Mahavir Vani Lecture 36 Sadhna Ka Sutra Sanyam

This lecture by Osho Rajnish, titled "Mahavir Vani Lecture 36 Sadhna ka Sutra Sanyam" (The Sutra of Sadhana: Restraint, Lecture 9), delves into the essence of spiritual discipline and the pursuit of a Sadguru (True Guru). Drawing upon Jain philosophy and the teachings of Mahavir, Osho clarifies complex concepts and addresses common misconceptions.

The Core of the Teaching: Restraint (Sanyam)

The central theme revolves around the concept of Sanyam, which Osho elaborates on as balance and avoiding extremes. He uses the analogy of a boat (the body) navigating a vast ocean (Samsara or the world). The soul is the sailor, and true mastery lies in steering the boat skillfully between the two oars, representing extremes.

The Nature of Samsara and the Journey:

• Samsara as an Ocean: The world is depicted as a turbulent ocean filled with storms of emotions like anger, sorrow, and desire.
• The Body as a Boat: The physical body is the vessel for this journey. It needs to be maintained and cared for, not destroyed, to effectively cross the ocean.
• The Soul as the Sailor: The conscious soul is the navigator.
• The Goal: Crossing the Ocean: The ultimate aim is to reach the shore of peace, liberation, and bliss, a state beyond the disturbances of Samsara.

The Difficulty of Finding a Sadguru:

Osho highlights the immense difficulty in finding a true Sadguru, especially for the untrained mind.

• Misconceptions and Attachments: We often seek a Sadguru based on our preconceived notions, previous teachings, or societal conditioning. If a Guru doesn't fit our ingrained beliefs (e.g., a Jain not accepting Krishna as a Guru), we fail to recognize them.
• The Uniqueness of Each Guru: Every Sadguru is unique and does not replicate previous exemplars. They challenge existing norms and often appear unconventional to the established societal understanding of morality and spirituality.
• The Guru Chooses the Disciple: Ultimately, it is the Sadguru who chooses the disciple, not the other way around. Our search is a way to become receptive, to be found. The illusion that we have chosen the Guru is a necessary ego-support mechanism to facilitate the process.
• The Role of the "Asadguru" (False Guru): False gurus thrive on being "chosen" by disciples. True gurus, however, guide the disciple to realize that the Guru was the one who chose them.

Understanding and Practicing Sadhana (Spiritual Practice):

• The Danger of Suppression (Daman) vs. Expression (Bhog) vs. Release (Visarjan): Osho contrasts these three approaches to dealing with emotions like anger and desire.
  • Daman (Suppression): This is harmful, leading to internal buildup and eventually more intense outbursts. It's not true awakening.
  • Bhog (Expression): While better than suppression, expressing emotions towards others can create cycles of reaction and further entanglement.
  • Visarjan (Release): This is the true path. It involves experiencing the emotion fully, but in a void or a symbolic object (like a pillow), with complete awareness. This allows for catharsis without creating negative karma.
• The Four Types of Meditation (Dhyana) by Mahavir:
  • Arta Dhyana (Meditation on Sorrow): Focusing on pain and suffering.
  • Raudra Dhyana (Meditation on Anger): Intense focus born out of anger.
  • Dharma Dhyana (Meditations on Righteousness): Positive and constructive meditation.
  • Shukla Dhyana (Pure Meditation): The highest form of meditation, free from all attachments and afflictions.
  • Osho emphasizes that even the "bad" meditations (Arta and Raudra) can be a stepping stone to higher states if approached with awareness and leading to release.
• The Fear of Darkness: Osho addresses the fear of darkness in meditation, clarifying that darkness is not inherently bad. It is our conditioned fear that makes it seem so. Embracing the "darkness" (the unknown, the void) can lead to a deeper experience of self and the divine.
• The Importance of Openness: Being open and receptive is crucial. Our fixed beliefs and expectations act as barriers. A mind that is open to all experiences, light or dark, is more likely to attract the attention of a Sadguru.
• The Role of Mistakes and Wandering: Mistakes are not necessarily bad. They are part of the learning process. Wandering can lead to maturity and a clearer understanding of what is true. Even encountering "false" gurus can teach us valuable lessons about what to avoid.
• The Nature of True Religion: Osho debunks the idea of inherited religion. Religion is not about birth but about conscious choice, effort, and transformation. The "blood" connection is superficial; it is the adoption of beliefs and practices that shapes our spiritual path.

Key Takeaways:

• Sanyam is the Key: Balance and restraint, avoiding extremes, is the sutra for spiritual progress.
• The Guru Chooses You: Trust that the right Guru will find you when you are ready and open.
• Embrace All Experiences: Do not fear or resist any experience, including what seems negative. With awareness, even difficult emotions can be a path to liberation.
• Conscious Release: Release emotions through catharsis, not suppression or harmful expression towards others.
• The Body is a Tool: Cherish and maintain your body as the vessel for your spiritual journey. Do not fall into the trap of extreme asceticism that weakens the body.
• Life is a Journey, Not a Circle: Avoid repetitive patterns of behavior and thought. Learn from the past and move forward on a straight path towards your goal.

In essence, Osho encourages a balanced, mindful, and open approach to spiritual practice, emphasizing that the true journey is one of self-discovery and transformation, guided by the grace of a Sadguru and the understanding of Sanyam.