What is the reason for the enduring legacy of Maryada Purushottam Ram despite his lack of rebellion?

Osho, You have said that Maryada Purushottam Ram was not religious, because nowhere in his life does a spark of rebellion appear. Then what is the reason that his name has lived for thousands of years and has become synonymous with God?

Understand these three words clearly: - A villain (durjan) is one who goes against society’s values. - A gentleman (sajjan) is one who goes along with society’s values. - A saint (sant) is one who neither goes with nor against; he lives by his inner inspiration. Sometimes that inner inspiration will come out against, sometimes alongside—this is secondary. If it comes out against, so be it; if alongside, so be it. But Ram is a strict line-walker. He walks the beaten track. He places each step with caution. He tiptoes. A washerman says a word…and is the washerman’s word to count for so much?…and Sita is thrown out! As if an excuse were being sought! As if the words were put into the washerman’s mouth by himself! If one man’s remark can cause so much panic, then what of the fire-ordeal Sita had already undergone? Even that became useless! And…

Osho, are you in the same category as Ram, Krishna, Buddha, Mahavira, Jesus, and Mohammed? Please dispel my doubts.

This whole world is a great stage where many dramas are running. Behind the onstage roles is one single essence—one paramatma. The same essence at times stands holding the bow in Ram, at times plays the flute in Krishna, at times sits in silent meditation in Buddha, at times practices naked austerity in Mahavira, at times hangs on the cross in Jesus, at times takes the sword in hand with Mohammed to “defend the religion.” But all of it is play—roles. If you divide into categories, each person is a category unto himself. And you say: “Please dispel my doubts.” How can I dispel your doubts? Become free of mind, and you will be free of doubt. As long as mind remains, doubts will arise. In the mind, doubts sprout like leaves on trees—one thing gives rise to another. The mind is full of prejudices. Now if you are a…

Osho, Why is it that the public always misunderstands you?

The next day the son did exactly as his father had instructed. Sons are obedient—‘the tradition of the Raghu lineage has always been to obey the father.’ Even King Rama followed his father’s word, though his father was speaking pure nonsense. If he had used even a little intelligence, he would have refused: this is not fit to be obeyed. But Rama went, and this is only Nasruddin’s poor boy; he said, “All right.” He cheated. The next day he came first. He was very happy, walking home. He hadn’t fought, his clothes were neat and clean, and he was bringing a certificate that he had stood first in class. But without a word, Nasruddin beat him again! The boy burst out, “Now this is really messed up. Why are you beating me? My clothes aren’t torn, I didn’t get into a fight, and today I stood first!” Nasruddin said,…

Osho, yesterday you said that a religious person is always a rebel. Then can a rebel be at ease, be spontaneous?

I certainly said that a religious person is always a rebel, but I did not say that all rebels are religious. One may be rebellious without being religious, but no one can be religious without being rebellious. So what is the difference between a religious rebel and a rebel? The ordinary rebel—who is political or social, without religion—can never be at ease. There will be great tension there—twenty-four hours of worry and restlessness. A religious rebel means: natural ease. Not rebellion for the sake of rebellion; not rebellion against someone—the religious person’s rebellion is the longing to remain in his own naturalness. He wants to live in himself. Whatever obstructs this living-in-himself, he does not accept. He has no urge to break for the sake of breaking. He does not want to be against anyone. He only wants that nothing become an obstacle to his freedom. Nor does he want…

If your life evolves rightly, grows rightly, then as you were when you were born, so you should be again at death — a child again. The circle is complete; the source is regained. This is the final childhood. Childlike does not mean “children”; it means those who, having gone through all the experiences of life, have attained again a child’s simplicity. Children will go astray; they are made to go astray. They are being prepared to be expelled from Eden. Their innocence is not an attainment; it is a gift of nature. All children are born beautiful, peaceful, whole. Then gradually discrepancies arise, conflicts arise. Gradually the child loses his childhood. Sin is born. Sin means: division has begun. Guile is born. Guile means: calculation has come. Simplicity departs. He is no longer as he is; he pretends to be what he is not. Politics enters. Diplomacy enters.