Like Somnath Temple, Buddha Hall Dhyan Mandir Be Restored

25 November 2002, New Delhi: Just as the sacred Somnath Temple has been re-built, the Buddha Hall Dhyan Mandir in Pune must be restored, said Swami Atul Anand of Osho Friends International.

The energy and the sacred space of the enlightened Master Osho is very much present in this location and all Osho lovers should be able to experience this with the restoration of this Dhayn Mandir. Osho worked intensely for over a quarter of a century to create this "Buddhafield". He delivered discourses on major spiritual masters and paths from this Japanese style "Zen Pagoda" made of green marble. This should be restored, as it was without any further delay, said Swami Atul Anand. 

Osho's energy is still very much alive and present in this space. Thus it is very important that the structure should be rebuilt so that this energy can be experienced for all time in future, he added. 

Osho Friends International welcomes the inauguration of the new Auditorium but the old Buddha Hall was charged with the presence of the enlightened master and should be preserved for posterity. 

The destruction of the old Buddha Hall must be seen in the light of other developments in the past few years. Soon after Osho left his body in January 1990. A new organization called Osho International Foundation (OIF) was registered in Zurich headed by Michael O'Bryne, a Canadian. Another organization in the same name was registered in Mumbai as an attempt to mislead Osho disciples. Osho's books and discourses then started to show a notice that all material was copyrighted by OIF.

IN 1999, it was discovered on the web that OIF, Zurich applied for trademarks for Osho meditations in the USA. This disturbed many Osho lovers. Later, Osho's name photographs, Tarot Cards, Hindi and English discourses were copyrighted by OIF, USA. Indian publishers were asked to pay royalties, which was not the case in the past. 

Other disturbing developments have been reported that include trust properties diverted to privately held limited companies. Now, all these issues have come to a climax with the destruction of Buddha Hall Dhyan Mandir, Pune. These issues must be investigated without further delay.