Patanjali Yoga Sutra Part 04

This Jain text, titled "Patanjali Yoga Sutra Part 04" by Osho, is a Hindi translation of Osho's discourses on Patanjali's Yoga Sutras, specifically focusing on the third chapter, the Vibhuti Pada. The book delves into the practical aspects of yoga, emphasizing the importance of the present moment and self-awareness as the foundation for deeper understanding and spiritual growth.

Here's a breakdown of the key themes and concepts discussed in the provided text:

1. The Importance of the Present Moment and Inner Focus:

• Osho begins by highlighting the significance of the Vibhuti Pada as the culminating stage of yogic practices, leading to the ultimate goal of Kaivalya (absolute liberation or aloneness). He stresses that without understanding the third chapter, the fourth (Kaivalya Pada) remains incomprehensible.
• The core message is to ask questions that are "close to your own center." This means focusing on the present moment, introspection, and self-observation rather than external or metaphysical inquiries about past/future lives or abstract concepts of God.
• Osho uses the analogy of a Zen master guiding disciples to look inward and be aware of their current state – their thoughts, body tension, and focus – rather than seeking distant answers.

2. Yoga as a Science of Consciousness:

• Yoga is presented as a science based on reality and experience, not metaphysics. It prioritizes understanding the self, the inner source of light, before attempting to understand the external world.
• The text distinguishes between the mind (which can be observed and is subject to change) and consciousness (the witness, the observer). Yoga's aim is to realize this consciousness, the unobjectifiable "seer."
• The ultimate goal of yoga is to become fully realized and aware, to bridge the gap between what one is and what one can become. This leads to a profound inner stillness and centeredness, unaffected by the external world.

3. The Vibhuti Pada: Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi (Sanyama):

• The text introduces the core practices of the Vibhuti Pada:
  • Dharana (Concentration): Focusing and limiting the mind to a single object. Osho explains this as drawing the mind away from the constant chatter of thoughts that fragment one's energy and lead to a state of disarray.
  • Dhyana (Meditation): The unbroken, continuous flow of consciousness towards the object of concentration. This is likened to the continuous flow of oil from one vessel to another.
  • Samadhi (Absorption): The state where the mind becomes one with the object of meditation, to the point of losing its own form.
• These three practices, when integrated, are called Sanyama. Mastering Sanyama leads to the "light of higher consciousness."

4. The Nature of the Ordinary Mind and Mental States:

• Osho describes the ordinary mind as a "crowd of thoughts," leading to a state akin to madness, with the difference being only in degree. He illustrates this with the example of William James's visit to an asylum, highlighting the thin line between what society deems "normal" and "mad."
• He criticizes Western psychology for seeking external causes for mental disturbances, emphasizing that the root causes lie within the individual's internal state and lack of self-awareness.

5. The Path of Yoga: Gradual and Integrated:

• Yoga is presented as a gradual, step-by-step science. It prepares the outer self (body and character) before delving into the inner dimensions.
• The process is not about sudden enlightenment but a gradual unfolding, with Patanjali guiding the practitioner at each step.

6. Key Concepts and Analogies:

• The "Inner Center": Osho consistently brings the focus back to the present moment and the inner core of one's being.
• Zen Master's Advice: The anecdote of the Zen master urging disciples to ask questions close to their own center illustrates the yogic approach.
• The Ethics Professor: The story of Osho's experience with an unethical professor highlights how dry, intellectual knowledge (like metaphysics) can be confusing and unhelpful compared to direct experience.
• The Inner Light: The importance of inner light is stressed, suggesting that external illumination is useless if the inner source is dark.
• The Inner vs. Outer: The text contrasts external preparations (like body and character refinement) with internal practices (Dharana, Dhyana, Samadhi).
• The Scientist and the Artist: Dharana is likened to the scientist's focused approach, while Dhyana is presented as the artist's subjective immersion and identification with the subject.
• The Nature of Reality: The concept that the outer and inner are two aspects of the same reality is explored.
• The Importance of Sanyam: The integrated practice of Dharana, Dhyana, and Samadhi is crucial for accessing higher consciousness.
• The Paradox of Letting Go: The text touches on the idea that true mastery comes from letting go, not through forceful control.
• The Nature of Truth: Truth is presented as something to be lived and experienced, not merely believed in or intellectually understood.
• The Inner Revolution: Osho emphasizes that true change begins within, and external societal changes are secondary.
• The Clever Mind vs. The Heart: The mind is portrayed as cunning, often creating distractions and justifications to avoid facing inner truths. The heart, however, seeks love and direct experience.
• The "Why" of Beggars: The existence of beggars is linked to the lack of love and compassion in human hearts, not just economic disparity.
• The Nature of Consciousness: The text distinguishes between the mind (an object of awareness) and consciousness (the subject, the witness).
• The Scientist's Prayer: The story of Pasteur using his microscope as a form of prayer highlights the meditative aspect of focused work.
• The Six Types of Laughter: The anecdote about Sariputta meditating on laughter illustrates how even mundane subjects can reveal profound depths through focused attention.
• The Irish Analogy: The story of the Irishmen mistaking a tunnel for blindness illustrates how misinterpretations and assumptions can lead to faulty conclusions.
• The Power of Concentration: Concentration is shown to reveal hidden qualities and expand one's perception.
• The Zen Approach: While acknowledging its value, Osho implicitly contrasts the gradual, scientific approach of Patanjali with the more direct, spontaneous approach of Zen, noting that Zen may not be suitable for everyone.
• The Nature of Reality and Illusion: The text hints at the illusory nature of the perceived world when viewed without the proper inner framework.
• The Journey Inward: Yoga is consistently portrayed as a journey inward, an exploration of one's own being.
• The "Wise Fool": The text suggests that true wisdom might appear as foolishness to the ordinary mind.
• The Paradox of Letting Go: True freedom is found not in controlling, but in letting go of the ego and its attachments.
• The Nature of Religion: True religion is presented as an inner transformation, not adherence to external dogmas or rituals.
• The Dangers of Intellectualism: Osho warns against getting lost in philosophical debates and abstract concepts, which distract from direct experience.
• The True Revolutionary: A true revolutionary works on transforming oneself, not on changing external systems.
• The Inherent Divinity: The underlying message is that the divine is not an external entity but an inherent part of one's own being, waiting to be discovered.
• The Beauty of Imbalance: The text briefly touches on the idea that even perceived "imbalances" can hold a certain truth or lead to deeper understanding.
• The Importance of Self-Reliance: The ultimate reliance is on oneself, on one's own inner awareness and consciousness.
• The Illusion of "Becoming": The goal is not to "become" something else but to realize what one already is.
• The Significance of Silence and Stillness: True understanding arises from stillness and silence, not from constant mental activity.
• The Transformation of Energy: The yogic path involves transforming primal energies towards higher consciousness.
• The "No-Mind" State: The ultimate aim is to transcend the mind and its dualistic nature, reaching a state of pure awareness.
• The Paradox of Death and Life: The text hints at the cyclical nature of existence and the idea that embracing death can lead to true life.
• The Nature of "Self": The self is not the body, not the mind, but the witness, the consciousness behind them.
• The Inner Light: The ultimate source of guidance and illumination is within.
• The Power of Trust: Trust in the inherent wisdom of the present moment and the inner self is crucial.
• The "Is-ness" of Existence: The emphasis is on accepting and embracing "what is," rather than striving for "what should be."
• The Dangers of Intellectualizing Spirituality: Osho warns against intellectualizing spiritual experiences, which can lead to a disconnect from direct realization.
• The Essence of Yoga: Yoga is the science of witnessing, of becoming aware of one's true nature.
• The Ultimate Goal: The ultimate goal is to realize one's true self, to become one with the eternal and unchanging essence.

In essence, Osho's interpretation of the Vibhuti Pada encourages a profound inward journey, emphasizing that the path to spiritual liberation lies not in external achievements or intellectual knowledge but in deep self-awareness, concentration, and the unwavering realization of one's true nature in the present moment.