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Why do only negative emotions emerge during catharsis and not positive feelings like love and joy?

To reach the depths of love and joy, you must first clear the surface of repressed negativity; only then will the treasures of compassion and bliss emerge naturally.

— Osho
According to Osho, negativity surfaces first in catharsis because it forms the upper crust of our karmic layers—like stones and rubbish encountered before reaching water when digging a well. Love, joy, and compassion lie deeper. Empty the repressed anger, jealousy, and sorrow completely; then their polarities—compassion, nonviolence, and bliss—arise naturally. Persist with continuous effort and awareness, without refilling the well through daily unconsciousness.

The nice feelings are deeper inside you, so when you start cleaning, the dirt on top (anger, hurt) comes out first, and once that’s cleared, love and joy flow by themselves.

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