Osho: The Maverick Mystic and His Revolutionary Approach to Meditation

Introduction: Who Was Osho?

Osho (1931–1990), born Chandra Mohan Jain and later known as Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, was an Indian mystic, philosopher, and spiritual teacher whose teachings continue to inspire millions worldwide. A controversial yet charismatic figure, Osho challenged traditional religious dogma and promoted a radical approach to spirituality—one that embraced individual freedom, awareness, and celebration of life.

His teachings blended elements of Zen, Tantra, Sufism, and Western psychology, making meditation accessible to the modern seeker. Unlike conventional gurus, Osho rejected rigid discipline, advocating instead for a joyful, spontaneous, and meditative way of living.

Osho’s Philosophy on Meditation

1. Meditation as a Natural State, Not a Forced Practice

Osho believed that true meditation is not a technique but a state of being—a relaxed awareness that arises when the mind is free from conditioning. He criticized mechanical repetition of mantras or forced concentration, saying:

"Meditation is not something that you do; it is something that happens to you. It is a flowering, a blossoming."

2. The Importance of Witnessing (Sakshi Bhav)

A core concept in Osho’s teachings is "witnessing"—observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations without judgment. This detached awareness helps dissolve the ego and leads to pure consciousness.

3. Dynamic Meditation: Releasing Suppressed Energy

Osho recognized that modern minds are restless, filled with repressed emotions. Traditional silent meditation can be difficult for such individuals. Hence, he introduced "Dynamic Meditation"—a cathartic, high-energy practice to release pent-up stress before entering stillness.

4. Meditation is Not Escape, But Awareness

Unlike ascetic traditions that promote renunciation, Osho emphasized living fully in the world while remaining meditative. He said:

"Meditation is not against action. It is not that you have to escape from life. It simply teaches you a new way of life: you become the center of the cyclone."

Osho’s Unique Meditation Techniques

Osho designed over 100 active meditation techniques, tailored for the modern mind. Some of the most famous include:

1. Osho Dynamic Meditation (The Classic)

• Duration: 60 minutes

• Stages:

  1. Chaotic Breathing (10 mins) – Rapid, intense breathing to awaken energy.

  2. Explosive Catharsis (10 mins) – Letting go through shouting, dancing, laughing, or crying.

  3. Jumping & Chanting "Hoo!" (10 mins) – Raising energy with jumps and a primal sound.

  4. Freeze & Witness (15 mins) – Sudden stillness, observing sensations.

  5. Celebration (15 mins) – Dancing in gratitude.

Best done in the morning on an empty stomach.

2. Osho Kundalini Meditation

• Duration: 60 minutes

• Stages:

  1. Shaking (15 mins) – Letting the body shake spontaneously to release blockages.

  2. Dancing (15 mins) – Freestyle movement with eyes closed.

  3. Silent Sitting (15 mins) – Observing breath and inner stillness.

  4. Resting (15 mins) – Lying down in deep relaxation.

Ideal for evening practice.

3. Osho Nadabrahma Meditation (Humming Meditation)

• Duration: 60 minutes

• Technique:

  • First 30 mins: Humming loudly while circling hands in front of the body.

  • Next 30 mins: Silent sitting, feeling vibrations.

Creates deep harmony between body and mind.

4. Osho Vipassana (Modified Traditional Approach)

Unlike strict Vipassana (as taught by S.N. Goenka), Osho’s version is more flexible:

• Observing breath and sensations without forcing focus.

• Allowing thoughts to come and go without suppression.

• Emphasizing relaxation over rigid discipline.

5. Osho’s "Gibberish" Meditation

• Duration: 30-60 minutes

• Technique:

  • Speak nonsense words, sounds, and noises to empty the mind.

  • Followed by silence and witnessing.

Helps break mental patterns and logical thinking.

Osho’s Views on the Importance of Meditation

1. Meditation is Essential for True Freedom

Osho believed that society conditions people to live mechanically, trapped in past regrets and future anxieties. Meditation breaks this cycle, bringing freedom from the mind’s tyranny.

2. It Awakens Intelligence Beyond Logic

Osho distinguished between "knowledge" (accumulated information) and "intelligence" (living awareness). Meditation, he said, sharpens intuitive intelligence, helping one respond to life spontaneously.

3. A Cure for Modern Stress & Anxiety

In today’s fast-paced world, Osho’s meditations act as psychological detox tools, releasing stress, trauma, and repressed emotions.

4. Meditation Leads to Love & Compassion

Osho taught that love arises naturally when the mind is silent. Most relationships are ego games; meditation dissolves the ego, allowing unconditional love to flow.

5. It Prepares One for Death

Osho often said:

"If you can meditate, you can die meditatively. Death is the ultimate test of your awareness."

A meditator does not fear death but embraces it as part of existence.

How to Practice Osho Meditations Today

1. Attend Osho Meditation Centers

• Osho International Meditation Resort (Pune, India) – The main hub for authentic Osho practices.

• Osho Centers Worldwide – Many cities offer group meditations (check www.osho.com).

2. Online Resources

• Guided Meditations – Available on YouTube and Osho’s official app.

• Books & Talks – "The Book of Secrets," "Meditation: The First and Last Freedom."

3. DIY Practice at Home

• Choose a technique (Dynamic, Kundalini, etc.).

• Set aside a quiet space and time (morning/evening).

• Follow the stages strictly (no shortcuts).

• Stay consistent for at least 21 days to see effects.

Conclusion: Osho’s Timeless Gift

Osho’s genius lay in making meditation alive, dynamic, and relevant for contemporary seekers. His techniques bypass the intellectual mind, directly tapping into pure awareness and joy.

Whether you’re a skeptic or a spiritual seeker, Osho’s meditations offer a revolutionary path to inner transformation—not through suppression, but through celebration, awareness, and freedom.

"Meditation is not a means to an end. It is both the means and the end." – Osho

Have you tried any Osho meditation techniques? Share your experiences below! 🌿