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Osho on What is the relationship between mastery over the self and control?

What is the relationship between mastery over the self and control?

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True mastery is the absence of the self, a state of pure awareness where one merges with the divine; control, on the other hand, is merely the ego's attempt to dominate through repression.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source definition
Core Insight:
According to Osho, mastery and control are opposites: true mastery has no “self” to master—only pure, egoless awareness in which one belongs to the divine. Control, by contrast, is saturated with self; it inflates ego through repression and feats. Thus, ascetic control breeds pride, while acknowledged weakness can foster humility. Real freedom comes from selfless presence, not domination.
Real mastery is calm awareness without a bossy “me,” while control is the ego trying to boss everything and getting bigger.
Why this matters practically
- Shift from repressing to witnessing: notice emotions without suppressing them.
- Avoid ego trips from discipline; cultivate humility and openness instead.
- Use meditation to rest in egoless awareness rather than forcing behavior.
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