In Osho's philosophy Ego is not considered something that has to be destroyed by forcerather it has to be understood. According to him, when a person starts observing the thoughts, desires, comparisons and the feeling of 'I' that arise within him without judgment, the ego gradually begins to weaken.
1. Stop comparing yourself to others
A big root of ego is comparison—I am better than him, he is ahead of me, how much people respect me. In Osho's views, comparison takes a person away from his real existence.
When you compare yourself with another person, you either feel superior or inferior. Both are forms of ego.
Compare yourself only with your yesterday.
2. Start observing your thoughts
Osho's meditation method witnessing attitude Is important. It means not stopping thoughts, but observing them.
When the mind says-
“How did he insult me?”
So instead of reacting immediately, look at what's happening inside. Anger is rising, there is tension in the body, the mind wants to respond.
Just look at him.
Gradually you will start to understand that You are not your thoughts and you are not your emotions. You can be their witness.
3. Recognize the hunger for respect
Ego wants others to value us, praise us and accept what we say.
Try it for a day—can you still be happy if no one praises you?
If yes, then you have started becoming free from within.
In Osho's view, reducing dependence on external validation is an important step towards inner freedom.
4. It is not necessary to win every debate
Ego likes to prove its point right.
Many times we know that the other person is not wrong, yet we keep arguing to get our point across.
At times like this ask yourself:
“Do I want the truth or just to win?”
This question can be very helpful in identifying ego.
5. Admit your mistakes
Ego says-“I can't be wrong.”
But an aware person can say-
“Yes, I made a mistake.”
Admitting your mistake is not weakness. This is inner strength. When you no longer need to maintain a certain image of yourself, the ego's grip begins to weaken.
6. Look at yourself alone
Sit quietly for some time without mobile, TV and talking. The mind will be restless. Old thoughts will come. Will miss someone. There will be a desire to do something.
Don't try to suppress them.
Just watch.
This only witnessing attitude Is the practice of.
Gradually you may discover that the 'I' you thought was so real consists largely of thoughts, memories, desires and the opinions of others.
7. Don't fight ego
This is the most important thing.
“I have to get rid of my ego.”-This thinking can also become a new form of ego.
Therefore, do not make ego your enemy.
When ego shows up, recognize it.
When anger comes, look at it.
When you feel like being praised, look for it.
When there is pain of insult, look at it.
Seeing is the beginning of change.
Understand Osho's thoughts in one sentence
The essence of Osho's meditation vision can be understood like this:
Don't try to destroy the ego; Look at it with so much awareness that its grip starts loosening automatically.
And perhaps the most beautiful exercise is this—
“Who am I?”
Do not answer this question immediately. Just sit quietly with this question.