“The heinous acts that have taken place in the name of religion have not happened in any other name and cannot happen. Ugly deeds need the cover of a good name, a beautiful curtain is needed, so that the ugly can be hidden.

No evil action has been committed in the name of unrighteousness.

“Even if someone wants to do it, how will he do it? The very mention of unrighteousness will spoil the situation. Religion is a beautiful cover. What has not happened behind that facade? All sorts of things have been happening under this guise for centuries. Pandits flourished, and priests thrived. Hindus, Muslims, and Christians kept killing each other, burning temples and mosques – and all in the name of religion!

Just make sure that you never become a fanatic, that’s all.

“I want to give you religion, not a doctrine.

“I want to give you light, not the principles of light.

“I want to give you experience, not scripture.

“I don’t want to make you a part of any religion, but I want to make you religious.

The future no longer belongs to the religions; the future is of righteousness.

If religion has to survive on this earth, then it will have to be free from the religions.

Gone are the days – of Christians, Hindus, Muslims! There has been enough stupidity under those names. Now it is time, man has become mature enough to usher in the days of righteousness.

Now people will be simply religious; just as someone is a scientist.

That is why my sannyasins are not part of any religion. They are religious people who are free of religion. They have no ideology. They are not bound by any concept. So, remember this, because this mistake is quite common; we forget the real thing and cling to the fake one.

Do not become fanatics.

END

Excerpted from the Hindi series:

Osho, Sumiran Mera Hari Karen, Talk #3 – The future is of righteousness