Osho explained that the meaning of his name is taken from William James’ word ‘Oceanic’ which means to unite, to disappear into the ocean (consciously). “Oceanic describes the experience” he said, then he asked “but what about the experience?”
Therefore, we use the word ‘Osho’.
It is impossible to categorize Osho’s teachings. It encompasses the entire world, from the individual search for meaning to the burning social and political issues facing human society today.
His books were not written, they were transcribed from audio and video recordings of conversations before international audiences of thousands of people over a period of thirty-five years. Today they have sold more than 6 million books a year and are his books are translated into more than 54 languages. With tens of millions of views on YouTube and increasing exposure on social networks, it is clear to everyone that his message is only spreading all the time and reaching more and more people.
Osho is considered by many to be the groundbreaking spiritual teacher, and the greatest influence of the 20th century, many who were inspired by him saw him as a teacher who was ahead of his time and as one who was able to make accessible the eternal wisdom of the East to modern man. He lay a significant part of the foundations for the spiritual flourishing that the world has experienced in the last decades.
He was described by The Times of London as one of “the thousand men who shaped the face of the twentieth century” and by the renowned American author Tom Robbins as “the most dangerous man since Christ.” (dangerous in a positive way). The Dalai Lama of Tibet said “Osho is an enlightened master who works with all possibilities to help humanity overcome a difficult chapter in the development of consciousness”.
In relations to his work Osho himself said; he creates the conditions for the birth of a new type of person. He often characterized this new man as “Zorba the Buddha” – a man who could combine the worldly pleasures of the Greek Zorba with the spiritual calm of Gautam Buddha.
Between all the different aspects of his work runs as a connecting thread; a vision that unites the eternal wisdom of the East with the high potential of Western science and technology.
Osho is also known for his contribution to the science of internal transformation through an approach to meditation that recognizes the accelerated pace of modern life. His unique “active meditations” are designed to first release the pressures that have accumulated in the body and mind, to make it easier for the meditator to experience the calm and thoughtless state of meditation.
Osho passed on on January 19, 1990. A few weeks before when he was asked what would happen to his work after he was gone, he said:
“My belief in existence is absolute. If there is any truth in what I say, it will survive the people who remain interested in my work, it will carry the torch, but without imposing anything on anyone.”
“I will remain a source of inspiration for people, and that is what most of the sannyasins will feel. I want them to grow as individuals and develop qualities like love, in which no temple can be formed.”
“Awareness, which is something no one can manipulate. Celebration, joy and wonder seen in the eyes of a child. I want my people to know themselves, and not live according to someone else, and the way is to look inside”
On his tombstone he asked that it be written as follows:
Osho
Never Born, Never Died
Just Visited this Earth
Between December 11 1931
To 19th January 1990
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