Osho’s Birth Anniversary: What Famous People Said About the Mystic Who Redefined Modern Spirituality
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On December 11, the birth anniversary of Osho, interest once again turns to one of the most polarising and discussed spiritual figures to emerge from India in the 20th century. Born in 1931 in Madhya Pradesh as Chandra Mohan Jain, Osho’s rise—from a philosophy professor to a globally influential spiritual teacher—remains unprecedented in scale and impact.
Known variously as Acharya Rajneesh, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, and later Osho, he built a worldwide following with talks on meditation, consciousness, freedom, sexuality, politics, and the human mind. His ashrams in Pune and the United States drew thousands, while his books (over 650 titles) remain international bestsellers.
Yet, Osho was never just a guru. He was a sharp critic of organised religion, a challenger of social morality, and a thinker who invited both admiration and outrage. And despite the controversies that followed him, his influence continues to grow globally — a fact reflected in the tributes from world leaders, scholars and spiritual figures over the years.
What Famous People Said About Osho
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Dr. Manmohan Singh (Former Prime Minister of India)
“A great mystic, a great philosopher… Osho captured the essence of ancient wisdom, related it to contemporary needs, and became a powerful messenger of Indian thought.”
A statesman known for his restraint, Singh’s recognition underscores Osho’s intellectual depth rather than his headline-generating controversies.
The Dalai Lama
“Osho is an enlightened master who is working with all possibilities to help humanity overcome a difficult phase in developing consciousness.”
From one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the modern era, the acknowledgement is significant — and rare.
K. R. Narayanan (Former President of India)
“Enlightened people like Osho are ahead of their times. It is good that more and more young people are now reading his works.”
In the decades since this statement, Osho has become one of the most searched spiritual figures among global youth.
Kazuyoshi Kino (Japanese Buddhist Scholar)
“Osho is the rarest and most talented religionist of this century. His interpretations are saturated with the truth of Buddhism.”
Osho’s discourses on Buddha and Zen continue to be considered some of the most incisive modern interpretations.
Lama Karmapa
“He is the greatest incarnation after Buddha in India. He is a living Buddha.”
One of the most striking endorsements from a spiritual lineage known for caution in offering such labels.
Rev. Cain
“I have never heard anyone so beautifully dissolve psychological problems that have sapped human energies for generations.”
Osho was among the first modern gurus to merge meditation with therapeutic and psychological insights.
R. E. Gussner (Scholar)
“The Upanishads talk about ultimate wisdom; Osho tells you how to live it.”
A straightforward summation of Osho’s appeal: practical, contemporary, relatable.
Why Osho Still Matters — 34 Years After His Death
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Growing influence among young readers
Osho’s books are among the most downloaded spiritual titles on digital platforms globally.
Meditation revolution
Dynamic Meditation, Kundalini Meditation, and dozens of his techniques are used in wellness centres worldwide.
A globalised spiritual brand
The Osho Meditation Resort in Pune remains one of the world’s largest meditation hubs, drawing international visitors year-round.
Presence in academic discussions
Universities studying modern spirituality frequently cite Osho for his contribution to humanistic psychology and meditative science.
Digital rediscovery
Short video clips of his talks trend regularly across YouTube, Instagram, X and TikTok, introducing him to new audiences.
A Figure Who Defied Labels
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Osho’s life continues to invite debate. Supporters call him a radical visionary; critics point to controversies surrounding his time in the US. But neither fully explains why his ideas continue to find new listeners three decades later.
Perhaps it is because Osho refused to offer easy answers. He encouraged questioning — of tradition, authority, morality, and even himself. At a time when millions are seeking clarity amid noise, his blunt, humorous, and psychologically sharp insights feel unexpectedly relevant.
Our Thoughts
Osho remains one of India’s most influential and internationally recognised thinkers — not because he fit into a tradition, but because he dismantled every tradition he encountered. His birth anniversary is a reminder of a figure who challenged comfort zones, provoked uncomfortable conversations, and compelled generations to rethink the way they understood spirituality, freedom and the human mind.
Whether one agrees with him or not, Osho remains impossible to ignore — and perhaps that is why, decades after his passing, he continues to surface at the centre of global cultural and intellectual discourse.