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Osho on Can one be utterly selfish in the pursuit of enlightenment?

Can one be utterly selfish in the pursuit of enlightenment?

Be utterly selfish in your pursuit of enlightenment; only when you realize truth can you authentically share it, for your very presence will radiate love and inspire others.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source outcome
Core Insight:
According to Osho, yes—be utterly selfish: pour all your energy into becoming enlightened, not into preaching or recruiting. No one has a duty to spread his message. First realize truth; otherwise you only propagate lies. When consciousness flowers, your very presence shares it effortlessly—love radiates, others are touched, questions arise. Become the message, not a missionary; authenticity precedes altruism.
Light your own lamp first; once it shines, people will see and feel it—no need to go selling lamps.
Why this matters practically
- Prevents hypocrisy and burnout by focusing on inner experience before teaching.
- Directs daily effort to meditation, awareness, and integrity.
- Inspires others naturally without pressure or ideology.
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