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Ego often enters a person’s life without our realizing it. Success, knowledge, wealth, position, or praise from others can make a person feel superior to others. Spiritual guru Osho emphasized self-awareness and the process of self-observation in his discourses on ego. According to his interpretation of this thought, it is important to understand ego rather than suppress it.

Recognizing the ego is the first step

Before we can overcome ego, it’s important to understand the forms it takes in our behavior. When a person tries to prove themselves right in every conversation, refuses to accept criticism, or constantly compares themselves to others, this may be a manifestation of ego.

The importance of observing oneself and being aware of one’s thoughts is a key focus of Osho’s teachings. The more one observes one’s behavior without bias, the more one can understand one’s weaknesses.

Don’t prove yourself right in everything

Ego often leads a person to believe they are right. The desire to win an argument can also be linked to this mindset. Instead of trying to prove your point in every situation, sometimes listening to the other person and accepting that we too can be wrong can be a step towards self-awareness.

Understand both praise and criticism

When a person ties their identity to the praise of others, receiving praise can bring great joy and criticism can bring great sadness. Understanding Osho’s ideas emphasizes understanding oneself from within, rather than allowing external opinions to determine one’s entire identity.

This doesn’t mean that criticism should always be accepted as correct. Rather, one should listen to criticism and see if it offers anything useful for improvement.

Avoid comparisons

Ego-strengthening habits can include constant comparisons with others. Sometimes, a person takes pride in their own accomplishments, and sometimes, seeing someone else’s success makes them feel inferior. In both cases, the focus is on the other person.

Comparing yourself to your yesterday self can be more helpful. This keeps the focus on your own growth rather than on leaving others behind.

Don’t let your achievements be your entire identity.

Wealth, position, success, and fame can be a part of life, but making them your entire identity can lead to ego. Remaining humble even after success and understanding that circumstances, people, and opportunities also contributed to it can maintain a balanced outlook.

Renunciation of ego is not through pressure, but through understanding.

An important takeaway from Osho’s teachings is that simply suppressing something doesn’t eliminate it. Therefore, it may be more important to observe and understand the ego’s behavior rather than forcefully eliminating it.

Ultimately, letting go of ego doesn’t mean belittling oneself. It can mean acknowledging one’s own abilities while also not underestimating others. Self-confidence and humility can coexist. This understanding can lead one to a more relaxed, balanced, and aware life.