Jinsutra Lecture 42 Samta Hi Samayik - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of Osho Rajnish's lecture series "Jinsutra Lecture 42 Samta hi Samayik" in English:

Book Title: Jinsutra Lecture 42 Samta hi Samayik Author: Osho Rajnish Publisher: Osho Rajnish

This lecture series, "Samta hi Samayik," delves into the profound Jain concept of equanimity (Samta) as the essence of meditative practice (Samayik). Osho draws heavily from Jain scriptures and Mahavira's teachings to elucidate the path towards inner peace and liberation.

Core Teachings and Concepts:

The Essence of Samayik is Equanimity (Samta): Osho emphasizes that true Samayik is not just a ritualistic practice but a state of inner equanimity. This equanimity is characterized by a state of being unaffected by external dualities like pleasure and pain, gain and loss, friend and foe, or even material possessions like straw and gold.
Mindful Movement and Inner Flow: Drawing from Mahavira's emphasis on "moving without attachment" (Indriyatthe vivajjita, sajhyam cheva panchaha), Osho explains that the Jain ascetics were encouraged to be constantly on the move, symbolizing an unbroken inner flow. This is not about aimless wandering but about maintaining an inner momentum, a continuous flow of consciousness, and avoiding stagnation. Stagnation, in any form – be it in one's thoughts, habits, or attachments – is considered "adharma" (unrighteousness).
Beyond Mere Physical Motion: Osho clarifies that Mahavira's emphasis on movement was symbolic. The physical movement was to be accompanied by a mental and spiritual one. A body moving while the mind is stuck in past regrets or future anxieties is not true movement. The goal is for the mind and body to be in the same place, at the same time, which is the essence of meditation.
The Danger of Sensory Indulgence and Unconscious Living: The lecture series highlights the five senses and the five types of thoughts that arise from them. Osho warns against being engrossed in sensory pleasures and engaging in activities unconsciously. He uses the example of Nero, who was so consumed by food that he would vomit to eat more, to illustrate the extreme of sensory indulgence. He suggests that even in lesser degrees, the constant pursuit of sensory satisfaction leads to an agitated and fragmented mind.
The West vs. The East: Osho contrasts the West's emphasis on speed and progress with the East's perceived stillness. He notes that while the West's constant pursuit of advancement has led to widespread anxiety and burnout, the East, though quieter, can become stagnant and "dead." Mahavira's teaching aims for a balance between movement and stillness, action and awareness.
Conscious Eating and Living: A significant portion of the lecture focuses on the importance of conscious living, using eating as a prime example. Osho advocates for mindful eating, where one is fully present with the act of eating, savoring the food, and listening to the body's signals. This conscious approach, he explains, naturally leads to eating less and enjoying the food more, transforming it into nourishment for the body and spirit, rather than a mindless indulgence.
The Illusion of External Pursuits: Osho critiques the human tendency to chase external goals like wealth, status, and sensory pleasures. He uses the metaphor of the musk deer chasing the scent of musk, unaware that it originates from its own navel, to illustrate how humans often search for happiness externally when the true source lies within.
The Power of Silence (Maun): A central theme is the profound importance of silence (Maun). Osho states that Mahavira placed immense emphasis on silence, making it the very core of his spiritual discipline. He explains that speaking creates external connections, while silence dissolves them, leading to inner solitude and self-discovery. He emphasizes that true wisdom and spiritual realization come from silence, not from external dialogue or the accumulation of words.
From External Activity to Inner Stillness: The lectures guide the listener towards withdrawing attention from external activities and sensory inputs and turning it inwards. This inward journey, through mindful awareness, leads to the discovery of the self, the "eternal flow," and ultimately, to liberation.
The Nature of the Self and Transcendence: Osho defines the self as that which is eternal, that which has always been and will always be. He encourages the listener to shift their focus from the transient experiences of life to this eternal essence. He asserts that the true self is beyond all experiences, beyond the observer and the observed, beyond even meditation itself. The ultimate goal is to transcend all duality and become one with this inner essence.
The Meaning of "Samayik" Beyond Ritual: Osho redefines Samayik not as a mere ritual but as a state of being – a continuous flow of awareness, a detachment from external influences, and an unbroken connection with the inner self. It is the attainment of inner equilibrium where external attractions and repulsions lose their hold.
The Spiritual Significance of "Doing": He stresses that every action, whether it's walking, eating, or listening, should be performed with full awareness and presence – "upayog-purvak" (with use, or with full consciousness). This transforms mundane activities into opportunities for spiritual growth.
The Illusion of "Having" and the Practice of "Letting Go": The lectures emphasize that attachments, whether to friends, enemies, possessions, or even states of mind, create bondage. True freedom comes from letting go, from relinquishing the need to possess or control. This includes letting go of the very desire for spiritual states, as the desire itself can become a new form of attachment.
The Ultimate State of "Nivritti" (Non-doing/Cessation): Osho explains that true renunciation (Nivritti) is not about escaping the world but about reaching a state where external and internal activities cease to bind. This is the state of "Parama-tattva" (Supreme Being), a state of pure consciousness, devoid of all tendencies and desires. Even meditation, when pursued as an external goal, eventually needs to be transcended.

In essence, "Samta hi Samayik" is a profound exploration of the Jain path to enlightenment, presented through Osho's unique perspective. It guides individuals towards cultivating equanimity, mindfulness, and self-awareness in all aspects of life, ultimately leading to the realization of their true, unconditioned nature. The lectures encourage a radical shift in consciousness from external pursuits to an inward journey of self-discovery.