Bhagawati reviews Ageh Bharti’s book.
Immersing myself in this authentic and devotional book, I was captivated by those blessed days with Osho that Ageh Bharti experienced. His personal stories and intimate connection to Osho, that began several years before neo-sannyas came into existence, make for very special reading.
His memoirs in this book were first published in 1978 as ‘Indradhanushi Smritiyon Mein Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh’ (Bhagwan Shri Rajneesh in the Rainbow of Memoirs), a title suggested by Osho. He has written eighteen books on Osho in Hindi and so far there is one more English language book by him, entitled ‘Beloved Osho’.
His recollections are meticulous, including dates and even times, bringing the entire narrative to life, mentioning the people who joined Osho early on, describing the various revolutionary meditation camps, the many discourses Osho held in countless cities and venues, always being on the move to reach as many people as possible, travelling largely by railway.
Ageh Bharti had easy access to visit Osho’s residence and was always welcomed by him. He also accompanied Osho on innumerable occasions when he travelled. As an employee of the Department of Railways he couldn’t always get leave to travel with Osho, but would at least say good bye to him at Jabalpur railway station and welcome him back upon return.
He mentions joyfully that “Osho always encouraged and loved my writings.” He was known as a writer and his poems and articles were published in many Indian magazines. He used to go to Osho’s house when he was not accompanying him on travels to check the mail. When there were requests for articles by Osho, he would take care to send them. One day he found a request about an article on communalism that created a dilemma for him as he had never read or heard Osho speak on this topic. So he decided to wait for Osho’s return. Upon greeting Osho at the railway station, he asked, “How was the journey? And how were the programmes?”
Osho replied, “Good,” and wondered, “Are you sending something (some article) somewhere?”
Ageh Bharti told him briefly about several published articles in magazines and that “one publisher sought an article on communalism which was delayed. For, I have neither noticed you to have addressed nor interpreted [the topic] anywhere in any book or magazine so far.”
Osho replied curtly, “You should have sent.”
Ageh Bharti said politely, “But your language, your way of expression is so beautiful! It would be great injustice to you if I write and send the article in your name on the topic.”
Osho explained, “No, whenever there is such an occasion, you should write and send.”
After Ageh Bharti reconfirmed with Osho that indeed he was to write and send the article, he did so and mailed it that same evening and the published article was appreciated from all corners. “Indeed, it was a rare gesture – blessing in disguise for me to send an article on His behalf in those days. I felt absolutely grateful for His confidence in me.”
Ageh Bharti received Osho’s last personal message to him in May 1989, conveying that Osho had not enjoyed any article for the past few days as much as he enjoyed an article by Ageh Bharti published recently and that he should continue writing.
He recalls so many experiences that show Osho from different angles, an Osho who mingles with the crowds, fearless in the face of angry people, compassionate towards opponents, always thought provoking, always caring about the smallest details and displaying a great sense of humour.
He tells about Osho introducing an active meditation of forty minutes (four stages at ten minutes each) that the participants called Jet Speed Meditation, and how Osho modified it to what later became known as the Dynamic Meditation with music added. The recollections about the meditation camps are a joy to read. The colourful descriptions of just how many people would join the train to Abu Road Railway Station, dancing on the railway platform, singing bhajans on the bus to Mt. Abu and more, are delightful.
He remembers about the first Mt. Abu Camp: “…one evening, during ‘Tratak’ meditation, Osho stood up and made gestures with his hands to put our energy into meditation. In those moments, it seemed that Osho was the ocean of compassion itself. In the depth of my heart, I felt like dying. The ecstasy was too much to bear with.”
When Osho arrived in Mt. Abu on another occasion, flowers were spread along the road, garlands were presented to him and Osho’s car had to wait for 15 minutes because it was thronged by people. Osho’s picture was displayed in all hotels and shops and so many residents of Mount Abu had become sannyasins.
There are a myriad of many interesting and wondrous stories in this book, as well as translated excerpts from Osho’s Hindi talks from that time; I could go on and on…
Highly recommended reading for those who want to have a glimpse of Osho at the beginning of his life’s work.
Bhagawati, Osho News
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Swami Ageh Bharti was born in 1934 in Bhurha, Uttar Pradesh, India. After a mysterious experience in 1966 that changed his life, he met Osho in 1967 in Jabalpur and lived from then on in close proximity to him; he was initiated into sannyas in 1971 and Osho declared him one of the enlightened ones in Rajneeshpuram. He is the author of 18 books about Osho in Hindi, and 2 in English. He lives in Satna, Madhya Pradesh, with his beloved wife, Ma Yoga Sambodhi.
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