Moral, Immoral, Amoral

1. Awareness is the key to authentic morality

The only sin is unawareness, and the only virtue is awareness.

Consciousness over character. Osho argues that cultivating a moral character is not the path to true virtue. Instead, developing awareness and consciousness is the foundation of authentic morality. When one is fully aware, right action naturally follows without the need for rigid rules or forced behaviors.

Spontaneous virtue. An aware person responds to situations with clarity and compassion, free from the burden of societal expectations or personal guilt. This spontaneous virtue is more genuine and effective than following prescribed moral codes.

• Benefits of awareness-based morality:
  • Eliminates inner conflict and hypocrisy
  • Allows for flexible, context-appropriate responses
  • Leads to a more genuine and compassionate way of being

2. True repentance comes from understanding, not practice

The real conscience does not come from the outside: it wells up within you; it is part of your consciousness.

Experiential learning. Osho emphasizes that true repentance and moral growth come from direct experience and understanding, not from following external rules or practices. When we fully comprehend the consequences of our actions, we naturally adjust our behavior.

Beyond guilt and punishment. This approach moves away from the traditional religious concepts of sin, guilt, and punishment. Instead, it focuses on developing insight and wisdom through life experiences.

• Steps to cultivate true repentance:
  1. Observe your actions and their consequences without judgment
  2. Reflect deeply on the impact of your behavior
  3. Allow natural understanding to guide future choices
  4. Avoid self-punishment or excessive guilt

3. Forgiveness is about the giver, not the receiver

If I am really worthy, just my presence is going to purify you. My worthiness of being a master is going to make you a worthy disciple.

Unconditional compassion. Osho teaches that true forgiveness is not dependent on the worthiness of the person being forgiven. Instead, it stems from the abundance and compassion of the one who forgives.

Personal transformation. The act of forgiving benefits the forgiver more than the forgiven. It frees one from the burden of resentment and judgment, allowing for personal growth and inner peace.

• Benefits of unconditional forgiveness:
  • Liberates the forgiver from negative emotions
  • Breaks cycles of hatred and retaliation
  • Cultivates a more compassionate and understanding worldview
  • Allows for healing and moving forward in relationships

4. Right-mindfulness is a state of non-judgmental presence

When all desires disappear and all goals disappear and you are here now, that is the moment of right-mindfulness.

Beyond goal-oriented practice. Osho explains that right-mindfulness is not a technique to be practiced or a goal to be achieved. It is a state of being fully present in the moment, free from desires, judgments, and mental constructs.

Mirrorlike awareness. In this state, one simply reflects reality as it is, without distortion or interpretation. This allows for a clear perception of truth and a spontaneous, appropriate response to life situations.

• Characteristics of right-mindfulness:
  • Non-judgmental awareness
  • Present-moment focus
  • Absence of personal desires or goals
  • Clarity of perception
  • Spontaneous, appropriate action

5. Societal conditioning shapes our moral judgments

All these concepts of good and bad are social by-products.

Relative morality. Osho challenges the idea of absolute moral truths, arguing that our notions of right and wrong are largely shaped by our cultural, geographical, and historical context. What is considered virtuous in one society may be seen as immoral in another.

Questioning conditioning. By recognizing the relative nature of morality, we can begin to question our own conditioned beliefs and judgments. This opens the door to a more flexible, compassionate, and conscious approach to ethics.

• Factors influencing moral judgments:
  • Cultural norms and traditions
  • Historical context
  • Geographical location
  • Religious beliefs
  • Social and economic conditions

6. Universal consciousness transcends right and wrong

There is nothing universally right, there is nothing universally wrong. And you should be very clear about it: everything is very relative, relative to many things.

Beyond duality. Osho teaches that at the highest level of consciousness, the distinctions between right and wrong dissolve. In this state of non-duality, one experiences a unity with all existence.

Conscious living. While recognizing the relative nature of morality, an awakened person still acts in harmony with their surroundings. They respond to situations with wisdom and compassion, adapting their behavior to the specific context.

• Characteristics of universal consciousness:
  • Non-dualistic perception
  • Absence of judgment
  • Spontaneous, appropriate action
  • Harmony with existence
  • Infinite adaptability

7. Living consciously means adapting to changing circumstances

A conscious person tries to change according to the changing situations, conditions, geographies. One should live consciously, not according to fixed rules. One should live in freedom.

Fluidity over rigidity. Osho advocates for a way of living that is responsive to changing circumstances rather than adhering to fixed principles. This approach allows for greater flexibility and effectiveness in navigating life's challenges.

Conscious adaptation. By remaining aware and present, one can respond appropriately to each unique situation. This conscious adaptation leads to more harmonious and effective living.

• Benefits of conscious, adaptive living:
  • Greater resilience in facing challenges
  • Improved relationships and communication
  • Enhanced problem-solving abilities
  • Reduced internal conflict and stress
  • Increased sense of freedom and authenticity

Last updated: September 5, 2024