Some personalities really baffle you. There are so many greats, but this post deals with three personalities, whom I came to know through their books. And all three have one thing in common, whether you like them or not, they are going to leave their mark on you, once you go through their books.

Che Guevera

The Cuban hero of liberation and socialist revolution has been a fascinating and enigmatic persona. After his execution on October 9, 1967, he became a youth icon world over.. The picture (displayed here) became the most popular photograph of the century and the photographer became a legend. His autobiography still shakes you from within. Some of his statements throw ample light on his philosophy and beliefs.

“Many will call me an adventurerâ?? and that I am, only one of a different sort: one of those who risks his skin to prove his platitudes.”

“We must carry the war into every corner the enemy happens to carry it: to his home, to his centers of entertainment; a total war. It is necessary to prevent him from having a moment of peace, a quiet moment outside his barracks or even inside; we must attack him wherever he may be, make him feel like a cornered beast wherever he may move.”

“I know you’ve come to kill me. Shoot, you are only going to kill a man."(His last words.)

I would have loved to spend few days with him and ask a few questions.

  • Was it true that you ordered the killing of children and when their mother asked to end their suffering they were also put to the same treatment?
  • What did you consider your prime motivation to take up arm?
  • I know you have written a lot on this, but was there no personal motive, was it totally for the principle of socialist movements and for the people of Latin America?

Paramhansa Yogananda His autobiography “Autobiography of a Yogi has changed the life of millions and put Indian spirituality into a new context. The book introduced the world to Mahavatar Babaji. The book is full of miracles and happening which are hard to believe. Still, the book made me believe everything.

Paramhansa Yoganand wrote in this book:

“A yogi through perfect meditation has merged his consciousness with the creator perceives the cosmic essence as light, to him there is no difference between the light rays composing water and the light rays composing land. Free from matter consciousness, free from the three dimensions of space and the fourth dimension of time, a master transfers his body of light with equal ease over the light rays of earth, water, fire or air.”

Spending a few days with him and talking to him would have been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life.

Osho One of the most controversial godmen of our time. Put India on the global map of spirituality and meditation, with his mix of super marketing skills and super-natural oratory.

Osho claimed to have read more than 100,000 books and has written more than 500 books (actually most of his books are tapes of his teachings, and lectures delivered on different topics, which were later put into book form). If I could have got an opportunity and some magical power to get truth in form of answers to this questionsâ?¦.

  • Did you believe in whatever you have written or preached, as you have contradicted your own teachings many times?
  • Your statements created a lot of controversies and it seemed that those statements were just made to create controversy and had no other purpose.
  • You lambasted all the existing sages, philosophers, and saints as well as other all-time greats, openly. Though your teachings and philosophy have primarily been based upon writings and teachings of these sages and classic literature.
  • Did you put focus on sex, primarily to attract western followers and put something new , a new form of spirituality, where all acts were beyond guilt and people can justify their activities, live a restrain free life, and consider themselves pure and chaste?