Tao Upnishad Part 05

This is a comprehensive summary of the provided Jain text, "Tao Upnishad Part 05" by Osho Rajnish, based on the provided pages and catalog link.

Book Title: Tao Upnishad Part 05 Author: Osho Rajnish Publisher: Rebel Publishing House, Pune

Overview: The provided text is the fifth part of a commentary by Osho on Lao Tzu's "Tao Te Ching." This specific volume, "Tao Upnishad Part 05," compiles 21 discourses (from discourse #86 to #106) from a larger series of 127 discourses given by Osho on the Tao. The central theme revolves around understanding Lao Tzu's teachings through Osho's spiritual insights, emphasizing self-knowledge, naturalness, and a way of living that transcends conventional duality and societal conditioning.

Key Themes and Concepts:

1. True Knowledge is Self-Knowledge (आत्म-ज्ञान ही सच्चा ज्ञान है):

   • Osho distinguishes between knowledge gained from external sources (learning, scriptures, societal norms) and knowledge gained from within (self-awareness).
   • External knowledge is seen as a collection of beliefs and theories that create mental clutter, obscuring the inner self, akin to clouds covering the sky. This type of knowledge is called "panditry" which hides wisdom.
   • True knowledge, or "Tao," is described as knowing oneself, the inner sky, the innate nature that is always present, unchanging, and eternal.
   • The story of Adam eating the fruit of knowledge is interpreted by Osho as Adam becoming a "pandit" (a learned person) and thus being expelled from paradise, highlighting the danger of external knowledge over self-realization.
   • The ultimate goal is to understand "Who am I?" and to realize the self, which is the true meaning of Tao, Rita, and Dharma.

2. The Nature of Tao and the Sage:

   • Tao is described as the natural state of being, innate to everyone, which can be suppressed but not destroyed. It is the source from which everything arises.
   • The Sage, following Tao, moves towards "losing day by day" rather than accumulating knowledge. This is the path of "doing nothing" (Wu Wei), where by not doing, everything is accomplished.
   • The Sage lives in harmony with the natural flow of existence, without imposing their will or desires, thus avoiding conflict and achieving true strength and peace.
   • The Sage's character is described as being like a child: innocent, spontaneous, without ego, and free from the complexities of learned behavior and societal expectations. This childlike state is not regression but a return to the unadulterated source.

3. The Illusion of External Knowledge and the Dangers of "Doing":

   • Osho critiques the accumulation of external knowledge, calling it "panditry," which creates mental noise and prevents one from accessing inner wisdom. He likens this to gathering pebbles on the roadside while ignoring the diamond within.
   • The emphasis on "doing" and striving, driven by desires and ambitions, is seen as a form of "doing nothing" that ultimately leads to exhaustion and alienation from oneself. The constant effort to "improve" life is considered an ill omen, going against the natural flow of Tao.
   • The text contrasts the student of knowledge (who accumulates) with the student of Tao (who sheds).

4. The Concept of "Doing Nothing" (Wu Wei) and Non-Interference:

   • "Doing nothing" is explained not as idleness but as acting in harmony with the natural order, without forceful intervention or personal agenda. It's about allowing things to unfold naturally.
   • The example of a river flowing is used: it naturally flows without effort; similarly, the universe operates according to its own principles without external force.
   • Interfering with the natural order, like trying to "fix" or "improve" things against their inherent nature, is seen as a source of problems and suffering.

5. The Essence of Faith and Truth:

   • Truth is described as formless, like light or a mirror, reflecting whatever comes before it without judgment or prejudice.
   • Genuine faith is unconditional, not based on adherence to dogma or fixed beliefs, but on an inner openness and receptivity. Holding onto rigid opinions ("dharanas") is seen as a barrier to truth.
   • The Sage's approach to truth is impartial, like a lamp that illuminates all equally, regardless of their inherent qualities.

6. The Paradox of Simplicity and Complexity:

   • Lao Tzu's teachings are described as simple, direct, and poetic, yet often misunderstood because modern life has made everything complex and difficult. The naturalness of Tao is something we have always known but forgotten.
   • The text highlights the poetic quality of Lao Tzu's aphorisms, connecting them to the essence of unspoiled village life and the deep wisdom of a Rishi.

7. The Law of Nature and Consequences:

   • The text illustrates the interconnectedness of actions and their consequences, using the example of dropping an atom bomb on Hiroshima, which had unforeseen ripple effects across generations and ecosystems.
   • It emphasizes that life is a web, and touching one part affects the whole. This interconnectedness means that attempting to control or manipulate nature leads to imbalance and destruction.

8. The Nature of Virtue (Teh):

   • Tao gives birth, and Teh (virtue, character) nurtures and develops it. Virtue is not about following rules but about manifesting the natural essence of Tao.
   • The Mystic Virtue (Teh) is selfless: it gives birth, acts, and supports without ownership, appropriation, or control, embodying a superior yet non-dominant presence.

9. The Importance of Letting Go and Emptiness:

   • The path of Tao involves "losing day by day," shedding attachments, desires, and accumulated knowledge. This process of letting go leads to inner emptiness, which is not a void but a state of receptivity and readiness to be filled by the original source.
   • The text contrasts the accumulation of knowledge (which leads to confusion and distance from the self) with the shedding of knowledge (which leads back to clarity and self-realization).

10. The Nature of Life and Death:

    • Life and death are presented not as opposites but as two ends of the same continuum, two aspects of a single event. Death is not an accident but emerges from life itself.
    • The true seeker transcends both life and death by recognizing their unity and their ultimate source.

11. The Sage's Non-Interference and the True Meaning of Strength:

    • The Sage's strength lies not in force or control but in yielding, like water or a soft material, which ultimately overcomes hardness.
    • True strength comes from inner balance and resilience, from being rooted in one's true nature, rather than from external imposition or aggression.

12. The Critique of External Rules and the Value of Inner Authority:

    • Osho strongly criticizes external laws, rules, and societal conditioning that stifle individuality and inner freedom. He argues that these external controls create more problems and rebellions than they solve.
    • The ideal is for inner awareness and natural principles to guide behavior, rather than imposed disciplines. The Sage leads by example and effortless presence, not by dictating rules.

13. The Concept of "Being" vs. "Doing" and the Illusion of Control:

    • The ultimate aim is to "be" rather than to "do." The constant striving and "doing" fueled by ambition and desire are seen as futile and counterproductive.
    • True accomplishment comes from "doing nothing" – acting from a state of being, effortless presence, and alignment with Tao.

14. The Nature of True Wealth and Contentment:

    • Real wealth is not material possessions but inner contentment and freedom from desire. Those with fewer needs and desires are considered truly rich, capable of embracing the present moment and finding joy in simplicity.
    • The pursuit of external accumulation leads to dissatisfaction and a perpetual feeling of lack.

15. The Paradox of Simplicity and the Nature of True Character:

    • The Sage embodies simplicity, not as a lack of something, but as a profound fullness that transcends external complexities. This simplicity is child-like innocence coupled with deep wisdom.
    • True character arises from within, from one's innate nature, rather than from imposed morality or societal expectations.

In essence, "Tao Upnishad Part 05" presents Osho's interpretation of Lao Tzu's profound teachings, advocating for a life lived in accordance with the natural flow of existence (Tao). It encourages individuals to look within for true knowledge, embrace simplicity, cultivate inner stillness, and recognize that the most powerful way of living is through effortless action and non-interference. The discourses challenge conventional notions of morality, achievement, and societal order, pointing towards a path of self-realization and liberation.