How Many Osho’s?
This is a letter we received from Shantam at FB Group-Osho commune International. Sannyasnews does not necessarily agree or disagree with the letter but we certainly feel his view should be aired.
Beloved Friends,
In 2003 Osho´s brother Shailandra (oshodhara.com) with his wife, and a mentor, started a tradition of using the prefix “Osho” with their names. Not just that, they started some certified course of Enlightenment, and at the end of it you get an enlightenment certificate and a new name, for example, Osho ABC, or Osho XYZ.
Such is the hurry and such is the greed of this company to make an enlightened product they treat it as if it was and is a breast enhancement surgery. Maybe the guys in this particular spiritual business can feel a bit happier with their “wi wi” by becoming Osho. It is all a question of feeling good, feeling useful and, naturally, to enjoy admiration with humility.
But in these past five years, one guy has even gone further! He calls himself “Osho Rajneesh.” Is there a limit to human debauchery? Are the people who claimed to have found their original face, so dumb that they cannot get a suitable name for their firm?
“Osho or Buddha”, is not a question of copy right or trade mark, it is question of aesthetic sense, a basic question of ethics. People in the reality shows do not simply become Elton John or Madonna by singing their songs. By reading a remarkable novel, ShantaRam, is it appropriate that I Shantam Prem start selling myself as shantaRam.
At least Osho’s brother, with his 100% Osho dress and beard, and the same genetic face can claim to be playing Osho on the theatre of life. But With his attire, this new Mr. Rajneesh looks more like a carbon copy of the carbon copy of Acharya Rajneesh or Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh.
Though personally, if I can suggest him a name, it would be “Hannah Montana Rajneesh.” This name really has much more global potential and fits very finely with his personality. Whatsoever his wish, I request him to show a bit of common sense and stop calling his made in China watch, The Rolex!
with love
Shantam
FB Group-Osho commune International