Ask Osho!

What is the attachment to misery and why is it difficult to be happy?

Synthesized from Source definition

"We cling to misery because it feeds the ego, while happiness dissolves it, leaving us vulnerable to isolation and envy. True bliss is found in the absence of ego, where we transcend the confines of time and space."

Core Insight:
According to Osho, we cling to misery because it nourishes and crystallizes the ego, makes us feel special, and secures attention, sympathy, and belonging to the crowd. Happiness, by contrast, dissolves ego, universalizes us, and risks others' jealousy and our social isolation. True bliss is egoless, individual, and even transcends time and space - hence people unconsciously resist happiness.
Misery feels safe because it gets us attention and makes our 'me' feel strong, while real happiness melts the 'me' and can upset others, so we shy away from it.
Why this matters practically
- Notice when you seek sympathy/identity through problems; pause and witness instead.
- Practice gratitude/meditation to soften ego, even without others' approval.
- Accept being an individual; allow joy despite others' jealousy.
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