No Effort , No Struggle : Osho's Secret to Meditation

Summary

This meditation teaching emphasizes that true meditation requires no effort; it is an effortless, continuous state of awareness. Rather than fighting thoughts and emotions, we should simply observe them without engagement. Meditation should not be confined to specific hours but integrated into every aspect of life, even during sleep. The speaker illustrates the resilience of thoughts with the metaphor of cockroaches, highlighting that they are harmless if we don't interact with them. True meditation is about maintaining undisturbed awareness at all times, leading to a deeper understanding of the inescapable nature of existence.

Takeaways

• 😀 Meditation requires no effort; effort is the barrier to reaching a meditative state.
• 😀 Meditation is about pure observation of the mind without becoming involved in it or pushing away thoughts.
• 😀 A meditation practice limited to a specific time (e.g., one hour per day) is ineffective. Meditation should be a constant, not a scheduled activity.
• 😀 Trying to be meditative for a short time, while remaining non-meditative the rest of the day, is like trying to be healthy for an hour while sick the rest of the time.
• 😀 True meditation should be integrated into every moment of your life, whether at work, in the market, or in the temple.
• 😀 Meditation is an undercurrent that flows throughout your actions and experiences, providing constant inner peace.
• 😀 Watching emotions like anger and hate without making any effort to push them away allows them to dissipate naturally.
• 😀 If you try to force emotions or thoughts out of your mind, they will only come back stronger, much like how insects return after being pushed away.
• 😀 Each thought and emotion has its own 'ego,' and fighting against them only strengthens them. The key is to simply observe them without identification.
• 😀 Authentic meditation is a continuous state of watchfulness, even extending into sleep. The awareness becomes a constant presence in your life.

Q & A

Why should meditation be without effort?

Meditation should be without effort because effort is a product of the mind, which is not capable of reaching meditation. Any attempt to force meditation interferes with the natural, effortless state that allows true meditation to emerge.

What does the speaker mean by 'watching' in meditation?

'Watching' in meditation refers to observing thoughts and emotions without engaging with them. It is a passive state of awareness, where one simply observes what is happening internally without making any effort or judgment.

Why is having a fixed time for meditation not ideal?

Setting aside a specific time for meditation creates a separation between meditative and non-meditative states, leading to a division in life. The speaker argues that meditation should be continuous, not confined to a certain time, so that it becomes a part of every moment.

What analogy does the speaker use to describe the idea of dividing life into 'meditative' and 'non-meditative' states?

The speaker compares this to a sick person who is sick for 23 hours and then suddenly becomes healthy for 1 hour. This is seen as unrealistic and unnatural, as one cannot switch between states in such a way without it affecting their overall being.

What is meant by meditation being '24 hours'?

Meditation, according to the speaker, should not be confined to specific times. True meditation is continuous and should accompany every action, every moment, whether you are in a temple, market, or at work. It becomes a part of your consciousness, not just an isolated practice.

What does the speaker say about emotions like anger and hate in meditation?

Emotions like anger and hate should be observed without trying to push them away. By simply watching them as an observer, they will dissipate naturally without causing harm. Engaging with them or trying to suppress them only strengthens their hold on the mind.

What is the significance of watching thoughts and emotions as a spectator?

Watching thoughts and emotions as a spectator prevents you from identifying with them. This non-attachment allows them to fade away naturally, as you don't give them the energy or focus needed to persist.

Why does the speaker compare the mind to a cockroach?

The comparison to a cockroach illustrates how the mind works in a similar way to an insect. When you try to push thoughts away, they often come back stronger, just as a cockroach will return when thrown away. The point is that trying to fight or suppress thoughts is counterproductive.

How does the speaker describe the relationship between the mind and effort?

The speaker suggests that the mind thrives on effort. When you make an effort to control or manipulate your thoughts, it only intensifies the mental activity. True meditation requires no effort, as effort only disturbs the natural state of awareness.

What is the ultimate goal of meditation as described in the transcript?

The ultimate goal of meditation is to reach a state of continuous, effortless awareness. This awareness should pervade all aspects of life, allowing one to experience life without being disturbed by mental distractions or emotions. This kind of meditation reveals the true nature of existence.