Zen : Its History and Teachings

This book is part of a collection of 4 books that has been mass published and is widely available in local Retail book stores. I have mixed feelings about because this because it is an attempt for him to become more mainstream. That could be good, could be bad. To me his mind is the greatest ever to have synthesized 4 major religions; Bhuddism, Taoism, Zen and Tantra (to name a few). I have all 4 books of this edition, to include over 40-50 other hardcovers and 20-30 softcovers. I may never read them all....but I justify them because; I consider 10 percent church gross tithing to be astronimically more than what I've will ever spent on his books. In that regard, I don't think that I am a nutcase. This series, like many that are of late, to my knowledge, is not a unique production. They are extrapolations of speeches from earlier books fused together by members of his present day commune. In other words, some of his verbage is word for word verbatim, other parts are possibly fabricated together by Osho literature experts. The end result is the same, a book filled with beatuiful ideas. Osho's literature, along with Ghandi, are the only 2 deists who have had libraries dedicated to them in the Indian Parliament. If you are not well versed on Osho, this just gives you an idea of how tremendous his ideas and principles are and what you have been missing. I am not pro-Ghandi by any means, but you can argue that Osho's voice could be considered to be the greatest to have ever come out of India. Much like Einstein is the Gold standard; and considered to be the greatest mind in science to have come out of Europe. My question is........Are Osho's ideas greater than the Gita? JC? Bhudda? Muhammad? I don't believe Osho came up with original thoughts, he just stood on the shoulder's of giants like Einstein; and synthesized them. I am aware that its considered irreverent and overtly sacrilideous by outer circles to remotely assert so much credibility, but if you consider him to be the existentialist's existentialist; please judge for yourself. There, I said it. Have I gone out on a Shirley McClain limb???? I know it makes me look like a Kool Aid drinker, but his literature is very simple and empowering. It would take a staff of Univ Professors to accumulate and synthesize the knowledge that he has. For the life of me, I don't understand how Osho's literature does not overshadow his Antelope Ashram fiasco. But, then Nietzsche's reference to the masses and the marketplace falls into play. The reason why I have so many of Osho's books is that in future years someone is going to bring attention to his teachings and methods and the books will sky rocket in value. Like a 1959 Gibson Les Paul. Some original thoughts that Osho came up with were originally bad. Like driving on the wrong side of the road, and other nabs which were intended to force people to think. Acting on Nostrodamus, Ashram birth control, Nitrous Oxide/Valium and hiring Sheela. But those m

If you don't have it, get it. If you have it, get another one for a friend.

Books on Zen have a reputation for being difficult, and so-called popular books on Zen usually devolve into amorphous New Age-isms. Osho's book is a delightful exception, providing a brief history of Zen's evolution from Buddhism as well as the key ideas that will guide you as you surrender to the principles that are Zen. I especially appreciated Osho's blunt talk mixed with witty humor. (The book is based on excerpts of some of Osho's public addresses.) I've read many books about Zen, but only Osho's comes across as a conversation with a truly vibrant and caring guide.