Dhammapada 12

Here's a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Dhammapada 12" by Osho Rajnish:

This text is Part 12 of Osho's discourse on the Dhammapada, a collection of sayings attributed to Gautama Buddha. The book is published by Rebel Publishing House in Pune, India.

Overall Theme:

The book focuses on Osho's interpretation of the Dhammapada, specifically highlighting the Buddha's teachings and their relevance to modern life. Osho emphasizes the practical application of these teachings, aiming to guide individuals towards self-realization and a life of joy and awareness, rather than blind adherence to dogma. He seeks to present Buddha's wisdom in a way that transcends religious boundaries and speaks to the universal human condition.

Key Concepts and Interpretations by Osho:

• Beyond Ritual and Form: Osho consistently stresses that true spirituality is not found in external rituals, outward appearances, or birth (like the caste system prevalent in India, which he critiques). Instead, it resides in inner transformation, awareness, and one's actions and understanding. The concept of "Brahmin" is redefined by Buddha not by birth or external markers, but by one's inner purity, wisdom, and detachment from desires and worldly attachments.
• The Nature of Reality: Flow and Change: Osho delves into Buddha's perspective on the impermanence of all phenomena. Everything is in a state of flux, constantly changing. What appears as solid and permanent is an illusion. This understanding of impermanence, or "Anicca," is crucial for letting go of attachment and suffering. The concept of "Anatta" (no-self) is also explored, suggesting that the "self" we cling to is also an ever-changing phenomenon.
• The Path of Wisdom and Awareness: The core of Buddha's teaching, as interpreted by Osho, lies in developing wisdom and awareness. This is achieved through practices like meditation (Samatha) and insight (Vipassana). True wisdom is not intellectual knowledge but a direct experience of reality.
• Detachment and Non-Attachment: Osho highlights the importance of non-attachment to worldly pleasures, possessions, and even spiritual achievements. Attachment is seen as the root cause of suffering. True freedom comes from detachment, from being like a lotus in the mud but untouched by it.
• The Inner Transformation: The emphasis is always on the inner journey. External actions or rituals are meaningless if the inner state remains unchanged. The true spiritual path involves looking inward, understanding one's own mind, and transforming oneself from within.
• The Paradox of Life and Death: Osho often uses paradoxes to illuminate deeper truths. He suggests that to truly live, one must be willing to embrace death. By letting go of the fear of death, one can fully embrace life. Similarly, to find true freedom, one must be willing to "lose" oneself in the process.
• The Nature of Suffering: Osho explains that suffering arises from our desires, our attachments, and our resistance to the natural flow of life. By understanding the impermanence of things and practicing non-attachment, one can transcend suffering.
• The Importance of Direct Experience: Osho advocates for personal experience over blind faith or inherited beliefs. He encourages readers to question, explore, and discover the truth for themselves, rather than passively accepting doctrines.
• The Role of the Master: While emphasizing self-reliance ("App Deepo Bhava" - Be a light unto yourself), Osho also acknowledges the role of a master or guide in the spiritual journey. A true master points the way but does not create dependence. They help you to discover your own inner light.
• The Inner Conflict and Resolution: Osho discusses the common human struggle between desire and renunciation, between the mind's constant activity and the possibility of stillness. He guides readers to find a balance, to live fully in the world without being consumed by it.

Narrative Style and Key Parables/Examples:

The book is structured around Osho's discourses, which often use stories, anecdotes, and analogies to illustrate complex philosophical and spiritual points. Some key examples discussed include:

• The Brahmin Chandaabh: This story illustrates how a superficial attachment to external "powers" (like the aura from applying sandalwood) can hinder true spiritual growth. Chandaabh initially sought Buddha for magical abilities but was eventually led to understanding through his interaction with Buddha and his teachings.
• Vakkali's Devotion to Buddha's Form: Vakkali was so captivated by Buddha's physical beauty that he neglected the Buddha's teachings. Buddha had to gently reprimand him, emphasizing that understanding the Dharma (teachings) is seeing the Buddha himself. This highlights the difference between devotionalism focused on the form and true understanding of the essence.
• The Story of Revata: Revata, Sariputta's younger brother, achieved enlightenment (Arhathood) without directly seeking Buddha's guidance. He practiced intense meditation in solitude. When Buddha visited him, the other monks questioned how someone who hadn't directly sought Buddha's counsel could achieve such heights. Buddha explained that true realization comes from inner effort and dedication, and that the master's presence is a catalyst, not the source itself.
• The Tale of the Thieves: A group of thieves, after robbing a wealthy woman's house while she was listening to a sermon, are so struck by her equanimity that they are transformed. They return the stolen goods and become disciples, seeking the inner wealth that made the woman so serene. This parable emphasizes the power of inner peace and detachment over material possessions.
• The Analogy of the Raft: Osho often uses the metaphor of a raft to describe teachings. The raft helps you cross the river of suffering, but once you reach the other shore, you must let go of the raft itself. Similarly, Buddha's teachings are a means, not an end in themselves.
• The Concept of "Brahmin": Osho redefines the term "Brahmin" not as someone born into a specific caste, but as one who has attained the highest spiritual realization, one who has transcended all duality, desires, and attachments, and has realized the ultimate truth.

Structure of the Book:

The book is presented as a series of discourses, with each chapter or section likely covering specific verses or themes from the Dhammapada. The table of contents indicates chapters such as:

• "The Auspicious Hour of Renunciation" (संन्यास की मंगल-वेला)
• "The Art of Living" (जीने की कला)
• "The Aspiration for the Infinite" (विराट की अभीप्सा)
• "Politics and Religion" (राजनीति और धर्म)
• "The Light of Buddhahood" (बुद्धत्व का आलोक)
• "The Creation of Holistic Culture" (समग्र संस्कृति का सृजन)
• "Buddha: The Summit of Brahminhood" (ब्राह्मणत्व के शिखर-बुद्ध)
• "Be a Light Unto Yourself!" (अप्प दीपो भव!)
• "Awaken and Live!" (जागो और जीओ)
• "This is the Eternal Dharma" (एस धम्मो सनंतनो)

Osho's Unique Approach:

Osho is known for his unconventional and often provocative style. He doesn't present Buddha's teachings as historical facts or dogma but as living principles to be experienced. He uses humor, storytelling, and direct, often blunt, language to challenge the listener's preconceived notions and encourage them to seek their own truth. He aims to deconstruct blind faith and superstition, urging people to live authentically and joyfully.

Target Audience:

The book is aimed at anyone seeking spiritual growth, regardless of their background. Osho's message is presented as universal, speaking to the common human search for meaning, happiness, and liberation.

In essence, this book is Osho's invitation to understand and live the wisdom of Buddha in a way that is alive, vibrant, and transformative, leading individuals to discover their own inner Buddhahood.