Ask Osho!

What is the underlying cause of communal riots?

Synthesized from Source definition

"Communal riots arise from fear, the true opposite of love, as leaders exploit this fear to manipulate and divide us, turning communities against one another."

Core Insight:
According to Osho, communal riots spring from fear—manufactured by fear-based, reward-and-punishment religiosity that makes people God-fearing instead of God-loving. Fear is love’s true opposite; when fear dominates, love withers, leaving space for hatred and manipulation. Leaders exploit this conditioned fear and greed, turning communities against each other and igniting violence.
Riots happen when people are taught to be scared instead of loving, and that fear is used to turn groups against each other.
Why this matters practically
- Spot and question fear-based preaching and propaganda.
- Cultivate love and trust through dialogue, shared work, and kindness.
- Support voices that calm fear instead of selling reward or threatening punishment.
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