Ask Osho!

What is the contradiction in Osho's views on the Ramayana and Valmiki's attainment of Buddhahood?

Synthesized from Source definition

"Enlightenment transcends the written word; it is the innocent heart that truly knows, while the scholars may distort the truth with their interpretations."

Core Insight:
According to Osho, there’s no real contradiction: Valmiki (Balya the Bhil) attained Buddhahood by innocently chanting “mara, mara,” but precisely because he was unlettered—and because enlightened ones speak rather than write—the Ramayana was likely composed by later Brahmin scholars and attributed to him. Therefore Osho can revere Valmiki’s enlightenment while freely challenging flaws or “rubbish” inserted into the Rama–Sita story by subsequent compilers.
Osho says Valmiki became enlightened but didn’t write the Ramayana; later scholars did and used his name, so criticizing the book isn’t criticizing Valmiki.
Why this matters practically
- Helps separate a mystic’s realization from later scriptures, avoiding blind reverence.
- Encourages critical reading: honor the sage, question the text.
- Prevents moral confusion by rejecting harmful or outdated passages regardless of attribution.
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