Insecurity

Osho, the sense of insecurity in the inner life is quite difficult, yet perhaps one can manage it. How can that sense of insecurity be applied in practical or outer life? In business, in a job, in the external life—how can we use the feeling of insecurity?

I understand. In truth the question is not about outside and inside; the question is about knowing this truth that we are insecure. You don’t have to create a feeling of insecurity; it is a fact, simply a fact, that we are insecure. What is secure—outside or inside, anywhere? Are relationships secure? They are not. Is it certain that what was yours yesterday will still be yours today? That what is yours today will be yours tomorrow morning? Nothing is certain. Is respect secure? Not in the least. Yesterday a crowd stood behind someone—today you can’t even tell whether that man is alive or dead. What is secure? Is wealth secure? Insecurity is not a feeling; insecurity is the awareness of the truth that life is insecure. As life is, it is insecure. No guarantee of birth, of youth, of the body—no guarantee of anything. Awareness of this truth—and to…

Beloved Osho, lately, I have been feeling very insecure, and I see how much I dislike that space of not knowing. And then I try all kinds of stupid things to control the situation. I feel as if it is such an imprisonment, and at the same time, I have a deep feeling in me that knows that this is how life is, and I should accept it. I find it very difficult to watch myself, and the insecurity comes up even more. Could you please comment?

Anubhasha, we are trained in wrong ways; otherwise, security is something to be afraid of, and insecurity is something to be rejoiced. What exactly is insecurity? It means tomorrow is not going to repeat today. It means tomorrow you may not even be alive. It means that one has to live each moment as if it is the last moment. A life of security will be simply boring. It will be like seeing the same movie again and again and again -- knowing every detail of what is going to happen. You can enjoy a movie only once. If you are an idiot, then it is another matter .... Insecurity is the very fabric of life. If you don't understand insecurity, you can never understand life. Seasons will change; climates will change; the fall will come, the spring will come. Everything will go on changing, nothing can be taken for…

Question: Second question: Osho, everyone is searching—for a fistful of sky. Everyone wants a fistful of sky to hold to the heart, such a world that one can embrace. Everyone is running after love and security, but both remain mirages. Where, after all, is security? You say: leave yourself in the hands of existence. But that state looks even more insecure. How can love and security be attained? Well asked. Man is really chasing only two things: to have love and to have security. For security he hoards money; for love he forges relationships. For security he builds houses, raises fortress walls, sets up strongboxes. For love he gathers a wife or husband, sons and daughters, friends, beloved ones, family. Such is the golden rule, full of paradox, of life. Seek security, and you will become more insecure. Seek love, and you will be filled with melancholy.

Osho, you often speak of insecurity, while I keep searching for security. Please explain to us clearly what you mean by insecurity.

I have heard of a simpleton, Sheikh Chilli. He bought sweets at a shop at night. He paid a rupee; eight annas were to be returned, but there was no small change. The shopkeeper said, “Come in the morning and take it.” Sheikh Chilli looked around and said, “We should fix something, lest things change. I’d better find a marker.” He found one. Next morning he came and said, “I knew it! You’ve done a dirty trick with my eight annas.” “What do you mean?” the man asked. “Return my eight annas. I bought sweets here last night.” “Are you in your senses? This is a barber’s shop—what sweets?” “I suspected it last night. But I never imagined that, for eight annas, you’d change your whole business! But I am clever too—see, the bull is sitting in the very same place! I had picked a thing you couldn’t cheat me…