According to Osho, possessiveness arises because we don’t possess ourselves—an inner emptiness drives us to substitute “having” for “being.” Clinging to people, money, and status offers pseudo-security yet never satisfies. Through awareness and meditation we reclaim our center; then things become utilities, not idols, and love becomes relating, not owning.
We try to own things and people because we feel empty inside; when we feel whole through awareness, we stop gripping so hard.