Positive Thinking and OSHO

Happy Wednesday!

This week, I am taking some time away from seeing clients and coaching students to do some other things, so my blog is a little later than normal. So, I’m sharing a video that was recently posted on the C.H.E.K Institute blog, but think my own blog readers will really enjoy it too.

For those of you waiting for Part 3 of my “Experiencing Joy” series, check in next week.

A student recently sent me an article entitled “A Zen master explains why “positive thinking” is terrible advice” which described OSHO’s response when asked what he thinks of the “positive thinking” movement. According to the article, OSHO believed that it does more harm than good because, to him, it meant we’re denying reality and being dishonest to ourselves.

My student felt that people who read this article could become confused about positive thinking and the importance of having a dream or goals, which readers of my blog know is the foundation of my 1~2~3~4 model upon which much of my work is based. And, so she asked for my thoughts about the article.

To give you a little background, I have spent a lot of time studying OSHO’s teachings and own what is known as “OSHO’s Library” of books, videos and audio recordings. From listening to and reading this body of work, I have over 800 pages of handwritten notes, so my opinions on OSHO are not superficial! I devoted nearly five years of my study time to OSHO, and have been inspired to incorporate and share aspects of his work within my own teachings.

OSHO undoubtedly brought a lot of awareness and consciousness to issues such as the problems created by organized religion. Often, he did it in such combative and polarizing ways that, rather than taming the dragon, it made the dragon want to bite! He also had very fixed ideas about certain things, such as sexual preferences and vegetarianism and used his authority position to impose his thoughts in areas where he did not have authority.

So when I read this article, I felt it was important to discuss the topic, shed some light and offer some alternative concepts. Enjoy my conversation with James Phelps!

If you are interested in learning more about OSHO, check out my digital audio program, The Absolute Essentials of OSHO.

Until next time…

Love and chi,

Paul Chek