Customer Reviews

The Mustard Seed: The Revolutionary Teachings of Jesus

5 star:		(5)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Osho was a spiritual teacher active in both India and the United States. He died in 1990.

Osho (also known as Bhagwan) became controversial due to his provocative and frivolous behaviour. On Youtube, there are several clips showing Osho spouting expensive wrist watches (probably quite deliberately), cracking lewd jokes, or claiming that alcohol is allowed at his ashram, since alcohol is vegetarian! His message sounds very "hippie", almost libertarian or libertine.

This book, by contrast, shows Osho in a surprisingly somber and intellectual mood. He does crack jokes from time to time, usually featuring the Muslim satirical character Mulla Nasruddin, but overall, he sounds more serious in "The Mustard Seed" than he does on Youtube. He also sounds less libertine than in some of his other written works.

"The Mustard Seed" is a collection of talks, recorded and later written down by Osho's followers. Since the Osho International Foundation wants to put forward Osho's message as timeless, none of the speeches are dated. This is a problem, since the Osho movement did change over the years. Periodically, it was more closed and cultish, and at other times, more open. At least critical readers would want to know the context of Osho's remarks.

The contents of the book are far-reaching. Frankly, the man speaks about everything! The main theme is how to reach spiritual enlightenment, that "God" is within each of us, that we can find "God" if only we let go of worldly desires and seek fulfilment through meditation. Osho claims that this was the original message of Jesus, and attempts to prove this by quoting and interpreting the Gospel of Thomas, a Gnostic apocryphon not included in the official Christian Bible. While a few scholars consider the Gospel of Thomas to be based on early material, most are of the opinion that this text was written much later than the Biblical Gospels, and thus cannot contain the real message of Christ. Of course, this is of little consequence to Osho and *his* message, which stands on its own, even without the Gospel of Thomas. Still, it's not a co-incidence that Osho has choosen this particular document for comment. The Gospel of Thomas may not have been the true message of Jesus Christ, but the work does fit admirably well with "Eastern" forms of spirituality.

The most annoying statement in "The Mustard Seed" is Osho's claim that the Jews suffer because of their crucifixion of Jesus. Anti-Semitism? Perhaps, but Osho sounds equally anti-Christian and anti-Hindu. He says that Jews should claim Jesus, since Jesus, after all, was a Jew, not a Christian! His statement that the Hindus are better than the Jews since the Hindus never killed the Buddha, is surely intended as sarcasm. In reality, Osho and his fellow Hindus had very cold feelings towards each other, apparently one of the reasons why Osho later moved to the US.

The main problem with "The Mustard Seed" (apart from the weird typeface, making the book somewhat difficult to read) is that it doesn't sound very Oshoite. If you want vintage Osho, read "Freedom", "Courage" or "Sex Matters". Or listen to his Youtube appearances!

What a gift Osho was during his time here on Earth. This particular piece is a true gem in guiding the reader though the heart and intentions of Jesus. Now it's easy to understand the Journey of Self, the Journey we all must face on our own. I've read over 35 Osho books and this was one of my favorite.

Only a master knows a master. The Mustard Seed is a vivid immediacy into the master Jesus given to us in these times by Osho. There is no interpretation involved, the message is direct. I acknowledge the great privilege in being here to receive it. Reading this book brings Jesus directly to life. Don't miss this opportunity.
Where the Spirit Speaks to Its Own

The mustard seed by Osho is in my opinion the most accurate account of Jesus' true message, Jesus was indeed a revolutionist in the world but the world of the inner and not the outer.

This book based is on the writings from the Gospel of Thomas, Osho explains the sayings of Jesus in a language that could be understand by todays people. The Gospel of thomas is of course not included in the bible.

Jesus' basic sayings was that of meditation, inner silence, awareness and transformation of the mind to the no-mind state. The kingdom of heaven is already here within each and every one of us and not somewere in the future or outside ourselves.

This book is not based on any religious ideology but rather on personal transformation of human consciousness.

If you have an open mind and are able to receive Jesus' message the way it was ment to without any distorted interpretation from an organized religion then I highly reccomend this book, it will expand your awareness and expansion of awareness is what will lead us to inner transformation and find that the kingdom of god is, has, and will always be within us.

I really really recommend reading this book to everyone, specially if you are Jews or Christian. Also very useful for Moslem people.
This book can bring peace to the world.

OSHO a Great Master like Socrate ...

In my humble opinion every book of Osho is a treasure and give you very important arguments for your personal growing.

Tiziano