Book of the Secrets Two
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Book of the Secrets Two
Osho’s "Book of the Secrets Two" continues his distinctive approach to spiritual discourse, offering a collection of talks from 1979 that probe the nature of consciousness. The strength lies in its direct confrontation with the reader’s assumptions; Osho doesn't offer comfort but challenges complacency. A particularly striking passage discusses the illusion of control, suggesting that true liberation comes from surrender, not striving. However, the sheer volume of Osho’s output can sometimes lead to repetition, and readers unfamiliar with his style might find the aphoristic delivery occasionally overwhelming. Despite this, the work remains a potent catalyst for introspection. It serves as a direct invitation to observe one's inner world with radical honesty.
📝 Description
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Delivered in 1979, Osho's Book of the Secrets Two offers meditations on consciousness.
Book of the Secrets Two is a collection of discourses given by Osho in 1979. It does not follow a narrative structure but instead comprises meditations and observations intended to foster consciousness. Osho challenges common ideas about the self and reality, using his characteristic directness, humor, and paradoxical statements.
This volume is for spiritual seekers interested in Eastern mysticism and contemporary takes on older traditions. It will resonate with those dissatisfied with religious dogma and looking for a more experiential path to enlightenment. Readers familiar with Osho's previous work, like 'The Book of Secrets One,' will find a continuation of his teachings on awareness and existence.
Published in 1979, 'Book of the Secrets Two' appeared during a time of heightened global interest in Eastern spirituality. This period saw figures like Jiddu Krishnamurti gain prominence, and the Beat Generation's interest in Eastern philosophies still had an impact. Osho, then Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, was becoming known for his meditation techniques and his critiques of societal conventions and established religion. Many people were exploring alternative spiritual movements, searching for meaning beyond Western norms.
💡 Why Read This Book?
• You will learn the practice of 'Sakshi Bhava' (witnessing) as detailed in the discourses, a method for detached observation of the mind that offers a unique path to inner peace distinct from purely intellectual understanding. • You will encounter Osho's concept of the 'Zorba the Buddha,' which provides a framework for integrating worldly enjoyment with spiritual depth, a perspective rarely found in ascetic traditions predating the late 20th century. • You will be challenged to question your ingrained beliefs about the self and happiness, gaining a new perspective on the ego's role, a core element of Osho's teachings from the late 1970s onwards.
⭐ Reader Reviews
Honest opinions from readers who have explored this book.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
When was Book of the Secrets Two first published?
Book of the Secrets Two was first published on February 1, 1979. This date places it within a period of significant growth in Osho's public teachings and the burgeoning global interest in Eastern spiritual philosophies.
What is the central theme of Book of the Secrets Two?
The central theme revolves around the practice of 'witnessing' or 'Sakshi Bhava,' encouraging individuals to become detached observers of their own thoughts and experiences, a core tenet explored throughout Osho's work.
Is this book a sequel to another work by Osho?
Yes, it is subtitled 'The Book of Secrets Two,' implying a connection and continuation of themes explored in a prior volume, 'The Book of Secrets One,' both drawing inspiration from ancient Indian texts.
What is the 'Zorba the Buddha' concept mentioned in the book?
The 'Zorba the Buddha' is Osho's metaphor for a new type of human being who can embrace the material world with joy (like Zorba the Greek) and possess spiritual depth and awareness (like Buddha).
What kind of spiritual tradition does Osho's work typically fall under?
Osho's work draws heavily from various Eastern traditions, including Vedanta, Tantra, and Zen Buddhism, but he often presents them in a highly individualistic and contemporary manner, creating his own synthesized approach.
Does the book offer practical meditation techniques?
While not a manual of specific techniques, the book's discourses are inherently meditative, guiding the reader toward a state of awareness and observation that can be applied to many forms of meditation.
🔮 Key Themes & Symbolism
The Art of Witnessing
The work emphasizes 'Sakshi Bhava,' the practice of being a pure observer of one's internal and external phenomena without judgment. This detachment is presented not as suppression but as a way to understand the mind's mechanisms. By observing thoughts, emotions, and sensations as transient events, the reader is encouraged to realize their true nature as the witnessing consciousness, a concept deeply rooted in yogic and Buddhist traditions but articulated here with Osho's characteristic urgency and clarity from his 1979 discourses.
Ego as Illusion
Osho dissects the ego, characterizing it as a fabricated identity, a collection of memories and societal conditioning that prevents direct experience. The discourses challenge the reader to recognize the ego's insubstantial nature, arguing that identification with this false self is the root of suffering. This exploration aligns with non-dualistic philosophies, urging a dissolution of the perceived boundaries between self and the universe, a recurring theme in Osho's teachings from the late 1970s.
Zorba the Buddha
This central metaphor proposes a synthesis of material enjoyment and spiritual awareness. It critiques traditional asceticism that negates life's pleasures and advocates for a holistic approach where one can live fully in the world while remaining rooted in inner stillness. The 'Zorba the Buddha' embodies the integration of sensuality, joy, and celebration with deep meditation and consciousness, a vision Osho championed in his discourses during the late 1970s and early 1980s.
Meditation in Daily Life
Beyond formal sitting, 'Book of the Secrets Two' suggests that true meditation is a state of being that can pervade all activities. The discourses provide insights into how to bring an attitude of alert presence and non-attachment to everyday actions, transforming mundane experiences into opportunities for spiritual growth. This perspective aligns with Tantric principles that seek the sacred within the ordinary, a key aspect of Osho's approach in the 1979 period.
💬 Memorable Quotes
Direct passages from the work, attributed to the author.
“The moment you are aware, you are free.”
— This statement captures the core of Osho's teachings on liberation. It posits that awareness itself, the act of conscious observation, is the direct path to freedom from psychological conditioning and suffering, suggesting freedom is not achieved through effort but through a shift in perception.
“Don't seek truth; become it.”
— This paradoxical instruction challenges the seeker's habit of externalizing spirituality. It implies that truth is not an object to be found but a state of being to be embodied, urging the reader to integrate wisdom rather than merely accumulating knowledge.
“Meditation is not an act, but an atmosphere.”
— This interpretation shifts the focus from the mechanical performance of meditation to a pervasive state of being. It suggests cultivating an inner quality of presence and stillness that can permeate all aspects of life, rather than being confined to specific times or techniques.
“Love is not possession; it is the flowering of the self.”
— This contrasts genuine love with possessiveness, framing love as an expression of inner abundance and freedom. It implies that true love arises from a healthy, integrated self and seeks the well-being of the other, rather than seeking to control or own.
💡 Key Ideas
Editorial paraphrase of the work's core concepts — not direct quotes.
The ego is a necessary illusion, but don't live in it.
This quote acknowledges the functional role of the ego in working through the material world while warning against its overidentification. It suggests a balanced perspective where the ego is a tool, not the master, allowing for authentic experience beyond constructed identity.
🌙 Esoteric Significance
Tradition
Osho's work draws extensively from Indian mystical traditions, particularly Vedanta, Tantra, and Yoga, but synthesizes them with influences from Zen Buddhism, Sufism, and even Western psychology. 'Book of the Secrets Two' can be seen as a modern articulation of the perennial philosophy, focusing on self-realization and enlightenment through direct experience rather than adherence to dogma. It departs from strict traditional lineages by emphasizing active, dynamic meditation and a joyous embrace of life, challenging ascetic norms.
Symbolism
The concept of 'Sakshi Bhava' (witnessing consciousness) is central, symbolizing the detached observer, the unchanging awareness behind the flux of thoughts and emotions. The 'Zorba the Buddha' is a potent symbol of integration—the earthly, sensuous man united with the spiritually awakened individual. The book also implicitly uses the symbol of the mirror, representing the mind's capacity to reflect reality without distortion, urging clarity and purity of perception.
Modern Relevance
Contemporary mindfulness and meditation movements, particularly those emphasizing non-judgmental awareness and secular applications of Buddhist principles, echo Osho's 'witnessing' concept. Thinkers and practitioners in the fields of consciousness studies and positive psychology often reference his integrative approach, seeking to balance inner growth with engagement in the world. His ideas on the ego and authentic living continue to influence self-help and personal development circles.
👥 Who Should Read This Book
• Individuals interested in contemporary interpretations of Eastern spirituality: Readers seeking to understand how ancient wisdom traditions are being recontextualized for modern life will find Osho's unique synthesis compelling. • Seekers exploring meditation beyond formal techniques: Those curious about integrating meditative awareness into daily activities, rather than solely relying on sitting practices, will benefit from the emphasis on 'Sakshi Bhava'. • Students of consciousness and self-inquiry: Readers who are actively questioning the nature of the self, the ego, and reality will find Osho's direct and often paradoxical approach a valuable catalyst for introspection.
📜 Historical Context
Published in February 1979, 'Book of the Secrets Two' emerged during a period of intense spiritual exploration globally, influenced by the counterculture movements of the preceding decades. Osho, then Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, was actively teaching in India, attracting a large following and considerable international attention. This era saw a proliferation of spiritual seekers disillusioned with Western materialism and traditional religious dogma, turning towards Eastern philosophies and new age movements. Osho's teachings, often presented in a dynamic and provocative style, stood in contrast to more staid, traditional spiritual paths like the Transcendental Meditation movement, which also saw significant popularity at the time. His critiques of societal norms and emphasis on individual experience resonated with a generation seeking radical personal transformation. While not facing explicit censorship for this specific work at its initial release, Osho's growing influence and controversial public persona would later lead to significant legal and political challenges, particularly concerning his ashram in Oregon in the early 1980s.
📔 Journal Prompts
The nature of the ego as described in 'Book of the Secrets Two'.
Cultivating the 'atmosphere' of meditation in everyday actions.
Distinguishing between identification and witnessing of emotions.
The integration of 'Zorba the Buddha' in personal life.
Reflecting on moments of pure awareness versus thought-driven experience.
🗂️ Glossary
Sakshi Bhava
Literally 'witness consciousness' in Sanskrit. It refers to the state of being a detached observer of one's own thoughts, feelings, and actions without identification or judgment, a core practice advocated by Osho.
Ego
In Osho's context, the ego is not seen as inherently evil but as a constructed personality, a false self based on societal conditioning and past experiences, which obscures one's true nature.
Zorba the Buddha
A metaphor coined by Osho representing a new type of human who embodies both the material joy and sensuality of Zorba the Greek and the spiritual awareness and stillness of the Buddha.
Meditation
For Osho, meditation is less about specific techniques and more about a state of being—an alert, aware, and present consciousness that can be maintained throughout all activities.
Enlightenment
The ultimate state of liberation and self-realization, characterized by freedom from suffering, egoic identification, and a deep understanding of the nature of existence.
Awareness
The faculty of consciousness that perceives, understands, or is sensitive to the presence of things, people, or events. Osho emphasizes pure, non-judgmental awareness as the key to transformation.
Discours
A spoken address or conversation, especially a formal one. In this context, it refers to Osho's talks and lectures that form the basis of his books.
