Osho's Krishna: The Man and His Philosophy provides a profound exploration of Lord Krishna's life and teachings, interpreting him not just as a divine figure but as a complete, multidimensional human being. Osho presents Krishna as a unique individual who embodies balance, joy, and total acceptance of life.
- Krishna as the Symbol of Wholeness
- Krishna integrates opposites — spirituality and sensuality, action and detachment, joy and responsibility. Unlike other spiritual figures, Krishna does not renounce life but celebrates it fully.
- Osho sees Krishna as a "complete man" because he embraces every aspect of existence, from love and playfulness to wisdom and war.
Quote:
"Krishna is not a man of one dimension; he is multidimensional. He dances, sings, loves, fights, and teaches wisdom. He lives life totally."
- Playfulness as a Core Philosophy
- Krishna’s life represents leela (divine play). Osho emphasizes Krishna's ability to approach life with a sense of playfulness, seeing existence as a cosmic drama rather than a serious pursuit.
- This playful attitude allows Krishna to remain unattached and free, even while fully engaging in the world.
Quote:
"Life is a play, and Krishna is its master player. To live like Krishna is to dance through life without being burdened by it."
- Beyond Morality: Krishna’s Amoral Stance
- Osho highlights that Krishna operates beyond conventional morality. He doesn’t adhere to societal norms of "right" and "wrong." Instead, he acts from a higher consciousness that transcends duality.
- This can be seen in his strategies in the Mahabharata, where his actions serve a greater purpose rather than conforming to rigid ethics.
Quote:
"Krishna is not moral, he is amoral. He is rooted in truth, not in societal rules."
- Love and Freedom in Relationships
- Krishna's relationships, especially with the gopis (cowherd women) and Radha, symbolize love that is free from attachment and possessiveness. He teaches that love is not about ownership but about sharing joy and freedom.
- His relationship with Radha is particularly symbolic of divine union, where love becomes a bridge to transcendence.
Quote:
"Krishna’s love is a celebration — not of possession, but of freedom and trust."
- Action Without Attachment (Karma Yoga)
- Krishna’s teaching in the Bhagavad Gita emphasizes action without attachment to the results. This philosophy of karma yoga is central to his life — to act wholeheartedly while remaining unattached to success or failure.
- Osho interprets this as the ultimate way to live: engaging fully in the world while staying rooted in inner peace.
Quote:
"Krishna teaches that life is a battlefield, and you must play your role with totality but without clinging to the outcomes."
- Joy as the Essence of Life
- Krishna’s flute symbolizes his call to live joyfully. Osho suggests that Krishna’s essence lies in his celebration of life as a gift, urging humanity to awaken to joy and beauty.
- This joy is not conditional but flows from being present in the moment and accepting life as it is.
Quote:
"Krishna’s flute is not just music; it is a reminder that life itself is a song to be sung."
- The Balance of Material and Spiritual
- Unlike renunciates who reject the material world, Krishna harmonizes the material and spiritual dimensions. He shows that one can enjoy worldly pleasures without losing spiritual awareness.
- This balance is the hallmark of Krishna’s philosophy, teaching us to live fully and consciously.
Quote:
"To be spiritual does not mean to renounce the world; it means to live in it with awareness and joy, as Krishna does."
Conclusion
Osho portrays Krishna as the epitome of harmony, blending opposites into a life of totality. Krishna’s philosophy encourages us to embrace life in its fullness — to act with awareness, love without attachment, and live with joy. By following Krishna’s path, one can transcend dualities and experience life as a celebration.