The Greatest Courage: Embracing Change

How you can embrace change in life.

Preeti Sinha

10/13/20233 min read

pink flowers on body of water
pink flowers on body of water

Change is the only constant in life. This age-old aphorism holds true in every corner of existence, from the natural world to the realm of human experience. Yet, despite its inevitability, change often evokes fear and resistance. In the teachings of the controversial yet profoundly insightful spiritual teacher Osho, we find the wisdom that the greatest courage lies in being capable of change. Let's delve into Osho's famous discourse on this topic and explore the profound implications of embracing change with open hearts and minds.

The Fear of Change

Human beings have a deeply ingrained tendency to resist change. This resistance often stems from the fear of the unknown. The comfort of the familiar and the predictable can be seductive, but it can also lead to stagnation and missed opportunities for growth. Osho recognized this resistance as a significant barrier to personal and spiritual development.

In his discourse, Osho encourages us to examine our resistance to change. He points out that clinging to the past or the status quo can be detrimental to our well-being and personal growth. It takes great courage to let go of the known, even when it no longer serves us, and to embrace the uncertainty of change.

Understanding the Nature of Change

Osho emphasizes that change is not to be feared but celebrated. It is the natural flow of existence, and by resisting it, we deny ourselves the opportunity to evolve and grow. He teaches that change is the very essence of life, the energy that propels us forward on our spiritual journey. To fear change is to fear life itself.

By acknowledging the impermanence of all things, Osho invites us to appreciate the beauty of the present moment. This moment is all we have, and change is what keeps it fresh and vibrant. Our attachment to the past or our anxiety about the future often blinds us to the richness of the here and now.

The Courage to Let Go

The greatest courage, according to Osho, is the courage to let go of our attachments and preconceptions, to surrender to the flow of life and accept the changes it brings. This involves releasing the need for control and embracing a state of surrender. Osho advocates for the practice of mindfulness, meditation, and self-awareness as tools to develop this courage.

When we let go of our resistance to change, we open ourselves up to a world of new possibilities. Osho suggests that we start by questioning our beliefs and expectations. Are they serving us, or are they holding us back? When we release these mental constructs, we become more adaptable and open to the infinite potential of the present moment.

The Spiritual Transformation

Osho's teachings about embracing change go hand in hand with his vision of spiritual transformation. He believes that the courage to change is not only about adapting to external circumstances but also about transforming our inner selves. By constantly evolving and transcending our limitations, we can experience profound spiritual growth.

In this process, Osho encourages us to seek the path of self-discovery. To be capable of change, we must first understand ourselves deeply. Self-awareness allows us to recognize what aspects of ourselves need to change and evolve, as well as what should be embraced and nurtured.

To sum up

Osho's famous discourse on the greatest courage being the capability of change is a profound reminder of the transformative power that lies within us. Embracing change with an open heart and mind is not just a personal journey; it is a spiritual one. The fear of the unknown can be a paralyzing force, but it is only by confronting this fear and embracing change that we truly live.

As Osho teaches, the courage to change is the courage to be alive and to experience life in its fullest, most vibrant form. It's the courage to let go of the past, to accept the impermanence of all things, and to step into the unknown with an open heart. In doing so, we unlock the door to personal and spiritual growth, transforming ourselves and our world in the process.