What is the role of emotions in religion?
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definition
"True religion transcends emotions and thoughts, guiding us into silent awareness, for it is in this stillness that authentic spirituality awakens."
According to Osho, emotions have no legitimate role in authentic religion; true religion transcends emotions, sentiments and thoughts—the whole mind—into silent awareness. Emotional appeals create mass-followed pseudo-religions that exploit people, turning repressed sexuality into devotional fantasies (lover–beloved gods). Real spirituality frees rather than enslaves, seeking awakening (as in Zen) beyond emotional intoxication and projection.
Real religion isn’t about big feelings; it’s about quiet, clear awareness, while emotional religion just plays with your feelings and turns your unmet desires into holy daydreams.
Why this matters practically
- Choose practices that calm and clarify (e.g., meditation) instead of chasing emotional highs.
- Avoid manipulation by sentimental doctrines and romanticized images of God.
- Notice and transform repressed desires rather than projecting them onto “spiritual” objects.
- Avoid manipulation by sentimental doctrines and romanticized images of God.
- Notice and transform repressed desires rather than projecting them onto “spiritual” objects.
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