The Book of Understanding: Creating Your Own Path to Freedom

by Osho

Book Overview

The path to freedom is filled with questions and uncertainty. Is it possible to truly know who we are? Do our lives have a purpose, or are we just accidental? What are we meant to contribute? What are we meant to become, to create, and to share? In The Book of Understanding , Osho, one of the most provocative thinkers of our time, challenges us to understand our world and ourselves in a new and radical way. The first step toward understanding, he...

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0307336948
• ISBN13: 9780307336941
• Release Date: February 2006
• Publisher: Harmony
• Length: 288 Pages
• Weight: 1.15 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.1" x 6.3" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Authentic Self and Ultimate Understanding

Even after his passing of form, Osho's essential teachings continue to reach seekers worldwide. In the "Book of Understanding," he encourages us to discover a radical, new way of living. The pathway to this profound understanding is to question virtually everything that we have been taught; every belief, concept and assumption. In this deep investigation, we realize the delusion of all separation, fear and suffering. Upon the realization of what Osho calls the authentic Self, we also realize true fulfillment. We are then able to live in integrity and enjoy ultimate creativity, peace, harmony and a life lived in true compassion. Katie Davis, Awake Joy: The Essence of Enlightenment

Enlightenment and Spiritual Development

Osho has a way with words in his Book of Understanding but the power of his words lies in the readers ability to think open mindedly and accept his unique approach in helping the reader find clarity of mind. Although the book may come across to some as a continuous bashing on religion, the worth of his knowledge lies in a person being able to see things from a distance rather than so close that the lines are blurred and the obvious easy overlooked. This book is a must read for anyone able to open their mind to new ways of radical thinking in an attempt to understand ourselves in a clearer and more defined way.

Start with the Body

I highly recommend The Book of Understanding. It changed the way I meditate. In the Afterwords, the following quote was quite unique in suggesting that in meditation, I begin with the body: "That's why my effort here is to start every meditation with the body. That is something new. In the ancient days people tried to start meditation directly in your innermost core. That is a difficult process. You don't know anything about your inner center; how can you start your journey from somewhere where you have never been? You can start your journey only from where you already are. You are in the body, hence my emphasis is on dancing, singing, breathing - so you can start from the body. When the body starts becoming meditative.... And don't be puzzled by my use of the word meditative for the body. Yes, the body becomes meditative. When it is in a deep dance, when it is functioning perfectly, undividedly, as a whole, it has a meditative quality about it, a certain grace, a beauty." I liked this suggestion. To find out more, I went to [...] and saw a video clip of a meditation, Kundalini, which uses dance before doing a seated meditation. I found that being active before sitting in meditation helped me to be less restless when I did the sitting phase. There is even a free download of the meditation music. I found this meditation more suited to me than zazen or vipassana.

Eye-opening and challenging

I waited with excitement for this new Osho book. I have read a number of Osho's books - some of the incredible titles from the series -Insights for a New Way of Living- published by St. Martin's Press. Somehow I feel very familiar with Osho's writing. This new Osho title 'The Book of Understanding' is of a different level. I have never got a better understanding of his philosophy and ideas. This book presents a truly contemporary concept of spirituality. Something intelligent for people who got out of childish concept of organized religions. It is an easy read - although I need to let many of the statements sink in. To read chapter after chapter is a transformative experience. It is like a mirror - showing me my social, religious and political conditioning - and a way to go beyond it. This author is a true gift by existence to everybody who is not trapped and satisfied with readymade answers provided by others. The understanding that we all have to create our own path to freedom is a deep and profound experience and process. The Book of Understanding is a great guidebook on this path. I can recommend this book to anyone who wants to read something challenging and substantial.

philosophies you'll take with you after the book is closed.

This was my first introduction to Osho and his philosophies. I saw a review of the book in the local paper and asked a bookstore in town to pre-order a copy for me. I picked it up this morning and I'm halfway through! The material is profound and enlightening. Osho really challenges you to know your own voice and become your best self by examining and letting go of the expectations and limits that religion, society, and even our parents have placed upon us throughout our lives. The author doesn't push his own views on you. He simply points out the veil that's been placed over our eyes and gives us the tools to remove it (if we choose to) so that we can find our own way.