Ask Osho!

Is Gurdjieff's realization as great as Lao Tzu's?

Synthesized from Source definition

"Enlightenment knows no degrees; whether through Gurdjieff's rigorous path or Lao Tzu's effortless simplicity, the essence of realization remains the same."

Core Insight:
According to Osho, enlightenment has no degrees: Gurdjieff and Lao Tzu are equally realized. Their differences are of method and milieu—Lao Tzu’s natural, effortless simplicity suited a simple age; Gurdjieff’s demanding, even strategic “lies” and superhuman effort suit the neurotic modern West. Intense effort ripens you until effort drops by itself, where Lao Tzu’s effortless way becomes meaningful.
They’re equally awake; they just help different kinds of people with different methods—one gentle and effortless, the other tough and effortful.
Why this matters practically
- Stop comparing masters; choose the path that fits your temperament and time.
- Apply sincere effort until it naturally relaxes into effortless being.
- See tough or paradoxical methods as compassionate skillful means, not deception.
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