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Osho on Do scholars and priests keep the torch of religion burning in the absence of enlightened beings?

Do scholars and priests keep the torch of religion burning in the absence of enlightened beings?

Religion is not a torch to be kept burning by scholars or priests; it is the pure, fuel-less light of existence that can only be realized by awakening within.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source definition
Core Insight:
According to Osho, religion (dharma) is not a torch to be kept burning by scholars or priests; it is pure, fuel-less light that sustains existence. Priests can only preserve labels and scriptures—the corpse, not the living flame. Dharma is ever-present and wordless, realized by awakening within. Enlightened ones simply let dharma speak; in their absence, you must turn inward and listen directly.
No one needs to keep real religion alive—it’s already shining inside you; just wake up and feel it yourself, not through caretakers or books.
Why this matters practically
- Shifts focus from authorities and traditions to your own direct experience.
- Encourages meditation and inner listening over debate, ritual, and belief.
- Reduces sectarianism by pointing to a universal, wordless truth within.
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