In Jainism, Leshya refers to the coloring or state of the soul influenced by one's thoughts, emotions, and actions. It is a concept that explains how the mental and emotional state of a person affects the soul, metaphorically "coloring" it. Leshya is closely linked to the theory of karma, as the type of leshya a person has determines the kind of karmic bondage they acquire.

There are six types of leshya, often described using the analogy of colors:

1. Krishna Leshya (Black Leshya): Represents the most negative state, associated with violence, anger, hatred, and cruelty.
2. Neel Leshya (Blue Leshya): Signifies depression, jealousy, and sadness.
3. Kapot Leshya (Grey Leshya): Indicates laziness, carelessness, and indecisiveness.
4. Tejo Leshya (Red Leshya): Represents positive qualities like forgiveness, humility, and passion for good deeds, but with some impurities.
5. Padma Leshya (Yellow Leshya): Signifies greater purity, compassion, and self-control.
6. Shukla Leshya (White Leshya): The purest state, associated with equanimity, compassion, and supreme spiritual progress.

According to Jain teachings, the first three leshyas (Krishna, Neel, Kapot) are considered inauspicious and lead to further bondage of the soul, while the last three (Tejo, Padma, Shukla) are auspicious and lead the soul towards liberation (moksha). The state of a person’s leshya is determined by their intentions and mental attitudes, which can change over time through spiritual practices such as right faith, right knowledge, and right conduct.

A well-known Jain parable illustrating leshya involves six travelers who see a fruit-bearing tree. Their responses to how to obtain the fruit (ranging from uprooting the tree to simply picking a fallen fruit) reflect the six leshyas, showing the progression from destructive to compassionate attitudes.