 Osho (Rajneesh) is clearly a 20th Century phenomenon. Osho is not a name; it is a term of respect used in Japan for spiritual guide. In his more famous, or should I say infamous, days he was known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Rajneesh owned 96 Rolls Royce automobiles at his big commune in Oregon. He had a fascinating background, well worth reading about (see the review below of his autobiography). Born in 1931, he claims to have reached enlightenment at the age of 21. He was incredibly brilliant, well read, and very eclectic in his teachings. His goal was to create a new breed of enlightened individuals in the model he christened "Zorba the Buddha." The term connoted the zest for life in the relative of Zorba the Greek, combined with the non-attachment of The Buddha. Although he was known in the popular press as "The Sex Guru", in fact his teachings were much more traditional. Osho was a brilliant and independent spirit, who insisted on experiencing the truth himself, rather than imbibing the truth from an outside source or teacher. I have enjoyed reading a number of his books. In fact, most of the books were really compilations from the tapes of his lectures. I think the place to begin is with his autobiography. After that, skim the small list we have included. A one sentence summary of his teaching is: "Life is a mystery to be lived, not a problem to be solved." 
$14.95PaperbackAutobiography of a Spiritually Incorrect MysticOshoOsho, (known as Rajneesh, when he and his followers started a gigantic commune in Oregon and when he owned 96 Rolls Royce’s) was a guru about whom I knew almost nothing until a trusted friend suggested I read this book. Although I was skeptical, I did like the title, so I read the book. It turned out to be one of the most enjoyable and illuminating books I have read in years. The title is quite apt. In many ways Osho reminded me of the stories of Gurdjieff, about whom I had read voraciously 30 years ago. The description of Osho’s early years, being brought up by his grandparents who gave him incredible freedom and treated him like a young prince in his small Indian village was fascinating and entertaining. His career as a scholar and a guru are very insightful. All in all, Osho was a remarkable being and I would think that any reader will feel enriched after reading this book. The following quote catches the essence of the man and his quest, "My interest has remained the same: to know what is the ultimate Truth, what is the meaning of life, why I am here and not anywhere else. And I was determined that unless I find the answer, I am not going to rest and I am not going to let anyone around me rest either." After I read this book I understood why he attracted to many followers, whom he called "sannyasins". I also regretted not having known about his power and presence when he was alive, because certainly I would have made an effort to see him. Review by Len Oppenheim. 
$21.95PaperbackMy Diamond Days with OshoMa Prem ShunyoA first person narrative of time spent with a master. This is my favorite genre. I love to see how the student views the master, and how the student changes throughout the process and to see how the view of the master progresses. This is written by a woman sanyassin, who has a real zest for life and a strong magnetic link to the spiritual. I liked this book because it felt totally honest and the author seemed to "let it all hang out." Many times one reads a first person narrative and gets the feeling the teller of the tale is very careful about what he or she included and excluded in order to make both the storyteller and the master appear only in the best light. This book hits hard with integrity. Born Sandra, and British by birth, this fascinating lady met Osho in 1976 and stayed with him until he passed on about 15 years later. She was clearly in the "inner circle," and it was her dharma to wash and iron his robes and perform other duties of personal service. The author really has a unique view of the action in and around Osho, and this story is a very natural follow-on if you have read Osho’s autobiography. Now you get a view of the same events from a different set of eyes and a different viewpoint. If you find Osho interesting, this is a "must read." Review by Len Oppenheim. 
$21.95PaperbackSecrets of YogaOshoA fascinating compilation derived from Osho’s lectures. Much of this book is devoted to Osho’s interpretation of The Yoga Sutra’s of Patanjali. In this book Osho uses many jokes and tales to illustrate his points. The book provides a very interesting perspective on how a modern and roguish mystic views the ancient teachings of one of the great Rishis of all time. Having practiced the TM Sidhi Program, as taught by Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, based on the teaching of Patanjali, I found it quite interesting to compare and contrast how these two very different 20th Century Masters interpret Patanjali. While Osho’s unique and incisive mind is capable of some very deep insights, the teachings of Maharishi, at least in my understanding and in practice, go much deeper than the teachings of Osho. However there is much wit and wisdom in this book, and I highly recommend it. Review by Len Oppenheim. 
$35.00HardcoverThe Book of SecretsOshoThis book by Osho is literally and figuratively "heavy." It is a hardbound volume of over 1000 pages. It is the "soup to nuts" compendium of Osho’s teachings. It is about life, death, and everything in between. It is both philosophical and practical, containing many techniques suggested to practice. If Osho had attained the widespread acceptance as one of the great teachers of the 20th Century, like Nisargadatta, this book would be the equivalent of I Am That. For the serious student of Yoga, Tantra, the metaphysical, and the occult, this is a giant feast that can be read slowly over a long period of time. Review by Len Oppenheim. 
$14.95PaperbackKali Yuga Odyssey: A Spiritual JourneyJT Ross JacksonIf you have any interest in personal anecdotes of being with Sai Baba, Swami Muktananda, Rajneesh, various healers, fortune tellers and other representatives of the mystical world, then I suggest you read Kali Yuga Odyssey by JT Ross. JT has a deep scientific background, having received a degree in Engineering Physics. This is a story of his personal quest, propelled by his deep curiosity for things of the spiritual realm. He begins his story with encounters with the renowned psychiatrist Stanislav Grof. With Grof the author has a powerful experience of elevated consciousness. This dramatic shift causes him to seek answers which lead him to encounters with many varied teachers and exponents of mysticism. His trips to ashrams in India and to various other power centers such as Findhorn in Scotland, makes this a welcome edition to any spiritual seeker’s library. My favorite sections were the ones in Muktananda’s ashram in India and the intense therapeutic session he encountered with devotees of Rajneesh (Osho). The writing can be a little dry at times, but the book does maintain one’s interest throughout. The author is currently one of the founders of Gaia Trust. The trust gives grants to over 80 ecological projects in 20 countries and has established a network of eco-villages. Review by Tony Kainauskas |
