American bestselling author Tom Robbins offers a compelling perspective on the philosophy of a prominent contemporary mystic. Robbins observes that when a philosophy is "universally attacked" and "arouses that much hostility," it serves as a crucial signal that something important and worthy of attention lies at its core.
This teacher and his ideas have been "soundly and roundly rejected and attacked" by a broad spectrum of groups—including the unthinking masses, educated liberal intellectuals, and political factions from both the left and right. Such widespread rejection highlights the radical and provocative nature of this philosophy.
The Heavy Price of Freedom
At the heart of this teaching is the idea of every individual thinking independently and living freely. However, passion for freedom is often a "heady wine" that many find overwhelming. Robbins notes that many people prefer the convenience of adopting fixed identities or belief systems early in life and cling stubbornly to them. For these individuals, "rigor mortis sets in instantly," as they become metaphorically "dead long before [they] actually leave [their] body."
While Robbins clarifies that he is not a disciple or expert, he finds several aspects of this teacher’s ideas quite attractive and brilliant.
Joy, Sexuality, and Playfulness
One of the most challenging aspects for many Americans has been the teacher’s candid embrace of sexuality and joy. Robbins suggests that Americans take their sexuality "far too seriously." The teacher’s philosophy connects sexuality with joy and life itself—it is not merely about sex but about celebrating vitality and happiness.
Furthermore, Robbins notes that in the last fifty years, no other spiritual teacher has understood the value of playfulness and wit as profoundly as this figure.
Reflections on Spiritual Trends
Robbins acknowledges the growing popularity of Buddhism in the United States as a positive step forward but critiques orthodox Buddhism as being "just as rigid as orthodox Christianity," allowing only marginally more room for personal growth.
The Grandest Joke on Materialism
Robbins was particularly amused by this teacher’s famous collection of about ninety Rolls-Royces. He interprets the collection not as an expression of vanity, but as "the grandest joke ever played on consumerism and materialism."
The teacher himself reportedly has no personal interest in the cars. Instead, the collection serves as a powerful teaching—acting as a modern-day parable akin to those told by Jesus. The display highlights the absurdity of the "religion of the dollar," money, and materialism.
An apt analogy is an artist who incorporates exaggerated, ostentatious objects into a sculpture not because of their intrinsic value, but because their absurdity reveals the viewer’s flawed assumptions about wealth and significance.