Ma`rifat Adyan

The present paper illustrates the different aspects of the character of Zorba the Buddha, the ideal man of Osho who is considered as a symbol of greed, lust and joy and an epitome of piety and asceticism. In his view, those who seek sensuality can achieve spiritual perfection through asceticism and this will not contradict their progress. Therefore, Osho considers both human physical and spiritual aspects as primary principles, and an ideal person is the one who develops both aspects to the utmost. According to Islam, man has two realities that are neither equal nor identical and though the physical and spiritual aspects are important, the spiritual aspect takes priority and man’s material needs are identified according to his/her spiritual reality. Using an analytical and critical approach, this paper critically examines the different aspects of the character of Zorba the Buddha in the light of the perspective of Islam.