Category: Tantra
Duration: Not specified
Creating a comprehensive guide for Osho's meditation titled "Meditation is Awareness" involves understanding the essence of Osho's teachings and translating his profound insights into actionable steps that practitioners can follow. Here's a detailed guide:
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# Meditation is Awareness: A Comprehensive Guide
Osho's meditative techniques, including "Meditation is Awareness," are infused with rich insights and profound simplicity. This guide aims to encapsulate the essence of this practice, providing practitioners a clear path to follow.
## 1. History and Origin
Originating from the fertile ground of Indian mysticism and Tantra, Osho, a spiritual teacher of immense influence, drew upon his deep understanding of ancient practices to develop unique meditation methods. His teachings transcend mere technique, aiming to invoke a deeper awareness and presence in practitioners. Osho's "Meditation is Awareness" symbolizes this philosophical undercurrent, inviting a journey into self-awareness, an expanded consciousness, and ultimately, a deep-seated peace beyond the intellect.
## 2. Required Environment and Music Cues
To prepare for practicing "Meditation is Awareness," the environment and audio ambience play a crucial role. Here are key considerations:
- **Space**: Choose a quiet space where you will not be disturbed. The area should be clean, comfortable, and allow for free movement.
- **Lighting**: Subdued, soft lighting aids in creating a tranquil atmosphere conducive to introspection.
- **Music**: Utilize gentle, instrumental music that complements stillness but does not encapsulate words or strong rhythms which might distract from self-attunement. Osho has several accompanying music playlists specifically designed for his meditation methods.
- **Props**: You might want a cushion or a mat if you plan to sit on the floor. Comfortable clothing is essential to prevent distraction during meditation.
## 3. Detailed Step-by-Step Phases Breakdown
The following steps outline the practice of "Meditation is Awareness" with potential phases derived from Osho’s principles on structured yet fluid meditative experiences:
### Phase 1: Grounding and Centering (15 minutes)
- **Objective**: Establish a strong foundation for the practice by aligning the body and mind.
- **Action Steps**:
1. Sit or lie in a comfortable position. Begin by closing your eyes gently.
2. Take several deep breaths, emphasizing smooth, rhythmic inhalation and exhalation.
3. Mentally scan your body, releasing tension and promoting relaxation in each muscle group, starting from the feet, moving up to the head.
4. Focus your attention on the sensation of breath as the anchor to the present moment.
### Phase 2: Expanding Awareness (20 minutes)
- **Objective**: Cultivate an expansive perception that transcends habitual mental patterns.
- **Action Steps**:
1. Shift from focused breathing to heightened awareness of all sensations—sound, touch, smell without judgment or attachment.
2. Allow thoughts to arise and dissolve naturally, observing them as transient clouds, returning attention to broad sensory perception.
3. Gently invite self-inquiry: “Who is aware of this moment?”
### Phase 3: Tantric Integration (15 minutes)
- **Objective**: Harmonize bodily awareness with an energetic understanding of presence.
- **Action Steps**:
1. Introduce subtle hand movements or mudras to reinforce energetic flow, such as gently touching thumb tip to index finger.
2. As sensations evolve, visualize energy flowing through your spine, embracing both yin (passive) and yang (active) meditative qualities.
3. Absorb the feeling of connectedness internally and externally, savoring unity with your surroundings.
### Phase 4: Resting in Awareness (10 minutes)
- **Objective**: Attain and sustain a state of inner tranquility and awareness without effort.
- **Action Steps**:
1. Transition into a state of simply 'being' with no specific focus or guidance.
2. If distractions arise, acknowledge them kindly and return to ease and silent witness.
3. Rest in the cultivated presence, savoring timeless being.
### Phase 5: Conclusion and Reflection (10 minutes)
- **Objective**: Gently exit the meditative state, maintaining awareness as you transition back to normal activities.
- **Action Steps**:
1. Gradually bring awareness back to breath, heart rate, and physical sensations.
2. Slowly open your eyes, letting the light in without haste.
3. Conclude with gratitude for the moment and the practice, noting any insights or experiences in a journal.
## 4. Practical Tips for Beginners
- **Consistency is Key**: Establish a routine by meditating at the same time each day.
- **Patience and Acceptance**: Initial difficulty in settling down is common—embrace imperfections as part of the process.
- **Set Clear Intentions**: Begin each session by dedicating your practice to a specific intention or question to guide your energy.
- **Use of Guidance**: If needed, consider audio guides to help keep your focus, especially in the beginning.
- **Mindful Transition**: Post-meditation, take time to ease back into your day to absorb the benefits fully.
By following these guidelines, practitioners of "Meditation is Awareness" can cultivate a deep and transformative meditation practice aligned with Osho’s tantric traditions. Each session is an opportunity to deepen self-awareness and savor the enriched state of being present in each moment.
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This structured guide should provide a comprehensive pathway for newcomers and seasoned meditators alike to explore "Meditation is Awareness," touching on both the practical and esoteric elements ennobled by Osho’s teachings.
Phase Instructions
Processing instructions...
Core Benefits
- Enhanced self-awareness and presence.
- Expanded consciousness beyond the intellect.
- Attainment of a deep-seated peace.
- Increased ability to transcend habitual mental patterns.
- Harmonization of bodily awareness with energetic understanding.
What Osho Said About This Technique
Osho, you say that if there is awareness, then how are the two to be brought into harmony?
That is precisely the practice of active meditation: awareness. Awareness is the very means of going into emptiness in relation to all actions, to the movements of the mind as well. For example, if you lie there for half an hour—what will you do? In that half hour, whatever thoughts are moving in your mind, you are to be simply aware of them. Simply a witness—what else will you do? Just become a witness. Keep silently watching; let them move. But obstacles arise in our seeing. We become absorbed. We fail to remain a witness. We don’t even notice when we have become one with those very thoughts. That sense of awareness fades; a kind of stupor, a moorchha, comes in. A thought comes, a memory arises, and we stop being the watcher. We become part of that thought and of its flow. That is moorchha. And the opposite is…
ओशो के मूल हिंदी शब्द · Osho's original Hindi
प्रश्न: ओशो, आप जो बोलते हो कि जागरूकपना अगर है तो उन दोनों का समन्वय कैसे स्थित करेंगे?
वह सक्रिय ध्यान का ही प्रयोग है जागरूकता। समस्त क्रियाओं के प्रति, चित्त की क्रियाओं के प्रति शून्य में जाने का भी माध्यम जागरूकता ही है। जैसे आधा घंटा आप पड़े रहेंगे तो क्या करेंगे? उस आधे घंटे में आपके चित्त में जो भी विचार चल रहे हैं, उनके प्रति केवल जागरूक होना है। केवल साक्षी होना है, और क्या करिएगा? साक्षी भर हो जाना है। देखते रहना है चुपचाप, वे चलें। लेकिन हमारे देखने में बाधा आती है। हम तल्लीन हो जाते हैं। साक्षी नहीं रह पाते। हम कब उन्हीं विचारों में एक हो गए इसका पता नहीं रहता। यह बोध मिट जाता है, मूर्च्छा आ जाती है।
Osho, what is the first experience of samadhi like?
You will know only when it happens. It cannot be said; at most a few hints can be given. It is as if, in the dark, a lamp is suddenly lit. Or as if a dying patient, right at the edge of death, suddenly finds a medicine that works; life’s wave, life’s thrill spreads again—so it is. As if a corpse becomes alive—such is the first experience of samadhi. It is the taste of nectar. The experience of the ultimate music. But it will be only when it happens; and only then will you understand. You will not understand by my saying it. It is as with love. How can anyone explain it? To someone who has never loved, never known love, no matter how many explanations you offer—he will hear it all and still ask, “I haven’t understood; please explain a little more.” It is like explaining light to…
ओशो के मूल हिंदी शब्द · Osho's original Hindi
तीसरा प्रश्न: ओशो, समाधि का पहला अनुभव कैसा होता है?
होगा तो ही जानोगे। कहा जा सके, ऐसा नहीं है। कुछ-कुछ इशारे किये जा सकते हैं। जैसे अंधेरे में अचानक दीया जल जाये, ऐसा होता है। या जैसे बीमार मरता हो और अचानक कोई दवा लग जाये...मरते-मरते कोई दवा लग जाये; और जीवन की लहर, जीवन की पुलक फिर फैल जाये--ऐसा होता है। जैसे कोई मुर्दा जिंदा हो जाये--ऐसा होता है समाधि का पहला अनुभव। अमृत का अनुभव है। परम संगीत का अनुभव है। पर होगा तो ही होगा। और होगा तो ही तुम समझ पाओगे; मेरे कहने से समझ में न आ सकेगा। प्रेम में जैसा होता है। अब कोई किसी को कैसे समझाये? …
What is meditation?
One has to begin somewhere. Every beginning is bound to be a false beginning, but one has to begin. Through the false, through the groping, the door is found. One who thinks that he will begin only when the right beginning is there will never begin at all. Even a false step is a step in the right direction because it is a step, a beginning. You begin to grope in the dark and, through groping, the door is found. That is why I said to be aware of the linguistic process -- the process of words -- and to seek an awareness of the gaps, the intervals. There will be moments when there will be no conscious effort on your part and you will become aware of the gaps. That is the encounter with the divine, the encounter with the existential. Whenever there is an encounter, do not escape…
[And to remind the next sannyasin of that promise Osho gave him the name Akash -- sky!] Mind is a very small thing, it is like a prison cell. And everybody is imprisoned in his own mind: in his prejudices, creeds, dogmas, religions, philosophies -- political and spiritual. Everybody is living in a very small dark cell. The cell is made of conditionings. Meditation means unconditioning the mind and never allowing it to be reconditioned. Otherwise it is very easy to move from one dark cell to another dark cell. A Hindu can become a Christian; that is very easy, there is no conversion. Instead of worshipping Krishna he starts worshipping Christ. In fact linguists say that the word 'Christ' comes from the word 'Krishna'; they are not different words, their root is the same. So you have changed from one cell to another. A Christian can become a Hindu.
Osho, what is meditation?
The monk said, "You are even more stupid than the first man. My cow? A Buddhist monk possesses nothing. And why should I look for somebody else's cow? I don't possess any cow." The man looked really embarrassed, what to do? The third man thought, "Now, the only possibility is what I have said." He said, "I can see that you are meditating." The monk said, "Nonsense! Meditation is not some activity. One does not meditate, one is meditation. To tell you the truth so that all you fellows don't get confused, I am simply doing nothing. Standing here, doing nothing -- is it objectionable?" They said, "No, it is not objectionable, it just does not make sense to us -- standing here, doing nothing." "But," he said, "this is what meditation is: Sitting and doing nothing -- not with your body, not with your mind. Once you start doing…
Common Questions
How can I set up the environment for this meditation?
Choose a quiet, clean space with subdued lighting. Use gentle instrumental music and ensure you have a cushion or mat.
What are the core phases of this meditation?
The core phases are Grounding and Centering, Expanding Awareness, Tantric Integration, Resting in Awareness, and Conclusion and Reflection.
What if I get distracted during meditation?
Acknowledge distractions kindly and return to ease and silent witness, as the focus is on maintaining awareness effortlessly.
How often should I practice to see benefits?
Consistency is key, so establishing a routine by meditating at the same time each day is recommended.
Can beginners succeed with this meditation?
Yes, with patience and acceptance, beginners can overcome initial difficulties by embracing imperfections as part of the process.