Is Osho the man from the documentary on Netflix? Didn’t he have a cult like following and made a bunch of millions off his followers? I love what you highlighted in this piece just curious if it’s the same person?
“When Rajneeshis misbehave, the media and the public blame Rajneesh (aka Osho). They can’t understand that he doesn’t control them, has, in fact, no intention of ever trying to control them. The very notion of hierarchical control is antithetical to his teachings.
When Bhagwan learns of vile and stupid things done in his name, he only shakes his head and says, “I know they’re crazy, but they have to go through it.” That degree of freedom, that depth of tolerance, is as incomprehensible to the liberal hipster as it is to the rigid square. And yet, as an outsider who’s been moved, impressed, and entertained by the manner in which Bhagwan has put the fun back in profundity, I know it’s a level of wisdom that we simply must attain if we’re to climb out of the insufferable mess we, the most aggressive of primates, with our hunger for order and our thirst for power, have made of this splendid world.”
From Wild Ducks Flying Backward: The Short Writings of Tom Robbins
Thanks for sharing that Brian. I will have to rewatch the documentary. I do remember a woman saying at the end, no matter what people think of us we built a community and lived depending only on ourselves (paraphrasing) and I thought that was pretty cool.
If I remember correctly, that doc doesn’t cover much if any of his ideas, it focuses on the drama created by his followers. In my opinion, it’s much better to explore his work and make up your own mind about him.
I understand now why I never followed a guru when I was practicing/teaching yoga.
I really appreciate your perspective on life, Brian! 🤗 The rebel in me,, sees and honors the rebel in you! 😉
Love this Martine
Is Osho the man from the documentary on Netflix? Didn’t he have a cult like following and made a bunch of millions off his followers? I love what you highlighted in this piece just curious if it’s the same person?
“When Rajneeshis misbehave, the media and the public blame Rajneesh (aka Osho). They can’t understand that he doesn’t control them, has, in fact, no intention of ever trying to control them. The very notion of hierarchical control is antithetical to his teachings.
When Bhagwan learns of vile and stupid things done in his name, he only shakes his head and says, “I know they’re crazy, but they have to go through it.” That degree of freedom, that depth of tolerance, is as incomprehensible to the liberal hipster as it is to the rigid square. And yet, as an outsider who’s been moved, impressed, and entertained by the manner in which Bhagwan has put the fun back in profundity, I know it’s a level of wisdom that we simply must attain if we’re to climb out of the insufferable mess we, the most aggressive of primates, with our hunger for order and our thirst for power, have made of this splendid world.”
From Wild Ducks Flying Backward: The Short Writings of Tom Robbins
Thanks for sharing that Brian. I will have to rewatch the documentary. I do remember a woman saying at the end, no matter what people think of us we built a community and lived depending only on ourselves (paraphrasing) and I thought that was pretty cool.
If I remember correctly, that doc doesn’t cover much if any of his ideas, it focuses on the drama created by his followers. In my opinion, it’s much better to explore his work and make up your own mind about him.