Osho expounds upon the realms of the mind and consciousness, asserting, “The mind envelops consciousness in layers of conditioning.”
Frequent are the echoes of your words, highlighting the birth of each child with a pristine slate, devoid of mental imprints. Yet, we carry forward memories and imprints from past lives. Could you elaborate on this apparent contradiction?
An essential distinction necessitates recognition—the divergence between brain and mind. At birth, the child’s brain emerges anew as an integral part of the corporeal form, yet the mind is a tapestry of conditioning that swathes consciousness. Remember, this connection fades, thereby creating a chasm of discontinuity.
With each life’s culmination, the brain’s closure transpires, while the mind’s liberation transgresses corporeal confines, entwining itself with consciousness, manifesting as an intangible aura. Existing as a mere vibration, this non-material entity fashions a mosaic of countless layers.
When I mention a child’s birth with a tabula rasa mind, I refer to the brain’s innocence. However, the mind, ancient as existence itself, persists—a tapestry is woven across eons. Its inception eludes us, but its cessation awaits us. Shed these layers amassed through centuries, and the mind finds its demise. This convergence unveils the connection between an end to the mind and the initiation of enlightenment.
Comprehend that while the mind’s origin is shrouded, its essence remains intertwined with our being. Eventually, at an appointed juncture, these layers can be relinquished.
Mind’s culmination denotes enlightenment’s dawning. Illumination, though birthed, knows no conclusion. Together, they span infinity—unraveling from the past into eternity.
The brain’s arrival accompanies each corporeal incarnation, departing with each departure. Yet, its content—the mind—persists, inextricably linked to consciousness. Thus, recalling past lives—be they sentient beings, trees, or stones—proffers insights. The annals of our many lives remain etched within. Regrettably, psychology and science blur the lines, conflating the mind with the brain. Linguistically, mind and brain often intertwine, occasionally confusing terminologies.
Languages attuned to inner realms boast an array of words illuminating diverse phenomena. Brain and mind stand distinct in these tongues. English, influenced by Sanskrit’s “manas,” finds these terms converging. Yet, “manas” holds deeper connotations, signifying various stages of evolution.
In Sanskrit, “chittam” envelops the entirety—the repository of past minds anchored to consciousness. Cast them aside, exposing the essence—naked consciousness—the ultimate experience of being.
Dropped minds linger in the recesses of the brain, accessible for enlightened explorations—akin to revisiting the basement, sifting through accumulated relics.
As the brain stands as a recent edifice, it’s not the layer itself, but the content—the mind—demanding attention. It functions as a biocomputer, commencing empty like a new purchase, amassing knowledge. However, this very potency holds a peril—foretelling memory’s demise. A future dominated by computers looms, their accuracy posing a threat to human recollection, as remote controllers grant instant access.
The brain remains a vessel; the true enigma is the contents—the mind. Education feeds this reservoir, enabling recollection. But beyond memory, lies intelligence—awaiting a distinctive approach. The Soviet experiment illustrates the necessity of intellect over rote memory. A paradigm shift towards intelligence-based education beckons.
Intelligence doesn’t invariably align with memory’s magnitude. Astounding memory coexists with feeble intelligence. The advent of tools like the fountain pen unveiled writing’s evolution—a portent of computers’ impact. While aiding memory, the trade-off arrives—personal memory wanes.
Yet, the brain isn’t our enigma; it’s the mind, a layer that encases consciousness. Every life, is a fresh container for the brain, while the mind, an eternal companion, clings to consciousness, framing a shield.
Thus, delving into past lives delves into the realm of the mind, brimming with layers—one for each life. Embracing them, consciousness emerges from the chrysalis, a tapestry woven through lives.
Symbolism transpires in architectural marvels—a temple as a metaphor. Walls signify the mind, while within, emptiness represents consciousness. Foundations absent, mirroring the mind’s tenuous grip. The tale of gods contending for the temple belies this profound message. A temple’s essence extends beyond the divine—a testament to the human mind’s fragility.
Consider a life’s inception: the brain’s rebirth and the mind’s persistent echo, enshrouding consciousness. Enlightenment’s path involves navigating these layers through meditation, unveiling the wellspring within. Thus, meditation’s commencement holds promise, devoid of conclusion.