On Aloneness - Osho
When you are alone you are not alone, you
are simply lonely - and there is a
tremendous difference between loneliness
and aloneness. When you are lonely you
are thinking of the other, you are missing
the other.
Loneliness is a negative state. You are
feeling that it would have been better if the
other were there - your friend, your wife,
your mother, your beloved, your husband. It would have been good if the other were
there, but the other is not. Loneliness is
absence of the other.
Aloneness is the presence of oneself.
Aloneness is very positive. It is a presence,
overflowing presence. You are so full of
presence that you can fill the whole universe with your presence and there
is no need for anybody.
Osho The Discipline of Transcendence, Volume 1 Chapter 2
Commentary: (Picture Missing)
When there is no "significant other" in our lives we can either be lonely, or
enjoy the freedom that solitude brings. When we find no support among
others for our deeply felt truths, we can either feel isolated and bitter, or
celebrate the fact that our vision is strong enough even to survive the
powerful human need for the approval of family, friends or colleagues.
If you are facing such a situation now, be aware of how you are choosing
to view your "aloneness" and take responsibility for the choice you have
made.
The humble figure in this card glows with a light that emanates from within.
One of Gautam Buddha's most significant contributions to the spiritual life
of humankind was to insist to his disciples, "Be a light unto yourself."
Ultimately, each of us must develop within ourselves the capacity to make
our way through the darkness without any companions, maps or guide.
Copyright © 2002 Osho International Foundation
Updated: 6/18/10