According to Osho, the proverb resolves the freedom-versus-order dilemma: be Confucian in public—respect rules as pragmatic, non-ultimate “game” conventions for others’ safety; be Taoist in private—live spontaneously without imposed codes. This fluidity avoids legalistic obsession and chronic rebellion, uniting love and responsibility outwardly with total inner freedom, so authenticity and social harmony can coexist.
Follow shared rules when with others, but when alone relax and be your natural self so no one is hurt and you stay free inside.