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The music coordinator during my time at the Oregon Ranch, Garimo, once said to me, “We don’t know why people take sannyas.” Her words have stayed with me over the years. Initially, I was surprised by this statement. Living in the commune, I naively assumed that we all shared similar thoughts and feelings—at least those similar to my own! However, her statement opened my mind to the diverse perspectives that others might hold. It served as a powerful reminder that we are all individuals, each a unique universe unto ourselves.
Every time someone takes sannyas at an event, I find myself faced with a conundrum. The word “conundrum” perfectly encapsulates my predicament because I also don’t understand why people choose to take sannyas. I can explain why I made that decision and what it means to me. But when it comes to understanding the motivations of others—why they would make seemingly illogical or crazy choices—it remains a mystery.
Sometimes, I ask people directly, “Why do you want to take sannyas? Your life is fine as it is. What do you hope to gain from it?” Most of the time, they look at me, fall silent, and are unable to articulate their reasons. Their inability to express their motivations might actually be the closest explanation of sannyas.
In my view, sannyas is akin to love; it exists in a similar dimension. When someone is in love and is asked why, they often can’t articulate a reason. They may look at you as if YOU are the crazy one! Love, much like sannyas, confounds the mind. It is inexplicable, yet its essence is undeniable. Even if one cannot explain it, one knows it.
I was reminded of this once again at Oshofest Dallas 2025 when three individuals decided to take the leap into sannyas. As I tuned my guitar for the celebration, I pondered, “What compels a person to reach such a pivotal moment in their life?” This highlights the beautiful mystery that defines sannyas. Sannyas represents a leap—a significant leap of faith—a life-changing plunge into uncharted waters. Only those who have taken that leap truly understand its meaning. Such is the paradox of love and sannyas.
We celebrate the sannyas of Ma Deva Nalini, Ma Anand Amiyo, and Ma Deva Mamta, honoring them with our songs and dances as they embark on what can only be described as an inexplicable journey.
In the words of Osho:
“Meditation is the awareness that I am not the mind. When the awareness goes deeper and deeper in you, slowly slowly, few moments arrive, moments of silence, moments of pure space, moments of transparency, moments when nothing stirs in you and everything is still. In those still moments, you will know who you are. And you will know what is the mystery of this existence. And once you have tasted those few dewdrops of nectar, great longing will arise in you to go deeper and deeper into it. Irresistible longing will arise in you, a great thirst. You will become afire. That’s what sannyas is all about: when you have tasted few moments of silence of joy of meditativeness, you would like this state to become your constant state, a continuum. The desire to make meditation your whole lifestyle is what sannyas is all about.” Philosophia Perennis, Series 2, Chapter 5
I would like to share some insights from the three-day Oshofest festival in Dallas, Texas, October 2024. It was a high-energy event filled with joy, heart, silence, and of course … Osho!
Initially, I created a clip to share with the participants via their mobile devices (hence the formatting) and neglected to post it on the One Sky YouTube channel. However, it’s never too late. For celebration!
I want to extend my deepest gratitude to Sangeeta (our organizer), her family, and the beautiful Osho Simran Center who continue this yearly tradition with grace and generosity.
Also, a big thank you to the talented One Sky Band, which for this festival included Rishi on drums, Prabodh on bass, and Lee on saxophone.
It was a wonderful one-day event in Manhattan, June 1st. It had the perfect title: “Nothing To Lose But Your Head”. Indeed, this is what happened. How quickly we all slipped into meditation and celebration; hearts opened as we sang and danced; connections with ourselves and others flowed effortlessly.
Although this clip features Morning Satsang and Heart Dance, powerful sessions were also shared by Deva Sofia (Breath and Movement) and Teerth (Drumming Circle). Sofia had played in Oshofest Dallas the week before and brought some of that high energy with her.
It was great to see some of the older NYC network in attendance. There were new faces, too, some traveling as far away as Virginia, New Jersey, Connecticut, and Upstate New York — everyone adding their unique spice to what was truly a transforming feast.
Many thanks to Niseema for coordinating. And a big thank you to the musicians (Milarepa, Sofia, Teerth). Ripples from the new Heart Dance song were felt long after last goodbyes and hugs were shared.
We open our arms
To welcome the sun
Hand in hand
Our journey’s begun
Lift our song
Up to the sky
Heart to heart
Ready to fly
“Meditation’s ultimate conclusion is: live the moment to its totality, intensively, joyously … Live moment to moment, trusting the whole existence as the birds are trusting it, as the trees are trusting it. Don’t separate yourself from existence. Become part of it and existence will take care of you.” Osho, paraphrased from “The New Dawn”
Oshofest Dallas 2025: What wonderful festival! Many thanks to Anurag and Sangeeta of the beautiful Osho Simran Center for welcoming all of us so gracefully.
And to the talented One Sky Band (Lee, Rishi, Prabodh, and Sofia), I bow to each of you, flowers that you are.
Peak after sunlit peak, spirits soared higher with each meditation. I think I speak for everyone: it took a long time to come back to earth. I dare say, the ripples of transformation will go on and on for a long time to come.
Last but hardly least, gratitude to Osho for lighting the way forward with meditation, love, laughter, and celebration.