Introduction
Osho believed that friendship is one of the highest forms of human connection. Unlike ordinary relationships, it has no demands, no conditions, and no expectations. Friendship, in Osho’s view, is the purest essence of love—free from attachment and born out of freedom.
Friendship: The Purest Love
“Friendship is the purest love. It is the highest form of love where nothing is asked for, no condition, where one simply enjoys giving.” — Osho
According to Osho, while ordinary love often carries hidden motives or desires, friendship is free from any form of ownership. It is about sharing joy, compassion, and understanding without expecting anything in return.
From Friendship to “Friendliness”
Osho introduced the concept of friendliness, which he described as something even deeper and more expansive than friendship:
“Friendliness simply gives its fragrance to all without any exception… Friendship is a prison. Friendliness is absolute freedom.” — Osho
Here, Osho points out that true friendliness goes beyond individual attachment. It is an overflowing quality of the heart that radiates towards everyone—people, nature, and existence itself.
Friendship as a Sacred Art
Osho often emphasized that friendship is not a social transaction but a spiritual phenomenon:
“Friendship is not something of the marketplace. Friendship is one of those rare things which belong to the temple and not to the shop.” — Osho
This means friendship cannot be forced or bargained for; it must blossom naturally from awareness and an open heart.
Ask Yourself: Am I a Real Friend?
Osho urges us to look inward rather than outward when it comes to friendship:
“Don’t ask, ‘Who is a real friend?’ Ask, ‘Am I a real friend?’ Always be concerned with yourself.”
— Osho
True friendship starts with self-awareness. When we shift our focus from judging others to cultivating our own authenticity, we become capable of deeper, unconditional bonds.
Blissful Energy: The Source of True Friendship
“The miserable person… Friendliness is a luxury. It is overflowing energy… only a blissful person can be a friend.” — Osho
Osho believed that real friendship comes from inner abundance. Only a fulfilled, joyous person can share without clinging. A person full of misery and emptiness cannot offer genuine love or companionship because they are too busy seeking what they lack.
Befriending Existence Itself
Friendship, for Osho, was not limited to humans. He taught that friendliness should extend to life in all its forms:
“This whole existence has to be befriended! Be friendly, and don’t be worried whether anybody is friendly towards you or not.” – Osho
This idea transforms friendship into a state of being rather than a relationship. When friendliness becomes our nature, every tree, bird, and moment feel like a companion.
Key Takeaways from Osho’s Teachings on Friendship
| Concept | Meaning |
| Friendship | Pure love without conditions or demands. |
| Friendliness | A universal state of love that transcends individuals. |
| Self-Reflection | Focus on becoming a true friend yourself. |
| Inner Bliss | Only a joyous, fulfilled person can truly be a friend. |
| Cosmic Connection | Befriend existence itself, not just people. |
Conclusion
For Osho, friendship is not merely a relationship but a spiritual experience. It is about giving without expecting, loving without owning, and sharing without boundaries.
When we cultivate friendliness within, we stop searching for “good friends” outside—because we ourselves become the source of friendship, radiating love to all.
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