08/01/2026
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🌹 || The Joy of Retirement ||
~ Amrit Sadhana
Everyone is anxious about the prospect of retirement at the end of their careers.
The potential emptiness that comes after leaving a job creates fear. They feel they are no longer valuable.
But, unfortunately, the concept of retirement has taken on a negative connotation.
Leisure is not at the end of life, but in every moment; we don't pay attention to it, so we don't see it.
You will be surprised to hear the words of the Chinese sage Lao Tzu.
Lao Tzu said: "When your work is done, retire; this is the way to heaven."
He means that after completing each task, you should take a mental break.
Retirement has nothing to do with old age or weakness.
Retirement doesn't happen at the end of life; it happens every day, every moment.
For example, you made a cup of tea, after drinking it, retire.
One task is finished, and a new one hasn't started, so enjoy that interval before starting the next; don't immediately think about it.
In fact, the mind is afraid of emptiness, so it always keeps itself busy, but this emptiness is very fruitful.
It generates creative energy for the next task. Osho explains this beautifully:
"When you see that a task has given you balance, that you have attained happiness, don't ask for more. Retire, take a little break, enjoy it.
The mind always asks for more. Such a mind is hell."
In this sense, retirement or leisure can be the enjoyment, the rest, between two tasks. Just as we eat food and also digest it. Digestion takes a long time.
The same is the mathematics of work and rest.
The second dimension is upward.
Consciousness always moves in an upward direction.
After completing a project, take a step back and take stock. Be satisfied with your creativity.
Extract the essence of what you have learned in that work, and add it to your consciousness.
After every experience, you will rise higher.
This will also help you avoid becoming attached to your creations.
You have created something beautiful; now let go of your hold.
A clinging mind can never truly retire.
Working in this way will give you a profound sense of balance and peace. This will be your treasure.
At the end of your life, when you retire, your life will be filled with these gems, and you will not feel sad or neglected.
Translation of Hindi article published in Hindustan, 6 Jan, 2025
#ओशो #अमृतसाधना
