Jinsutra Lecture 46 Twara Se Jina Dhyan Hai - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of Osho Rajneesh's Lecture 46, "Twara Se Jina Dhyan Hai" (Jina Meditation is Fast), based on the provided Jain text:

This lecture, "Jinsutra Lecture 46 Twara Se Jina Dhyan Hai" by Osho Rajneesh, delves into the essence of meditation as understood within Jainism, using verses from the Jinsutra to illuminate the path. Osho emphasizes that meditation is the core and foundation of all spiritual practices and a means to achieve true self-realization.

The Human Condition: The Search for Meaning

Osho begins by contrasting humans with nature (trees, animals). While nature exists in its present state without a quest, humans are defined by their inherent search for something more, a deeper reality beyond the apparent. This search is an intrinsic part of human existence, even if the object of the search is unclear. Humans are driven to uncover, discover, and transform themselves and their world. This desire for transformation is what differentiates humans from the rest of creation.

Science vs. Religion: Two Paths, One Goal

He explains that both science and religion are expressions of this search. Science is an outward exploration, seeking to lift the veil from the external world (the "known" or "object"). Religion, conversely, is an inward journey, aiming to lift the veil from the "knower" or the "self." While science reveals the external universe, it often leaves the individual in darkness if the inner self remains unknown. Osho stresses that knowing everything externally is meaningless if one remains ignorant of oneself. True fulfillment comes from knowing the self, which then illuminates the entire existence.

The Core of Religion: Meditation

Osho asserts that meditation is the very heart, key, and essence of religion. Those who understand meditation have understood religion. He criticulates the approach of studying scriptures without practicing meditation, comparing it to a hungry person reading cookbooks without eating.

Understanding the Jinsutra Verses:

The lecture systematically breaks down key verses from the Jinsutra to explain the principles of Jain meditation:

Verse 117 & 118: The Significance of Meditation:
- "Just as the head is to the body, and the root is to the tree, so is meditation the essence of all spiritual practices for a monk." (सीसं जहा सरीरस्स, जहा मूलम दुमस्स य। सव्वस्स साधुधम्मस्स, तहा झाणं विधीयते।।११७।।)
- "Just as salt dissolves in water, the mind dissolves in meditation. For him, the fire of the self-illuminating soul burns away the impact of good and bad deeds." (लवण व्व सलिलजोए, झाणे चित्तं विलीयए जस्स। तस्स सुहासुहडहणो, अप्पाअणलो पयासेइ।।११८।।)
- Osho elaborates on the analogy of the head being vital for the body's existence and the root for a tree's life. Similarly, meditation is fundamental to spiritual practice. He uses the metaphor of salt dissolving in water to illustrate how the mind, through meditation, merges with the divine, leading to the burning away of karmic imprints.
Verse 119: The State of the Meditator:
- "For him who has no attachment, aversion, or delusion, and whose mind-body complex (yoga) is tranquil, the fire of meditation burns away the impact of good and bad deeds." (जस्स न विज्जदि रागो, दोसो मोहो व जोगपरिक्कमो। तस्स सुहासुहडहणो, झाणमओ जायए अग्गी।।११९)
- This verse highlights the qualities of a true meditator: freedom from attachment (raga), aversion (dwesha), and delusion (moha). When the mental and physical energies are stilled, the "fire" of meditation effectively purifies karma.
Verse 120 & 121: The Posture and Mindset of Meditation:
- "Sitting in a cross-legged posture, with no activity of mind, speech, or body, the gaze fixed on the tip of the nose, and the breath calmed." (पलियंकं बंधेउ, निसिद्धमण-वयणकायवावारो। नासग्गनिमियनयणो, मन्दीकयसासनीसासो।।१२०।।)
- "Having repented past misconduct, with a mind full of forgiveness, one should meditate with a steady mind until the vision appears before you." (गरहियनियदुच्चरिओ, खामियसत्तो नियत्तियपमाओ। निच्चलचित्तो ता झाहि, जाव पुरओव्व पडिहाइ।।१२१।।)
- These verses describe the physical and mental preparation for meditation: a stable posture, controlled breath, a focused gaze (on the tip of the nose), freedom from mental and physical distractions, a repentant heart, and a forgiving attitude. The goal is to achieve a state of unwavering concentration where the inner vision begins to manifest.
Verse 122: The Impartiality of the Meditative State:
- "For those whose yogas (energies) are stilled, and minds are immovably concentrated in meditation, there is no difference whether they are in a crowded village or a deserted forest." (थिरकयजोगाणं पुण, मुणीण झाने सुनिच्चलमणाणं। गामम्मि जणाइण्णे, सुण्णे रण्णे व ण विसेसो।।१२२।।)
- Once the mind and energies are stilled through meditation, the external environment becomes irrelevant. The inner peace remains undisturbed by external conditions.

The Symbolic "Upside-Down Tree" and the Importance of Roots

Osho explains the Upanishadic concept of man as an "upside-down tree," with roots reaching upwards towards the infinite (or the divine), and branches extending downwards. This signifies that man's true connection is to the spiritual realm, not the physical. The "roots" represent man's inner essence, his consciousness, and his potential for divine realization. Cutting these roots leads to spiritual death. He uses the example of a bonsai tree, whose growth is stunted by the constant pruning of its roots, to illustrate how limiting our spiritual exploration stunts our true growth.

The Search for the Self: The Rabbit Hole Within

Osho uses the analogy of a Sufi mystic searching for a dropped needle in a vast, illuminated pathway outside her house, while the needle fell inside the dark house. This story highlights the common human tendency to search for fulfillment in the external world, neglecting the inner realm where the true treasure lies. The darkness within is a result of neglecting the inner journey; the external light of the world is insufficient for true inner vision.

The Nature of True Knowledge:

He contrasts the superficial knowledge gained from external sources with true, lived experience. True knowledge arises from within, from direct experience, not from borrowed wisdom or intellectual accumulation. He explains that the "self" we believe ourselves to be is often a construct of external influences – the opinions of parents, friends, society, and even our own intellectualizations. Meditation is the process of shedding these external layers to discover the true, unadulterated self.

Meditation as a Process of Unburdening:

Shedding the Ego: Osho emphasizes that the ego is a collection of external validations and achievements, like "gold medals," titles, and compliments. True meditation requires shedding this false self, which is fragile and impermanent.
The Power of the Question: He highlights the importance of a genuine, profound question about one's identity, like "Who am I?" This quest, undertaken with complete surrender, leads to the unveiling of the truth.
The Role of Karma: The verses speak of burning away accumulated karma (good and bad). Osho clarifies that this destruction isn't about painstakingly eradicating each karmic imprint but about a complete transformation through the fire of meditation. This can happen in an instant with the right intensity.
The "Fast" of Meditation: The title "Twara Se Jina Dhyan Hai" suggests the immediacy and intensity required for true meditation. It's not about slow, leisurely effort but a profound, concentrated embrace of the present moment.

Key Practices and Principles of Jain Meditation:

Stillness:
- Body (Kaya): The physical body must be stilled, as it's interconnected with the mind. Shivering or restlessness in the body affects the mind.
- Speech (Vachan): Control over speech, which is an outward manifestation of thought.
- Mind (Man): Quieting the subtle, pre-thought vibrations of the mind. This is the deepest level of stillness.
No Attachment, Aversion, or Delusion: Freedom from these emotional disturbances is crucial.
Forgiveness and Repentance: A humble and forgiving attitude towards oneself and others is essential.
Focused Gaze (Nasagra Drishti): Looking at the tip of the nose helps to prevent the mind from wandering into either external distractions or internal dreams.
Calm Breathing (Mand Mand Shwasochhwas): Slow, deep, and steady breathing is vital. Osho explains the intricate relationship between breath and the state of consciousness – anger, desire, and peace all affect the breath. Controlled breathing can influence the mind.
Detachment from Results: Not being attached to achieving specific outcomes or experiences from meditation. The effort itself is what matters.
The Nature of the "True Self": The core of meditation is to discover the self that existed before birth, and will exist after death, beyond all societal conditioning, names, and labels.

The Transformation through Meditation:

Burning Karma: Meditation acts as a purifying fire that burns away the residue of past actions, allowing for a fresh beginning.
Spiritual Health: Meditation leads to a state of inner well-being and liberation from the cycle of suffering.
Inner Alchemy: It transforms the mundane into the sacred, the ordinary into the extraordinary. The meditator becomes like gold that touches everything and turns it into gold.
Unconditional Living: The goal is to live fully and intensely, not just to prolong life. A single moment lived with deep awareness can be more significant than a lifetime of superficial existence.

The Parable of the Dying Garden and the Vigilant Watchman:

Osho concludes with the analogy of a dying garden. If one waits for the garden to die on its own, it becomes barren. However, if one diligently tends to it, watering it even with a small stream, it can bloom again. Similarly, one must be vigilant and awake, ready for the divine to manifest at any moment. This readiness, this wakefulness, is the essence of meditation. It's about living a conscious, aware life, not a life of sleepwalking through existence.

In essence, Osho's lecture powerfully argues that meditation is not merely a technique but a fundamental way of being, a transformative process that leads to the realization of one's true, unconditioned self and, consequently, to liberation from suffering and the attainment of spiritual enlightenment. He urges the audience to embrace this inward journey with intensity and unwavering commitment.