Why is it difficult for the living to achieve enlightenment compared to those who are dying?
Synthesized from Source
outcome
"To be truly alive is to let go of the burdens of ego and ambition; only in the face of death do we realize that surrender is the key to awakening."
According to Osho, the living find enlightenment hard because they cling to ego, ambition, jealousy, greed—believing these define life—so dropping them feels like losing meaning. Enlightenment demands total letting go. At death, the futility of these burdens is obvious; with nothing left to lose, surrender happens in a single shock, making awakening easy. Still, he urges letting go now to enjoy enlightened living.
When we’re alive we won’t drop our ‘me’ and desires, but near death we see they’re useless, so letting go—and waking up—comes naturally.
Why this matters practically
- Start releasing ego, ambition, and grudges now; don’t wait for crisis.
- Remember death’s certainty to drop what’s useless and focus on the essential.
- Live in the present; enjoy love, work, and simple joys with awakened sensitivity.
- Remember death’s certainty to drop what’s useless and focus on the essential.
- Live in the present; enjoy love, work, and simple joys with awakened sensitivity.
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