Pic credit: @OSHO | X

Feb 28, 2025: Friendship is one of the most profound relationships in life. However, in a world where relationships are often based on convenience, social status, or hidden agendas, Osho’s teachings offer a refreshing perspective on true friendship. According to Osho, friendship should be rooted in love, freedom, and authenticity, rather than expectations and possessiveness. He emphasizes that a true friend is not someone who binds you but one who helps you grow and evolve on your spiritual journey.

The Essence of Friendship in Osho’s Philosophy

Osho, a spiritual teacher known for his revolutionary ideas on love and relationships, describes friendship as a space where people come together in freedom and joy, rather than dependency and need. Unlike societal norms that impose expectations on friendships, Osho believes that friendship should be a form of love that is unconditional and without attachment.

1. Friendship Based on Freedom, Not Possession

Osho emphasizes that true friendship cannot exist where there is possessiveness. Many friendships turn into subtle forms of control where expectations become a burden. He states:

“Friendship is the purest form of love because it is not based on expectations, conditions, or demands.”
A true friend gives you space to be yourself and does not try to mold you into their expectations. Instead of clinging to a person, Osho suggests allowing friendships to be fluid and organic.

2. A Friend is Someone Who Helps You Grow

According to Osho, real friends encourage personal growth and self-discovery. A friend is not just someone who supports you in your successes but also challenges you to overcome your weaknesses. He states:

“A true friend is one who provokes you, who helps you become aware of your inner self.”
Friendship, in Osho’s view, is not just about sharing joy but also about helping each other evolve spiritually.

3. Friendship Without Dependency

Osho teaches that a friendship should not be based on dependency. Often, people enter friendships to fill a void within themselves, seeking emotional support rather than true companionship. Osho encourages individuals to be complete within themselves first before forming friendships, so that the bond is built on joy rather than need.

4. A True Friend is Not a Judge

Society often conditions people to judge others based on their actions, beliefs, or choices. However, Osho teaches that true friendship is accepting someone as they are without judgment. He says:

“A real friend does not judge, he simply understands.”
True friends do not impose their own morality or beliefs on each other but instead, accept differences and celebrate individuality.

5. Friendship is a Celebration, Not a Contract

Osho sees friendship as a celebration of two souls rather than a social contract. He warns against making friendships transactional, where people expect something in return. According to him, the most beautiful friendships are those where two individuals come together simply to share joy, laughter, and love, without any sense of duty or obligation.

How to Cultivate True Friendship According to Osho

Osho provides practical guidance on how to form and maintain genuine friendships:

Be Yourself: Do not change who you are just to fit into a friendship. Authenticity is key.

Give Freedom: Allow your friends to be themselves without imposing your expectations on them.

Do Not Expect Anything in Return: True friendship is about giving without keeping a score.

Encourage Growth: Inspire your friends to evolve, rather than keeping them comfortable in their limitations.

Celebrate Differences: Accept people as they are, without trying to change them.

Conclusion

Osho’s teachings on friendship challenge the conventional notions of how relationships should be. He teaches that true friendship is based on love, freedom, and mutual growth rather than attachment, expectations, or dependency. In a world where friendships are often transactional, embracing Osho’s wisdom can lead to deeper, more meaningful connections that enrich the soul. By applying these principles, we can cultivate friendships that are based on pure love and joy, allowing each individual to blossom in their unique way.