Jinsutra Lecture 15 Manushyo Satat Jagrat Raho

Here's a comprehensive summary of Osho's discourse "Manushyo Satat Jagrat Raho" (Humans, Be Constantly Alert), based on the provided Jain Sutra text:

The lecture, "Manushyo Satat Jagrat Raho," delivered by Osho Rajneesh, delves into the profound Jain concept of awakening and continuous vigilance, drawing heavily on specific verses from the Jinsutra. The core message revolves around shedding the illusion of the self and the world, akin to waking from a dream.

The Two Paths to Transcendence:

Osho begins by outlining two primary paths to merge with the divine or attain liberation:

1. Complete Absorption (Behoshī): This path involves becoming so deeply absorbed in the divine that the individual self ceases to exist. Like a salt doll dissolving in the ocean, the individual identity is lost, and only the taste of the divine remains. This is exemplified by the ecstatic states of devotees like Ramakrishna, who would fall into prolonged states of unconsciousness in their devotion.

2. Complete Awakening (Hosh): This path involves such profound vigilance that the state of wakefulness itself remains, while the "waker" (the ego) disappears. This is the path emphasized by Mahavira, Buddha, and Patanjali. Mahavira, in particular, is presented as someone who never lost consciousness, not even momentarily.

Despite the apparent difference in approach (unconsciousness versus heightened consciousness), both paths lead to the same ultimate outcome: the dissolution of the ego, the "I" consciousness. Osho uses the analogy of dreams: one can escape a dream by falling into deep sleep (sushupti) or by fully awakening and stepping out of the dream (jagriti). The essential liberation is from the dream state, which represents the illusory world of desires, thoughts, and ego.

The Meaning of Life and the Illusion of Meaning:

The discourse then shifts to the meaning of life, or "artha." Osho argues that the meaning of life is not an external object to be found, but rather an internal illumination that arises from awakening.

• The Sleepers' Meaning is Lost: The Jain sutras state, "Those who sleep, their meaning is destroyed." Osho explains that most people live in a dream state, constantly seeking external validation, wealth, status, or relationships to give their lives meaning. They create "false meanings" as crutches to avoid the inner emptiness and futility.
• False Meanings:
  • Children: Raising children is often seen as a purpose, but if it's merely to fulfill a parental ambition or compensate for their own unfulfilled desires, it perpetuates the cycle and doesn't lead to true meaning.
  • Wealth: Accumulating wealth is a futile pursuit because it will eventually be lost, leaving the hands empty.
  • Fame: People engage in various activities, even destructive ones, to attract attention and gain recognition. This desire for external acknowledgment is a symptom of inner meaninglessness. The desire for "name" is a powerful driver, often leading to crime or political maneuvering if unfulfilled.

The Illusion of Material Possession and the Nature of Karma:

Osho reiterates that material possessions and worldly achievements are ultimately meaningless in the face of death. The pursuit of these things only makes one more "impure" and creates a dependency.

• Karma: The sutras introduce the concept of "pramad" (heedlessness, carelessness, inertia) as "karma" (action that binds) and "apramad" (vigilance, awareness, effort) as "akarma" (action that does not bind).
  • Prameya (Heeleedless Action): This is the unconscious, driven action stemming from desires and delusions. Even if the intention seems good, if it's performed in a state of sleep or unconsciousness, it binds. The desire to leave a legacy, to have one's name remembered through grand deeds (even destructive ones like Timur Lang's), is rooted in this heedlessness.
  • Apameya (Vigilant Action): This is action performed with full awareness, without ego, desire, or attachment. It's like the action of a gardener tending to a plant out of natural inclination, not out of a desperate need for it to grow or bear fruit.

The Importance of Awakening and Vigilance:

The central theme is the call to "Manushyo, Satat Jagrat Raho!" (Humans, be constantly alert!).

• Wisdom Grows with Vigilance: The sutra states, "One who is constantly awake, their intelligence grows." Awakening is not just about being physically awake but about mental and spiritual alertness, free from the clouds of desires and ambitions.
• The Nature of True Action: Osho distinguishes between actions born of unconsciousness (karma) and those born of awareness (akarma). Even mundane actions like weaving cloth or making pots, when performed with full awareness, do not bind.
• Distinguishing Need from Desire: True needs are simple and life-sustaining, while desires are endless and often irrational. The pursuit of desires leads to a frantic, futile chase.
• The Power of Presence: The presence of an awakened person (like a Buddha or Mahavira) can spark awakening in others. This is the essence of "Satsang" – being in the company of the awakened. Their presence is like a lamp that ignites other lamps without diminishing itself.

The Call to Action:

Osho urges listeners to:

• Awaken to Inner Meaning: Recognize that true meaning lies within, not in external achievements.
• Cultivate Vigilance: Be continuously aware of one's thoughts, actions, and motivations.
• Shed the Unnecessary: Let go of desires and attachments that are not essential for life.
• Act with Awareness: Perform actions with consciousness, as if you are not the doer but a witness.
• Seek the Awakened: Connect with those who are already awake, for their presence can facilitate your own awakening.
• Dedicate Time for the Self: Allocate at least one hour daily for self-reflection, meditation, or prayer – a crucial investment that will ultimately validate all other endeavors.

In essence, "Manushyo Satat Jagrat Raho" is a powerful exhortation to break free from the dreamlike state of unconsciousness and embrace the profound reality that lies in constant, clear, and unattached awareness. This awakening, according to Jain teachings, is the key to true liberation and the realization of one's inherent spiritual potential.