The enigma called Osho continues to amaze and interest numerous people even to this day. The power this man contained in his speech, thoughts, aura was such that governments in more than 40 countries denied him permission in spite of not being guilty of any crime (some say he was arrested for immigration and visa irregularities). So much so that the US government imprisoned and deported him when they came to know that the heroes of the American society -- CEOs, MDs, Government officials and also people from almost every walk of life were following this godman from India.
Rajneeshpuram in Oregon, US was a model town of civic participation and sustainable development and an eloquent testimony of what a people committed to a common cause based on faith can achieve in a matter of months. The neighbouring communities though harboured prejudice and animosity, which is typical of any group of people feeling intimidated by foreign ideas; specially if those ideas are as foreign and even more radical than the one floating around during those times .
But what stands out from the outset is that from the his birth to the last moment of his life, Osho never acceded to or acquiesced his way to conform the prevalent norms and notions of the society, in whichever place on the planet. Right from the politicians to bureaucrats and from police to self-professed guardians of morality -- he has been polished by the persecution from all quarters of society.
What one can admire about him, regardless of if one agrees with his teaching or not, is that he had a sense of originality and brilliance which was so radical and out-of-this world that that couldn't invite anything but wrath, critique, censure and opposition.
So let's see what exactly was the essence of his philosophy, which he loved to call 'philosia' instead of philosophy.
Firstly, he put the entire foundation of the modern thinking on it's head and began to question the practices and the ways of the world. He did so by arguing cogently and persuasively. Thus, when it came to argument there was no doubt who would have his way.
Secondly, his views on certain issues most sacred and vulnerable to sensibilities made him an easy object of hatred and a soft target of many a religious and private organisations. In fact on one occasion, during the convention of the Second World Hindu Conference, his very presence incensed the leaders of the Hindu community with outcry of expelling him from the conference.
Thirdly, his explicit display of wealth, opulence and symbols of luxury led him to being a ready target of the impoverished and thrifty countrymen in the 60's until 80's. He was unabashed in advocating money and wealth as being an essential part in leading a fulfilling life. He also stated at one point in time that life is full of abundance, and that he hated poverty and misery.
Fourthly, his views to have a society more freer and open to sexuality in all forms formed the basis of many of his opposition and which over a period of time got him labeled as a 'sex-guru'. His discourses and discussions at the Osho Commune, Pune because a hotbed of controversy with stories of nude westerners inhabiting the Commune doing the rounds.For a conservative society like India, this was too much to take, so the opposition is quite understandable.
The book 'Osho: A Luminous Rebel' authored by his disciple Dr.Vasamt Joshi, is a wonderful and an interesting account of Osho's life and a good way to get a glimpse into his anything but ordinary life.
People have the tendency to classify Osho's teaching depending on what they're most interested in and what they desire most -- sexuality, power, money, opulence, indulgence etc.
In the final analysis one can say that if considered a rebel there wasn't anyone quite like him in the theological space of the past 200 years if not more; and if considered an original thinker, none could compare to him in his stature as a prolific and a stimulative orator and a mastermind.
Rajneeshpuram in Oregon, US was a model town of civic participation and sustainable development and an eloquent testimony of what a people committed to a common cause based on faith can achieve in a matter of months. The neighbouring communities though harboured prejudice and animosity, which is typical of any group of people feeling intimidated by foreign ideas; specially if those ideas are as foreign and even more radical than the one floating around during those times .
But what stands out from the outset is that from the his birth to the last moment of his life, Osho never acceded to or acquiesced his way to conform the prevalent norms and notions of the society, in whichever place on the planet. Right from the politicians to bureaucrats and from police to self-professed guardians of morality -- he has been polished by the persecution from all quarters of society.
What one can admire about him, regardless of if one agrees with his teaching or not, is that he had a sense of originality and brilliance which was so radical and out-of-this world that that couldn't invite anything but wrath, critique, censure and opposition.
So let's see what exactly was the essence of his philosophy, which he loved to call 'philosia' instead of philosophy.
Firstly, he put the entire foundation of the modern thinking on it's head and began to question the practices and the ways of the world. He did so by arguing cogently and persuasively. Thus, when it came to argument there was no doubt who would have his way.
Secondly, his views on certain issues most sacred and vulnerable to sensibilities made him an easy object of hatred and a soft target of many a religious and private organisations. In fact on one occasion, during the convention of the Second World Hindu Conference, his very presence incensed the leaders of the Hindu community with outcry of expelling him from the conference.
Thirdly, his explicit display of wealth, opulence and symbols of luxury led him to being a ready target of the impoverished and thrifty countrymen in the 60's until 80's. He was unabashed in advocating money and wealth as being an essential part in leading a fulfilling life. He also stated at one point in time that life is full of abundance, and that he hated poverty and misery.
Fourthly, his views to have a society more freer and open to sexuality in all forms formed the basis of many of his opposition and which over a period of time got him labeled as a 'sex-guru'. His discourses and discussions at the Osho Commune, Pune because a hotbed of controversy with stories of nude westerners inhabiting the Commune doing the rounds.For a conservative society like India, this was too much to take, so the opposition is quite understandable.
The book 'Osho: A Luminous Rebel' authored by his disciple Dr.Vasamt Joshi, is a wonderful and an interesting account of Osho's life and a good way to get a glimpse into his anything but ordinary life.
People have the tendency to classify Osho's teaching depending on what they're most interested in and what they desire most -- sexuality, power, money, opulence, indulgence etc.
In the final analysis one can say that if considered a rebel there wasn't anyone quite like him in the theological space of the past 200 years if not more; and if considered an original thinker, none could compare to him in his stature as a prolific and a stimulative orator and a mastermind.
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