Mahavir Vani Lecture 13 Sanlinta Antar Tap Ka Pravesh Dwar

Here's a comprehensive summary of Osho Rajnish's lecture on "Samlinata: Pravesh Dwar to Antar Tap" (Samlinata: The Gateway to Inner Austerities), Lecture 13 of Mahavir Vani:

This lecture by Osho Rajnish, presented as Lecture 13 in the "Mahavir Vani" series, focuses on the Jain concept of Samlinata (संलीनता), explaining it as the crucial gateway to Antar Tap (अंतर-तप), or inner austerities.

Understanding Samlinata:

• Beyond Physical Stillness: Osho clarifies that Samlinata is not merely the physical stillness of the body, meaning not moving limbs without a cause. This is a superficial understanding.
• Inner Quietude: True Samlinata occurs when there is profound inner silence. When the inner self is so calm that no internal wave arises to create external bodily movement.
• The Bridge: Samlinata acts as a bridge connecting external austerities (Bahya Tap) to internal austerities (Antar Tap). Without Samlinata, one cannot effectively transition from external practices to internal transformation.

The Two-Fold Practice of Samlinata:

Osho outlines a practical, two-pronged approach to cultivating Samlinata:

1. Right Observation (Samyak Nirikshan):

   • Awareness of Internal States and External Manifestations: The first step is to meticulously observe how different internal states (emotions like anger, sadness, love, peace) manifest physically. This includes observing changes in facial expressions, posture, breathing, and muscle tension.
   • The Mirror as a Tool: He suggests using a mirror to observe oneself during these emotional states. Seeing one's own anger or sadness reflected back can be illuminating.
   • The Paradox of Observation: A crucial insight is revealed: when you observe an emotion like anger, it begins to dissipate. This is because your consciousness shifts from identifying with the emotion ("I am anger") to observing it ("I am observing anger"). This disidentification weakens the emotion. Conversely, observing peace amplifies it.
   • The Nature of Multiplicity (Bahuchittata): Osho introduces the concept of "Bahuchittata" (बहुचित्तता), meaning having multiple minds or fragmented consciousness, which he links to the Western concept of "polysychic." We are not unified beings but a collection of conflicting states. Observing these states reveals how they affect our bodies.
   • Identifying the "Self" Through Observation: By observing these different internal states and their bodily expressions, one begins to understand the multifaceted nature of their being and what is happening within.

2. Creating Inner Contrast (Vivrit Vrittiyon ko Sharir par Paida Karna):

   • The Actor's Skill: This practice involves intentionally manifesting a different internal state in the body than what is being felt internally. This is akin to an actor's ability to portray emotions they may not be feeling.
   • The Mirror Again: This practice is also best done in front of a mirror. If you are feeling anger, consciously try to make your face appear peaceful.
   • Developing Inner Separation: Through this practice, one begins to create a separation between the inner emotional state and the outer bodily expression. This leads to a profound realization: "I am neither the anger nor the peace."
   • The Power of Two Opposites: When you can simultaneously feel anger internally while projecting peace externally, you are no longer identified with either. You become the observer of both. This dual awareness is the first experience of liberation.
   • Divide and Rule: Osho draws a parallel with the political strategy of "divide and rule." By creating a division between the mind and the body (or two opposing mental states), you gain mastery over them. When internal states conflict (e.g., anger versus peace), they fight each other, allowing you to stand apart.
   • The "Robot" Within: He explains that over lifetimes, our habits and external orientations become ingrained in our "robot" or "mechanical self." This "robot" operates automatically, often leading us outwards without our conscious direction (e.g., picking up a newspaper out of habit). The goal is to become conscious of this robot's actions and direct them intentionally.
   • The Danger of Unconscious Action: Acting unconsciously means the "robot" dictates your actions, leading to a dissipation of energy. Acting consciously, even in mundane tasks, brings awareness and prevents this dissipation.

Samlinata as Inner Absorption:

• Beyond "Tallin" (Tatlina): Osho differentiates Samlinata from "Tatlina" (तल्लीन), which means to be absorbed in something external, like a devotee in God (e.g., Mira in Krishna). Samlinata, on the other hand, is absorption in oneself.
• Self-Sufficiency: It means to be so deeply absorbed in your own being that the external world ceases to matter. There is no movement outwards, no seeking.
• The State of Being: This state is characterized by immobility (agati), inaction (akriya), and stillness (achalta). It is like a closed flower, holding its fragrance within.
• Mahavir's Symbolism: The stillness and inwardness of Jain Tirthankara statues, particularly the lack of sculpted muscles (symbols of action) and the closed postures, symbolize Samlinata.
• The Inner Journey: This inward absorption is the beginning of the inner journey, leading to samadhi.

Overcoming Fear and Embracing Transformation:

• The Fear of Dissolution: As Samlinata deepens, a profound fear can arise, similar to the fear of death. This is because the outgoing self, the personality that is identified with external activities, begins to dissolve.
• Witnessing the Fear: The practice involves becoming a witness to this fear, accepting it, and continuing the inward movement. This is a voluntary, conscious death, unlike the involuntary death of the physical body.
• Transcending Death: By willingly facing and embracing this internal "death," one transcends the fear of physical death. It's a realization that "I am" beyond the changing external forms.
• The Return to the Source: Samlinata is the process of the conserved energy returning to its origin, like a river flowing back to its source. It is a journey towards one's true root.

The Role of Non-Aggression (Anakraman):

• Inner and Outer Aggression: Mahavir's emphasis on non-aggression (Anakraman) is crucial for Samlinata. Aggression isn't just physical violence; it's any outward movement of consciousness, even thinking about another person.
• Self-Centeredness vs. Other-Centeredness: Self-centeredness (Swa-kendrit chitt) leads to non-aggression and inwardness, while ego-centeredness (Para-kendrit chitt) leads to outward aggression.
• The Nightmare of Aggression: Our lives are often described as a "nightmare" or a "long hell journey" because of our aggressive, outward-oriented nature.

Conclusion:

Samlinata is presented as the final, sixth limb of the initial stages of Jain austerity, following five limbs focused on energy conservation. It is the process of turning that conserved energy inward, leading to self-absorption, inner stillness, and ultimately, liberation. The journey requires conscious awareness, breaking free from habitual outward actions, and bravely facing the dissolution of the superficial self to discover the true, abiding self. The lecture concludes by stating that the external austerities are now complete, and the next step will be to explore the internal austerities.