One of the greatest internal obstacles in human life is ego. According to Osho, 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 individual from themselves.

Osho says that it is not possible to give up ego directly, because even the person who says, “I will give up my ego,” is strengthening their “I.” The way to eliminate ego is not to fight it, but to understand and observe it.

Ego is a cluster of thoughts

In Osho’s view, ego is not a permanent thing, but a center formed by thoughts and memories. From childhood, a person receives name, recognition, achievements, relationships, and social respect. Gradually, based on all this, they form a mental image around themselves.

When someone praises that image, a person feels happy, but when someone hurts it, feelings of sadness, anger, or insult arise. According to Osho, this hurt is not to the true self, but to the created ego.

The Art of Observing the Ego

Osho advocates meditation and witnessing as the path to liberation 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 arising within them, they gradually realize that the thoughts are different, and the observer is different. 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 desires praise, value, and a good image.

According to Osho, a person who does not depend on the approval of others for their inner peace gradually begins to free themselves from ego. They do not cling to praise, nor do they crumble when criticized.

Meditation is the path to freedom from ego.

According to Osho, meditation does not mean forcibly suppressing thoughts, but rather observing them with awareness. When the mind calms and a person delves within, they realize that their true existence is much deeper than name, position, wealth, or social recognition.

This experience shatters the illusion of ego.

Ego is not to be abandoned, but to be understood.

The core of Osho’s teachings is that ego should not be suppressed. Suppressed ego can return in a different form. Instead, it should be understood with complete awareness.

The moment a person realizes that their “I” is merely a construct of thoughts and perceptions, the ego’s power begins to diminish.

Ultimately, according to Osho, ego ends not through effort, but through awareness. The deeper the consciousness, the more the illusion of “I” dissolves, and the closer the person comes to their true nature.