Lao Tzu said, “If you don't listen to me… just one day in the court and you will be convinced that I am not the right man, because the system is wrong. Out of humbleness I was not saying the truth to you. Either I can exist or your law and order and your society can exist. So… let us try it.”

The first day a thief who had stolen almost half the treasures of the richest man in the capital was brought into the court. Lao Tzu listened to the case and then he said that the thief and the richest man should both go to jail for six months.

The rich man said, “What are you saying? I have been stolen from, I have been robbed — what kind of justice is this, that you are sending me to jail for the same amount of time as the thief?”

Lao Tzu said, “I am certainly being unfair to the thief. Your need to be in jail is greater, because you have collected so much money to yourself, deprived so many people of money… thousands of people are downtrodden and you are collecting and collecting money. For what? Your very greed is creating these thieves. You are responsible.

The first crime is yours.”

From Awareness: The Courage to Be Yourself by Osho.

What Is the Spiritual Moral / Meaning of Osho's “The Rule of Lao Tzu” Parable?

The tale of Lao Tzu and the emperor beckons us to ponder the nature of justice and responsibility. Lao Tzu's unconventional judgment challenges the conventional notions of right and wrong, delving deep into the roots of societal ills. It urges us to reassess our roles in the creation of circumstances, reminding us that often, true justice demands accountability beyond surface-level judgments. It invites us to contemplate our individual responsibility in shaping the world around us, highlighting the interconnectedness of our actions and their repercussions on society.

The story unfolds a profound lesson on the essence of humility and self-awareness. Lao Tzu's refusal to take on a role that clashed with his principles reflects the power of staying aligned with one's inner truth. It embodies the strength in humility, showcasing that true wisdom isn't found in the pursuit of power or accolades but in the unwavering commitment to one's values. This steadfastness in honoring one's convictions guides us toward a deeper understanding of authenticity and integrity in our lives, urging us to stay true to our inner compass despite external pressures.

The narrative echoes the notion of interconnectedness and collective responsibility. Lao Tzu's verdict transcends the boundaries of individual acts, illuminating the interwoven fabric of society. It draws attention to the intricate web of causality, highlighting that every action carries ripple effects, impacting the collective consciousness. It implores us to acknowledge our roles not just as individuals but as integral parts of a larger societal tapestry, urging us to act with mindfulness and compassion, recognizing the far-reaching consequences of our choices.

At its core, the story offers a profound reflection on the intricacies of justice and empathy. Lao Tzu's judgment challenges the prevalent binary perception of right and wrong, urging us to embrace a more nuanced understanding of justice. It calls for empathy toward both the victim and the perpetrator, delving into the depths of human experience to comprehend the underlying causes rather than merely addressing the surface manifestations of wrongdoing. This deeper empathy invites us to approach conflicts with a compassionate heart, seeking holistic resolutions that address the root causes of discord rather than perpetuating cycles of retribution.

Ultimately, this story serves as a poignant reminder of the transformative power of wisdom and discernment. Lao Tzu's wisdom isn't confined to conventional norms; it transcends the boundaries of societal constructs, inviting us to navigate life with a broader perspective. It encourages us to embrace wisdom not as a rigid set of rules but as a fluid, compassionate guide in navigating the complexities of existence. It inspires us to seek deeper truths, fostering a consciousness that transcends the limitations of conventional judgment and embraces the wisdom of interconnectedness and empathy.

In essence, the story of Lao Tzu and the emperor unveils layers of profound spiritual teachings, inviting us to contemplate the deeper meanings of justice, responsibility, humility, interconnectedness, empathy, and wisdom. It presents an invitation to reassess our perceptions and actions, encouraging us to embrace a more expansive understanding of the intricate dance between individual actions and the collective consciousness.

The post The Rule of Lao Tzu – Osho Story and Explanation appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

A man, a great man, a fighter for freedom was traveling in the mountains. He stayed in a caravanserai for the night. He was amazed that in the caravanserai there was a beautiful parrot in a golden cage, continually repeating “Freedom! Freedom!” And it was such a place that when the parrot repeated the word “Freedom!” it would go on echoing in the valleys, in the mountains.

The man thought: “I have seen many parrots, and I have thought they must want to be free from those cages… but I have never seen such a parrot whose whole day, from the morning to the evening when he goes to sleep, is spent in calling out for freedom.” He had an idea. In the middle of the night, when the owner was fast asleep, he got up and opened the door of the cage. He whispered to the parrot, “Now get out.”

But he was very surprised that the parrot was clinging to the bars of the cage. He said to him again and again, “Have you forgotten about freedom? Just get out! The door is open and the owner is fast asleep; nobody will ever know. You just fly into the sky; the whole sky is yours.”

But the parrot was clinging so deeply, so hard, that the man said, “What is the matter? Are you mad?” He tried to take the parrot out with his own hands, but the parrot started pecking at him, and at the same time he was shouting “Freedom! Freedom!” The valleys in the night echoed and re-echoed, but the man was also stubborn; he was a freedom fighter.

He pulled the parrot out and threw him into the sky; and he was very satisfied, although his hand was hurt. The parrot had attacked him as forcefully as he could, but the man was immensely satisfied that he had made a soul free. He went to sleep.

In the morning, as the man was waking up, he heart the parrot shouting, “Freedom! Freedom!” He thought perhaps the parrot must be sitting on a tree or on a rock. But when he came out, the parrot was sitting in the cage. The door was open.

This spiritual story is from Awareness: The Courage to Be Yourself by Osho.

If you liked this story, you'll love this! We've compiled a list of the top 10 spiritual stories that our readers love. You can read them here.

What Is the Spiritual Meaning of “The Freedom Parrot” Story?

In this enigmatic tale of the parrot in the golden cage, a profound spiritual lesson unfolds—a lesson that transcends the boundaries of physical confinement and delves into the intricacies of inner freedom.

The traveler, witnessing the parrot incessantly chanting “Freedom! Freedom!” amidst the vast expanse of the caravanserai, was struck by a realization. He pondered upon the innate desire for freedom inherent in all living beings. Yet, his perception shifted when faced with a paradox—the parrot, though surrounded by an open door, chose to remain captive within the gilded confines of its cage.

The essence of this tale lies not in the physicality of the cage, but in the metaphor it represents—the cages we create within our minds, the self-imposed limitations that shackle us despite the doors of opportunity standing wide open. The parrot, despite the door ajar and the invitation to soar boundlessly into the sky, clung fervently to the familiar bars of its cage.

The traveler, embodying the spirit of a freedom fighter, sought to liberate the parrot from its apparent confinement. With determined intent, he opened the door and urged the parrot to embrace its freedom. But to his bewilderment, the parrot resisted vehemently, clinging obstinately to its cage.

In his pursuit of setting the parrot free, the traveler encountered fierce resistance, even enduring the bird's attacks. Yet, despite the struggle, he persevered, believing that the act of liberation had been achieved. He retired to rest, assured in the belief that he had bestowed freedom upon a captive soul.

However, as the morning light graced the caravanserai, the traveler was confronted with a bewildering sight—the parrot, once again ensconced within the golden cage, proclaiming “Freedom! Freedom!” The open door, an invitation to boundless sky and limitless horizons, stood as a mere backdrop to the paradoxical scene.

The profound spiritual insight embedded in this allegory beckons us to introspect. It urges us to gaze inward and recognize the cages we construct—the mental constructs, fears, and attachments that confine us, despite the open doors of opportunity and liberation that surround us.

The parrot, in its steadfast attachment to the cage, reflects the human tendency to cling to familiarity, to the known, even when the path to freedom lies open before us. It serves as a poignant reminder that true freedom transcends physical constraints—it is the liberation of the spirit, the unshackling of the mind from the confines of conditioning and limitation.

The parrot's cry for freedom, echoing through the valleys, echoes within our own hearts—a call to awaken to the cages we have woven within ourselves. It invites us to embrace the courage to step beyond our self-imposed limitations and soar into the boundless expanse of our true potential. Only in recognizing and releasing these inner cages can we truly embody the essence of freedom—the freedom that resides within.

Personal Reflection Questions

Spiritual stories are an opportunity to reflect on your own life. Here are 10 questions you can use to go deeper with the teachings in this story:

1. In your own life, are there instances where you've clung to familiar constraints, even when the opportunity for freedom presented itself?
2. Reflect on a time when you've witnessed someone or something yearning for freedom. How did that experience resonate with you, and did it prompt any personal introspection?
3. Consider the symbolism of the parrot's persistent cry for freedom. What aspects of your own life echo this longing, and how do you respond to those inner calls?
4. Explore moments when you may have felt the conflict between a desire for freedom and the comfort of familiar surroundings. What emotions arise during such internal struggles?
5. Think about the man's determination to liberate the parrot despite its resistance. How does this relate to instances in your life where you've pushed against resistance to pursue personal growth?
6. Reflect on the paradox of the open door and the parrot's return to the cage. Can you draw parallels between this paradox and patterns of behavior or choices in your own life?
7. Consider the symbolism of the parrot attacking the man even after being set free. Are there instances in your life where you've resisted positive changes or opportunities, perhaps out of fear or uncertainty?
8. Ponder the significance of the parrot's continued cry for freedom even when back in the cage. How might this relate to the persistence of certain desires or aspirations in your own life, despite external circumstances?
9. Reflect on the man's satisfaction despite being hurt. Have there been times when pursuing personal freedom or helping others achieve it brought discomfort or challenges, and how did you navigate those situations?
10. Contemplate the idea of freedom as a state of mind. In what ways can one find freedom within oneself, irrespective of external circumstances? How does this story influence your perception of inner freedom?

The post The Freedom Parrot – A Short Spiritual Story by Osho appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.

Diogenes heard what they were saying about him. He was sitting by the side of the river, just enjoying the cool breeze of the evening, underneath a tree; and behind the tree those four were planning what to do. He said, “Don't we worried. Come here! You need not worry that I will kill you, I never kill anything. And you need not worry that I will fight, resist you — no. I don't fight anybody, I don't resist anything. You want to sell me as a slave?”

Embarassed, afraid, those four people said, “That's what we were thinking. We are poor… if you are willing.”

He said, “Of course I am. If I can help you in your poverty in some way, it is beautiful.”
So they brought out chains. He said, “Throw them in the river; you need not chain me. I will walk ahead of you. I don't believe in escaping from anything. In fact, I am getting excited about the idea of being sold, standing on a high pedestal, and hundreds of people trying to get me. I am excited about this auction — I am coming!”

These four people became a little more afraid: this man is not only strong and beautiful, he seems to be mad also; he could be dangerous. But now there was no way for them to escape. Diogenes said, “If you try to escape, you will be risking your own life. Just follow me, all four of you. Put me on the pedestal in the market.”

Unwillingly, they followed him. They wanted to take him, but he went ahead of them! He told those people, “DOn't be afraid, and don't try to escape. You have given me a great idea, I am grateful to you. This is my responsibility; I am going to the marketplace. You put me up for auction.

“What type of man was this?” they wondered. But there was no way to back out now, so they followed him. And when he was put on a high pedestal so that everybody could see, there was almost silence, pin-drop silence. People had never seen such a proportionate body, so beautiful — as if made of steel, so strong.

Before the auctioneer said anything, Diogenese declared, “Listen people! Here is a master to be sold to any slave, because these four poor people need money. So start the auction, but remember, you are purchasing a master.”

A king purchased him. Of course, he could do it — more and more money he offered at the auction. Many people were interested but finally a sum, larger than any that had ever been heard of before, was given to those four people. Diogenes said to them, “Are you happy now? You can leave now, and I will go with this slave.”

On the way to the palace as they were riding in the chariot, the king said to Diogenes, “Are you crazy or something? You think yourself a master? I am a king, and you think me a slave?”

Diogenes said, “Yes, and I am not crazy, but you are crazy. I can prove it right now.” At the back of the chariot was the queen. Diogenes said, “Your queen is already interested in me, she is finished with you. It is dangerous to purchase a master.”

The king was shocked. Of course, he was nothing in comparison to Diogenes. The king took out his sword and asked his queen, “What he is saying, is it true? If you say the truth, your life will be saved — that is my promise. But if you say an untruth, and I find it out later on, I will behead you.”

Fearful, afraid, still the queen said, “It is true. Before him, you are nothing. I am enchanted, allured; the man has some magic. You aare just a poor guy compared to him. This is the truth.”

Of course, the king stopped the chariot and told Diogenes, “Get out of the chariot. I set you free; I don't want to take such risks in my palace.”

Diogenes said, “Thank you. I am a man who cannot be made a slave, for the simple reason that every responsibility I take on myself. I have not left those four people feeling guilty — they did not bring me there, I came of my own accord. They must be feeling obliged. And it is your chariot, if you want me to get out, that is perfectly good. I am not accustomed to chariots at all, my legs are strong enough. I am a naked man, a golden chariot does not fit with me.”

From Awareness: The Courage to Be Yourself by Osho.

The post Diogenes and the King – A Spiritual Story by Osho appeared first on Spiritual Growth Events.