Lila

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This article is about the Hindu cosmological concept. For other meanings, see Lila (disambiguation).

Lila sometimes spelled leela is a concept from Hinduism that explains the universe as a cosmic puppet theater or playground for the gods. "Lila" literally means "play," but in religious texts refers to "purposeless play" - life as a spontaneous game. Because worldly roles and duties (dharma) are divinely assigned and beyond human control in Hindu philosophy, lila is as simple as "might as well enjoy it." Lila, purposeless play, is both a purpose in itself and the reward of every living being, and is therefore considered divine.

In Vaishnavism lila refers to life and activities of God and his devotees.

It is an important idea in traditional worship of Krishna (as prankster) and Shiva (as dancer), and has been used by modern writers like Stephen Nachmanovitch, Fritjof Capra, Alan Watts and Robert M. Pirsig.