Mahavir Vani Lecture 27 Manushya Badhte Hue Hosh Ki Dhara - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of Osho Rajnish's lecture "Manushya Badhte Hue Hosh ki Dhara" (Humanity: The Flow of Growing Consciousness), Lecture 27 of Mahavir Vani:

The lecture, based on Jain scriptures, delves into the rarity of achieving a human birth and the essence of true humanity, emphasizing the journey of increasing consciousness.

The Four Rare Attainments:

The core of the lecture is the explanation of four exceptionally rare attainments for a soul in its worldly journey:

Human Birth (Manushyatva): This is not just physical birth as a human but the attainment of human consciousness. It's a long evolutionary journey from lower life forms. The text highlights that when the weight of past negative karma diminishes and the inner self becomes purer, a human birth is possible. True human birth is for those who hear the Dharma (righteous path), develop faith in it, and then strive for self-purification, shedding all karmic impurities.
Hearing the Dharma (Shravan): This refers to listening to the teachings of enlightened beings with an open and receptive mind.
Faith (Shraddha): True faith isn't blind adherence but a deep trust born from understanding and resonance. It's a conviction that aligns with one's inner wisdom.
Effort for Self-Control (Sanyam mein Viryam): This is the courage and perseverance to practice self-discipline and restraint, which is crucial for spiritual progress.

The Nature of Discipleship and Surrender:

A significant portion of the lecture addresses a question about accepting a guru's teachings and the nature of surrender.

Discernment Before Surrender: Osho emphasizes that one should always use their intellect and discernment before accepting any teaching, even from a guru. If something doesn't resonate with your wisdom, it's okay to leave it.
Surrender After Discernment: However, once your intellect and intuition confirm a guru, then surrendering and letting go is essential. The analogy of planting a mango seed is used: constant digging to check for sprouts will prevent growth. Similarly, constantly questioning a fully accepted guru will hinder progress.
The Unfractionated Mind: The idea of complete surrender is challenged by the fragmented nature of the human mind. We never make decisions with a 100% clear mind. Even significant decisions are made with a majority of our mind, with some reservations.
The Nature of Decision-Making: It's impossible not to make decisions. Even choosing to delay a decision is a decision itself, often favoring the minority aspect of the mind. When you decide in favor of a certain inclination, its strength grows.
The Metaphor of the Open Vessel: The key to receiving guidance is the state of the "vessel." Without the willingness to receive (which is the essence of discipleship), even divine guidance (like sunlight) cannot penetrate. A closed or inverted vessel cannot be filled.
The Difference Between Seeking and Receiving: Seeking is the initial step, but true learning requires surrender and receptivity. Simply approaching a guru without the readiness to learn is like an empty, inverted vessel.
Krishna's Call to Surrender: Krishna's call to "Maam Ekm Sharanam Vraj" (Surrender to Me Alone) is valid for those who have done their due diligence and found a true guru. It's not an invitation for blind faith. Arjuna, for instance, tested Krishna thoroughly before surrendering.

The Evolutionary Perspective and True Humanity:

The lecture then connects Jain teachings with Darwinian evolution, highlighting the deep scientific underpinnings of Indian spirituality.

Evolution of Body and Consciousness: Darwin's theory of evolution supports the idea that both the physical body and consciousness have evolved over eons. This aligns with the Indian understanding of reincarnation and the soul's journey through various life forms.
Humanity as Developed Consciousness: Darwin established the physical evolution of humans from animals. However, true humanity (Manushyatva) is defined by the development of consciousness.
The Difference Between "Man" and "Human":
- Man (Adam/Manush): Refers to the physical human species, a biological classification.
- Human (Manushya): Refers to the state of developed consciousness, heightened awareness, and living with mindfulness.
The Struggle for Consciousness: While becoming biologically human is rare, becoming truly human through heightened consciousness is even rarer. This process involves breaking free from the body's impulses and connecting with the soul.
The Nature of Actions: Actions performed in a state of unconsciousness (behoshi) are considered sinful because they bind one to the physical realm. Actions performed with full awareness and consciousness are virtuous, as they lead towards the soul.
The Role of Alcohol: People often resort to alcohol to perform sinful acts because it dulls consciousness, making them more akin to matter or animals.

The Rarity of Dharma-Shravan, Faith, and Effort:

The lecture reiterates the rarity of the other three essential elements for spiritual growth:

Dharma-Shravan (Hearing the Dharma): Despite the abundance of religious teachings, scriptures, and religious figures, truly hearing the Dharma is rare. This is because most people listen passively, without the intention to transform. They remain deaf and blind to the transformative power of the teachings.
Faith (Shraddha): Faith is the willingness to let go of one's own mind, which is often filled with doubts and ego, and to accept the truth spoken by an enlightened being. It's about trusting the wisdom of the other rather than one's own limited understanding. The ego is resistant to this surrender.
Effort (Purusharth): This is the courage to act upon the heard and believed Dharma. It's the willingness to take a leap of faith and engage in transformation, even if it means facing risks or societal disapproval. Many people delay this, promising to act "someday" rather than now. The lack of effort stems from fear and dishonesty.

The Enemy Within:

The lecture concludes by emphasizing that true seekers often perceive enlightened beings like Mahavir or Buddha as "enemies" because their teachings challenge the foundations of our comfortable illusions and egoic existence. Listening to them requires the willingness to be annihilated, to let go of the "I" and make space for the divine within. The journey of consciousness is a constant struggle against the inertia of the mind and ego, requiring continuous effort and a willingness to be transformed.