Ask Osho!

Is 'constitution' a word that can be equated with 'nature'?

Synthesized from Source definition

"Constitution is the design of a house, while prakriti is the clay, air, and fire that exist before any making; one is a framework, the other is the essence of existence itself."

According to Osho, no. 'Constitution' means the made framework or structure—how something is put together—whereas 'prakriti' (often rendered 'nature') is utterly different: the uncreated, beginningless reality that exists prior to any making. European languages lack a true equivalent due to creationist influence. Like a house: its constitution is the design; the clay, air, and fire are prakriti.
Constitution is how the parts are arranged; prakriti is the timeless raw stuff that was there before anything was arranged.
Why this matters practically
- Clarifies that personal habits are constructed, not your ultimate nature.
- Guides meditation toward the uncreated ground instead of changing surface patterns.
- Prevents mistranslating prakriti as mere temperament.
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