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Maturity

Maturity

The Responsibility of Being Oneself
by Osho 1999 208 pages
4.10
1k+ ratings
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Key Takeaways

1. Maturity is Reclaimed Innocence, Not Just Aging

Maturity means the same as innocence, only with one difference: it is innocence reclaimed, it is innocence recaptured.

Beyond Simple Aging. Maturity isn't merely growing old; it's an inner evolution achieved through conscious living. While aging is a physical process, maturity is a spiritual rebirth, a return to the unburdened state of childhood innocence, but with the wisdom gained from experience. This reclaimed innocence is incorruptible, alert, and aware, unlike the naivety of a child.

Society's Corrupting Influence. Society often stifles innocence by imposing knowledge, conditioning, and expectations. Schools, religions, and cultures can inadvertently destroy the inherent simplicity and purity of a child's heart. Maturity, therefore, involves shedding these societal layers to rediscover one's true self.

Reclaiming Paradise. This process of reclaiming innocence is akin to regaining paradise. It's about approaching life with fresh eyes, love in the heart, and a silent, innocent mind. Maturity is the ultimate flowering of meditation, a state of pure isness that transcends thoughts and feelings.

2. Awareness Transforms Experience into Maturity

Aging plus awareness, experiencing plus awareness, is maturity.

The Power of Presence. Maturity arises not from the mere passage of time, but from the quality of awareness brought to each experience. Living in a state of deep sleep leads only to aging, while living with intensity and mindfulness transforms experiences into wisdom. This awareness allows one to savor each moment, understand its meaning, and grow from it.

Breaking the Cycle. An immature person repeats the same mistakes, trapped in a cycle of anger, repentance, and renewed anger. A mature person, however, learns from each experience, ensuring that the same error is never repeated. This learning isn't a result of decision or vow, but a natural consequence of understanding.

Living Consciously. Living consciously means bringing awareness to every aspect of life, from joy to sorrow. It means facing pain and pleasure with equal presence, understanding that they are two sides of the same coin. This awareness leads to a life of continuous celebration, where even death becomes an experience to be intensely lived and watched.

3. Life's Rhythm: Embracing Duality for True Freedom

Unless one understands this duality of existence, one remains in unnecessary misery.

Dialectical Existence. Life exists through duality, a rhythm between opposites. Happiness cannot exist without unhappiness, harmony without discord. True freedom comes from accepting the totality of life, with all its agonies and ecstasies.

Acceptance and Stillness. The key to transforming misery lies in being still, silent, and accepting of pain, frustration, and suffering. This acceptance transforms misery into a treasure, giving even pain a sharpness and darkness its own beauty.

The Flavor of Freedom. By embracing both happiness and unhappiness, one attains a new flavor of freedom, unclingingness, and non-attachment. This allows one to remain still and accepting, transforming the very quality of misery itself.

4. Maturity of Spirit: Beyond Personhood to Presence

The more a man goes deeper into himself the more mature he is.

Transcending the Self. A mature person transcends the limitations of the self, becoming a presence rather than a person. This maturity isn't about gaining worldly experience, but about embarking on an inward journey to the very center of one's being.

Qualities of Maturity. This journey culminates in the disappearance of the person, leaving only presence, silence, and innocence. Maturity bestows tremendous beauty, sharp intelligence, and an all-encompassing love.

Vulnerability and Simplicity. True maturity doesn't create a solid rock of protection, but rather makes one vulnerable, soft, and simple. It's about touching your inner sky, finding a home within, and acting with grace and poetry.

5. The Seven-Year Cycles: Understanding Life's Inner Pattern

In fact man’s life should not be divided into childhood, youth, old age. That is not very scientific, because every seven years a new age begins, a new step is taken.

Life's Rhythmic Stages. Life unfolds in seven-year cycles, each marking a distinct phase of physical and psychological development. These cycles reveal an inner pattern, guiding individuals through stages of self-centeredness, inquiry, sexuality, ambition, security, orthodoxy, and finally, a return to self.

Navigating the Cycles. Understanding these cycles allows for a more natural and fulfilling life. Each phase has its own unique characteristics and challenges, and recognizing these patterns can help individuals navigate them with greater awareness and ease.

Society's Role. Society often disrupts these natural cycles by imposing expectations and suppressing natural inclinations. This can lead to individuals becoming stuck in certain phases, hindering their overall growth and maturity.

6. Interdependence: The Pinnacle of Mature Relationships

Two persons, neither independent nor dependent but in a tremendous synchronicity, as if breathing for each other, one soul in two bodies—whenever that happens, love has happened.

Beyond Dependence and Independence. Mature love transcends dependence, where partners exploit and possess each other, and independence, where relationships remain superficial due to fear of compromise. It culminates in interdependence, a rare synchronicity where two individuals breathe for each other, becoming one soul in two bodies.

Spiritual Connection. This interdependence is not merely a social, psychological, or biological arrangement, but a spiritual connection. It's a state where love opens the gates of paradise, rather than the gates of hell.

The Essence of Love. Only this third possibility, interdependence, can truly be called love. The other two are just arrangements—social, psychological, biological, but arrangements. The third is something spiritual.

7. Gift-Love: Overflowing, Not Needing

Man becomes mature the moment he starts loving rather than needing.

Beyond Deficiency-Love. Immature love is rooted in need, a deficiency that seeks to be filled by another. Mature love, on the other hand, is an overflow, a gift that arises from abundance. It's about giving unconditionally, without expectation of return.

The Flower in the Forest. Like a flower blooming in a deep forest, mature love exists for its own sake, regardless of whether it's appreciated or reciprocated. It's a state of being, not a relationship dependent on external factors.

Freedom and Space. Dependence breeds misery and slavery, while mature love flowers in freedom, requiring space and non-interference. It's about giving without conditions, recognizing that love is a by-product of being.

8. Marriage: A Crucible for Real, Not Romantic, Love

Marriage simply brings out whatsoever is hidden in you—it brings it out.

Beyond Romanticism. Marriage should be a realistic decision, made after the honeymoon, when the initial romanticism has faded. It's about accepting the responsibilities and challenges of life together, rather than hoping for a fairytale existence.

A Catalyst for Growth. Marriage doesn't destroy love; it reveals what's already present. If love is genuine, marriage provides an opportunity for it to grow stronger. If it's merely a pretense, marriage will expose the underlying reality.

The Essence of True Love. True love is a deep understanding that someone completes you, making you a full circle. It's about enhancing each other's presence, giving freedom to be yourself, and understanding that love is not a passion, love is not an emotion.

9. Meditative Parenting: Nurturing Unconditioned Souls

Make love only when you are ready to be in a meditative space.

Conscious Creation. Children should be conceived not through mere biological impulse, but through deep, meditative love. This involves melting into each other's beings, setting aside egos and ideologies, and becoming simple and innocent.

Respecting the Guest. Parents should treat their children as guests from the unknown, respecting their individuality and providing them with freedom and protection. This means avoiding conditioning and allowing them to discover their own truth.

The Gift of Freedom. By giving children freedom, even against their own desires, parents create a bond of love and respect that lasts a lifetime. This freedom allows children to grow into unique beings, unburdened by the expectations and limitations of their parents.

10. The Crossroads: Choosing Eternity Over Time

In a moment of meditation you suddenly see that you can move in two directions—either horizontal or vertical.

Two Paths. Life presents two paths: the horizontal, leading to mediocrity and death, and the vertical, leading to eternity and immortality. The horizontal path is characterized by time, ambition, and worldly pursuits, while the vertical path is marked by silence, blissfulness, and inner exploration.

The Penetration of Light. The moment eternity penetrates time, through meditation, is the beginning of enlightenment. This awareness allows one to see the world differently, with ambitions and desires evaporating.

The Mirror of Truth. A person moving vertically becomes a mirror, reflecting the true face of those who come close. This can be both inspiring and frightening, as it exposes both beauty and ugliness.

11. The Vertical Path: A Journey of Less, Not More

What is the vertical line? Of being less and less and less, to the point of utter emptiness, to the point of being nobody.

The Begging Bowl. The horizontal path is a pursuit of "more," an insatiable desire that can never be fulfilled. The vertical path, however, is a journey of "less," a stripping away of ego and attachment until one reaches a state of utter emptiness.

The Authentic Sannyasin. The man of the vertical path is the authentic sannyasin, content in being nobody, immensely happy with his inner purity of emptiness. This nothingness allows him to be in tune with the universe, to become the whole universe.

The Essence of Enlightenment. Enlightenment is not about accumulating knowledge or power, but about becoming so nonexistent as an ego that the whole oceanic existence becomes part of you. It's about losing your boundaries and merging with the infinite.

12. Death: Not an End, But a Culmination

Death is the culmination, the fulfillment. Life does not end in it; in fact life flowers in it—it is the flower.

A Circular Change. In existence, death is not an end, but a transition, a circular change from one form to another. It's a natural part of the cosmic rhythm, as essential as birth.

Transcending Fear. By understanding the interconnectedness of life and death, one can transcend the fear that plagues humanity. This understanding allows one to live more fully, embracing each moment with joy and gratitude.

The Ultimate Friend. Death, when approached with awareness and acceptance, becomes the ultimate friend, the crescendo of life. It's the highest peak that life achieves, the flowering of existence.

Last updated:

FAQ

What's "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself" about?

  • Exploration of Maturity: The book delves into the concept of maturity, emphasizing the importance of self-realization and spiritual growth.
  • Life's Journey: It discusses the journey from ignorance to innocence, highlighting the stages of life and the cycles of growth.
  • Integration of Life and Spirit: Osho explores how maturity involves integrating spiritual awareness with everyday life, leading to a more fulfilled existence.
  • Meditation and Awareness: The book emphasizes meditation as a tool for achieving maturity and understanding one's true self.

Why should I read "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself"?

  • Self-Discovery: The book offers insights into understanding oneself and the journey towards self-realization.
  • Spiritual Growth: It provides guidance on integrating spiritual practices into daily life to achieve maturity.
  • Practical Advice: Osho offers practical advice on relationships, love, and personal growth, making it relevant for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of life.
  • Unique Perspective: Osho's unique perspective combines Eastern wisdom with Western practicality, offering a holistic approach to personal development.

What are the key takeaways of "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself"?

  • Maturity vs. Aging: Maturity is about inner growth and awareness, not just physical aging.
  • Meditation as a Tool: Meditation is essential for self-discovery and achieving a mature state of being.
  • Interdependence in Relationships: True love involves interdependence, where both partners grow together without losing individuality.
  • Life's Cycles: Understanding the seven-year cycles of life can help in navigating personal growth and transitions.

How does Osho define maturity in "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself"?

  • Reclaimed Innocence: Maturity is seen as reclaiming the innocence of childhood with the wisdom of experience.
  • Spiritual Rebirth: It involves a spiritual rebirth, where one transcends beyond thoughts and feelings to a state of pure being.
  • Integration of Self: Maturity is about integrating the heart and mind, leading to a balanced and fulfilled life.
  • Ultimate Flowering: It is the ultimate flowering of meditation, where one achieves a state of inner peace and awareness.

What is the role of meditation in achieving maturity according to Osho?

  • Path to Self-Discovery: Meditation is a tool for discovering one's true self and achieving spiritual maturity.
  • Inner Silence: It helps in achieving inner silence and awareness, which are essential for maturity.
  • Transcending the Mind: Meditation allows one to transcend thoughts and emotions, leading to a state of pure being.
  • Foundation of Life: Osho emphasizes meditation as the first principle of life, with everything else being secondary.

How does Osho describe the seven-year cycles of life in "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself"?

  • Stages of Growth: Life is divided into seven-year cycles, each representing a different stage of growth and development.
  • Childhood to Old Age: These cycles cover the journey from childhood innocence to the wisdom of old age.
  • Natural Transitions: Understanding these cycles helps in navigating life's natural transitions and achieving maturity.
  • Integration and Awareness: Each cycle offers opportunities for integration and increased awareness, leading to spiritual growth.

What is the concept of interdependence in relationships as discussed in "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself"?

  • Beyond Dependence: Interdependence is a mature form of love where both partners support each other's growth.
  • Mutual Growth: It involves a balance where both individuals maintain their individuality while growing together.
  • Spiritual Connection: True love is a spiritual connection that transcends mere dependence or independence.
  • Paradise on Earth: When interdependence is achieved, it creates a harmonious relationship akin to paradise on earth.

What are the symptoms of maturity according to Osho in "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself"?

  • Inner Peace: A mature person experiences inner peace and a sense of fulfillment.
  • Freedom from Ego: Maturity involves freedom from ego and a deep understanding of one's true self.
  • Compassion and Love: A mature individual radiates love and compassion, impacting those around them positively.
  • Transcendence of Dualities: Maturity is marked by the transcendence of dualities such as pain and pleasure, leading to a balanced life.

How does Osho differentiate between ignorance and innocence in "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself"?

  • State of Not Knowing: Both ignorance and innocence are states of not knowing, but they differ in their nature.
  • Contentment vs. Desire: Innocence is content and fulfilled, while ignorance is desirous and seeks knowledge.
  • Richness of Innocence: Innocence is rich and pure, while ignorance is poor and seeks fulfillment externally.
  • Reclaiming Innocence: Maturity involves reclaiming the innocence of childhood with the wisdom of experience.

What are the best quotes from "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself" and what do they mean?

  • "Growing up means moving every moment deeper into the principle of life." This quote emphasizes the continuous journey of self-discovery and spiritual growth.
  • "Maturity means gaining your lost innocence again, reclaiming your paradise, becoming a child again." It highlights the idea of returning to a state of pure being with the wisdom of experience.
  • "Meditation is simply a strange surgical method that cuts you away from all that is not yours." This quote underscores the transformative power of meditation in achieving self-awareness.
  • "Love is not a passion, love is not an emotion. Love is a very deep understanding that somebody somehow completes you." It defines love as a deep spiritual connection beyond mere emotions.

How does Osho address the concept of aging in "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself"?

  • Difference from Maturity: Aging is a physical process, while maturity is about inner growth and awareness.
  • Natural Process: Aging is a natural process that should be embraced with grace and acceptance.
  • Wisdom of Old Age: In the vertical line of life, old age is seen as a time of wisdom and spiritual growth.
  • Celebration of Life: Osho encourages celebrating life at every stage, including old age, as part of the journey to maturity.

What is the significance of the crossroads metaphor in "Maturity: The Responsibility of Being Oneself"?

  • Horizontal vs. Vertical: The crossroads represent the choice between the horizontal path of worldly pursuits and the vertical path of spiritual growth.
  • Moment of Meditation: The metaphor highlights the moment when meditation allows one to see the two paths clearly.
  • Path to Enlightenment: Choosing the vertical path leads to enlightenment and a deeper understanding of life.
  • Integration of Life: The crossroads symbolize the integration of life's experiences with spiritual awareness, leading to maturity.

Review Summary

4.10 out of 5
Average of 1k+ ratings from Goodreads and Amazon.

Maturity by Osho receives mostly positive reviews, with an average rating of 4.10/5. Readers appreciate Osho's insights on personal growth, meditation, and embracing life's challenges. Many find the book thought-provoking and transformative, praising Osho's unique perspective on maturity as a return to one's true self. Some readers note the book's spiritual depth and its ability to challenge conventional wisdom. However, a few reviewers express concerns about certain ideas conflicting with their beliefs or find some concepts repetitive.

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About the Author

Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain, known as Osho, was a controversial Indian spiritual leader and founder of the Rajneesh movement. Born in 1931, he gained prominence in the 1960s as a public speaker and critic of traditional religious and social norms. Osho emphasized meditation, mindfulness, and personal freedom, attracting a large Western following. He established ashrams in India and later in Oregon, USA, where his movement faced legal troubles. Deported from the US in 1985, Osho returned to India, where he died in 1990. His teachings continue to influence New Age thought, and his ashram in Pune, now called OSHO International Meditation Resort, remains active under the management of the Osho International Foundation.

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