Indeed, in this case, his is a view that many (including me) would share, this apparent ‘copying’ of Osho’s way of being (even of his very appearance in one or two cases), inevitably sounding alarm bells in well-tuned ‘bullshine detectors’ in spiritual circles (although, seemingly not so much in India?).

However sincere such people are, however helpful they might be to fellow-travellers, there’s an inevitable aura of ‘something not quite right’ about them, something fundamentally un-realised, inauthentic, therefore ultimately rather mediocre, even implying, despite best intentions, a sort of ‘watered down’ version of sannyas rather than ‘the real thing’.

In fact, I’m reminded of the recent relevant quotes here from Osho, where, directly responding to Narendra, quoting his (Osho’s) own experience, he addresses the difference between how a person is before and after enlightenment, pointing out the significance of hindsight (itself a form of personal emotional bias).

I can understand those who, like Chetna and Swaram, were close to the dead person and revered him, being ‘upset’ at such criticism, but their very personal concerns have no bearing whatsoever on whether the remarks in question are true or not. And frankly, few things are less trustworthy than comments that are made amidst an outpouring of grief.

Oshonews, I check simply for their Voyage column. That is really a unique effort to remember those human beings who made Osho a master out of Acharya.

Without disciples, master is like a tree without leaves. Maybe an author.

You don’t know me, Chetna, nor I you, so I think such a sweeping generalisation ( you say, “that you have little love in you at the moment”) lacks maturity. It’s what is called, in the psychological literature, a rush to judgement in the face of feeling vulnerable.

You also accuse me of bitterness. Where on earth does this come from?

If you research my posts over the years properly you will see criticism of all those you mention. Because one side is wrong does not mean the other side is right. Often in, for example, scientific debate, it turns out both sides are wrong, but a synthesis occurs, taking the best of both, to produce a viable and testable theory. Are you capable of this understanding?

What is important is that no one should be immune from criticism.

Why do you think the SN MOD lets your posts go through which criticise me or the SN collective, for example? Where is the space for your views, for example, on Osho News which is too scared to run even a moderated blog?

And other point which is quite important:
Can you imagine, life in Pune 2 was a different game than in Rajneeshpuram or Pune one?

Even in a one city, clothes of July look out of synchronicity during December.

Love,

Shantam

Narendra lived around Osho as much as possible, and even made it to Rajneeshpuram.

He left Pune within nine months of Osho’s death to start what most people would describe as his own organisation. Nothing at all wrong with that either if that is what he wanted to do.

Most people would describe him as taking on the role of a guru, and his gestures etc. were copies of Osho’s – and as I have pointed out, he was and is not alone in so doing. In fact, to me it is almost boring the number of those who seem to like to imitate the Master.

I knew Osho and lived with him. I do know he hated imitators.

I have the same mala as Narendra, and knew in passing most of those old Indian swamis in Pune one.

I also posted a long answer that Osho gave to Narendra, which was respectful, but pointed out an error in Narendra’s perception around enlightenment.

And I wonder how many in the communes pouring out “love and laughter” for the dead man actually knew him from personal experience? Or are those for whom he was essentially a ‘stranger’ simply joining a good old sentimental sannyasin bandwagon?

Even those like yourself, whose sincerity is not in question, might find their present emotional state could possibly obscure a clear view of the man, the ‘bigger picture’.

I used to get very emotional whenever I read news of a long-time sannyasin leaving body even though I do not know them personally.

As the understanding about life and death gets deeper, I do not feel that emotion any longer.

Death is the biggest lie!