Ask Osho!

What is the nature of violence?

Synthesized from Source definition

"Every act of coercion, even when cloaked in goodness, carries the seed of violence; true wisdom lies in choosing the least crooked path amidst the imperfection of our means."

Core Insight:
According to Osho, violence is not only physical harm; in the relative world every act of coercion—overt or disguised as goodness—carries violence. Pure, nonviolent means belong to the ideal; on earth, means are inevitably impure. Wisdom is to act consciously, choose the least crooked, least violent means, and avoid moralistic self-deception.
Violence isn’t just hitting—whenever we push, trick, or pressure others it’s a kind of violence, so in real life we try to do the least harm and be honest about it.
Why this matters practically
- Spot subtle coercion in yourself and others
- Choose the least harmful, most transparent action
- Take responsibility instead of hiding behind ideals
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