Square 48: Solar plane (Yamuna)

Square 48 in Leela is the Solar plane, named Yamuna. Johari identifies it with pingala, the right-hand, solar current of the subtle body, the energy of activity, will and clarity. It is a plain square in the sixth row. Balancing this solar current with the lunar one on square 49, Johari says, creates the witness-self.

What square 48 means

Johari describes square 48 as pingala, the right-side, male and solar current. Balancing it with the lunar current creates the witness-self. Pingala is the heating, active side of the subtle body: it drives initiative, decision and outward action.

The square is named Yamuna, after the river that joins the Ganga at Prayag. In the row of the three channels, Yamuna stands for pingala, Saraswati at 47 for the neutral sushumna, and Ganga at 49 for ida, the lunar current. The Yamuna is also associated with Yama, her brother, and with Surya, the sun, her father, which suits the solar plane.

The square lies in row 6, The Time of Penance, linked to Ajna, the third-eye chakra, where the player observes their own patterns. Solar energy is valuable here, but not on its own. Too much of it becomes force and impatience; too little, and nothing gets done. Johari's point is balance: when the solar and lunar currents meet in equal measure, a calm witness appears who can act without being driven.

Square 48 teaches the right use of will. It asks where you hold back when action is needed, and where clear, decisive effort would serve you and others.

On the board

Square 48 is in row 6, between 47 Neutrality and 49 the Lunar plane. Players arrive by a throw from 42, 43 or 47; landing on 44, 45 or 46 carries a player away by a snake or an arrow. No arrow or snake begins or ends on 48. It is a plain square, and play continues with the next throw.

The Bhagavad Gita and this square

The verse is Gita 10.21, where Krishna says that among lights he is the radiant sun, the light that fills the world. Its episode is Karna, son of Surya the sun god, a figure of great strength and generosity whose will was not always well directed.

Among lights Krishna is the radiant sun. The light that fills the world is his; let it wake clarity and strength in you.

Gita 10.21 · Karna, son of Surya

Questions to reflect on

• Where do I need to act more decisively?
• Where does my drive turn into pressure on myself or on others?
• What would balance my activity with rest and receptivity?