Jyo Tha Tyo Thaharaya - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Jyo Tha Tyo Thaharaya" by Osho Rajneesh, based on the provided text:

Book Title: Jyo Tha Tyo Thaharaya (As You Were, So You Remain) Author: Osho Rajneesh Publisher: Osho Rajneesh

Core Message and Central Theme:

The title "Jyo Tha Tyo Thaharaya" translates to "As you were, so you remain." This central theme revolves around returning to one's original, inherent nature, which is believed to be divine or "Paramatma" (The Supreme Being). The teachings emphasize that this state is not something to be achieved through effort or external means, but rather a rediscovery of what already exists within. The primary method to achieve this is through "Dhyan" (Meditation), which is presented as the ultimate "Rasayan" (alchemy) that transforms the natural into the cultivated, the raw stone into a sculpted idol, and the rough diamond into a sparkling gem.

Key Concepts and Teachings:

The Original Nature: Humans are inherently divine or "Paramatma" by nature. However, they have strayed from this nature through a process of "bhatkaav" (wandering or deviation). This deviation, while seemingly necessary for self-discovery (like a fish realizing the importance of water only when out of it), should not be permanent.
The Analogy of the Fish and the Ocean: A central analogy used is that of a fish living in the ocean. The fish is unaware of the ocean's vastness and its own connection to it until it is taken out of the water and struggles on the shore. This struggle leads to the realization of the ocean's importance and the desire to return. Similarly, human suffering and turmoil lead to a yearning for the divine nature within.
The Illusion of Separation: The core problem identified is the illusion of separation, primarily created by "Darpans" (mirrors) – which represent the opinions, judgments, and reflections of others (family, friends, society) and our own self-created perceptions. These mirrors distort our true reflection, leading to a multitude of false selves.
- The Two Mirrors: The text uses the metaphor of "Jyu Mukh Ek Dekhi Dui Darpan" (Seeing one face in two mirrors) from the poet Razzab. Our single true face becomes distorted into duality and multiplicity through these societal and self-imposed mirrors.
- The Consequences of Duality: This duality leads to a constant seeking of external validation and a desire for love and connection, which are often conditional and fleeting. It creates a "mela" (fair) of desires and attachments, leading to a constant state of dissatisfaction and suffering.
The Path of "Jyo Tha Tyo Thaharaya": This path involves disengaging from the false reflections (mirrors) and returning to the original state. It means:
- Detachment from External Opinions: Not being swayed by what others say or think. The text stresses that external criticism or praise is about the mirror, not about the individual.
- Inner Stillness and Silence: The key to rediscovering oneself is found in "Chup" (silence) and "Maun" (stillness). Meditation ("Dhyan") is the direct path to this inner silence.
- Witnessing: The practice of "Sakshi Bhav" (witnessing) is crucial. It means observing thoughts, emotions, and experiences without judgment or identification. This allows one to remain centered, like the "keel" (nail) that holds the grinding stones of the past and future together.
The Nature of "Dhyan" (Meditation):
- Beyond Technique: Meditation is not a technique to achieve something but a state of being – a rediscovery of one's natural state. It's about letting go of effort and simply "being."
- The Key to Cultivation: Meditation is the "kimiya" (alchemy) that transforms the natural into the cultivated, refining one's inner being.
- Beyond External Rituals: The teachings distinguish between "Sabhyata" (civilization/manners) and "Sanskriti" (culture/inner refinement). Civilization is external and conditional, varying across cultures. True culture is internal, achieved through meditation, and is universal.
The Danger of Conceptualization: True understanding and realization come from direct experience, not from intellectualization or relying on scriptures or external teachings. Words themselves can become mirrors, distorting the truth. The ultimate experience is beyond words and concepts.
The Nature of the Ego: The ego ("Ahamkar") is described as an illusion, a phantom. Fighting with it or trying to suppress it is futile; recognizing its non-existence is the key to freedom.
The Importance of the Present Moment: The teachings consistently point towards living in the "Abhi aur Yahan" (Here and Now), shedding the burden of the past and the anxiety of the future.
The Paradox of Desire: Even the desire to attain enlightenment or God is seen as a form of desire that can hinder the process. True seeking comes from a place of surrender and letting go, not striving.
The Contradictory Nature of Existence: The book highlights the paradoxical nature of life, where seemingly opposite forces are interconnected – like creation and destruction, joy and sorrow, attraction and repulsion. Understanding these paradoxes leads to deeper insight.
Freedom from Dogma and Conditionality: Osho criticizes rigid adherence to religious doctrines or societal conditioning, emphasizing that true spirituality is about personal discovery and freedom from external impositions. He encourages questioning and personal experience over blind belief.
The Role of the Guru: A true Guru is a mirror, reflecting one's own divine nature. The Guru's teachings are not meant to be blindly followed but are pointers to one's inner truth. The ultimate realization comes from within.

Critique of Traditional Religious Practices and Societal Norms:

Criticism of Rituals: The text often questions and deconstructs traditional religious rituals and practices, suggesting they can become mere external show or "paakhand" (hypocrisy) if not rooted in inner experience.
Questioning Dogma: Osho challenges rigid interpretations of scriptures and religious doctrines, advocating for direct experience over intellectual knowledge.
Critique of Conditioned Morality: He points out the hypocrisy in societal moral codes, where actions prescribed as "good" are often performed out of obligation or a desire for reward (like heaven), rather than from an inner understanding.
Rejection of External Authority: The emphasis is on inner authority and personal realization rather than relying on external gurus or scriptures for truth.

Structure and Style:

The book is presented as a series of discourses, likely question-and-answer sessions between Osho and his disciples. The style is conversational, often using vivid analogies, stories, and humor to illustrate complex spiritual concepts. The language is direct and provocative, aiming to jolt the listener out of complacency and habitual thinking.

Overall Message:

"Jyo Tha Tyo Thaharaya" is an invitation to discover the inherent divinity within oneself by letting go of the external conditioning and false perceptions that obscure it. It is a call to embrace the present moment, cultivate inner silence through meditation, and live authentically, free from the pursuit of external achievements or the burden of past conditioning. The ultimate message is that the peace, joy, and truth we seek are not to be found in external exploration but in the inward journey of self-discovery.