Seriousness is a disease

Seriousness is a disease

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, also known as Osho, was a spiritual leader and guru who gained a large following in the 1970s and 1980s. One of the central teachings of Osho was the idea that seriousness is a disease that plagues humanity. He believed that people take themselves too seriously, leading to stress, anxiety, and unhappiness.

Osho argued that seriousness is a barrier to spiritual growth and enlightenment. He believed that when people are too serious, they become closed off to new experiences and ideas. They become rigid and inflexible, unable to adapt to the ever-changing world around them. This rigidity prevents them from experiencing true joy and fulfillment in life.

According to Osho, seriousness is a form of egoism. When people take themselves too seriously, they become overly concerned with their own self-image and reputation. They become preoccupied with how others perceive them, leading to a constant state of anxiety and insecurity. This self-centeredness prevents them from forming deep and meaningful connections with others, as they are too focused on themselves to truly empathize with others.

Osho believed that the key to overcoming the disease of seriousness is to cultivate a sense of playfulness and spontaneity. He encouraged his followers to let go of their inhibitions and embrace the present moment with childlike wonder and curiosity. By approaching life with a sense of lightness and humor, Osho believed that people could break free from the chains of seriousness and experience true freedom and joy.