"The more a man identifies himself with the state, the less he as an individual exists."
This quote by Rajneesh suggests that excessive identification with one's national or political identity can diminish one's sense of self as an individual. When a person becomes too engrossed in collective identities such as the state, they risk losing sight of their unique qualities, desires, and values. This can lead to conformity rather than personal growth and fulfillment. A balanced approach is essential, where individuals cherish both their unique identities and their connection to the larger society.
"Meditation is the art of creating a space within yourself in which your real self can live and grow."
The quote suggests that meditation is a practice to cultivate a serene, spacious area within oneself. This inner sanctuary allows the authentic, genuine part of an individual (the "real self") to thrive and develop without interference from external distractions or internal turmoil. In essence, it emphasizes meditation's role in promoting personal growth and self-discovery by creating a tranquil environment for one's essential self to flourish.
"The problem with our society is that it has lost its sense of humor."
Rajneesh's quote suggests that contemporary society lacks the ability to appreciate and use humor effectively. This loss of humor may be indicative of a deeper issue where people are becoming too serious, rigid, and devoid of joy in their daily lives. The absence of humor might lead to increased stress, tension, and an overall lack of enjoyment of life. Reintroducing humor can help reduce anxiety, foster connection, and promote mental and emotional well-being within society.
"In the mind there are no rights and wrongs, only opportunities to learn."
Rajneesh's quote suggests that our minds don't inherently categorize experiences as 'right' or 'wrong,' but instead offer us chances to grow and gain knowledge from every situation we encounter. It implies that life events are learning opportunities, and it is up to us to seize these moments and use them to expand our understanding and self-awareness.
"Enlightenment is a destructive process. It has nothing to do with becoming better or being happier. Enlightenment is the crumbling away of untruth. It's seeing through the nature of callosity of matters - the hardness even of goodness. I speak this without any humor, it is quite in earnest, but it comes with a laughter and a smile. When the individual, as he is called, is no longer, that which is left is only the infinite."
This quote by Rajneesh suggests that enlightenment is not about personal improvement or increased happiness, but rather the shedding of misconceptions and illusions. It's a process that exposes and dissolves the hardness in one's perception of reality, including one's own goodness. The phrase "when the individual, as he is called, is no longer" implies that what remains after this destructive process is an infinite, unbounded state beyond the confines of individuality or ego. This concept is presented with a blend of seriousness and humor, acknowledging both the profoundness and the absurdity of the transformation.
Because of the womb being a central phenomenon in the feminine body, the whole psychology of woman differs: she is non-aggressive, non-inquiring, non-questioning, non-doubting, because all of those things are part of aggression. She will not take the initiative; she simply waits - and she can wait infinitely.
- Rajneesh
If you're searching for quotes on a different topic, feel free to browse our Topics page or explore a diverse collection of quotes from various Authors to find inspiration.