Ashtavakra Mahagita Part 06 - Book Summary

This is a comprehensive summary of Osho's discourses on Ashtavakra Gita, Part 06, based on the provided text:

Title: Ashtavakra Mahagita Part 06 Author: Osho Rajnish Publisher: Rebel Publishing House Puna Catalog Link: https://jainqq.org/explore/032114/1

Core Theme: The text is a compilation of Osho's discourses on verses 246 to 298 of Ashtavakra Samhita, delivered between January 26 and February 10, 1977, in Pune. The central focus is on understanding the nature of reality, consciousness, liberation, and the path to enlightenment, drawing heavily from the wisdom of Ashtavakra and Osho's unique insights.

Key Concepts and Themes:

The Nature of Scripture and Tradition: Osho emphasizes that true scripture is eternally new and transcends time. He distinguishes between the pure essence of scriptures (like Ashtavakra's teachings) and the traditions that surround them, which are built by followers over time. His aim is to "break tradition to save scripture," by clearing away the accumulated layers of interpretation and dogma that obscure the original, revolutionary message.
Revolution and Tradition: Osho argues that all true scriptures are inherently revolutionary, not traditional. Tradition can be formed around scripture, but scripture itself is always free from it. He sees his role as sweeping away the "dust of time" that settles on scriptures, much like cleaning a mirror, not destroying the mirror itself.
The Importance of Direct Experience: Osho consistently stresses that spiritual truths cannot be understood through intellectual analysis or dogma. They must be experienced directly. He uses analogies like the traveler needing to rest in the shade of a tree, rather than just reading about it, to illustrate this point.
The Path of Ashtavakra: Ashtavakra's path is described as one of effortless, natural, and spontaneous enlightenment. It doesn't require rituals, practices, or effort beyond understanding. The emphasis is on being rather than doing.
The Nature of Prayer: True prayer, according to Osho in this context, is not something that is done but something that happens. It arises spontaneously from the heart when the ego is absent. Forced or ritualistic prayer, done with the intention of seeking something, is considered futile.
The Role of the Sadguru: Being in the "shadow" of a Sadguru means losing faith in one's own ego and trusting in the wisdom of the enlightened one. A Sadguru reflects your innermost truth, which you may not be able to find within yourself. The relationship is one of unconditional love and surrender, where the disciple's "self" is essential for the Sadguru's message to be received.
Beyond Duality: Osho delves into the state of the enlightened being, who transcends all dualities: pleasure and pain, good and bad, life and death, existence and non-existence, scripture and silence. The enlightened individual is described as being beyond all concepts, all calculations, and all attempts at categorization.
The Illusion of "Self" and "Other": The concept of "I" and "you" dissolves in the ultimate realization. The speaker (Osho) and the listener (the disciple) are seen as not truly separate. The ultimate reality is one, where all apparent separations dissolve.
The Nature of Reality: Osho describes reality as "maya" or illusion, not in the sense that it doesn't exist, but in the sense that our perception of it is flawed. Our desires, conditioning, and ego distort the way we see the world. When the mind is pure and free from these distortions, reality is experienced as it truly is.
The Nature of Enlightenment: Enlightenment is not an achievement but a realization of what already is. It's about recognizing the inherent truth of one's being. This realization is described as an unfolding, a spontaneous blossoming, not a result of effort.
The Paradox of Revolution and Tradition: Osho highlights the paradox that revolution needs to become tradition to survive, but in doing so, it risks losing its revolutionary edge. He advocates for a continuous cycle of revolution and tradition to keep the spiritual flame alive.
Beyond Seeking: The ultimate state is one where the search itself ceases. When the seeker realizes they are already that which they are seeking, the journey ends.
The Significance of the Body, Mind, and Soul: Osho uses the concepts of 'Yantra' (body), 'Mantra' (mind), and 'Tantra' (soul) to explain different levels of existence and spiritual realization. The ultimate goal is Tantra, the union of the soul with the Absolute.
The Importance of "Being" and "Not-Doing": Throughout the discourses, Osho promotes the idea of "not-doing." True spiritual progress comes not from effort but from allowing existence to happen through you. This state of "being" is where the true self is revealed.
The Nature of Joy and Sorrow: True joy is not the opposite of sorrow but is a state that transcends both. The enlightened individual remains unaffected by external circumstances, finding contentment within.

Key Questions Addressed:

Why does Osho, a revolutionary figure, engage with ancient scriptures? (Answer: Because scriptures are inherently revolutionary, and he is clearing away the accumulated tradition.)
Is prayer futile on Ashtavakra's path? (Answer: Prayer done is futile; prayer that happens spontaneously is not.)
What does it mean to be in the Sadguru's shadow? (Answer: It means losing trust in the ego and surrendering to the presence of wisdom.)
What is God? Where is God? What are we chasing if God doesn't exist? (Answer: God is your own innermost purity and love; chasing concepts and external forms is futile.)
What is the difference between mind and thought? (Answer: Thought is a wave, mind is the ocean of waves.)
What is the difference between the 'Yantra', 'Mantra', and 'Tantra' paths? (Answer: Yantra relates to the body, Mantra to the mind, and Tantra to the soul, with Tantra being the ultimate union.)
What are the characteristics of a Buddha? (Answer: They are beyond definition, beyond duality, and live in a state of spontaneous, effortless being.)
What is the ultimate secret of immediate enlightenment? (Answer: There is no secret; it's about realizing what already is, without effort or preparation.)
What is the difference between being a 'brahmin' by birth versus by realization? (Answer: Birth is accidental; true 'brahminhood' is about inner realization and humility.)
How to deal with past regrets and future anxieties? (Answer: By letting go of the past and the future and resting in the present moment.)
What is the difference between being a renunciate and being in the world? (Answer: True renunciation is inner detachment, not necessarily external abandonment.)
How to overcome the fear of death? (Answer: By accepting death as a natural part of existence and realizing the eternal nature of consciousness.)
How to find true love and security? (Answer: By realizing that love and security are found within, not externally.)
What is the difference between understanding and experiencing? (Answer: Experience is the only true understanding.)

Osho's Method:

Osho uses storytelling, analogies, and direct questioning to make complex spiritual concepts accessible. He challenges conventional thinking, deconstructs religious and societal norms, and encourages individuals to seek their own direct experience of truth. His discourses are characterized by humor, paradox, and a profound understanding of human psychology and spiritual liberation.

Overall Message:

The Ashtavakra Mahagita, as interpreted by Osho, is a call to shed illusions, transcend the limitations of the mind and ego, and realize one's inherent divine nature. It is a path of radical simplicity, emphasizing that the ultimate truth is not something to be achieved, but something to be recognized within. The journey is not about becoming something new, but about discovering what has always been.