The Real Question Is Whether You Are Alive Before Death

The Real Question Is Whether You Are Alive Before Death Graphic © motivationpowerboost.com

“The real question is not
whether life exists after death.
The real question is
whether you are alive
before death.”
– Osho

The Urgent Call to Live: Embracing Life’s Fleeting Nature

“The real question is not whether life exists after death. The real question is whether you are alive before death.” These profound words, spoken by the spiritual teacher Osho, strike at the heart of our existence, urging us to confront the most pressing matter of our lives: are we truly living?

Too often, we find ourselves sleepwalking through our days, caught up in the monotony of routine and the pursuit of material goals. We postpone our dreams, waiting for a distant future that may never arrive, forgetting that the only moment we truly have is the present. Osho’s words serve as a powerful reminder that life is a precious gift, one that demands our full engagement and participation.

To be alive before death means to embrace each moment with unbridled enthusiasm, to approach every experience with a sense of wonder and curiosity. It means to take risks, to step outside of our comfort zones, and to pursue our passions with unwavering dedication. When we live in this way, we infuse our existence with meaning and purpose, creating a life that is rich, vibrant, and fulfilling.

However, living fully before death also requires us to confront our mortality. By acknowledging the fleeting nature of life, we gain a newfound appreciation for the time we have been given. This awareness can serve as a catalyst for change, prompting us to let go of petty grievances, to mend broken relationships, and to express our love and gratitude to those who matter most.

Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (1931 – 1990) was an Indian spiritual teacher and mystic. Bhagwan Shree means “The Blessed Master”. Two years before his death, he changed his name to “Osho”. He earned a Masters Degree in Philosophy and taught in a university. Despite his spiritual teachings, he never claimed to be a part of a specific religion. He instead combined beliefs in his spiritual teachings and believed that all souls are one with the universe.

Osho lived a controversial life filled with material excess and negative publicity, but despite these he contributed vast knowledge on spiritual enlightenment. He developed “Dynamic Meditation”, a practice to develop a state of emptiness. He also taught Monism to his followers, the belief that God is in everything and in everyone. According to his followers, he was an active advocate against all kinds of prejudice.

Osho believed that meditation is important in keeping one’s mind in the present. In his quote above, he broke other religions’ perception of afterlife, believing instead that life is more important than the supposed rewards after death. This clearly illustrates the presence of scientific and Eastern influences in his spiritual beliefs.

Elisabeth Kubler-Ross, the author of “On Death and Dying”, stated a similar belief on being alive: “It is not the end of the physical body that should worry us. Rather, our concern must be to live while we’re alive—to release our inner selves from our spiritual death that comes with living behind a façade designed to conform our external definitions of who and what we are.”

Ultimately, Osho’s quote challenges us to redefine our priorities and to live with intention. It reminds us that the true measure of a life well-lived lies not in the accumulation of wealth or status, but in the depth and quality of our experiences, the strength of our connections, and the impact we have on the world around us.

So let us heed Osho’s call to live fully, to embrace the present moment with all its joys and sorrows, and to make the most of the precious time we have been given. For in doing so, we not only enrich our own lives but also leave a lasting legacy of inspiration and hope for generations to come.

Osho’s Teachings: A Path to Inner Transformation

Osho’s quote on being truly alive before death is a profound invitation to explore the depths of his teachings. At the core of his philosophy was the belief that true freedom and fulfillment can only be achieved by transcending the limitations of the ego and embracing the present moment. Through his numerous books, lectures, and meditation techniques, Osho offered a roadmap for those seeking to awaken their inner consciousness and live a life of authenticity.

One of the central tenets of Osho’s teachings was the concept of “dropping the mind.” He believed that our minds are constantly engaged in a perpetual stream of thoughts, judgments, and interpretations, which prevent us from experiencing the richness of the present moment. His meditation techniques, such as “Dynamic Meditation” and “Kundalini Meditation,” were designed to help individuals release the accumulated tensions and conditioning of their minds, allowing them to experience a state of stillness and presence.

Osho also emphasized the importance of dissolving psychological barriers and societal conditioning that inhibit our natural state of being. He encouraged his followers to question traditional belief systems and societal norms, urging them to embrace their individuality and to live according to their own authentic truths. This fearless exploration of the self was a crucial step in breaking free from the constraints of the ego and embracing a life of true freedom.

Furthermore, Osho’s teachings emphasized the interconnectedness of all life and the importance of recognizing our oneness with the universe. He believed that by transcending the illusion of separateness, individuals could tap into a deeper sense of belonging and experience a profound sense of connection with all that exists. This understanding not only fostered a sense of compassion and empathy but also provided a foundation for living in harmony with the natural world.

While Osho’s life and teachings were often controversial and misunderstood, his message of inner transformation and conscious living continues to resonate with seekers from all walks of life. His invitation to be truly alive before death is a call to embrace the present moment, to shed the limitations of the ego, and to live a life of authenticity, freedom, and connection. By following his teachings, individuals can embark on a journey of self-discovery and awaken to the fullness of their potential.

Related Inspirational Quotes

“It is not death that a man should fear, but he should fear never beginning to live.” – Marcus Aurelius

“We are born crying, live complaining, and die disappointed.” – Thomas Fuller