Observation*

Observation, the constant observation of one­self, of the mind's unconscious tendencies, awak­ens the consciousness and allows it to penetrate into the unconscious mind. The unconscious enters the conscious through the door of stupor, unawareness, intoxication and carelessness, and overpowers it. We have seen that animalistic instincts and tendencies become possible only in unawareness. Anger and lust grab hold of us only when we are unconscious and that is the reason intoxicants help in satisfying our animal instincts.

Consciousness enters the unconscious mind through the overcoming of stupor, through vig­ilance, watchfulness and awareness, and over­powers it. To the degree that watchfulness and awareness grow in us, and to the degree that right-mindfulness and observation of our tendencies, actions, passions and desires develop in us, is to the same degree that consciousness fills us. And those drives and outbursts of passion, those blind, unconscious impulses disappear because they can only exist in a state of unawareness, sleep, and unconsciousness. They simply cannot exist in a state of consciousness.

Bear in mind that to date nobody has ever done anything wrong while aware, while conscious. All sin is born out of unawareness, it is unawareness itself. As I see it, unawareness is the only sin. Observation destroys unawareness. So let us understand what observation is and how it can be brought about.

What is self-observation then? It is sitting quietly - just as I explained yesterday when we discussed the experiment in right-mindfulness — and observing, watching whatever happens within oneself. There is a world of thoughts and passions inside. One observes that world; one keeps on look­ing at it just as one stands on the seashore looking at the waves. Krishnamurti has called this "choice-less awareness." It is completely indifferent obser­vation. To be indifferent is very necessary.

Indifference means one makes no choice, no judgment. One does not label any passion or desire as good or bad. One does not make any judgment of good and evil, between virtue and vice. One simply observes. One simply becomes a witness, standing aloof and apart, as if one has no other purpose than that of remaining aware and observing. The moment purpose creeps in, the moment choice or judgment comes in, observation comes to an end. Then I am not observing; then I have begun to think.

Try to understand the difference between thinking and observation. In this process we are not to think. Thinking is the action of the con­scious within the conscious. Observation is the penetration of the unconscious by the conscious. As soon as thinking comes in, the distinction of good and evil comes in and a subtle suppression starts. The unconscious then closes its doors and we are deprived of knowing its mysteries. The unconscious reveals its secrets not to thought but to observation, because in the absence of suppression its impulses and tendencies surface naturally, spontaneously, in their total nakedness and reality, and there remains no need to dress them up to hide them. The uncon­scious stands before us in its nakedness, com­pletely uncovered. And what terror it causes! How frightened a man is when he sees the naked form that resides deep in his own self. He feels like clos­ing his eyes to it. He feels like abandoning this observation of the depths and running back to the surface.

This is the moment when one's patience and tranquility are put to the test. This, I call the moment of a quantum leap. Those who pass through this moment with courage and calm­ness become masters of a wonderful knowledge and mystery. They have seen the roots of desire and passion and they enter the very heart of the unconscious. This entry brings an otherworldly freedom.

* excerpt from OSHO. The Perfect Way

Updated on 24-08-2013