By Sivasankar Venkatakrishnan (oshovenkat)
At the age of 20, I started asking myself a deep question: “Who am I?” That was the beginning of my search. I began reading many Indian spiritual and philosophical books, and my first inspiration was Swami Vivekananda. His fire gave me courage, and Mahatma Gandhi’s life shaped my thoughts on simplicity and truth.
But after 2001, something special happened. From my father’s book collection, I found one book of Bhagwan Rajneesh (Osho) — Dhammapadham, Tamil version. That book touched me deeply. Slowly, I started searching for more of Osho’s books, both in Tamil and English. His words opened new doors in my mind, and soon I was speaking about him to everyone I met.
During that time, one of my respected colleagues began calling me “Osho Venkat.” I accepted the name happily, because I was so attached to Osho’s philosophy then.
Of course, I didn’t agree with everything. Especially his thoughts on sex and marriage — there I had contradictions. Being born and brought up in Tamil culture, my DNA always believed in marriage and family life. I also strongly believe in single love throughout life. Yes, we may feel attracted to others, but real connection, real physical contact, must come only through the inner soul with one’s partner.
Even though I had different views, I never rejected Osho. I still allowed people to call me Osho Venkat, because the inspiration he gave me was beyond these differences.
When I was around 25, many friends and relatives would tease me, saying, “Osho is just a sex guru.” I never argued back. I simply stayed silent, because I knew who he was and what his philosophy truly meant to me.
Now, even at 48, after so many life experiences and reading countless philosophical books, I still love to talk about him.
For me, Osho is not just my spiritual guru or my life philosopher. He is a mirror who made me look deep inside myself.