What is the nature of individuality in relation to reincarnation?
Synthesized from Source
definition
"Individuality is a provisional fiction that dissolves at death; what remains is pure consciousness, the ocean of existence, where the dewdrop of 'me' returns."
According to Osho, individuality is a provisional fiction that dissolves; neither personality nor individuality survives death. What truly is, is pure consciousness/existence, into which the dewdrop of the 'me' disperses. Hence no personal reincarnation: not 'you' returning, but the ocean alone abiding. Zen aims not at self-realization but no-self realization—ending the anxiety that clinging to being someone perpetuates.
Like a drop falling back into the ocean, you don’t return as the same drop; only the ocean remains.
Why this matters practically
- Eases fear of death by seeing there’s no separate self to lose.
- Loosens ego-clinging, reducing daily anxiety and conflict.
- Invites present-moment peace and compassion rooted in shared being.
- Loosens ego-clinging, reducing daily anxiety and conflict.
- Invites present-moment peace and compassion rooted in shared being.
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