Shailendra points out the importance Osho gives to the sound OM, the essence of existence and gateway to inner silence and bliss
I want to share with you a story that only a few people know – a profound event that occurred in the final months of Osho’s life, which carries a mysterious spiritual lesson for all seekers.
In October 1989, an unusual announcement was made in Buddha Hall. Osho’s secretary and his doctor informed the gathering that a mantra was being chanted softly by someone in the audience. This mysterious sound, they said, was harming Osho’s hara (navel) center – the core of life energy. If the chanting continued, Osho’s physical body might not survive. They urged whoever was making this sound to stop and leave.
The announcement deeply unsettled everyone present, including me. Despite our collective efforts, no one could identify the source of the sound. Some of us, myself included, sat in various corners of the hall, listening intently, but we heard nothing unusual. Our tension and helplessness grew as the warning was repeated several times over the next three months.
Then, on 19 January 1990, Osho left his body. At the time, we could not comprehend the mystery of this so-called black magic trick or “killer spell.”
Eight years later, on 19 January 1998, a remarkable realization dawned upon me and Ma Amrit Priya. After Dynamic Meditation that morning, we both began to hear the Sound of Silence – the Divine Melody. It became clear that this sound was what Osho had been pointing to all along. That mantra wasn’t a threat; it was a gift – a final meditation technique from Osho, leading us to the sound of Om, also known as anahata nad, or the ‘sound of one hand clapping’.
In his final weeks, Osho spent time in a specially constructed soundproof room he called his bedroom, though it resembled nothing of the sort. This spacious, transparent-walled hall could accommodate 300 people and was designed for meditation and deep silence. Air conditioning units were kept far away to ensure that seekers could immerse themselves in silence and connect to the sound of Om. This Samadhi Hall became a sanctuary where seekers could attain the profound meditative state Osho taught us, even after his passing.
A closer study of Osho’s teachings reveals that he repeatedly emphasized the significance of Om. From his discourses on Guru Nanak to his interpretations of ancient scriptures, Osho highlighted Om as the essence of existence. For example, he illuminated Guru Nanak’s first phrase in the Japji Sahib, “Ek Onkar Satnam,” explaining that the true name of the One is Om. Similarly, in the phrase “Om, athato bhakti jigyasa” from the sage Shandilya, Osho identified the essence of devotion as ‘lovingly listening to the sound of Om’.
The titles of Osho’s books further reflect this profound connection. Over 125 of his books, directly or symbolically, point to Om. Notable titles include Om Shantih Shantih Shantih, Hari Om Tat Sat, Satyam Shivam Sundram, Sat Chit Anand, and Om Mani Padme Hum. Interestingly, when an editor suggested changing these titles for better marketability in English-speaking countries, Osho firmly declined, insisting on preserving the sanctity of the original names.
One of Osho’s handwritten manuscripts also highlights the story of temple bells submerged in the ocean. Initially placed third in the manuscript, it was later moved to the opening chapter in the book The Earthen Lamps, signifying its importance. In the story, Osho himself discovers a divine temple under the sea whose bells continually ring. After years of futile attempts to hear the bells amidst the sounds of waves, birds, and wind, he finally surrenders his search. Then, one night, his sleep was broken, by the sweet sound of the temple bells.
Through his teachings and life, Osho pointed us toward the ultimate truth – the eternal sound of Om, the essence of existence and the gateway to inner silence and bliss. And let’s remember that the mantra chanted in Buddha Hall was not a threat, but a profound device to guide seekers toward the ultimate, eternal truth.
Link to talk
- The Secret of the Last Meditation Technique given by Osho by Swami Shailendra Saraswati – youtu.be – kirtan music after 25:00
Related articles on Osho News
- Discourses where Osho speaks on OM
Books mentioned in article
- Om Shantih Shantih Shantih – The Soundless Sound: Peace, Peace, Peace
- Om Shantih Shantih Shantih (ॐ शांतिः शांतिः शांतिः)
- Hari Om Tat Sat – The Divine Sound: That is the Truth
- Satyam Shivam Sundram – Truth Godliness Beauty
- Sat Chit Anand – Truth Consciousnes Bliss
- Om Mani Padme Hum – The Sound of Silence: The Diamond in the Lotus
- The Earthen Lamps
Artwork by Shivananda (shivananda.ch)
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