Hour 22 Meditation – Meditation Beyond Morality: Natural Inner Discipline
Meditation Beyond Morality: Natural Inner Discipline
Introduction: The Concept of Morality in Traditional Spiritual Practices
In most traditional spiritual traditions, morality—usually described as a system of ethical codes or rules—is viewed as a fundamental basis for spiritual development. Individuals are instructed to live according to external codes of conduct that determine what is “right” and “wrong,” instilling a sense of discipline and order. Although this has been helpful for most, Osho’s teachings differ from traditional morality by encouraging a natural inner discipline instead of one that is externally imposed.
Osho’s approach to meditation and spiritual development is opposed to conventional understandings of morality. According to him, meditation as it truly should be done does not depend on external moral rules but stems from a natural inner sense of awareness and knowledge. Inner discipline is developed spontaneously when we start to connect more with our own true selves.
In this module, we will be looking at Osho’s teachings on meditation above morality, understanding what he means by natural inner discipline, and how this can be translated into everyday life.
What is Morality in Traditional Spiritual Systems?
In most spiritual traditions, morality is an integral part of individual development. It usually encompasses rules from outside about right and wrong, good and bad, that a seeker must adhere to in order to advance on the spiritual path. Some of the basic ideas relating to conventional codes of morality include:
Virtues: Kindness, honesty, humility, compassion.
Ethical Principles: Non-violence (ahimsa), truthfulness (satya), and non-attachment.
Social Rules: Rules of conduct prescribing how to coexist with others.
Practices of the Traditional Morality:
Observing the Precepts of Religious Laws: Keeping to established rituals, responsibilities, and rules (e.g., commandments, dharma).
Lifestyle of Simplicity: Focus on giving up worldly desires.
Refraining from Desires and Lusts: Resisting desires and temptations, managing anger, greed, and attachments.
Osho’s Perspective of Morality: A Deviation from the Dictation of the Outside
Whereas traditional spirituality tends to emphasize external control over morality, Osho’s teachings are designed to enable one to reach his or her inner truth and spiritual freedom. In Osho’s view, external morality can be confining and causes a conflict from within, since it tends to be in conflict with one’s own nature.
Osho says that when human beings obey an external moral code, they are just obeying the “shoulds” and “should nots” of society, religion, or tradition without really knowing and relating to their own deeper self. This results in duality in life, where one might be morally upright on the surface but secretly there is tension, repression, and confusion.
For Osho, morality becomes a hindrance to spiritual growth if it is based on fear, guilt, or social conformity. Rather than embracing moral codes that are imposed from the outside, Osho emphasizes the significance of personal authenticity and inner awareness in spiritual practice.
Natural Inner Discipline: The Essence of True Meditation
Unlike conventional morality, Osho brings in the idea of natural inner discipline, which he feels comes into being when one becomes aware through meditation. Natural discipline is not a product of an outside agency but the spontaneous unfolding of the individual’s own true nature.
Key Aspects of Natural Inner Discipline:
Self-Knowledge: Real discipline starts with knowing yourself. It is being deeply aware of what one does, thinks, and feels. When you start to know yourself, you automatically bring your actions into alignment with your higher self.
Waking Up to the Current Moment: Discipline is a natural consequence when we are fully present. When we are present in the moment, we automatically make more conscious choices, without the necessity of strict rules from the outside.
Freedom from Guilt: Lack of guilt, shame, and fear provides a field for true expression. Osho reiterates that morality based on guilt results in repression, while real discipline is born out of profound self-respect and consciousness.
Living in Harmony with Life: Natural discipline is not rigid control, but harmonious living with life. This involves spontaneous right action and deep attunement with the flow of life. One’s actions naturally align with higher consciousness without force.
Freedom from Dogma: The natural discipline that Osho talks about is devoid of dogmas, religious orthodoxies, or societal shackles. It is the discipline derived from the realization of the inner self and responding in accord with one’s best potential.
The Role of Meditation in Cultivating Natural Inner Discipline
Meditation is the most important instrument Osho suggests for developing inner discipline. In profound meditation, one becomes more aware of the ups and downs of the mind, emotions, and body. As awareness becomes more profound, the meditator automatically becomes more conscious in day-to-day activities without external control.
Meditation develops the ground for inner discipline as follows:
Clarity of Mind: As the mind becomes clearer and calmer through meditation, the person is able to make decisions that are in line with their true nature, and not influenced by external expectations or desires.
Increased Awareness of Actions: Through consistent meditation, one gains a capability to witness their behavior in real-time. This results in more conscious and responsible actions.
Cultivation of Compassion: Meditation makes one feel more connected to all beings, which automatically leads to compassion, kindness, and non-violence—fundamental concepts in Osho’s philosophy.
Morality vs. Natural Discipline: A Comparative Overview
| Aspect | Morality | Natural Inner Discipline |
| Source | External rules and regulations (society, religion) | Internal awareness and understanding of self |
| Imposed or Spontaneous? | Imposed by authorities or tradition | Spontaneously arises from deep awareness |
| Emotional Impact | Guilt, fear, and repression often accompany moral rules | Freedom from guilt; a sense of inner peace |
| Flexibility | Rigid; based on societal or religious norms | Fluid and adaptive; aligned with inner wisdom |
| Ultimate Goal | Control of behavior through obedience | Spontaneous, joyful expression of one’s true self |
| Method of Development | Training oneself to follow prescribed rules | Awakening through meditation and self-awareness |
The Impact of Osho’s Philosophy on Personal Freedom and Growth
Osho’s concept of natural inner discipline frees us from the shackles of social and religious dogma, allowing us to become true to ourselves. It enables individuals to experience greater freedom, not through rebellion or defiance, but through understanding and awareness.
This philosophy also promotes personal responsibility—a feeling of responsibility for our actions stemming from a deeper realization of their effects. Genuine inner discipline brings about spontaneous right action, whereby every action is based on consciousness, not blind obedience to outer rules.
Major Takeaways:
Traditional morality is imposed from outside and is likely to lead to inner conflict, guilt, and repression.
Inner discipline comes from inner awareness and meditation, not requiring the imposition of external moral codes.
Meditation is the vehicle for developing inner discipline, as it places the individual in closer harmony with his or her true self.
Discipline is not control, but harmony with one’s real self and the rhythm of life.
Reflective Questions
How does Osho’s concept of natural inner discipline speak to your own experience of spirituality? Are you more drawn to a structured method or an organic, self-awareness-based method?
Do you find yourself adhering to external moral codes, or have you felt a shift toward developing your own inner discipline through awareness and meditation?
Think about times when you sensed a conflict between your true self and societal expectations. How can meditation assist you in resolving this conflict?
How do you imagine awareness and self-knowledge can create more mindful and spontaneous behavior in your daily life?
What are some outside rules or codes of morality that you live by due to societal conditioning, and how could these be changed through greater self-awareness?
Conclusion: Meditation as the Path to True Inner Discipline
Osho’s philosophy of meditation above morality is a freedom-based approach to spiritual evolution. By emphasizing self-awareness and inner insight, individuals are directed towards a state of natural inner discipline in which real transformation becomes possible. Instead of adhering to strict moral codes, meditation results in a state of genuineness, liberty, and inner peace.
The practice of meditation opens the door to a life lived in alignment with one’s highest truth—a life where discipline is not a matter of control but a natural expression of one’s deep awareness of self.