Introduction to Sannyas

On this website, you will find a selection of quotes from Osho on Sannyas, and you will also be able to see how OSHO Sannyas has developed over the years.

Now, sannyas is available to anyone who chooses to make the decision “to live life in its totality, but with an absolute condition, categorical condition: and that condition is awareness, meditation,” as Osho describes sannyas. They can now do so without the involvement of anyone else. This respects the individual and his or her freedom and choice: “It is your decision. Always remember, whatsoever happens here is your decision. If you are a sannyasin, it is your decision. If you drop sannyas, it is your decision. If you take it again, it is your decision. I leave everything to you.”

As Osho describes it, “The sannyas movement simply means the movement of the seekers of truth.” And that, “A movement is a flux; that's the meaning of movement – it is moving, it is growing.” As part of that movement, and out of respect for Osho’s efforts - “I have been working hard to abandon everything that is outer, so that only the inner remains for you to explore” - we are making this process as simple and individual as possible. In this context, Osho points out, “Their meditation is their own personal affair.” And that, “But it is going to be individual, alone. He will be responsible himself. It is not going to be a collectivity, a congregation.”

And finally, as Osho also explains:

“The sannyas movement is not mine. It is not yours. It was here when I was not here. It will be here when I will not be here. The sannyas movement simply means the movement of the seekers of truth. They have always been here.”
If you are such a seeker, you can now go ahead and complete the process of confirming for yourself that you are indeed a sannyasin – without anyone else’s assistance.”