The concept of "No-Thingness" originates from the profound spiritual teachings of Buddha, specifically the term shunyata. While the English translation "nothingness" is often used, it fails to capture the vibrant, all-encompassing nature of this state. The Osho Zen Tarot deck utilizes the card "The No-Thingness" to represent a space of absolute potential, existing prior to the manifestation of the universe. This state is not a void of absence, but rather a container of every possibility, vibrantly alive with what has not yet been formed.
According to the source material, the journey of life is described as moving from nothingness to nothingness, a cycle that encompasses fullness and happiness. However, human beings often create unnecessary turmoil in the "middle" of this journey. When individuals find themselves in a state of uncertainty—where there is "nothing to hold on to, no sense of direction, not even a hint of what choices and possibilities lie ahead"—it can induce disorientation and fear. Yet, this very state is identified as the simple situation that existed before the universe was created. It is a moment of pure potential where the future is unwritten.
The guidance offered by The No-Thingness card emphasizes the importance of relaxation and surrender. Rather than forcing outcomes or controlling circumstances, the wisdom of this card suggests that one should "relax in this endless of nothingness" and "immerse yourself in the silence between countless words." This involves a deep observation of the gap between the outgoing and incoming breath, cherishing the empty moments. While something "scary" might be about to form, the transition from the unmanifested to the manifested is a natural process. Nature is at the beginning, and nature is at the end. The anxiety and ambition that typically arise during periods of transition are described as "fuss" that disrupts the natural flow. By falling into the silence between words and observing the breath, one can navigate this state of pure potential without the despair that often accompanies the unknown.
The Spiritual Significance of Shunyata
The Osho Zen Tarot draws heavily on the Buddhist concept of shunyata, often translated as "emptiness" or "nothingness." However, the source material clarifies that "No-Thingness" is a more accurate descriptor for the English language. This distinction is crucial for understanding the card's meaning.
- The Limitation of "Nothingness": The word "nothing" in English implies a lack or absence. It suggests a void where nothing exists.
- The Reality of "No-Thingness": In contrast, "No-Thingness" refers to a state that is not yet a "thing." It is pre-manifestation. It is not empty; it is full of potential. It is the canvas before the paint, the silence before the music.
The source text states, "It vibrates with all possibilities. It is fully potential. It has not yet been manifested, but contains everything." This perspective shifts the experience of uncertainty from a terrifying lack of control to a sacred space of infinite creation.
Navigating the "Middle" of the Journey
A central theme in the provided commentary is the human tendency to create conflict during the middle phase of any process. The journey is described as natural at both the beginning and the end. The beginning is the state of No-Thingness (pure potential), and the end is the return to No-Thingness (completion).
The Source of Despair: The texts observe that "in the middle of the road, [people] become so nervous, confused, ambitious." This creates "despair." Why does this happen? It happens because the human mind craves certainty and "things." When faced with the gap between what was (the beginning) and what will be (the end), the mind struggles. It wants to grasp onto something solid.
The Remedy: Observation and Silence The guidance provided is not to fight this state but to surrender to it. The specific instructions found in the source material include: 1. Relax: Let go of the tension associated with not knowing. 2. Immerse in Silence: Focus on the space between words, the gap in thoughts. 3. Observe the Breath: Watch the rhythm of inhalation and exhalation. This anchors the awareness in the present moment.
By doing this, one cherishes the "empty" moment. This emptiness is viewed as a necessary precursor to creation. It is a time to rest before the "scary" formation of new things begins.
The Osho Zen Tarot Approach
The Osho Zen Tarot differs from traditional tarot decks by focusing less on prediction and more on the psychological and spiritual state of the individual. "The No-Thingness" card serves as a mirror for the soul when it is in transition.
Interpreting the Card in a Reading: If this card appears, it suggests the querent is in a phase of life where old structures have dissolved, but new ones have not yet appeared. The sources advise that this is not a time for forced action. Ambition is counterproductive here. Instead, the focus should be on "falling into this silence."
The Cycle of Fullness: The ultimate message of the card is summarized in the text: "To summerise, from nothingness to nothingness is the journey of fullness and happiness." This implies that happiness is not found solely in the "things" achieved in the middle, but in the understanding of the entire cycle. Recognizing that the empty spaces are as valuable as the filled ones allows for a more harmonious existence.
Practical Application of No-Thingness
While the Osho Zen Tarot is a spiritual tool, the concept of No-Thingness can be applied practically to daily life and decision-making.
1. Embracing Uncertainty in Decision Making: When faced with a major life decision where the path forward is unclear, the wisdom of No-Thingness suggests pausing. Instead of rushing to fill the void with a hasty choice, one should "relax into this no-thingness." This allows the right choice to emerge naturally, rather than being forced.
2. Reducing Anxiety in Transitions: Transitions—such as changing careers, moving homes, or ending relationships—are often fraught with anxiety. The source material identifies this anxiety as "fuss." By recognizing that the anxiety stems from the lack of "things" to hold onto, one can shift focus to the breath and the silence. This reduces the "despair" associated with the unknown.
3. Cultivating Creativity: The state of No-Thingness is described as having "absolute potential." For artists, writers, or innovators, this state is the source of creativity. The "silence between words" or the "gap between breaths" is where inspiration resides. By observing this gap, one can tap into the "vibration of all possibilities."
The Nature of Manifestation
The source material provides a distinct view on how reality comes into being.
The Process: 1. Potential: The state of No-Thingness, where everything exists as a possibility. 2. Formation: The transition where "something scary is about to form." The word "scary" likely refers to the vulnerability of bringing something new into the world, the crystallization of potential into a specific "thing." 3. Manifestation: The thing exists. 4. Return: Eventually, the thing returns to nothingness, completing the cycle.
Understanding this cycle helps normalize the fear associated with new beginnings. The "scary" formation is a natural part of the journey from fullness to fullness.
Silence as a Spiritual Tool
The emphasis on "silence between countless words" is a recurring motif. In a noisy world, the Osho Zen Tarot, through the lens of No-Thingness, advocates for the cultivation of inner silence.
- Between Thoughts: Just as there is silence between words, there is a gap between thoughts. Observing this gap brings mental clarity and peace.
- Between Actions: Rushing from one task to another creates stress. The "no-thingness" approach suggests cherishing the empty moments between actions.
By immersing oneself in this silence, the individual aligns with the natural rhythm of the universe, which is described as being at the beginning and at the end.
Conclusion
The Osho Zen Tarot card "The No-Thingness" offers a profound perspective on the nature of existence and the human experience. Rooted in the Buddhist concept of shunyata, it redefines "nothingness" not as a void, but as a vibrant field of absolute potential. The card highlights a common human struggle: the creation of nervousness, confusion, and despair during the middle phases of life's journey. By forcing outcomes and fearing the unknown, individuals disrupt the natural flow from one state of being to another.
The guidance provided is clear and actionable: relax into the unknown, immerse in the silence between words and breaths, and observe the empty moments without fear. This approach transforms the "scary" process of formation into a natural, harmonious experience. Ultimately, the journey from nothingness to nothingness is revealed to be one of fullness and happiness, provided one accepts the value of the spaces in between. This wisdom encourages a shift from controlling life to witnessing it, allowing the absolute potential within to manifest naturally.