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Osho on What happens to the ego in the process of becoming more ordinary?

What happens to the ego in the process of becoming more ordinary?

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Ordinariness arises not from the effort to become humble, but from the surrender of the desire to be anything at all. When the ego's project collapses, true being reveals itself in its natural simplicity.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source outcome
Core Insight:
According to Osho, trying to “become more ordinary” only renovates the ego—it turns into a proud, 'extraordinarily ordinary' persona, a humble mask for the same self-importance. Ordinariness appears only when the urge to become anybody drops. By releasing all 'shoulds' and resting in present suchness (tathata), the ego’s project collapses and egoless, natural being reveals itself.
If you try to be ordinary, your ego just shows off in a new way; stop trying and simply be as you are, and the ego fades.
Why this matters practically
- Expose and drop the subtle ego hiding in efforts to be humble or special.
- Let go of “shoulds” and return to the present, easing anxiety and frustration.
- Practice simple awareness and acceptance to taste effortless contentment.
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