One of the greatest internal obstacles in human life is the ego. According to Osho, the ego is not a real entity, but a fantasy created by the mind. It is the feeling in which a person creates a certain image of themselves—“Who am I,” “How important am I,” “What do people think of me.” This imagined identity gradually begins to distance the person from themselves.
Osho says that it is not possible to give up the ego directly, because even the person who says, “I will give up my ego,” is strengthening his “I.” The way to eliminate the ego is not to fight it, but to understand and observe it.
Ego is a set of thoughts
In Osho’s view, the ego is not a permanent entity, but rather a center formed by thoughts and memories. From childhood, a person acquires a name, identity, achievements, relationships, and social respect. Gradually, based on these, he or she creates a mental image around himself or herself.
When someone praises that image, the person feels happy, and when someone hurts it, feelings of sadness, anger, or humiliation arise. According to Osho, this hurt is not to the real self, but to the created ego.
The art of observing the ego
Osho advocates meditation and witnessing as a path to freedom from ego. He says that one must learn to observe one’s thoughts, feelings, and reactions without judgment.
When a person begins to observe the thoughts that arise within them, they gradually realize that the thoughts are separate from the observer. This awareness weakens the ego’s grip.
Rising above both praise and criticism
The ego derives its greatest energy from the opinions of others. A person wants to be praised, valued, and have a good image.
According to Osho, a person who doesn’t rely on the approval of others for inner peace gradually begins to free themselves from ego. They don’t cling to praise or crumble under criticism.
Meditation is the path to liberation from ego.
According to Osho, meditation does not mean forcibly suppressing thoughts, but rather observing them consciously. When the mind calms and a person turns within, they realize that their true existence is much deeper than name, position, wealth, or social recognition.
This experience breaks the illusion of ego.
Don’t give up your ego, but understand it.
The core of Osho’s teachings is that the ego should not be suppressed. Suppressed ego can return in a different form. Instead, it should be understood with full awareness.
The moment a person realizes that his ‘I’ is merely a creation of thoughts and ideas, the power of the ego begins to diminish.
Ultimately, according to Osho, the ego is destroyed not by effort, but by awareness. The deeper one becomes aware, the more the illusion of “I” dissolves, and one begins to approach one’s true nature.
