In Osho’s vision, what is commonly called “ego” is a false, constructed identity rather than an intrinsic aspect of the self. It is composed of social conditioning, family influences, and the internalization of others’ opinions, forming a self-image such as “I am this body, this mind, this role.” Because it is built from borrowed ideas and accumulated beliefs, he characterizes it as a pseudo or artificial self. This ego functions by creating a sharp division between “I” and “you,” “mine” and “yours,” and even between the individual and existence as a whole. In that sense, it acts as a barrier to the direct experience of reality and to the recognition of a deeper, more authentic nature.

Osho also links the ego to psychological suffering and inner conflict. Since this constructed identity is fragile and constantly under threat from criticism, failure, change, and death, it generates fear, tension, and the urge to compete or compare. Through attachment to this self-image, individuals become entangled in jealousy, ambition, and the need to be special, which perpetuates dissatisfaction. The ego filters every experience through mental concepts and judgments, thereby obstructing a simple, unmediated encounter with life. For Osho, this is why ego is experienced as a source of misery and as a fundamental obstacle to spiritual awakening.

Yet he does not advocate attacking or repressing the ego, as such struggle only reinforces it. Instead, he emphasizes awareness and meditative witnessing: by calmly observing thoughts, desires, and reactions without identification, the illusory nature of the ego becomes evident. When this seeing is clear and sustained, the grip of the ego loosens of its own accord, and what he calls “egolessness” or “no-mind” begins to emerge. In that state, there is a silent, present awareness in which action, love, and creativity flow, but without an inner commentator constantly claiming, “I am the doer.”

At the same time, Osho allows for a practical, functional sense of “I” in everyday life, such as a name or social role, so long as it is recognized as a mere tool and not mistaken for the true self. From this perspective, the ego can serve as a temporary structure that enables ordinary functioning, while the deeper work lies in seeing through its claims to ultimacy. When the ego is understood in this way and gently transcended through awareness, life can be lived with spontaneity and a sense of unity, free from the burdens of a defensive, constructed identity.