OSHO: The Greatest Courage Is Being Capable of Change

Summary

In this reflection, the speaker explores the human tendency to form fixed ideas about others, especially those they grow close to, which ultimately distorts their perception. The speaker emphasizes the ever-changing nature of existence, aligning with Heraclitus' philosophy that one cannot step into the same river twice. Through various anecdotes, including personal experiences and a story of Mullah Nasruddin, the speaker underscores the difficulty of embracing change and the danger of clinging to static ideas. The speaker invites others to let go of their fixed notions and move with change, as true connection requires courage and openness.

Takeaways

• 😀 People tend to develop fixed ideas about those they are close to, forgetting the true nature of the person as they become attached to their own mental image.
• 😀 The mind is naturally resistant to change, as it fears the internal rearrangement that comes with it, preferring fixed, unchanging ideas.
• 😀 The speaker emphasizes that they are not a fixed entity, but constantly evolving, agreeing with Heraclitus' idea that you cannot step into the same river twice.
• 😀 Once someone becomes attached to their fixed idea of a person, they risk losing connection with the true, evolving self of that person, causing potential conflict.
• 😀 Photographs represent only what is dead, as they cannot capture the living, ever-changing essence of a person.
• 😀 People often get too attached to their idea of someone, making that idea more important than the actual person, and they may even turn against them when the two are in conflict.
• 😀 The speaker rejects the idea of being 'frozen in time,' insisting that people often hold onto outdated, static images of others while they themselves are continually changing.
• 😀 Picasso's story of refusing to sell a portrait highlights the idea that a photograph or image cannot capture the living essence of a person—it is only a dead representation.
• 😀 It’s easier for people to remain consistent in their ideas and beliefs, but real living requires adapting to change and accepting unpredictability.
• 😀 To truly be with someone who is constantly changing requires courage and the ability to let go of fixed ideas, otherwise the relationship will be lost.

Q & A

Why do people develop fixed ideas about others once they become close to them?

People often form fixed ideas because the mind resists change. It finds comfort in certainty and tends to hold onto static concepts of others, especially when a relationship deepens. This fixation prevents them from fully accepting the dynamic nature of the other person.

What does the speaker mean by 'I am changing' and why is it important?

The speaker is emphasizing that they are constantly evolving and cannot be defined by any fixed concept. This highlights the human tendency to cling to outdated ideas, which ultimately leads to misunderstandings and conflicts.

How does the speaker interpret Heraclitus' philosophy, 'you cannot step twice in the same river'?

The speaker agrees with Heraclitus and extends it by saying that even once you step into a river, it has already changed. In human terms, this means that no interaction or person remains the same, and attempting to relate to them as if they are static leads to disconnection.

What is the problem with holding onto an old idea of a person, according to the speaker?

Holding onto an outdated idea of a person prevents one from recognizing their growth and change. This creates a conflict because the fixed idea does not align with the reality of who the person has become.

Why does the speaker say a photograph only represents the 'dead'?

A photograph captures only a moment in time, which is unchanging. Since it doesn't reflect the ongoing, living essence of a person, it represents the past or something 'dead,' rather than the person’s dynamic, evolving nature.

What lesson does the story of Picasso's portrait teach about perception and reality?

The story illustrates that people often fixate on representations of things, like a portrait, which can never fully capture the living essence of a person. Picasso’s refusal to sell his portrait demonstrates that true essence cannot be contained in a static image.

What is the 'greatest courage' the speaker refers to?

The greatest courage is the ability to see and accept change, both in others and in oneself. It requires the strength to let go of fixed ideas and remain open to the continual evolution of people and situations.

How does the story of Mullah Nasruddin and the bhindi illustrate the danger of consistency?

The story shows how blindly following a fixed idea (in this case, the idea that bhindi is the perfect food) can lead to absurdity. It demonstrates that being rigidly consistent, without openness to change or new perspectives, can result in absurd outcomes.

What does the speaker mean when they say they are 'not an idea and not fixed'?

The speaker is asserting their refusal to be reduced to any one idea or label. They are not static or predictable, and by being constantly changing, they defy anyone’s attempt to fix their identity or essence.

What does the speaker suggest about how people relate to 'living' versus 'dead' things?

The speaker points out that people often prefer the consistency of 'dead' things, like fixed ideas or photographs, because they are unchanging. However, true life involves change, unpredictability, and the willingness to engage with the dynamic nature of existence.