I will start by saying it is not humanly possible to synthesize Osho’s discourse on Ashtavakra Gita in a single blogpost, but I will try.

Osho’s interpretation of the Ashtavakra Gita is a profound exploration into the depths of consciousness, challenging the very foundations of our perceived reality. Through his commentary, Osho brings to light the essence of Ashtavakra’s teachings, focusing on the radical idea that enlightenment is not something to be achieved but realized as our inherent nature. This article talks about the core themes of Osho’s interpretation, providing insights into one of the most significant spiritual documents of our time.

The Nature of Self: You Are Not the Doer
One of the central themes in Osho’s interpretation of the Ashtavakra Gita is the concept of the self as the observer, distinct from the mind and body. Ashtavakra’s teaching are that true freedom comes from understanding that you are not the doer of actions but the witness of those actions. This distinction is crucial for liberation, as it allows individuals to detach from the ego and its entanglements with the material world.

Osho explains that recognizing the self as the observer is the first step toward enlightenment. This realization leads to a profound inner peace and freedom, as it dissolves the ego’s grip on the individual. The ego, according to Osho, is the source of all suffering, as it binds the self to desires, fears, and illusions.

The Illusion of Reality: Seeing Through Maya
Another key aspect of Osho’s commentary is the nature of reality. Echoing Ashtavakra, Osho suggests that the world we perceive through our senses is Maya, an illusion, and that true reality is beyond the mind’s comprehension. This concept challenges the reader to question the very basis of their experience and understanding of the world.

He encourages a meditative approach to see through the illusion of Maya, advocating for a state of no-mind where true reality can be experienced. This state is not achieved through intellectual understanding but through direct experience, cultivated through meditation and mindfulness practices.

Liberation and Non-Attachment
Central to the Ashtavakra Gita, is the theme of liberation through non-attachment. Non-attachment as an understanding that nothing in the material world can offer lasting happiness or fulfillment. True joy and peace come from within, from the realization of the self’s eternal nature.

His discourse on non-attachment is not a call for asceticism or withdrawal from the world but an invitation to engage with life fully, without being bound by desires or aversions. This approach allows individuals to live in the world but not be of it, experiencing the richness of life while remaining detached from its transient nature.

This path requires a radical shift in perception, from identifying with the mind and its constructs to realizing oneself as pure awareness. This shift is not gradual but instantaneous, happening in a moment of profound insight or awakening.

Invitation to Self-Realization
Osho’s interpretation of the Ashtavakra Gita is a compelling invitation to embark on the ultimate journey of self-realization. By challenging conventional notions of the self, reality, and enlightenment, Osho offers a pathway to liberation that is both radical and accessible. His commentary is not just a philosophical treatise but a practical guide for those seeking to transcend the ego and experience their true nature.

Ashtavakra Gita is a transformative document that calls us to awaken from the dream of Maya and realize the boundless freedom and joy of our true self. It is a journey beyond mind and ego, into the heart of existence, where the dualities of life dissolve into the singular truth of oneness.

Shubham Rattan