Freedom: The Courage to Be Yourself

The Insights for a New Way of Living series aims to shine light on beliefs and attitudes that prevent individuals from being their true selves. With an artful mix of compassion and humor, Osho encourages readers to confront what they would most like to avoid, which in turn provides the key to true insight and power. In Freedom, Osho differentiates three kinds of freedom. There is 'freedom from,' which is a negative freedom, a freedom that comes from getting rid of something, for example the restrictions imposed by parents, society, or religion. In contrast, 'freedom for' is a positive freedom that comes from embracing and creating something - a fulfilling relationship, an artistic or humanitarian vision. And lastly there is, 'just freedom,' the highest and ultimate freedom that goes beyond the negative and the positive. This last freedom is more than being for or against something; it is the freedom of simply being oneself and responding truthfully to each moment.