According to Osho, when fear arises in the third stage, do absolutely nothing: surrender totally—‘die’ to yourself. Drop all attempts to save or control; silently slip like a dewdrop into the ocean, letting the ego dissolve. Trust the light and allow the ‘great death’ (samadhi) to happen. Recognize fear as natural; if possible, rely on the presence of a master to help you cross without turning back.
When fear comes, stop doing and completely let go—like a drop falling into the sea—trusting a guide if present.
From the Discourses
Passages where Osho speaks to this question — each links to the complete discourse.
Osho, in the third stage of Dynamic Meditation, when a lot of energy is put in, nothing remains there but light. Then fear seizes me: “I’m dead!” O Lord, what should be done in that moment?
In that moment, die. Without dying, it won’t do. In that moment, the very attempt to save yourself will bring you back again. In that moment, lose yourself. In that moment say— This is the final longing in my heart! Light the lamp of my life— let anyone dispel the darkness; but if ever the lamp must be extinguished, let it be by your tender hand. This is the final longing in my heart! If by the hand of the Divine your lamp is extinguished, what greater good fortune could there be! But if ever the lamp must be extinguished, let it be by your tender hand— this is the final longing in my heart! The question is: “Beloved Master, in that moment, what should one do?” Nothing should be done. One should silently slip into the ocean. Like a dewdrop sliding off a blade of grass, falling into the…
What is dynamic meditation?
In the second step so many things are possible -- something different will happen to each individual. One person will begin to dance, another person will begin to cry. One will become naked, another will begin to jump and yet another will begin to laugh. Anything is possible. Move from within, move totally, and then you can proceed to the third stage. The third stage is reached as a result of an inherent sequence. In the first stage, the body electricity, or you can call it Kundalini, is awakened. It begins to revolve and move. Only then can the body be in a total letgo, not before. Only when the inner movement has begun are outer movements possible. When the catharsis of the second stage is brought to a peak, to a climax, the third ten-minute stage begins. Begin to repeat vigorously the Sufi mantra: Hoo! Hoo! Hoo! The energy…
SECOND STAGE Now we have to enter the second stage. Continue deep breathing, and let go of the body. Leave the body to do what it wishes to do. Let go of it. Let it take whatever asanas or postures it wants to take; let it form whatever mudras or gestures it likes. Leave it free to move and shake and whirl as it likes. If it wants to weep let it. Let go of the body completely. Continue deep breathing and let go of the body. Let the body fall down if it wants to fall down. And let it rise again if it wants to rise. And if it wants to dance allow it wholly. Let go of the body absolutely. Let it do whatever it wants to do. Leave it free. Don't impede it even in the least. Cooperate with the body. If it spins, let it.
(With many voices, seekers responding intensely… Osho remains silent for a while, then begins to give instructions.)
One or two minutes remain—put in your total energy, then we will rest… Rest will be as deep as the energy we put in. Drive yourself mad, put in your full strength. Drive yourself mad, put in your full strength. And meanwhile, if anyone feels energy descending from above, then let yourself go—whatever happens, let it happen. Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I?… Become utterly mad, let yourself go. Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I?… The moment of entering the fourth stage is near. Intensify—Who am I?… Let go… and if energy descends from above, do not worry. If it seems that dance arises, then dance—do not be afraid. Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am I? Who am…
Osho, I am frightened of meditation. Please explain what the reasons might be. And how can I be free of this fear?
Fear of meditation is natural—it will be there. Because meditation means: to lose yourself, to dissolve. Meditation means: to be effaced. Your entire familiar ground will vanish. You will move in an unfamiliar realm. The world of your thoughts—which has been your home for ages, for lifetimes—will be left behind. Suddenly you will be homeless. The shade of thoughts will be removed, the roof torn away. You will descend into the void, you will be submerged in no-mind—there is danger in it. It is like taking a tiny canoe into the ocean. The far shore is not visible and you have to leave this shore. Naturally there will be fear. The waves are high, and you carry no map. You have no firm assurance that someone has reached the other bank, because no one returns. Meditation is a very deep journey. So fear will arise. Fear is natural; nothing unnatural…