Spiritual Leader or Cult Figure: Critics often debate whether Osho was a genuine spiritual leader or a cult figure. His radical teachings and the commune scandals have led to polarizing opinions about his legacy.

Osho’s View on Traditional Religion: Osho was critical of organized religions, calling them repressive. Traditionalists argue that his views were extreme and disrespectful, while supporters see him as a liberator from dogma.

Freedom vs. Responsibility: Osho’s emphasis on absolute freedom, including sexual freedom, has been critiqued as irresponsible by many philosophers and social critics, raising questions about the boundaries between freedom and ethical responsibility.

Materialism and Spirituality: Osho promoted a blend of materialism and spirituality through his “Zorba the Buddha” concept. Critics argue this contradicts traditional spiritual practices, which usually encourage renunciation of worldly desires.

Osho’s Controversial Teachings on Sex: His open advocacy of sexual freedom, compared to the conservative views of many spiritual traditions, sparked widespread debate. Some view his ideas as revolutionary, while others see them as provocative or even exploitative.

The Commune Scandals: The legal and social controversies surrounding his communes, particularly Rajneeshpuram in Oregon, have fueled criticism. Many critics view these events as evidence of a corrupt or flawed leadership structure.

Philosophical Consistency: Scholars debate the philosophical consistency of Osho’s teachings, arguing that his frequent shifts in perspective create confusion. Was his message coherent, or did it serve his personal needs?

Mind vs. Meditation: Osho emphasized transcending the mind through meditation, yet critics argue that this approach undermines the importance of rational thought and intellectual inquiry in achieving personal growth.

Ethical Leadership: Osho’s leadership and the behavior of his close associates, particularly during the Oregon commune’s downfall, have been widely criticized, questioning whether his philosophy encouraged ethical behavior in practice.

Osho’s Legacy in Modern Spirituality: Some argue Osho’s teachings continue to influence modern spiritual movements, while others contend that his ideas have been commercialized and stripped of their deeper meaning in today’s context.