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Aug 16, 2013

Difference between Philosophy and Religion

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Philosophy arises out of Wonder and Religion arises out of awe-- Osho.

This single line statement triggered me to explore a little deeper.

First thought which came to my mind : Hey, "Wonder and Awe are synonyms". Is Master Osho playing with words and fooling?

Reference: http://the-


Second thought : Lets gather some understanding on words "wonder" and "awe" then dig deeper on their relation with Philosophy and Religion respectively.


noun: [- mass noun] a feeling of amazement and admiration, caused by something beautiful, remarkable, or unfamiliar

verb: desire to know something; feel curious:


noun: a feeling of reverential respect mixed with fear or wonder:

verb: inspire with 



Third thought: Well, i got some understanding on the words, if not perfect understanding. Now lets see what the Master {I mean Osho}  further explains about Wonder and Philosophy.

When you are full of wonder, we start trying to find a clue. How can we find the reasoning/solution which demistify the wonder.

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Wonder will create a question mark in one's self and it starts bothering. Its funny that Philosophy arises out of wonder, then it tries to find an explanation so the wonder can be dropped. A philosopher continuously busy on finding the solution for the question which wonder created. In a nutshell Philosophy is against wonder though it orginally arises out of it.

Hmm.. Ok. Iam satisfied with his explanation though may not re-explain the entire context like Master to other person. Iam fully aware and grounded that still Iam SSS {Silly, Stupid Seeker}


Fourth thought: Now lets explore what Master says about the relation between Religion and Awe with a Philosopher mindset :)

Religion arises out of awe {Here Master meant Awe=Wonder  with "one different quality"} {For my own understanding: Like Ice-Cream but now with different flavour}.  

Features of this "one different quality":

  • This quality will not create questions in one's mind.
  • Rather, it creates deep love.
  • Creates deep gratitude.
  • Creates humbleness.
  • Create a perfect state of consciousness
  • Develops an understanding that its not a question to be solved but a mystery to be respected. 

Awesome... What an explanation by Master.

Fifth thought:In various scriptures and history books, I noticed philosophers talk like religious persons and vice versa. How is that possible if both are in opposite directions. Does Master has answer for that? {You see, my philosophical mindset still dominating... :)}

Now Master gave a Knock-Out Punch..Here it is in the next lines.

Though Religion and Philosphy paths look like going in an opposite direction, there is hidden catch.

"Wonder becomes awe when it does not create a question mark in you"  ==> At this stage, Philosopher  behaves like Religious person 

"Awe becomes wonder if it creates a question mark in you" ==> At this stage, a Religious person behaves like Philosopher.



Sixth Thought: Why cant i put all my 5 thoughts and write a blog at ST and press "Publish Now"








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