Mahavir Vani Lecture 04 Dharm Swabhav Me Hona

This lecture, "Dharm Swabhav me Hona" (Religion is to be in one's own nature) by Osho Rajnish, focuses on understanding the true meaning of religion as expounded by Lord Mahavir. The lecture draws from the Jain scripture and emphasizes that true religion lies in living in accordance with one's innate nature, rather than pursuing external desires or achievements.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes discussed:

1. Religion as the Ultimate Good (Mangal):

• The lecture begins by quoting a Jain verse: "Dharmam Mangalamukshthitam, Ahimsa Sanjamo Tapo. Devaha Vi Tam Namasanti, Yasya Dharmey Sadha Mano." This translates to: "Religion is the highest auspiciousness, which is non-violence, restraint, and austerity. Even gods bow down to him whose mind is always engaged in this religion."
• Osho explains that the opposite of auspiciousness is inauspiciousness and suffering. Understanding religion as auspiciousness is easier when we understand the root of suffering.
• Mahavir's definition of religion is living in one's true being, not deviating even an inch from "who I am." Suffering arises when we stray from our true nature and become attached to what we are not, to the "other."

2. The Illusion of "The Other":

• Osho argues that humans are "other-oriented." We constantly seek happiness, fulfillment, and identity in external things, people, positions, or circumstances.
• We desire everything except ourselves. This constant pursuit of "the other" leads to frustration, disillusionment, and ultimately, suffering. Even looking at oneself in a mirror is often done for the sake of others.
• The lecture contrasts Mahavir's view with that of philosopher Jean-Paul Sartre, who stated "The Other is Hell." While Sartre's statement has merit in that seeking happiness in the "other" leads to hell when that happiness is not found, Osho clarifies that Mahavir's emphasis is different. Mahavir doesn't condemn the "other" as hell, but rather points to the bliss of being oneself as heaven.
• Seeking happiness in the "other" is like trying to extract oil from sand or find a door in a solid wall. When we fail, we blame the wall or the sand, not our misguided effort.

3. The Nature of True Fulfillment:

• Osho emphasizes that true fulfillment can only be found within oneself. We can chase after external things, but we can never truly possess them permanently. What is truly ours is that which death cannot take away.
• Suffering arises from expectations. When expectations are unmet, we experience disappointment. However, the root cause of this disappointment is the misguided belief that external things can bring happiness.
• The more material comforts and facilities increase, the more unhappiness and mental disturbances also increase, as seen in highly developed societies like America. This is because the illusion of happiness from external sources is more pervasive.

4. Mahavir's "Ahimsa" (Non-violence) and the Concept of "As-If":

• Osho delves deeply into Mahavir's concept of Ahimsa, explaining that it goes far beyond the common understanding of not harming others or avoiding killing insects.
• Mahavir's Ahimsa is about becoming absent, about realizing one's true nature to the point where one's presence is not felt by others. It's about living in such a way that your existence does not interfere with the existence of others.
• This is similar to the Buddhist concept of "Tathata" (thusness or suchness), which means accepting things as they are without trying to change or interfere with them.
• Violence, in Mahavir's view, is the desire to change things, to impose one's will on reality. It is the inherent ego-driven desire to assert one's presence and make others acknowledge it.
• Examples are given of a child seeking attention from guests, a political leader seeking power, and even a doctor prescribing complex-sounding medicines to satisfy the patient's desire to be acknowledged as sick. All these are forms of violence stemming from the ego.

5. The Way to Inner Peace:

• Mahavir's path to liberation and auspiciousness is through Ahimsa, Sanjam (restraint), and Tapas (austerity). These are not external practices in themselves but methods to still the restless energy of desire and to turn inward.
• Ahimsa is the core, the soul. Tapas is the periphery, the body. Sanjam is the vital bridge connecting the soul and the body, like breath. Without Sanjam, even practicing Ahimsa and Tapas would lead to fragmentation.
• Osho clarifies that Mahavir's Ahimsa is not about protecting others, but about eradicating the illusion that one can cause harm or receive happiness from others.
• True Ahimsa is about becoming so egoless that one's actions don't cause ripples in the existence of others. It's about living a life of "as-if I am not here."

6. The Illusion of Control and Desire:

• The lecture illustrates that desires, even for positive outcomes like spiritual liberation (moksha), can be a form of violence if they are driven by a passionate pursuit or a need to control or achieve.
• The example of Mahavir's departure from his home is used to show that true detachment means not clinging to one's will or desires, even the desire to renounce. His silence and eventual departure after his mother's death, without any forceful assertion, is presented as a profound example of Ahimsa.
• The desire to "make things happen" is the root of violence. The truly non-violent person accepts "what is" and does not strive to change it.

In essence, "Dharm Swabhav me Hona" teaches that true religion is not an outward show or a set of rules to be followed, but an inward transformation. It's about discovering and living in harmony with one's true nature, free from the illusions of desire, attachment, and ego. This inward focus, expressed through Ahimsa, Sanjam, and Tapas, leads to ultimate peace and auspiciousness.