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Osho on Why do Shankara and others address us as fools before telling us to sing the praises of Govinda?

Why do Shankara and others address us as fools before telling us to sing the praises of Govinda?

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To awaken from the slumber of ignorance, a sharp word may be the only grace that stirs the soul to remember its divine nature. Embrace your foolishness, for in that humility lies the path to true devotion.

— Osho
Synthesized from Source definition
Core Insight:
According to Osho, Shankara calls us “fool” before urging Bhaj Govindam out of compassion, not insult. We live in moorchha—spiritual sleep—where anger, attachment, and lust dull awareness; a sharp word jolts us awake. Remembering our foolishness breeds humility and vigilance, preventing the ego’s pretense. Acknowledged, this sleepy energy can be transformed through devotion into awareness—kama redirected to Rama.
He says “fool” like an alarm clock, so we notice our sleepiness and turn our energy from craving to loving God.
Why this matters practically
- Cuts through ego and denial so you can see where you’re asleep.
- Encourages humility and self-remembering during anger, attachment, or lust.
- Turns raw desire into devotion, increasing clarity, peace, and wise action.
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