As the vibrant colors of Holi 2026 settle in, LiveMint’s quote for the day serves as a spiritual “deep clean” for our social biases.
Osho, the spiritual leader, questions the ego’s need to rank people on a vertical ladder and suggests that existence itself is a horizontal celebration where every “part” is equal.
“There is no one who is superior and no one who is inferior in existence. The festival of Holi is a reminder that we are all one,” Osho said.
As such, Osho offers a much-needed reset to our baseline of human connection in an era of hyper-individualism and social benchmarking.
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What does this mean
When Osho said that there is no superior or inferior, he attacked the very basis of the human ego, which survives on comparison – it needs someone to look up to (to support ambition or envy) and someone to look down on (to support security).
Osho suggested that “existence” (the universe) does not recognize these human-made levels. A tree is not “better” than a stone; A CEO is no “more” than a barista in the eyes of the universe.
The mention of Holi is a metaphor for this – once everyone is covered in pigment, the outward signs of status disappear and only the raw, joyous essence of being remains. It is a call to move from a “climbing” mindset to a “dancing” one.
How to apply it today
Today we can use Osho’s quote in the following ways:
Grayscale audit: During your work day, notice when you categorize someone as “more important” than you. Mentally “spray” them with Holi colors to take off their suit or title. Talk to the person behind the mask.
Throw away the comparison trap: When browsing social media, remember that “superiority” is a marketing myth. No one’s “best life” makes them more existentially valuable than you in your “worst moment.”
Practice radical inclusivity: Engage in one conversation today with someone outside of your “usual” social circle. Approach it with the curiosity of someone who believes that this person has an equal share in the wisdom of the universe.
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Where does it come from?
This view stems from Osho’s extensive discourses on communal living and the philosophy of “Zorba Buddha” – the idea that one should be as grounded and celebratory as the Greek (Zorba) and as quiet and enlightened as the Buddha.
While the specific attribution comes from his lectures on the significance of Indian holidays, the sentiment is a recurring beat in his works from the 1970s and 1980s.
He often used the chaotic, egalitarian nature of Holi to illustrate how “seriousness” is a disease of the ego, while “sincerity” and playfulness are the marks of a truly conscious person.
About Holi
Holi, or the ‘Festival of Colours’, is one of India’s most vibrant holidays, marking the arrival of spring and the victory of good over evil.
The celebration begins with a ritual bonfire (Holika Dahan) to burn away negativity, followed by a day of pure, chaotic joy. People smear gulals on friends and strangers alike and share sweets like gujiya.
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About Osh
Born Chandra Mohan Jain in India, Osho (1931–1990) remains one of the most controversial and charismatic spiritual figures of the 20th century. Known as the “Rebel Mystic,” he built a global following by blending Western psychotherapy with Eastern meditation.
His philosophy was a radical departure from traditional asceticism; he taught that enlightenment can be found through celebration, creativity, and even material success, rather than just poverty and silence.
His “Oregon Experiment” in the 1980s – the creation of the city of Rajneeshpuram – sparked legal and political battles that eventually led to his deportation from the US.
Despite heavy controversy surrounding the leadership of his commune, his core teachings of mindfulness, ego transcendence, and personal freedom continue to influence millions.
He left behind a legacy of thousands of taped interviews that challenge every “holy cow” in society and encourage the individual to find their own truth rather than follow a borrowed truth.
