Ask Osho!
Osho on What is the relationship between mamatā and love?

What is the relationship between mamatā and love?

“

Mamatā is the urge to possess, while love is the celebration of freedom; true love flourishes only when we honor the other's personhood without the chains of ownership.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source definition
Core Insight:
According to Osho, mamatā means 'mine-ness'—the urge to possess—and it is the very opposite of love. Love contains no 'mine'; it honors the other's personhood with respect and freedom. Ownership turns people into things and strangles love. Real love offers reverence, allows autonomy, and does not impose identities, beliefs, or choices; where there is respect and freedom, love naturally flowers.
Love isn’t saying “you’re mine”; it’s respecting who someone is and letting them be free.
Why this matters practically
- Builds healthier relationships by replacing control with respect and autonomy.
- Helps parents and partners stop imposing identities, beliefs, and life choices.
- Reduces conflict and nurtures genuine connection and growth.
AI Confidence Score: 98% Read Original Discourse →