Osho, also known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, was an Indian mystic and spiritual teacher who achieved international fame and notoriety for his teachings on meditation, mindfulness and spirituality. He was born on December 11, 1931 in Kuchwada, India and died on January 19, 1990 in Pune, India.
Osho began his spiritual journey at a young age, studying philosophy and theology at Jabalpur University. After completing his education, he traveled extensively throughout India, studying various spiritual traditions and gaining a deep understanding of Eastern philosophy and mysticism.
In the 1970s, Osho gained a following in the West, drawn to his unconventional teachings and approach to spirituality. He established an Ashram in Pune, India, where he welcomed thousands of followers from around the world.
Osho’s teachings emphasized the importance of living in the present moment, cultivating inner peace and accepting one’s true nature. He encouraged his followers to let go of the past and future and focus on the present moment as the key to true happiness and fulfillment.
Despite the conflict around his teaching and lifestyle, Osho’s influence grew during the 1980s. He became known as the “guru of the rich and famous” and many celebrities and dignitaries sought his counsel. Osho’s success is due to his unique approach to spirituality, charismatic personality and ability to connect with people from all walks of life. His teachings continue to inspire millions of people around the world, and his legacy lives on through the many books, videos, and recordings of his speeches that are still widely available.
Although Osho’s life was not without challenges and conflicts, his impact on the world of spirituality and personal growth cannot be denied. He remains a beloved and influential figure to this day, and his teachings inspire people to live more consciously, authentically, and joyfully.
Timeline of Osho’s life:
- 1931: Osho is born in Kuchwada, India.
- 1957: Osho graduates from the University of Jabalpur with a degree in philosophy and begins traveling throughout India, studying various spiritual traditions.
- 1966: Osho begins giving public talks on spirituality and meditation, attracting a small following of devotees.
- 1970: Osho establishes an ashram in Pune, India, which becomes a center for his teachings and attracts thousands of Westerners seeking spiritual guidance.
- 1974: Osho introduces his unique form of meditation called Dynamic Meditation, which involves physical movement and breathing exercises.
- 1981: Osho begins a series of “world tours,” traveling to the United States, Europe, and Australia to share his teachings with a global audience.
- 1984: Osho’s ashram is raided by Indian authorities, leading to his arrest and imprisonment on charges of immigration fraud.
- 1985: Osho is released from prison and returns to his ashram in Pune.
- 1989: Osho’s health begins to decline, and he retires from public life.
- 1990: Osho passes away on January 19, 1990, in Pune, India.
Note: This timeline is not exhaustive and may not include all significant events from Osho’s life.
Here are 5 interesting facts about Osho and 5 quotes from him:
Interesting Facts:
- Osho was known for his unconventional approach to spirituality and often challenged traditional religious and societal norms.
- He was a prolific writer, with over 600 books and audio recordings of his talks published and translated into numerous languages.
- Osho was a controversial figure, with his teachings and lifestyle often drawing criticism and scrutiny from the media and the public.
- He believed in the importance of physical health and fitness, and his teachings included a focus on yoga, dance, and other forms of movement.
- Osho’s followers came from all walks of life, including artists, intellectuals, and celebrities such as George Harrison and Madonna.
Quotes:
- “Be realistic: Plan for a miracle.”
- “The only way to live is to accept each moment as an unrepeatable miracle.”
- “The capacity to be alone is the capacity to love. It may look paradoxical to you, but it is not. It is an existential truth: only those people who are capable of being alone are capable of love, of sharing, of going into the deepest core of another person–without possessing the other, without becoming dependent on the other, without reducing the other to a thing, and without becoming addicted to the other.”
- “Drop the idea of becoming someone, because you are already a masterpiece. You cannot be improved. You have only to come to it, to know it, to realize it.”
- “Experience life in all possible ways — good-bad, bitter-sweet, dark-light, summer-winter. Experience all the dualities. Don’t be afraid of experience, because the more experience you have, the more mature you become.”
