Jinsutra Lecture 18 Dharm Aavishkar Hai Param Ka

Here is a comprehensive summary of Osho Rajnish's "Jinsutra Lecture 18: Dharm Aavishkar Hai - Swayam Ka" in English:

Dharma is Self-Discovery: Lecture 18 by Osho Rajnish

This lecture delves into the profound question of the nature of Dharma, contrasting the teachings of Krishna and Mahavira, and addressing the seeker's confusion about spiritual paths and personal readiness. Osho emphasizes that true Dharma is not about adherence to external rules or figures but an internal discovery.

Krishna vs. Mahavira: A Matter of Perspective, Not Opposition

The lecture begins by addressing a question comparing Krishna's call to "kill" with Mahavira's assertion that "the mere thought of violence is violence." Osho clarifies that both masters are pointing to the same truth from different angles.

• Krishna's "Kill": Osho explains that Krishna's message in the Bhagavad Gita is not a literal instruction to kill. It's a profound teaching on surrender and acting as a mere instrument. Krishna urges Arjuna to shed his ego, his sense of being the doer. The "killing" is the consequence of the divine will, and Arjuna's role is to be a willing participant, devoid of personal ambition or aversion. This shedding of the "I am the doer" attitude is the essence of non-violence according to Krishna.
• Mahavira's "Thought of Violence is Violence": Mahavira, on the other hand, emphasizes the renunciation of actions that cause harm and the eradication of the very thought of violence. For Mahavira, the root of violence lies in the ego, in the "I." By letting go of the "I," all violent intentions and actions naturally cease.

Osho argues that these are not contradictory but complementary. Krishna focuses on dropping the doer (the ego), while Mahavira focuses on transforming the action which stems from the ego. He states that understanding one master leads to understanding the other. Those who cling to the words and create divisions between them misunderstand both. The true essence lies in the internal transformation, not in the external labels.

The Nature of Dharma: An Inner Discovery

Osho stresses that Dharma is not inherited but discovered. Birth into a particular religious tradition does not automatically make one a follower of that path. He uses examples like Jesus, Muhammad, and Mahavira, who broke away from their birth traditions to forge their own spiritual paths.

• Choice and Resonance: The choice of a spiritual path should be based on what resonates with one's inner being, not on societal conditioning or dogma. If Mahavira's teachings bring a sense of joy and clarity, they are the right path for that individual, regardless of their birth. Similarly, if Krishna's message of surrender appeals, that is the path.
• Individuality of the Path: Osho compares spiritual paths to food. Just as different foods suit different people, different spiritual approaches resonate with different individuals. The goal is to find what nourishes your soul.
• Dharma as an Invention: The title itself, "Dharm Aavishkar Hai - Swayam Ka," means "Dharma is Self-Discovery." This underscores that the path is not pre-defined but an active creation within oneself.

Addressing the Seeker's Inner Conflict

The lecture directly addresses a questioner who feels disconnected from the concept of "divine thirst" and questions her presence in spiritual practices. Osho acknowledges that the questioner is struggling with her conditioning (being born into a Jain family) versus her innate emotional nature.

• The Jain Conditioning vs. Emotional Heart: Osho explains that the Jain tradition, with its emphasis on intellect, renunciation, and "asharan-bhavana" (feeling of being refuge-less), might not readily resonate with a deeply emotional, loving heart that naturally seeks connection and expression. The language of "seeking" and "desire" may not fit within the framework of strict Jainism, which emphasizes the cessation of all desires, including the desire for liberation.
• Krishna's Path for the Emotional Heart: Krishna's path, with its emphasis on love, devotion, and surrender, is more suited to a naturally emotional and expressive individual. The "Gopis," Krishna's devotees, are a prime example of this feminine, devotional approach.
• The Conflict Within: The questioner's pain stems from this internal conflict between her conditioned identity and her true emotional inclination. She tries to suppress her emotional nature to fit her Jain upbringing, leading to frustration.

The Importance of a Living Master (Sadguru)

Osho emphasizes the crucial role of a living master (Sadguru) in navigating these complexities.

• Beyond Scriptures: While scriptures provide guidance, they are like the shed skin of a snake. A living master, through their presence and unspoken wisdom, can guide one to the true essence. The words of a master can evoke flowers of understanding within the disciple that scriptures alone cannot.
• Experiential Transmission: The transmission of truth is not just through words but through the master's very being. His presence can melt the inner resistance and facilitate the inner discovery of Dharma.
• Avoiding Dogmatism: Osho cautions against the missionary approach, which tries to forcefully convert others. Instead, one should simply offer the fragrance of their own experience. If it attracts others, they will come; if not, it is their journey. The essence is to share one's discovery without imposing it.

The Nature of Truth and its Expression

Osho concludes by discussing the nature of truth and its expression:

• Truth is Absolute, Expression is Relative: Truth itself is absolute and all-encompassing, containing all polarities (birth/death, day/night). However, when expressed through words, it becomes relative, limited by the speaker, the listener, the time, and the cultural context.
• Apparent Contradictions: The seemingly contradictory expressions of different masters arise from the limitations of language and the specific context in which they speak. Those who focus on the words and create divisions between masters misunderstand the underlying unity.
• The Inner Experience: The ultimate truth is an experience, not an idea. When one experiences the divine, words fail. The remnants of that experience, the shed skin, are what become scriptures. The true transmission is through the living presence of a master.

In essence, Osho's lecture encourages a personal exploration of Dharma, urging individuals to listen to their inner resonance, shed conditioning, and seek the guidance of a living master to discover their unique spiritual path. The emphasis is on inner transformation, the blossoming of the individual soul, rather than blind adherence to external doctrines.