Often we think that our knowledge, achievements and experiences are our identity. But with this thinking, a dangerous feeling within us starts to flourish quietly – ego. Osho Rajneesh, whose life and ideology is considered an example of self-realization and internal freedom, suggested many ways to recognize this mental confusion and get rid of it. Osho believed that the ego hollows the person from within and makes life cumbersome.
What is ego?
According to Osho, the ego is a fake “I” – an identity that is made up of society, culture, achievements or relationships but has nothing to do with our real existence. This “I” considers itself better, more intelligent or more capable than others. This is where the process of comparison, competition and eventually begins the process of sorrow.
According to Osho, 5 ways to avoid ego
1. Learn yourself, learn to go inside yourself
Osho says, “You don’t have to know the world, know yourself first.” Going deep inside you means moving towards meditation. When a person starts his inner journey, he recognizes the false cover of the ego and is able to rise above it.
2. Watch life carefully, not response, but live with awareness
According to Osho, when we live with awareness, we do not fall prey to reactions. Ego develops when someone insults us and we react in return. But if we look at that moment with awareness, then we understand that this is our “I” which hurts, not a soul.
3. Adopt love – but without selfishness
Osho says that “Where there is love, there is no ego and where there is ego, love does not last.” The ego melts by developing selfless love and compassion for others. Love means to accept yourself and others.
4. Understand true humility – not by showing
Osho was against showy humility. He said that if you are trying to prove yourself humble, then it is also a form of ego. True humility comes when a person renounces his “I” – when he does not feel the need to prove himself.
5. Understand death, recognize the mortality of life
Osho always used to say – “Death is a cure for ego.” When we understand that we are not permanent, that everything will end one day, then the grip of “I” starts to weaken. The feeling of death makes us simple and true.
Why are Osho’s teachings important in today’s time?
Today’s high speed people in the world are losing their inner peace in the race to overtake each other. Social media, career race, relationship- the mindset of proving oneself is increasing everywhere. These teachings of Osho are more relevant than ever before. Where people show themselves according to the number of “followers”, while Osho’s view that “you are a void, and the ultimate truth is hidden in this void” gives an intense self-realization. His message inspires us to understand that there is a difference between self-esteem and ego. Self-esteem is real, while the ego is fake.
According to Osho, meditation is the solution
Osho said – “Your ego breaks only through meditation, because you are not in meditation. There is only a witness.” When we are in a state of meditation, our ego slowly starts melting. We only become witnesses – of events, thoughts, feelings and even our “I”.
