Reading is to mind what food is to the body. It nourishes, enriches it so it is equipped to understand and perform better. As a compulsive reader, I’ve kept my mind open and consciously tried to delve into different genres. Today’s non-fiction pick is By My Own Rules, an autobiography by the celebrated (and desecrated) Ma Anand Sheela, former secretary to Osho Rajneesh and spokesperson of the Rajneesh movement.
About the book
Ma Anand Sheela and her controversial life have been fodder for gossip even though she was away from the limelight for many years. Everything from her passionate love for Bhagwan Rajneesh to their infamous falling out has been documented with a generous sprinkling of spice. She has been called names and routinely faced ruthless character assassination. Was it fair to her though?
Through this book, she has put out her side of the story, a chance she was never accorded before. In By My Own Rules, Ma Anand Sheela takes us through her formative years and shares every small and big experience that made her what she is. She talks extensively about her progressive Gujrati family, her reverence for Bhagwan, and the knowledge she gained through him that prepared her for the struggles she went through.
My thoughts
First and foremost, I liked the tone of this book. Ma Anand Sheela has spent years working with different sets of people and the ease with which she communicates her feelings is commendable. Whether it was spearheading the challenging task of developing Rajneeshpuram, spending 39 months in prison, or starting from scratch at the age of 38, not once does she allow negativity to slow her down. This is the kind of positive attitude that mental health experts should advocate.
Ma Anand Sheela has developed multiple care homes in Switzerland and Mauritius for the elderly and patients with Dementia, Alzheimer’s, etc. Her account of their daily activities, small pleasure trips, and general camaraderie filled me with immense gratitude and respect for her. Her dedicated team is her backbone and is inspired to give their best to the residents. Love, empathy, and kindness are the best glue to bind people.
Despite all the good things discussed and done though, I felt like many burning matters were brushed under the carpet. I had read about Ma Anand Sheela and seen her interviews earlier. In this book, she has chosen to paddle on the surface and let a lot of loose ends be. Also, I wished there were more than a few references about her daughter Anuja who must’ve undoubtedly had a hard childhood. Now that’s one autobiography I would love to read.
To sum up, this is a good and quick read if you keep expectations of any major revelations at bay. The Osho movement was a rage in the 80s and this book gives a good glimpse of how it became one.
My rating: *** 3/5 stars
About the author
Ma Anand Sheela managed the city of Rajneeshpuram in Wasco County, Oregon, USA, and was the personal secretary of Bhagwan Rajneesh from 1980 to 1985. Most recently she has featured in the Netflix series Wild Wild Country.
Book Details
Language: English
Genre: Non-fiction, Autobiography
Available in: Paperback and Kindle Edition
You can order your copy of this book from Amazon.
This review has been written as part of the Book Review Program by Blogchatter
This post has been written as part of Blogchatter’s #MyFriendAlexa campaign.
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You have explained it so well i am lured to read it.
That’s an honest review Varsha. I am enticed to check out the book now. Will give it a read.
I have read one of her other books. surely her life is nothing less than a bollywood movie. nice review.
This book really looks intresting and I liked the honest review you have shared. Thanks for sharing I will surely get my copy!!
I have watched a documentary on Osho and I’m that I came to know about Ma Anand Sheela. She has seen many challenges and still never stopped.
Really interesting review. I would love to read the book.
Intrigued to check this book out. Nicely reviewed
Hey would like to read more about the Osho Movement. This book would come in handy.
I had read about this book a lot and also get a chance to read many review of it on many blogs all across the web. but felt your review post most honest and crisp. I really liked that your have shared your honest input and share what you had exactly felt. it was surprising for me to know that the book she has chosen to paddle on the surface and let a lot of loose ends be. of course, book should have more info about her daughter as well.
What an inspirational lady Ma Anand Sheela would be. Get to know about her first time, would love to know more about her through this book “By my own way”, Bookmarked!
A very balanced and honest review, Varsha. I read this book too, and as much as i enjoyed reading it, I felt Ma Sheela did not show the spark she is so known for.
Well Written Review
By My Own Rules seems like an interesting book. It is good to know about Ma Anand Sheela as well. I would love to get a copy of this book, I will look up on Amazon.
Very thorough and interesting review… will order my copy soon.
Well, thanks for sharing it, I habe seen this book but never wanted to read it, lets see I willcheck it out, Wonderful review
I always wanted to know about her interesting life. You’ve expressed your views on this book in such a lovely way that it has intrigued me to give this book a read.
This sounds inspiring. sad topics were explored only on surface. great review!
This looks like a good book. Osho was quite a rage in the 80s. I liked how you shared a balanced review.
This book sounds interesting and inspiring too. I will check the Netflix series about her. There is always sometimes to learn from the personalities like her.
I love to read stories of strong women. Your review has kindled a desire to grab this book.
I’m reading a thriller currently and the author whose unpublished autobiography is a subplot in the book says that the autobiography she’s writing will “deliver” and be not easy to digest. Your review reminded of that – how easy it is to fall into the trap of showing oneself in the best of light.
Varsha as always your words had me hooked till the end. I had never paid much attention to this genre of books but Ma Anand Sheela seems to be a very intriguing personality who definitely deserves to be read up on. I would like to grab the book and give a read to this.
I am a huge fan of non-fiction and will definitely order a copy of ‘By My Own Rules’ – an autobiography by Ma Anand Sheela, former secretary to Osho Rajneesh. It will interesting to know about her role in the Rajneesh movement as she was the official spokesperson of that movement.
Thanks for the honest review. These days I am into reading…let me tell you I was a none reader but now my day is incomplete without reading, will get a copy soon for myself :))
I have heard a lot about this book. I have watched the series and it was quite interesting, I will surely read this book.
What a beautiful review you have done Varsha and you have really made me want to get this book and read it.
I have read a biography of hers written by her admirer and confidante but never got to read her autobiography. I have to grab this book big time.
I want to read this book. AS a young man, I was a fan of Rajneesh and had heard much about this lady too.
Wow! Thanks for the review. I’ll grab this book!
Oh I haven’t heard of her. Will check out her story on Netflix. Interesting review of the book though.
I watched her documentary on the same but yet to read this book. Kudos for a honest review!
After all the news and controversies we have heard it must be quite enthralling to read her own views. Loved your review of it.
I’ve seen her interviews and she’s an impressive personality. Her autobiography will be a good read. Loved your balanced review. #MyFriendAlexa #TinasPicks