According to Osho, the disciple relates hierarchically—surrendering responsibility to the master, moving with the crowd like sheep, and often becoming spiritually possessed—while the friend stands in equality and freedom. A true master dissolves discipleship into friendship: no conditions, no monopoly, implicit trust. A friend can point the way but cannot save you; the journey is yours, undertaken alone, with personal responsibility and lionlike courage.
A disciple depends on the master to carry them; a friend walks beside the master as an equal, free and responsible for their own steps.