the game as "Chutes and Ladders" in the United States
Modern Era
Adaptation into digital format while preserving ancient wisdom
Spiritual Significance
Karma and Fate
The use of dice in Leela represents the role of fate and karma in life. While we cannot control the roll of the dice (our circumstances), we can learn from the consequences of landing on different squares (our reactions and choices).
Virtues and Vices
Arrows represent virtues like faith, reliability, generosity, knowledge, and asceticism that elevate consciousness. Snakes symbolize vices such as disobedience, vanity, vulgarity, theft, lying, drunkenness, debt, murder, rage, greed, pride, and lust that lower consciousness.
Liberation (Moksha)
The ultimate goal of Leela is to reach the final square, representing Moksha or liberation from the cycle of rebirth. This mirrors the spiritual quest for self-realization and freedom from the vicissitudes of karma.
"Grace is a ladder thrown down from heaven; it is to us whether we climb. With every ladder neglected we somehow stay the same, somehow slip lower yet; that we give in to gravity as if it were inevitable."
— Spiritual Wisdom from Raids on the Unspeakable
Cultural Adaptations
Hindu Version
The original Hindu version, known as "Gyan Chaupad" or "Moksha Patamu," focuses on the journey of the soul through different states of consciousness toward liberation (moksha).
The game embodies the Hindu concept of karma, where actions have consequences that affect one's spiritual journey. The balance between snakes and arrows represents the challenges and opportunities on the path to enlightenment.
Watch: The History of Snakes and Ladders
Video: "The History of Snakes and Ladders" - Created 10 years ago
The Cosmic Game Board
The Rotating Cosmic Wheel
The rotating cosmic wheel represents the three planes of existence in Leela:
- The outer ring represents the material plane (8 rows)
- The middle ring represents the spiritual plane (9 columns)
- The inner ring represents the chakra system (central column)
Cosmic Journey of Consciousness
At its core, Leela represents the journey of the soul through different states of consciousness. The traditional 72-square board symbolizes the cosmic map of existence—with snakes representing challenges that lower our consciousness and arrows depicting opportunities for spiritual elevation.
The game's design follows sacred principles: 8 rows representing material existence, 9 columns symbolizing spiritual completion, and a central column of chakras marking key transitions in consciousness.
Sacred Symbolism
The 72 Squares
Represent the 72,000 nadis (energy channels) in the human body according to yogic tradition.
Snakes & Arrows
Symbolize the karmic forces that either elevate or lower our consciousness throughout life.
Beginning Your Quest
Every spiritual journey begins with a question. Set your intention and let ancient wisdom guide your path.
Set Your Intention
Begin by contemplating a meaningful life question or decision. Your intention acts as a compass throughout your journey.
- Contemplate your deepest questions about life, relationships, or purpose
- Let your intention guide you through the journey
- Receive personalized insights based on your question
The Sacred Board
A mystical 72-square board representing different states of consciousness. Roll the dice and let your journey unfold.
- Roll the dice to progress through different states of consciousness
- Each square offers unique spiritual teachings
- Pass through seven chakras marking key transitions
Theme Color
Personalize the app's color scheme in your user profile settings.
- Select from ten different theme colors
- Express your personality through your color choice
- Create a visually harmonious experience that feels right for you
Game Settings
Configure your game experience with customizable options.
- Toggle sound effects for key moments in your journey
- Adjust game behavior to match your preferences
- Easily access all customization options in one place
Avatar Selection
Pick an avatar that represents your personality or intention for your journey.
- Select from a variety of meaningful symbols and emojis
- Express your spiritual identity through your avatar
- Change your avatar anytime as your journey evolves
Background Selection
Choose from beautiful backgrounds and adjust opacity to create your ideal atmosphere.
- Multiple artistic backgrounds to choose from
- Adjust opacity with the slider for subtle or vivid effects
- Create the perfect visual environment for your journey
Companion Mode
Use this app while playing with a real board game to easily access square help info and reflections.
- Play alongside a physical board game
- Manually enter dice rolls from your physical game
- Access all digital features while enjoying the tactile experience
Board Visibility Options
Customize which elements appear on your game board for a cleaner or more detailed view.
- Show or hide board elements based on your preference
- Create a minimalist interface or see all game details
- Enhance focus by customizing what you see
Ambient Music
Enhance your spiritual journey with calming background sounds.
- Play soothing music during your game sessions
- Control playback with intuitive player controls
- Create a deeper sense of immersion through sound
The Path of Wisdom
Each move brings new insights, challenges, and opportunities for growth.
Receive Wisdom
Every square offers unique teachings drawn from ancient spiritual traditions, providing guidance for your journey.
- Discover teachings from diverse spiritual traditions across cultures
- Apply ancient wisdom to modern challenges and questions
- Gain insights tailored to your current position on the board
Deep Reflection
AI-generated prompts help you connect each square's wisdom to your personal intention.
- Engage with thought-provoking questions that deepen your understanding
- Journal your insights and track your evolving perspective
- Integrate spiritual teachings with your personal circumstances
Virtuous Ascent
Arrows represent positive behaviors and virtues that accelerate your spiritual growth.
- Experience rapid advancement through virtuous actions
- Discover which positive behaviors most impact your journey
- Learn to recognize moments of alignment with your higher purpose
Learning Through Challenges
Snakes represent patterns that may be limiting your growth, offering valuable insights for transformation.
- Transform obstacles into opportunities for deeper awareness
- Identify recurring patterns that may be holding you back
- Develop compassion for yourself through challenging moments
Understanding Your Journey
Powerful tools help you recognize patterns and integrate insights into your life.
Move History
Track your path through different states of consciousness, observing your spiritual evolution.
- Review your complete journey from beginning to present
- Identify pivotal moments that shaped your path
- See connections between seemingly unrelated experiences
Pattern Recognition
A heatmap visualization reveals recurring patterns in your spiritual journey.
- Visualize your most frequent states of consciousness
- Discover which patterns are most influential in your journey
- Gain insight into your unique spiritual tendencies
Journey Summary
Upon reaching Cosmic Consciousness (square 68), receive an AI-generated synthesis of your journey.
- Receive a comprehensive analysis of your entire spiritual path
- Discover the overarching themes of your journey
- Gain clarity on how your experiences connect to your initial intention
Share Your Insights
Export your journey as a PDF to share with others or for personal reflection.
- Create a beautiful, personalized record of your experience
- Choose which aspects of your journey to include in your export
- Revisit your insights months or years later for continued growth
Deep Insights
Access AI-generated analysis of themes, patterns, and transformative moments.
- Uncover hidden connections between different phases of your journey
- Receive suggestions for further exploration and growth
- Integrate your spiritual insights into practical life changes
Awaken to the Cosmic Game
"Know that the world is a game, played by the Real (God), and you are but a piece upon the board. Yet, if you awaken, you become the player and not the played."
— Ibn ʿArabi