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Osho on Does the absolute become relative in relation to the relative?

Does the absolute become relative in relation to the relative?

The absolute remains untouched by the relative; it is the self-illumined awareness that needs no comparison to exist.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source definition
Core Insight:
According to Osho, the absolute never becomes relative. The relative exists only by comparison—hot needs cold—while the absolute is self-sufficient awareness that needs no ‘other,’ like a lamp illuminating only itself. In samadhi one tastes this self-illumined state; then, even amidst changing, comparative experiences, one abides as the absolute, untouched by relativity.
No—the absolute doesn’t depend on comparisons; it’s like a light shining by itself, while ‘relative’ needs something else to compare to.
Why this matters practically
- Helps anchor meditation in the self-illumined awareness beyond comparison.
- Reduces reactivity by seeing labels (hot/cold, success/failure) as relative, not defining you.
- Cultivates inner freedom by abiding as the untouched witness amid changing circumstances.
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