Ask Osho!

Do we have the choice to be aware or not?

Synthesized from Source definition

"Real awareness is not a choice; it is your very being, a natural state that cannot be turned on or off. Once awakened, even the desire to ignore it only deepens your experience of it."

Core Insight:
According to Osho, you don’t ultimately choose awareness: real awareness is choiceless and self-sustaining. It is not a quality you turn on and off but your very being—like heartbeat or breath. Once awakened, even attempts to not be aware only intensify it. Choice applies only before awakening; afterward, awareness simply is.
You might try to be aware, but true awareness wakes up by itself—like breathing—and once awake, you can’t switch it off.
Why this matters practically
- Reduces strain from forcing mindfulness; relax and notice what is present.
- Encourages steady practice so awareness stabilizes into effortlessness.
- Less inner conflict: accept awareness as your nature, not a task.
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