About this series · summary by Osho Live
Zen: The Special Transmission is an illuminating exploration into the profound and enigmatic world of Zen, as articulated by the mystical teacher Osho. In this series, Osho delves into the essence of Zen, emphasizing the importance of direct experience over theoretical knowledge. He highlights Zen as a path beyond scriptures and rituals, where enlightenment is a spontaneous awakening to one’s innate nature. Osho provocatively suggests that Zen offers a path to self-realization that bypasses the intellectual clutter often associated with spiritual pursuits. Through stories, parables, and incisive commentary, he unveils the paradoxical wisdom that lies in embracing the simplicity and immediacy of the present moment. The series challenges followers to drop preconceived notions and experience life with an innocent mind, akin to that of a beginner. By transcending dualities and unearthing the "suchness" of existence, Osho’s discourse guides seekers towards the personal, wordless transmission of spiritual insight—a core tenet of Zen. His unique interpretation not only demystifies Zen but also invites a deep introspection, where the emphasis is on discovering truth through living it rather than merely debating it.
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1
Here it is 1 July 1980
Chao Chou asked 'What is the Tao?' — Nan Chuan: 'The ordinary mind is Tao.' Drop striving and competition, be present and awaken suddenly through silence.
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2
Come and Get It! 2 July 1980
Mind projects illusion; misunderstanding is mind, understanding is no-mind achieved by meditation — see reality directly (Q: What is understanding?).
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3
The Empty Door is Open Wide 3 July 1980
Discover the Buddha within: drop scriptures and habits, notice the open door of awareness, let grace and a Master's presence awaken your suchness.
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4
At a Time Like This? 4 July 1980
Male logic clashes with feminine instinct: attraction depends on opposites; stop trying to 'understand' women, rejoice in difference and practice meditation.
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5
Why not Shoot Yourself? 5 July 1980
Sudden awakening is unlearning: Ma Tzu's 'shoot yourself' kills the ego—hunter Shih-kung breaks his bow; true enlightenment transcends even the subtle self.
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6
Wake up, Lazarus! 6 July 1980
Masters awaken the dead within; Lazarus is metaphor for disciples asleep in time—wake up from unconscious living into timeless life, not literal history.
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7
Mind is Gone 7 July 1980
Innocence alone cannot see enlightenment; only innocence regained through suffering yields awareness. Mind must fall silent into no-mind for transmission.
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8
Get It? 8 July 1980
Forced celibacy shifts libido into food; childhood feeding links love and appetite, so repression poisons trust and diverts religious longing inward.
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9
The Bird Has Flown 9 July 1980
Reciting scriptures merely hypnotizes; true Buddha-seeing is awakening beyond or within forms - how can a blind man read the Diamond Sutra?
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10
It's a Special Transmission 10 July 1980
Embrace sannyas as a risky special transmission: move from known to unknown to the unknowable, follow your happiness despite fear and doubts for true meditation.
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Talk summaries are written by Osho Live to help you find your way; they are not Osho's words.