Can a Tirthankara take a physical body if they desire to be born?
Synthesized from Source
definition
"A tirthankara can choose to return to a physical body, holding onto a single, powerful desire to guide others, embodying supreme compassion in a rare act of love."
According to Osho, a tirthankara can take a physical body again only by deliberately not discarding the ‘fourth body’ at death—keeping a single, powerful last desire: to return and guide others. This retained “peg” preserves the bridge to rebirth. Such return is rare, pre-arranged in mystery schools, sometimes aided by higher beings, and is considered supreme compassion.
Yes—if they keep a tiny, selfless wish to help others alive at death, their inner bridge stays and they can be born again.
Why this matters practically
- Shows how a selfless vow can direct even enlightened destiny.
- Puts compassion and service at the heart of spiritual maturity.
- Emphasizes disciplined intention and supportive community to sustain higher vows.
- Puts compassion and service at the heart of spiritual maturity.
- Emphasizes disciplined intention and supportive community to sustain higher vows.
AI Confidence Score: 95%
Read Original Discourse →