What is the nature of the self?
Synthesized from Source
definition
"The self is not a fixed entity but an infinite emptiness, a living space from which all arises and to which all returns. In the core of existence, the knower and the known dissolve into the vastness of non-being."
According to Osho, the 'self' is no-self—anatta: an indefinable, infinite emptiness that is a positive, living space, not a lack. Any 'self' that can be known is merely a surface object; in the core, knower and known vanish. This non-being is the ground of being, the spacious presence from which everything arises and to which everything returns.
Deep down there isn’t a solid ‘me’—there’s open, alive space that lets everything appear and disappear.
Why this matters practically
- Eases ego-attachment and defensiveness by seeing the self as open space.
- Encourages direct, non-conceptual awareness instead of fixing an identity.
- Frees energy for compassion and flow, since there’s nothing solid to protect.
- Encourages direct, non-conceptual awareness instead of fixing an identity.
- Frees energy for compassion and flow, since there’s nothing solid to protect.
AI Confidence Score: 97%
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