Why did Mahavira instruct renunciates not to show deference to householders?
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definition
"To honor the asleep is to deepen their slumber; true compassion lies in withholding deference, for it may awaken them from their illusions."
According to Osho, Mahavira told renunciates not to show deference to householders to avoid honoring ignorance and inflating the householder’s ego. Bowing to one “asleep” only deepens his sleep; withholding deference serves as a compassionate shock that may puncture illusions of security. The rule wasn’t license for monkly pride or claims to worship—true sainthood remains simple, humble, egoless.
He didn’t want monks to feed a householder’s ego or dreams; not bowing helps wake them up without making monks feel superior.
Why this matters practically
- Stop reinforcing harmful egos; respond in ways that promote wakefulness.
- Guard against spiritual superiority; keep humility central.
- Seek inner transformation over titles, roles, or rituals.
- Guard against spiritual superiority; keep humility central.
- Seek inner transformation over titles, roles, or rituals.
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