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Living on Your Own Terms

Living on Your Own Terms

by Osho 2013 204 pages
4.17
500+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Embrace Your Authentic Self: Rebellion Through Self-Discovery

The rebel simply says good-bye to the past. It is a constant process; hence, to be a rebel means to be continuously in rebellion—because each moment is going to become past; every day is going to become past.

Authenticity is revolutionary. The path to true rebellion lies not in opposing external forces, but in discovering and embracing your authentic self. This process requires:

  • Continual self-reflection and introspection
  • Shedding societal conditioning and expectations
  • Embracing your unique qualities and perspectives

By living authentically, you naturally rebel against the conformity that society often demands. This form of rebellion is not destructive but constructive, as it allows you to contribute your unique gifts to the world.

2. Cultivate Inner Awareness: The Path to True Freedom

Understanding is freedom, and that freedom I call rebellion.

Freedom stems from understanding. True rebellion is not about fighting external systems but developing a deep understanding of yourself and the world around you. This inner awareness leads to genuine freedom. To cultivate this awareness:

  • Practice mindfulness and self-observation
  • Question your thoughts, beliefs, and reactions
  • Seek to understand rather than judge or react

As you develop this inner awareness, you'll find that many external conflicts dissolve naturally. Your actions will stem from a place of clarity and understanding rather than reactive rebellion.

3. Challenge Authority: Question Inherited Beliefs and Traditions

Authority is slavery for you. Discipline is living an organic, harmonious life.

Question everything. True growth comes from challenging inherited beliefs and traditions rather than blindly accepting them. This doesn't mean rejecting everything, but critically examining and choosing what aligns with your authentic self. To practice this:

  • Examine the source and validity of your beliefs
  • Be open to new ideas and perspectives
  • Develop your own values based on personal experience and understanding

Remember, discipline comes from within, not from external authority. By questioning and choosing consciously, you create a life that is harmonious with your true nature.

4. Nurture Meditation: The Key to Unlocking Your Potential

Meditation is the only way. Once you come in and see that the choti is gone, the beard has fallen, you are no more a man, no more a woman, no more this, no more that—you are only a pure consciousness—then you know who you are.

Meditation reveals your essence. Regular meditation practice is crucial for self-discovery and personal growth. It allows you to:

  • Observe your thoughts and emotions without judgment
  • Quiet the mind and access deeper levels of consciousness
  • Connect with your true self beyond societal labels and roles

Through consistent meditation, you can peel away layers of conditioning and connect with your innate wisdom and potential. This practice forms the foundation for authentic living and personal transformation.

5. Live in the Present: Abandon Past and Future Anxieties

Each moment arising, just like a breath. You breathe in, you breathe out. You breathe in again, you breathe out again. Each breath coming in is life and each breath going out is death. You are born with each incoming breath, you die with each outgoing breath.

Embrace the now. Living in the present moment is the key to genuine aliveness and freedom. When you're fully present, you're free from the burdens of the past and anxieties about the future. To practice present-moment awareness:

  • Focus on your breath or bodily sensations
  • Engage fully in whatever you're doing
  • Let go of regrets about the past and worries about the future

By living in the present, you tap into the freshness and vitality of each moment, experiencing life more fully and authentically.

6. Celebrate Life: Choose Joy Over Struggle and Suffering

Use the opportunity of this life to celebrate as much as possible. Don't waste it in struggling and fighting.

Choose celebration over struggle. Life is meant to be enjoyed, not endured. By shifting your focus from struggle to celebration, you can transform your experience of life. To cultivate this celebratory attitude:

  • Find joy in small, everyday moments
  • Express gratitude for what you have
  • Choose activities and relationships that bring you joy

Remember, celebration is not about ignoring life's challenges but about approaching them with a lighter, more joyful attitude. This shift can profoundly impact your well-being and relationships.

7. Transform Society Through Individual Growth

If more and more people become dropouts the world can be saved. That will be true revolution—nonpolitical; it will be spiritual.

Change starts within. The most effective way to transform society is through individual growth and awakening. As you become more conscious and authentic, you naturally influence those around you. To contribute to societal transformation:

  • Focus on your own personal growth and awareness
  • Lead by example, living your values authentically
  • Share your insights and experiences with others, without imposing

By focusing on your own transformation, you create a ripple effect that can lead to broader societal change without the need for political struggle or conflict.

8. Embrace Uncertainty: The Beauty of Life's Unpredictability

Life is beautiful because it is insecure. Life is beautiful because there is death. Life is beautiful because it can be missed. If you cannot miss it, everything is forced upon you, then even life becomes an imprisonment.

Uncertainty is an opportunity. Embracing life's inherent uncertainty opens you up to new possibilities and experiences. Instead of seeking security and predictability, learn to:

  • See challenges as opportunities for growth
  • Remain open to unexpected possibilities
  • Cultivate flexibility and adaptability

By embracing uncertainty, you free yourself from the limitations of fixed expectations and open yourself to the full richness of life's experiences.

9. Recognize the Limitations of Intellect: Explore Beyond the Mind

Beyond your intellect is your feeling. Another name for your feeling is intuition, a more scientific name. But very few people reach to intuition, because to reach to intuition you have to go beyond intellect, and meditation is the only way.

Intellect is not enough. While the intellect is a valuable tool, true wisdom and understanding come from going beyond mental concepts. To access deeper levels of knowing:

  • Practice meditation to quiet the mind
  • Trust your intuition and gut feelings
  • Explore non-verbal forms of expression and understanding

By recognizing the limitations of intellect and exploring other ways of knowing, you can access deeper wisdom and live more authentically.

10. Foster Self-Love: The Foundation of Personal Growth

You are already approved of, otherwise you could not have been here. God has accepted you, given birth to you.

Self-love is essential. Cultivating genuine self-love and acceptance is the foundation for all personal growth and authentic living. To foster self-love:

  • Practice self-compassion and forgiveness
  • Recognize your inherent worth, independent of achievements or others' opinions
  • Celebrate your unique qualities and contributions

Remember, you are inherently worthy and valuable. By cultivating self-love, you create a solid foundation for personal growth and positive relationships with others.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "Living on Your Own Terms" by Osho about?

  • Exploration of Rebellion: The book delves into the concept of rebellion, distinguishing it from revolution. Rebellion is seen as an individual, nonviolent, and peaceful act of love and understanding.
  • Self-Discovery and Freedom: Osho emphasizes the importance of self-discovery and living authentically, free from societal constraints and expectations.
  • Living in the Present: The book encourages living consciously in the moment, without being burdened by the past or anxious about the future.
  • Inner Transformation: It offers insights into transforming oneself through awareness, meditation, and embracing one's true nature.

Why should I read "Living on Your Own Terms" by Osho?

  • Unique Perspective: Osho provides a unique perspective on living authentically and embracing one's individuality, which can be refreshing and enlightening.
  • Practical Wisdom: The book offers practical wisdom on how to navigate life's challenges by understanding and transforming oneself.
  • Inspiration for Change: It inspires readers to break free from societal norms and live a life true to their own values and desires.
  • Spiritual Growth: For those interested in spiritual growth, the book provides guidance on meditation and self-awareness.

What are the key takeaways of "Living on Your Own Terms" by Osho?

  • Rebellion vs. Revolution: Rebellion is an individual journey of self-discovery and transformation, while revolution is a collective, often violent, effort to change society.
  • Self-Acceptance: Embrace who you are without trying to conform to societal expectations or ideals.
  • Living in the Moment: Focus on the present moment with awareness and consciousness, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
  • Inner Freedom: True freedom comes from within and involves breaking free from mental and emotional constraints.

How does Osho define real rebellion in "Living on Your Own Terms"?

  • Individual and Nonviolent: Real rebellion is an individual, nonviolent act that stems from love and understanding, not anger or reaction.
  • For Something, Not Against: It is oriented towards creating a new humanity rather than fighting against the old societal structures.
  • Inner Transformation: Rebellion involves transforming oneself through awareness and meditation, rather than trying to change the external world.
  • Continuous Process: It is a constant process of saying goodbye to the past and embracing the present moment with awareness.

What is the difference between rebellion and revolution according to Osho?

  • Nature of Action: Rebellion is peaceful and individual, while revolution is organized, collective, and often violent.
  • Focus: Rebellion focuses on inner transformation and creating a new humanity, whereas revolution is about fighting against existing societal structures.
  • Means and Ends: Rebellion uses love, understanding, and meditation as its means, while revolution relies on anger and violence.
  • Outcome: Rebellion leads to personal growth and freedom, while revolution often results in more violence and oppression.

What does Osho say about living in the present in "Living on Your Own Terms"?

  • Conscious Living: Osho emphasizes living consciously in the moment, being fully aware and present in whatever you do.
  • Letting Go of the Past: He advises letting go of past burdens and not being anxious about the future, as they hinder living fully in the present.
  • Awareness as a Way of Life: Awareness is described as a religion, philosophy, and way of life that leads to true freedom and happiness.
  • Continuous Rebirth: Living in the present involves a continuous process of dying to each moment that has passed and being reborn in the new moment.

How does Osho suggest dealing with feelings of unworthiness in "Living on Your Own Terms"?

  • Self-Acceptance: Accept yourself as you are, recognizing that you are already worthy and do not need to prove anything to anyone.
  • Understanding Conditioning: Realize that feelings of unworthiness are often imposed by societal conditioning and are not your true nature.
  • Inner Transformation: Focus on inner transformation through awareness and meditation to overcome these feelings.
  • Living Authentically: Embrace your individuality and live authentically, free from the need for external validation or approval.

What role does meditation play in "Living on Your Own Terms" by Osho?

  • Path to Self-Discovery: Meditation is a key tool for self-discovery and realizing one's true nature.
  • Cultivating Awareness: It helps cultivate awareness and consciousness, allowing one to live more fully in the present moment.
  • Inner Transformation: Through meditation, individuals can transform themselves, breaking free from societal conditioning and mental constraints.
  • Achieving Inner Freedom: Meditation leads to inner freedom and peace, enabling one to live authentically and joyfully.

What are the best quotes from "Living on Your Own Terms" and what do they mean?

  • "The rebel simply says good-bye to the past." This quote emphasizes the importance of letting go of past burdens to live freely in the present.
  • "Understanding is freedom." It highlights that true freedom comes from understanding oneself and the world, rather than external circumstances.
  • "You are born with courage." This quote reassures that courage is inherent in everyone, and embracing it leads to personal growth and transformation.
  • "Create the way by walking." It suggests that one should not wait for a predefined path but should create their own path through action and exploration.

How does Osho address the concept of authority in "Living on Your Own Terms"?

  • Absence of Authority: Osho views the absence of authority as a beautiful state where individuals are free to live authentically.
  • Discipline vs. Authority: He distinguishes between discipline, which is self-imposed and leads to growth, and authority, which is imposed by others and leads to conformity.
  • Rejection of External Control: Osho encourages rejecting external control and instead following one's inner guidance and conscience.
  • Living Freely: True freedom involves living without the constraints of external authority, allowing for personal growth and self-discovery.

What is the significance of the "inner voice" in "Living on Your Own Terms"?

  • Guidance from Within: The inner voice is seen as a source of guidance that comes from one's true self, beyond societal conditioning.
  • Silence and Awareness: It is not a literal voice but a silent awareness that directs one towards authentic living.
  • Distinguishing from Mind: Osho emphasizes distinguishing the inner voice from the mind's chatter, which is influenced by external factors.
  • Trusting Oneself: Trusting the inner voice leads to living authentically and making choices aligned with one's true nature.

How does Osho define freedom in "Living on Your Own Terms"?

  • Inner Freedom: True freedom is an inner state, not dependent on external circumstances or societal structures.
  • Breaking Free from Conditioning: It involves breaking free from societal conditioning and mental constraints to live authentically.
  • Living in the Present: Freedom is found in living fully in the present moment, without being burdened by the past or anxious about the future.
  • Self-Discovery and Awareness: Through self-discovery and awareness, one can achieve inner freedom and live a life of joy and fulfillment.

Review Summary

4.17 out of 5
Average of 500+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Living on your own terms receives mostly positive reviews for its insightful and thought-provoking content. Readers appreciate Osho's unique perspective on individuality, freedom, and authenticity. Many find the book easy to read and relate to, with valuable life lessons. Some readers note contradictions in Osho's arguments and disagree with certain ideas. The book challenges societal norms and encourages self-reflection, resonating with those seeking personal growth. Overall, it's praised for its refreshing and liberating approach to life, though some find it controversial.

Your rating:
4.61
23 ratings

About the Author

Rajneesh (Chandra Mohan Jain), later known as Osho, was a controversial Indian mystic and spiritual leader. He gained fame in the 1960s for his criticism of socialism and religious orthodoxy, emphasizing meditation, mindfulness, and human sexuality. Rajneesh established an ashram in Pune, attracting Western followers. In 1981, he relocated to Oregon, USA, where legal battles and criminal activities by his followers led to his deportation. Returning to India, he died in 1990. Rajneesh's teachings, focusing on personal freedom and spirituality, have significantly influenced Western New Age thought, with his popularity continuing to grow posthumously.

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