Mahavir Vani Lecture 09 Tap Urja Sharir Ka Anubhav

Here's a comprehensive summary of Osho Rajneesh's "Mahavir Vani Lecture 09: Tap Urja Sharir ka Anubhav" (Tapasya: The Experience of the Energy Body), based on the provided text:

This lecture, the ninth in a series on Mahavir's teachings, delves into the concept of "Tapasya" (austerity or spiritual discipline) by exploring the "Energy Body" and its connection to the transformation of life force. Osho begins by quoting a Jain Dhamma Sutra, emphasizing that Ahimsa (non-violence), Samyama (self-control), and Tapasya are the highest virtues, earning reverence even from gods.

Osho establishes that religion is the ultimate science (Param Vigyan), surpassing material science. While material science deals with the tangible and transformable aspects of matter, religious science, through Tapasya, transforms consciousness itself, which is intangible. True science, according to Buddha, is about "how" to do something and implies the power to bring about change or revolution. Tapasya is presented as the primary method for this transformation.

A core scientific understanding underpinning Tapasya is that everything in existence is dynamic and in constant motion, not static as it appears. Our perception of solidity is due to the incredibly high speed of atomic particles and the absence of awareness of the intervals between them. Osho uses the analogy of a fast-spinning fan where individual blades become indistinguishable. Similarly, our physical body, though appearing solid, is a vortex of intensely moving atoms.

He then expands on the concept of motion, explaining that our physical body is subject to at least seven dimensions of motion, from the atomic level to the cosmic movements of galaxies. Beyond these, Osho introduces the eighth dimension of motion in the "prana" (life energy) and the ninth, crucial dimension in human consciousness, which concerns the upward or downward movement of inner energy.

Tapasya is directly related to this ninth dimension: the direction of our inner energy. When focused on lust, energy moves downward; when focused on self-discovery, it moves upward. Osho equates "inner" and "upward" as directions of spiritual pursuit. Conversely, energy moves outward during death.

Scientific validation for energy leaving the body during death is presented through Kirlian photography. This technique reveals an aura or energy field around living beings. In deceased individuals, energy clusters are seen moving away from the body for up to three days, indicating a gradual dissipation. This phenomenon suggests that a significant part of our being is non-physical energy, unaffected by gravity.

Osho connects this concept to yogic practices like levitation, suggesting they utilize this very energy. He uses the example of the dancer Nijinsky, who could appear to defy gravity. Nijinsky attributed this to dancing from an "outside" perspective, implying a detachment from the physical body and an alignment with his energy body. This state, Osho explains, is associated with the activation of the "Anahata Chakra" (heart chakra), leading to out-of-body experiences.

The lecture then explores the "Energy Body" (Urja Sharir) as the true self, distinct from the physical body. This energy body is responsible for the aura or halo observed in Kirlian photography. When the physical body is damaged or lost (e.g., through anesthesia or even amputation), the energy body remains intact, providing a sense of completeness. This is why a person might not feel pain when their energy body is detached during surgery.

The energy body's activity is also influenced by our mental states. Love and compassion increase the influx of vital energy, making one feel revitalized, while anger expels energy, leading to fatigue. Kirlian photography even captures this, showing energy flowing into a flower connected to its stem, but receding when the flower is detached.

Osho introduces the idea that certain points on the body are more sensitive to energy due to the interaction of the energy body and the physical body, citing the principles of Acupuncture. These sensitive points, or "energy zones," are crucial in both physical well-being and spiritual development. He explains that Tapasya involves working on these energy points within the energy body, not just the physical one.

The lecture highlights the significance of Chakras in yogic tradition, stating they reside within the energy body, not the physical one. Physical dissection cannot locate them, but their corresponding physical locations are areas where the energy body interacts with the physical.

The concept of "Tapasya" is then clarified as the focused effort to transform and direct this vital energy. This is achieved by changing our identification from the physical body to the energy body. The core principle of Tapasya is articulated as "This body is not me", breaking the illusion of identification with the physical. However, this negative statement is insufficient. The positive corollary is "I am the energy body." The emphasis must be on the latter to truly progress in Tapasya.

Osho uses the analogy of a candle with a glass enclosure. The light appears to emanate from the glass, but it originates from the flame within. Similarly, the aura is a projection of the inner energy body, not the physical body.

He discusses the symbolism of the elongated earlobes in ancient Indian ascetics like Mahavir, suggesting it represents the potential for significant sexual energy, which, when transformed upwards, becomes the basis of Tapasya. The lecture also touches upon the scientific understanding of "erotic zones" on the body, which are mapped to the energy body's centers.

The role of yogic postures (asanas) is explained as applying pressure to specific points on the energy body, activating its centers. Acupuncture, as a simpler method, uses needles to stimulate these energy points, thereby activating and redirecting energy, even to the extent of healing radiation damage.

Osho also touches upon the psychological impact of belief and suggestion, using examples of hypnotism where the mind's conviction can manifest physical effects. This underscores the power of focused intention in directing energy.

The lecture concludes by discussing the therapeutic and spiritual properties of plants, contrasting the energy-absorbing nature of the Acacia tree with the energy-giving properties of the Neem and Peepal trees. The Peepal tree's immense energy output is highlighted as the reason for its association with enlightenment.

Finally, Osho emphasizes the crucial first step in Tapasya: renouncing the identification with the physical body. This illusion of "I am this body" fuels all desires and attachments. By breaking this bond and establishing an identification with the energy body, one opens the doors to immortality. Tapasya, in this context, is the ladder leading to this profound realization. He promises to discuss the practical methods of breaking this identification in subsequent lectures.