OshoPhotos blog - Rare Photos of Osho

Nirav Jayant is sharing Rare Photos of Osho in his weblog. I have not come across many of the Osho photos posted there. Most of these photos are of the early days. In some photos, Osho is giving shakipat to the disciples and in some photos Ma Neelam is also there.

Some one who is interested in seeing rare photos of Osho then this blog is worth a visit. Osho Rare Photos

Philosophers and Intelluctuals in the world of Osho

Osho was totally against Philosophy and many time insisted on meditation. But unfortunately many Osho lovers are into Philosophy and only Philosophy. I often wonder at the calamity that has happened to Osho world - that is, it is producing more philosophers than all the universities put together.

After reading Osho Books any one can become intelluctual and can debate, argue or philosophize on any topic. But what is the point of all this arguments and debates?. Do they lead to anything beautiful or of the beyond. The real challenge for the new man is meditation.

The essence of Osho teachings is meditation. Meditation will lead to silence, compassion and celebration. Osho's world does not need Nietzsche, Kant or Hegel, We need Buddhas and Mystics.

Meditation and studies, How can meditation help a Student

Often students want to learn meditation in the hope that meditation will help them in scoring better marks in exams. This is a myth or a wrong idea that meditation helps in studies or in cramming a subject. Practicing Meditation helps the student a lot but not in the way they expect.

In fact meditation could be the biggest help for a student who is unsure about his future and needs guidance. If a student practice meditation regularly and sincerely then the student will be more calm and at ease. He will be relaxed and only a relaxed mind can understand any subject. If the mind is already tense and filled with thoughts then how can a student understand the subtle points of a topic. Relaxation is very important to understand anything.

Whereas if we talk about cramming a subject then concentration will be of more help than that of Meditation and unfortunately many times we have to cram some topics to pass exam. In that scenario, concentration should be used and is quite helpful. There are many concentration exercises and the one which I used to do in my college days was Tratak on a point made in the wall. Tratak is an indian word which means continuously staring at a point without blinking the eyes and keep on staring for some minutes even if tears come to the eyes. After Tratak one should close the eyes for some minutes and let them relax.

One can do Tratak on Osho's eyes also or even on the picture of Om. But as a beginner we should avoid doing Tratak on sun or on fire. It is better to learn it from a good book or from a teacher. Please don't start practicing it on the basis of what I have written here. I have just given few hints and it could be dangerous. Wrong Tratak can make the eye sight weaker and may harm them. So we have to be careful.

If Meditation flowers in a student's life then that his life can take a very beautiful turn. e.g. as a student we all need guidance. We are not sure what should we do further in life, what profession we should choose and most of the time, almost in 99% of cases we end up in the wrong profession and regret or crib through out life. Meditation can be of great help in finding and pursuing a career or skill which we like and which we are naturally good in.

It is not even neccessary to meditate for knowing what profession we should choose. But the pressure and expectation from society, parents and friends is so much that we ignore our own voice and end up choosing a wrong career. Meditation helps a lot in this regard. It gives integrity to the meditator and a certain clarity about things and situations in life.

So, In the end I will summarise..

1. If a student wants to cram a topic, then concentration will be of good help
2. If a Student wants to understand and deepen his knowledge of the subject then meditation will be of help. Meditation makes us more relaxed and intuitive too. Many of the scientific discoveries are made because of intuition. Intuition is directly related with self-love and relaxation. It often comes in the moment of relaxation and more to those people who are loving and heart-oriented.
3. Meditation gives clarity and integrity to follow our own path in life and it is very important to struggle initially for some years to pursue our own skill rather than struggle through out the life.

Related Article:
Meditation is not Concentration

Meditation and Concentration - Meditation is not Concentration

Often there is a confusion and misunderstanding about Meditation and Concentration, as many teachers teach concentration excercises in the name of meditation. Meditation is not cencentration and is totally different from it. In fact, meditation is totally opposite to concentration. Meditation is all about going beyond the mind, whereas Concentration is about making the mind more stronger and stronger.

In concentration, we narrow our attention to a single point, whereas in Meditation we expand the attention to include all. We exclude nothing in meditation and we are open and recpetive to everything. To make the things more clear, When we focus the sunlight on a paper using a lens then it is an example of concentrating the sun rays at a single point. When sun rays are falling everywhere and there is no distraction or preference of sunrays while falling on earth, then that is an example of meditation.

In Mediatton, we witness the thought and don't get involve with them. Where as in concentration, we concentrate on one thought or mantra or image and keep our total attention on it. Thus in Concentration, we exclude all others except the point where we foucs. Whereas in Meditation we don't foucs on any thing, We don't choose or block any sensory experience but we do witness them.

Let's take another example, When we normally talk with any one then we pay attention to the other person voice and at the same time ignore other sounds like sound of a passing vehicle, bird or some other noise. This act of ignoring other sounds and paying attention to one sound is concentration. Whereas in meditation we don't choose any thing, we witness whatsoever the situation is. Meditation does not choose any thing whereas in concentration we choose one thing on which we pay our total attention and ignore resl all.

Concentration narrows down the attention and makes the mind stronger. It is good for studies or scientific analysis or in our office job. Concentartion produces tension and stress in us and can't be done all the time. Whereas Meditation makes the hold of mind on us weaker. Meditation is an expansion of consciousness and makes us more relax, blissful and at ease.

Honesty and Sincerity - Master key for a Sannyasin

Can someone walk on the path of truth, if he is not honest in his day to day life?
Can we expect to realize our true nature, if we are lying for small and petty things?

Truth is something which is a very intrinsic quality for a spiritual seeker. When someone cheats other person, then in a way He cheats his own soul. Although, we don't realize it, but we all are connected and are part of the cosmic unity. Whatever we do, it gets returned to us in thousand times.

Sincerity on the path of truth is important for a seeker and specially for an Osho Sannyasin. Osho has not given us any rule except meditation. Osho has not given us any do's and don'ts except that we have to meditate deeply and act out of our awareness and consciousness.

So, in weak moments we can easily fall down and misuse the words of the Master. We cane easily indulge ourselves in passion, lust, greed or cheating someone in the name of tantra or some other excuse. According to my understanding Osho has said that if our meditation allows then we can do anything. But many people have missed meditation except everything else in the world and thus in the name of Osho's teachings they are fooling themselves and others. Meditation comes first in Osho Teachings than any other act. It is so, because meditation transforms the act completely. In the end, the act does not matter, but what matter is how much meditative we are in any act.

Moreover, often there is exploitation of new comers especially of new girls. It is sad that these innocent souls come for seeking truth and they are exploited or fooled in the name of Osho's teachings. Osho has said about so many things but many people pick up only those fragments which suits their needs and use them to fulfill their desires and passions.

In the present scenario, Sincerity and Honesty becomes more important for an Osho Sannyasin. When we start becoming more honest and truthful in day to day life, then it brings integrity in us and bring us more in touch with our own soul. It is not easy to be honest in this corrupt world but when we start speaking truth and pass through fire, then that fire makes our inner voice more loud and clear. This inner voice or connection with the inner soul helps us in critical moments, when someone tries to cheat or fool us.

I always recommend everyone to listen to their own voice and trust it. Sometimes we take the voice of the mind as our inner voice and make mistakes. But accept it, as it is a part of learning. Slowly, slowly we will be able to recognize our inner voice and then if we start listening and following this inner voice then the path becomes very clear. After that, neither can we cheat anyone nor anyone can cheat us easily.

Always remember, the work of a master is to bring us in touch with our inner voice or soul or the inner guru. Be sincere and honest. If we cheat anyone then indirectly we are not only cheating ourself, but we are also curbing the voice of our soul. In short cheating kills our soul and makes us more unconscious. For a seeker honesty and sincerity should be the essential qualities.

Meditation should not become another game of ego

Real meditation happens when we are spontaneous and effortlessly present in the moment. It happens, when we are in tune with our inner nature and acting according to it. To be in meditative state is to experience the things as they are. e.g. enjoying the sunset without making any remark about it and these beautiful moments really happen in life, when one is relaxed and aware.

Meditation has no motive and desire behind it. Meditation should not become another game of ego. If we sit for meditation just because we want to make the mind still or experience peace or go deep in meditation, then we are just allowing the mind to have its ego trip. Mind can still force its way and fool us in regard to the practice of meditation also. e.g. there are always moments of unawareness when we lose track and are carried away by thoughts. The moment we become aware about it, then mind may try to produce another thought - "why I am not meditative, why I lost track of thoughts" and thus making us feel guilty that we are not sincere in practice. So Osho has suggested never feel guilty because it only strengths the mind.

Meditation does not aim at achieving anything. It is just to be oneself as one is made by existence. It does not try to change the mind. Meditation is all about going beyond the mind, to disidentify oneself with the mind. In meditation we do not try to stop the thoughts but we witness them and if there are moments of unawareness then we accept those moments also.

It really helps if the meditator is sincere in practice but there is no need to be serious about meditation. There is no need to make it a goal to be achieved but at the same time one should put his 100 percent in the meditation. In fact, meditation only happens when we are total. This totality comes with practice, patience and sincerity and with the blessings of the Master.

Osho Neo Sannyas - photo of first rebels with Osho

On 26 September, 1970 Osho started his Neo-Sannyas movement in Manali, India. Above is the photo of first rebels who took Sannyas from Osho.

A - Ma Laxmi. She was first secretary of Osho and she was the one who had found the location where current Osho Puna resort is situated. Her brief biography is available at OshoWorld. I have enjoyed the book very much and would like to recommend it to my friends too. She was a dedicated disciple and devotee of Osho and I feel, she has attained to buddhahood too. My gratitute to her for doing so much work for Osho.

B - Ma Dharam Jyoti takes meditation camps at Oshodham and OshoNisarga. She has written a small book containing 100 stories about the time she spend with Osho. Book is beautiful and available at oshoworld.com

L - Swami Chaitanya Bharti conducts meditation camps in India and is presently busy in making his ashram in mysore. He has a website named dhyanleela.com and He is one of those few people who have announced his enlightenment. He was the first one to leave Osho puna ashram in 1992 over the differences about the functioning of Ashram.

M - Ma Anand Madhu was again a sincere disciple of Osho. Last I heard about her was that she is spending time in isolation, Haridwar in north india. She was not keeping well and a nurse was taking care of her. I also heard she is not interacting with any one and is preferring to stay in silence.

N - Swami Yog Chinmaya has moved into isolation and is not into limelight. Last I heard about him was his article in Sannyasworld.com and where he has expressed his views on Osho copyright case. He has an ashram at Bagheswar in India. Swami Yog Chinmaya was a from a yoga background and he himself has a small following when he started listening to Osho. Swami Yog Chinmaya has asked most intelluctals question from Osho and he was a very sincere as well as serious seeker and Osho used to hammer him for his seriousness. I feel, he has one Samadhi experience.

Note - This photo I found from facebook and all the valuable information in the photo is given by Ma Dharam Jyoti, also mentioned in the photo. In April 1970, Dynamic meditation was also introduced by Osho.

ActiveMeditations.com - website on Osho active meditations

Active Meditation.com is a website run by Osho disciple Ma Maneesha and covers many aspect of Active meditations and is very much recommended for some one who wants to explore the active meditations and the research done on it - specially the dynamic meditation.

Osho darshan diaries which are intimate one to one talk between master and disciple were recorded by Ma Manessha only.

Osho Kundalini Meditation Technique

Osho Kundalini Meditation is one of the important active meditation technique devised by Osho. Kundalini meditation is also called as sister meditation of dynamic meditation. In most of Osho meditation camps it is a regular practice to do this meditation. In Osho ashram pune, it is done every day at 4pm in the evening. It is basically a evening meditation, whereas dynamic meditation is basically a morning meditation.

Kundalini Meditation is a one hour meditation technique which has four stages each of 15 minutes. First three stages are with music and the last stage is without music. Music for Kundalini meditation has been composed under Osho's direct guidance.

Kundalini Meditation technique four stages:
First Stage -
It last for 15 minutes. In this stage, we have to stand with some distance between our feets. But we should be in a comfortable position and stay relax and loose.

As the music starts, we should allow the whole body to shake. This shaking will take some times to start, so we have to wait for the shaking to start instead of mechanically forcing it. But at the same time we have to cooperate with the shaking and stay receptive and open.

I would like to insist again, We are not suppose to force the shaking, instead we have to allow it to happen and cooperate with the shaking, as it gathers momentum. If shaking happens correctly and on its own, then the energy will rise upwards from the feets. Feel this energy moving up from your feet. Let go totally with this moving energy and become the shaking. Our eyes may be open or closed in this stage.

According to Osho guidance we should wait for the shaking to come and overtake us. I feel in dynamic meditation we need to be total in our effort, whereas in kundalini meditation we need to be in total non-doing or let go state.

Second stage:
It is for 15 minutes of dancing. Dance any way we feel like. Let the whole body moves, sways and makes it own rhythm. This dancing is to spread the energy through out the body. Kundalini meditation melts many blocks of energy in our system and allow the energy to be distributed evenly over the body. That's the reason I have chosen the picture of running water, we have to melt and flow in this meditation. Again, our eyes can be open or closed in this stage.

Third stage:
It is of 15 minutes. In this stage we can sit or stand but our eyes should be closed. Please note the change - first two stages eyes can be open or closed but from 3rd stage eyes has to be kept closed. With closed eyes be still from inside and witness whatever is happening inside the body-mind and outside activity which we observe with closed eyes. Witnes the thoughts, feelings or any disturbance in the body or any noise from outside.

e.g. some one makes a noise or cough then our attention will go towards the noise and immediatedly mind will verbalise some thing, then witness that verbalization of mind. Or take another scenario, our mind is saying what the hell I am doing here, this is another thought of mind and witness it too.

Witnessing is the key and will transform the energy. Moreover it is easier to witness now in this 3rd stage after doing shaking and dancing for 30 minutes. Stage is set for witnessing and be total in witnessing. It's very suitable time for having no-mind glimpses.

Fourth stage:
Its again for 15 minutes but no music is played in this stage. We have to lie down with our eyes closed and be still. If first three stages are done properly then silence will be outcome of it and in this stage we can enjoy that silence. In case we dont feel silent then continue the witnessing of body-mind but add more relaxation to your witnessing.

few more pints

1. Dynamic and Kundalini Meditation takes away all the repressed energy, sexual suppression, tension and relaxation becomes easier.
   
2. Osho Guidance on Kundalini meditation - Do read these instructions of Osho.
3. Enjoy this meditation and don't be serious.
4. According to Osho, if we force shaking then it becomes another physical excercise. Shaking the body is just a medium, in reality the shaking should shake our rocklike being and the blocks in our pschye. So when shaking gains momentum then allow it to take control over you and possess you. Allow it to take you to unknown territories, So that shaking goes deep and clears much rubbish. Otherwise if we don't allow the shaking then it is just a bodily excercise.
   
5. Stay relax, free, waiting and open for the shaking to happen.
   

Osho Natraj Meditation technique Video - Rainbow festival - Part1

Osho Natraj Meditation at Rainbow Festival - 2007 Onesky Band - Osho Padma Meditation Center NY

Osho Natraj Meditation Video - Part 2

Osho Natraj Meditation at Rainbow Festival - 2007 Onesky Band - Osho Padma Meditation Center NY

Osho Rajneesh video on Kundalini meditation technique part 1

Osho Rajneesh also known as Swami Rajneesh shares His insights for Osho Kundalini meditation

Osho Rajneesh - new insights Osho Kundalini meditation part 2

Osho Rajneesha also known as Swami Rajneesh shares His insights for Osho Kundalini meditation

Is Osho Rajneesh enlightened or faking enlightenment

Osho Rajneesh also known as Swami Rajneesh is a disciple of Osho, who stayed in the ashram during 1980's. During that period, he rarely interacted with anyone and mostly used to sit in silence and meditated for long hours. One unique thing about him is that his gestures, like the way of talking, the way he moves his hands, the way he walks, resembles Osho's gestures and movements. If some one who has not seen Osho and would like to know, how Osho used to talk in real life then Osho Rajneesh's movements are a fine replica of that and for this thing, He is also getting lot of flaks from people as they say He is imitating the Master.

This post is basically dedicated to Osho Rajneesh's authenticity. I will like to make it very clear from the beginning that an unenlightened person cannot judge about someone's enlightenment. But I would certainly like to share my feelings in this regard as it is a very frequently discussed topic in the Osho sannyas world.

At present there are more than 50 disciples of Osho who have declared their enlightenment and are teaching actively. But no one has created so much stir and attraction in the Osho sannyas world as compared to Osho Rajneesh. In fact, the Osho sannyas world who is divided into so many factions is united against one man and that is Osho Rajneesh. Should we take it as an inner strength of an Individual that is hurting the ego of many sannyasins who have not reached till now? Or they are united to stop the hypocrisy and imitativeness of Osho Rajneesh.

Whatever may be the case, I wonder why only Osho Rajneesh is attacked from all the directions and why not other Disciples of Osho who have declared their enlightenment. What is so special about Osho Rajneesh that he attracts so much attention?

In case, if Osho Rajneesh is imitating the Master, then this is his personal freedom. If we have to attack him because he is misguiding seekers, then we should attack all those 50 plus so called enlightened disciples who are fake and fooling sannyasins. In fact we should make a list of those so called enlightened disciples and display it, so that newcomers can know that these are the fools we have to avoid.

Suppose, if we just choose just one out of them, that is Osho Rajneesh and attack him all the time then indirectly we are giving attention to him which is good for him. He might be laughing inside for helping him and may be thanking all those who are attacking him and thus spreading the word about him.

To take things more sincerely we should also tell the people around the world that Osho could not produce even one enlightened person and his dream is still not fulfilled. I often wonder, how people come to know that such and such sannyasin is enlightened or not. Although, I have my own understanding in this matter but I would love to know how these people determine someone's authenticity and degree of enlightenment.

This is not a Joke. Friends, I am very serious in this regard, because it has a big implication on us. If some one is really enlightened out of these 50 plus disciples then we might be missing his presence by trusting other's opinion and honestly speaking it is very difficult for an unenlightened person to tell about someone's authenticity.

There are ways to find the truth and one of them is be very sincere yourself. By sincerity, I mean you have to be honest no matter how much you lose just because you are speaking the truth. If someone has that kind of inner strength to speak truth, then if that person sees any person then his soul will immediately tell him about the authenticity of another person and about whether he is telling truth that he is enlightened or not.

In the end, I would like to thank all those who have opposed and tried to block Osho Rajneesh also known as Swami Rajneesh and his work. Because the hard work they did to stop him also attracted my attention towards him and I read his book. After seeing him, I say He is. Yes! He is fully awakened and carrying Bhagwan's Bodies and at present he is the only hope in the Osho sannyas world and the only fully awakened Master too.

But still I would suggest the readers of this post that don't get influenced by this post in any way - neither in favor nor in opposition. Make your own decision regarding this issue. Listen to your soul, your inner voice. Our inner voice is also the voice of a buddha.

I remember, Osho has said somewhere that if your inner voice says something which is contrary to the suggestion of a buddha then also trust your inner voice, because that is also the voice of a buddha and your inner being knows more about you than one else. I hope and pray that we all become a light unto oneself and stop following others for guidance. Let our own inner light shine the way for us to walk with dignity and honesty. Together we can make the Osho dream come true. One of Osho's desire is to have 100 buddha's. We have got one and we need 99 more.

Remember - Osho's eyes are on you too and we have to fulfill His dream.

Note - website of Osho Rajneesh

Dance as meditation - Dancer is lost and only Dance is left

Osho has used all sort of creative expressions for taking people into meditation and dancing is one of them and one of most important medium also, as many people loves to dance. According to Osho, if one can be total in dancing then it becomes a meditation. Infact in any activity, if we involved ourself so totally, that we are no longer present, then it becomes a meditation. Totality is the key in any form of meditation. Similarly when we dance with totality then one moment comes, when dancer is lost and only dance is left and dancing has become a meditation.

I have met many Sannyasins who dances effortlessly and enjoy the dancing rather than doing sitting meditation. Their natural inclination is towards dance and its a sheer delight to see them dancing, as their dance is spontaneous and natural and not a imitation of some one else but a authentic expression of their own energy.

In dancing we have to be natural and spontaneous like a small children. We have to allow the dance to happen rather than forcing it in a artifical way. Moreover we have to be in loose and in a celebrative mood. As long the dancer is present, till then dancing has not become meditation. When dancer is lost and only dance remains then the real meditation has happen and this phenomena can't be forced, it happens when we are not there in the dance.

As a basic criteria one should enjoy the dance and dance for oneself and the way one wants to dance. Instead of imitating any dancing form one should allow the dance to come out from our depths. Let the dance flow and takes its own shape.

I will like to end this post with the words of Miachel Jackson - "Consciousness expresses itself through creation. This world we live in is teh dance of the creator. Dancers come and go in the twinkling of an eye, but the dance lives on. On many an occasion when i am dancing, i have felt touched by something sacred. In those moments, i felt my spirit soar and become one with everything that exists. I become the stars and the moon. I become the lover and the beloved. I become the victor and the vanquished. I become the master and the slave. I become the singer and the song. I become the knower and the known. I keep on dancing... then it is the eternal dance of creation. The creator and the creation merge into one wholeness of joy. I keep on dancing... and dancing...and dancing. Until there is only ... the dance. "
Michael Jackson - inside the cover of 'Dangerous' from 2001