Meditation Book Summary - Meditation Book explained in key points
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Meditation summary

Osho

The First and Last Freedom

4.3 (270 ratings)
25 mins

Brief summary

In Meditation, Osho explores the art of meditating, emphasizing the importance of being present and surrendering to the moment. He encourages readers to let go of the ego and connect to their true selves through mindfulness and awareness.

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    Meditation
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    Key idea 1 of 7

    Meditation is about becoming more aware and closer to your real self and real bliss.

    What is Osho meditation? There are different schools of meditation out there, but Osho meditation is primarily about awareness. The aim is to achieve a level of awareness that promotes relaxation, positivity, and joyousness. Whatever you’re doing, whether it’s sitting, walking, running, or lying on your back listening to the sounds of nature, Osho considers this all meditation if it’s done with awareness.

    The key message here is: Meditation is about becoming more aware and closer to your real self and real bliss.

    There’s one important phrase that the author often goes back to – be the watcher. Watchers are aware. They observe all and remain unmoved. They see sadness, they see happiness, but they don’t become consumed with these things. They remain clear and relaxed. As you might imagine, this isn’t an overnight transformation. It’s a slow process, a process that consists of four stages.

    The first step in gaining awareness and becoming a watcher is to observe your body. Be aware of every movement. Become attuned to the connection between your mind and body.

    The second step is to then become more aware of your thoughts. This is trickier. Thoughts are fleeting, but they can also be insidious. If you were able to write down every thought you had over a small period of time and then read all those thoughts ten minutes later, you’d probably say, “Who is this person?!” With awareness, though, you'll discover that your chaotic thoughts can begin to slowly fade away.

    The third step is to gain more awareness of your emotions and moods. This is perhaps the most difficult step. Feelings and emotions can pull us this way and that. Your moods can control you. But remember, a watcher remains unmoved. When you can simply be aware of all three – your body, your thoughts, and your emotions – you’ll see how they’re all connected. You’ll be able to see the bridge between the mind and the body, and you’ll find that a more profound peace can exist.

    When these three elements are in harmony, that’s when the fourth step can be attained – the awakening. That is what a true buddha experiences. That is bliss. It’s the ultimate goal of the enlightenment seeker and the watcher.

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    What is Meditation about?

    Meditation (1988) provides a valuable overview of Osho meditations – an approach to meditation that emphasizes awareness and uses movement as a way of preparing the mind and body. It provides the basic principles behind Osho meditation, as well as a few foundational techniques to get you started.

    Meditation Review

    Meditation (1996) by Osho is a thought-provoking exploration of meditation and its profound impact on our lives. Here's why this book is definitely worth reading:

    • Unconventional and eye-opening, the book challenges conventional notions of meditation, offering a refreshingly unique perspective on this ancient practice.
    • Osho's deep insights and philosophical musings provide readers with a deeper understanding of the transformative power of meditation.
    • With its thought-provoking content and ability to challenge preconceived notions, this book is anything but boring, keeping readers engaged from start to finish.

    Who should read Meditation?

    • Anyone interested in meditation
    • Fans of the Wild Wild Country Netflix series
    • People looking to become more aware and more relaxed

    About the Author

    Osho, also known as Osho Rajneesh, earned a master’s degree in philosophy at the University of Sagar before promoting a new Dynamic Meditation in the 1970s and ’80s. He was a popular spiritual leader, with a devoted following around the world. He passed away in 1990.

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    Meditation FAQs 

    What is the main message of Meditation?

    The main message of Meditation is to experience the present moment and find freedom from the mind's constant chatter.

    How long does it take to read Meditation?

    The reading time for Meditation varies, but it usually takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in about 15 minutes.

    Is Meditation a good book? Is it worth reading?

    Meditation is worth reading for its insights on finding inner peace and stillness. It offers valuable perspectives on mindful living.

    Who is the author of Meditation?

    The author of Meditation is Osho.

    What to read after Meditation?

    If you're wondering what to read next after Meditation, here are some recommendations we suggest:
    • Journey of Awakening by Ram Dass
    • The No-Nonsense Meditation Book by Steven Laureys
    • Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics by Dan Harris
    • Altered Traits by Daniel Goleman and Richard J. Davidson
    • A Force for Good by Daniel Goleman
    • The Yoga Sutras of Patanjali by Translated and commentated on by Sri Swami Satchidananda
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear
    • Altruism by Matthieu Ricard
    • Crystals for Beginners by Karen Frazier
    • The Heart of the Buddha's Teaching by Thich Nhat Hanh