Description

Osho is known around the world for his pioneering contribution to meditation — the science of inner transformation — with the unique approach of his “Osho Active Meditations” acknowledging the accelerated pace of the contemporary world and bringing meditation into modern life. Based on the Seven Points of Mind Training by the 11th-century Buddhist mystic Atisa, The Book of Wisdom removes the dust of tradition that has gathered around meditation, conveying the essential science and methodology of the practice with a freshness and spontaneity that is rarely found in contemporary spiritual works. The book is a guide for inner discipline and transformation that is also highly accessible, incorporating light, often humorous question-and-answer sessions between the author and his audience that help readers make the practical connection between spiritual theory and meditation as a lifestyle.From Library JournalReaders unfamiliar with Osho may remember him by his earlier name, Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, and by the image of him grinning from behind the window of one of his many Rolls-Royces at the ashram he founded in Oregon. Controversy and legal problems led him to return to his native India and eventually to change his name to Osho. The author died in 1990, but his followers carry on his teachings and continue to publish his voluminous writings. This book takes the Seven Points of Mind Training by Atisha, an 11th-century Tibetan mystic, as the starting point for Osho’s reflections. The title is misleading, since the text and the question-and-answer sessions have more to do with Osho’s own point of view than Tibetan Buddhism, and his is, at times, a very eccentric perspective. Mixed in with some fairly standard insights into spiritual practice are overt criticisms of many religious traditions and their followers as well as a peculiar penchant for jokes, many of them off-color. It seems the title is designed to cash in on the current interest in Tibetan Buddhism, and it would be a shame if it distracts the curious from the many worthy titles on the subject currently available. Not recommended.DMark Woodhouse, Elmira Coll., NYCopyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc.ReviewOsho (1931-1990) is a contemporary mystic whose life and teachings have influenced millions of people of all ages, and from all walks of life. He has been described by the Sunday Times in London as one of the “1000 Makers of the 20th Century” and by Sunday Mid-Day (India) as one of the ten people–along with Gandhi, Nehru and Buddha–who have changed the destiny of India. He is also known for his revolutionary contribution to the science of inner transformation, with an approach to meditation that acknowledges the accelerated pace of contemporary life. His unique “Active Meditations” are designed to first release the accumulated stresses of body and mind, so that it is easier to experience the thought-free and relaxed state of meditation — (unknown)About the AuthorOsho is one of the most provocative and inspiring spiritual teachers of the twentieth century. Known for his revolutionary contribution to the science of inner transformation, the influence of his teachings continues to grow, reaching seekers of all ages in virtually every country of the world. He is the author of many books, including “Love, Freedom, Aloneness; The Book of Secrets”; and “Innocence, Knowledge, and Wonder.”