What is the nature of the self as an idea of the mind?
Synthesized from Source
definition
"The self is merely a skillful device of the mind, a provisional hypothesis that must be fully experienced and then allowed to dissolve, for the real self is a direct, wordless presence beyond all concepts."
According to Osho, the 'self' as conceived by the mind is only a skillful device—a provisional hypothesis, like 'God'—useful to orient practice but not truth itself. It must be employed fully and then allowed to disappear; clinging turns it into an obstacle. Real self is direct, wordless presence—the 'fourth'—revealed when the idea drops.
The self you think about is like training wheels—use them to learn, then let them fall off so you can simply be.
Why this matters practically
- Helps you use practices without becoming attached to beliefs or identities.
- Prevents mental concepts from blocking direct experience of being.
- Guides you to let go at the right time and rest in silent awareness.
- Prevents mental concepts from blocking direct experience of being.
- Guides you to let go at the right time and rest in silent awareness.
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