Namo Arihantanam Mantra - Book Summary

Here's a comprehensive summary of the Jain text "Namo Arihantanam Mantra" by Osho, based on the provided content:

Book Title: Namo Arihantanam Mantra Author: Osho Publisher: Upnishad Charitable Trust

Core Theme: The book delves into the profound meaning and significance of the Jain mantra "Namo Arihantanam," exploring its spiritual depth and practical application in understanding oneself and the universe. Osho presents this mantra not just as a religious chant but as a key to unlocking higher consciousness, drawing parallels with scientific discoveries and psychological insights.

Key Concepts and Ideas:

The Navkar Mantra as a "Key to the Divine World": Osho introduces the Navkar Mantra (of which "Namo Arihantanam" is the first part) as a significant gift from Mahavir. He emphasizes that while the mantra is a conclusion (a peak), the path or "footprint" leading to it has been lost over time. Understanding the process behind the conclusion is crucial for its true appreciation.
Ancient Wisdom and Lost Civilizations: Osho touches upon archaeological findings like stone records from 10,000 years before Mahavir and 25,000-year-old statues depicting astronauts, suggesting that human history is far more complex and ancient than commonly understood. He posits that Mahavir was the culmination of a very ancient Jain tradition, possibly spanning a million years, and that civilizations and knowledge rise and fall like waves.
The Science of Sound and Consciousness: Osho connects the mantra's power to modern scientific understanding of sound and vibration. He references Russian research suggesting that sound doesn't perish but is stored in the vastness of space. He discusses experiments showing how human thoughts and emotions, particularly positive ones, can transform water, influencing the growth of plants. This highlights the tangible impact of consciousness on the material world.
The Aura and Energy Fields: Modern science, through methods like Kirilian photography, is revealing the existence of human energy fields or "auras." Osho explains that these auras reflect our inner state – negative thoughts create chaotic fields, while positive thoughts create ordered and beautiful ones. He links this to the idea that auras can predict illnesses and that the third day after death is significant because the aura dissipates over three days, suggesting a form of subtle existence beyond physical death.
The Meaning of "Arihant": Osho defines "Arihant" as one who has destroyed all enemies within – greed, anger, ego, delusion, etc. The Arihant has achieved a state of pure existence, free from internal conflict and external attachment. They represent the final pinnacle, the destination. The mantra is an offering to all such beings, not just specific individuals, making it a universal invocation.
The Power of Belief and Expectation: Drawing on psychological research, Osho discusses how strong belief and expectation can profoundly influence outcomes. He cites experiments where people, through suggestion and altered states of consciousness, embodied the qualities of great artists or thinkers, demonstrating the mind's immense potential to reshape reality. This points to the power of focused intent behind mantras.
The Role of "Dharana" (Concentration): Osho highlights "Dharana" (concentration) as a fundamental practice, echoing Patanjali's yoga philosophy. He explains that through Dharana, our consciousness transforms. We are influenced by the thoughts of others, and conversely, our thoughts create fields that affect those around us.
Sharanagati (Surrender) as the Foundation of Dharma: Osho contrasts the surrender found in the Bhagavad Gita ("Surrender to Me alone") with the approach of Mahavir and Buddha. While Krishna's call was to surrender to him, Mahavir and Buddha invited seekers to surrender to the Arihants, Siddhas, Sadhus, and the path of Dharma. Osho emphasizes that Mahavir's approach, "I accept the surrender," is a conscious acceptance from the seeker, marking a more reasoned engagement in a rational age, unlike the age of faith during Krishna's time. This surrender is presented as a fundamental commitment, an ultimate leap of faith.
Dharma as One's True Nature: Osho defines Dharma as one's intrinsic nature ("swabhav"). He explains that when we stray from our true nature and seek external things, we invite suffering. The pursuit of the "other" is hell, while recognizing the "self" as heaven is the path to liberation. He critiques the tendency to seek happiness externally, which inevitably leads to disappointment and suffering.
The Significance of "Anahata Tatva" (The Unstruck Sound): Osho guides the reader to listen to the inner silence beyond external noise. He describes an inner sound, "Anahata Nada," that is always present but often drowned out by the clamor of the external world. Cultivating this inner listening is key to understanding oneself and achieving a state of "no-mind."
Tapas (Austerity) as Energy Transformation: Osho reframes "Tapas" not as self-punishment or denial but as the redirection of energy. He explains that the internal "fire" within us, when directed upwards towards higher consciousness, transforms into spiritual energy. He uses the analogy of a flame rising and the concept of balancing opposing forces within to achieve equilibrium, which is the essence of control and Tapas.
The Nature of "Sanyam" (Self-Control/Balance): Osho clarifies that Sanyam is not about suppression or repression but about balance and equilibrium. It's about being centered, not swinging to extremes. True Sanyam comes from inner strength and self-mastery, allowing one to remain unaffected by external influences. He differentiates between external control and internal mastery, highlighting that true Sanyam leads to a state of deep peace and stillness.
Ahinsa (Non-violence) as the Death of Lust for Life (Jivashna): Osho's profound insight into Ahinsa is that it's the absence of the overwhelming desire to live at any cost, especially at the expense of others. He defines true Ahinsa as the death of "Jivashna" (the relentless drive to survive and consume) and emphasizes that it stems from a state of non-violence towards oneself and a complete acceptance of existence. He critiques the superficial interpretations of Ahinsa, emphasizing that true Ahinsa lies in not interfering with the natural flow of life and existence.

Overall Message:

Osho's "Namo Arihantanam Mantra" is an invitation to explore the depths of the self, to understand the interconnectedness of all existence through the lens of consciousness and energy, and to find liberation through the transformative power of the mantra and the principles of Jainism as interpreted by him. It encourages a shift from seeking external validation and happiness to discovering the boundless joy and power within. The book blends ancient spiritual wisdom with modern scientific and psychological understanding, making the profound concepts accessible and relevant to contemporary life.