Hour 86 Meditation – Osho’s Meditation Revolution – A Reappraisal

Introduction

Osho, the most insightful and provocative spiritual master of the 20th century, has left an indelible mark on the world of meditation. Famous for his vibrant and eclectic style of meditation, Osho transformed the practice and perception of meditation, bringing it within reach and applicability to contemporary life. His instructions bridged the gap between old wisdom and modern needs and opened the door for meditation to be practiced in both active and interactive ways and not in the historical passive approach that was widely done.

Osho’s meditation methods were a revolutionary solution to the evolving demands of society, especially in the context of Western life, which tended to be stressful, hurried, and cut off from their inner selves. This lesson explores the core of Osho’s meditation revolution, examining the crux of his teachings and how they revolutionized the practice of meditation around the world.

By the completion of this module, you will better understand Osho’s distinct contributions to meditation, his methods, and how they are being applied today.

Osho’s Meditation Philosophy

Osho also stressed the need for a complete approach to meditation, one that was not merely concerned with inner quiet and quietude, but with letting go of emotional luggage, accepting life’s paradoxes, and reveling in individuality. His teachings combined elements of Zen, Taoism, Sufism, and Hinduism into a vibrant synthesis that was adapted to the modern individual who yearned for freedom.

Key Aspects of Osho’s Meditation Philosophy

• Living in the Now: Osho brought great importance to living life in the present moment. Osho felt that much of human suffering is a result of either dwelling on the past or eagerly expecting the future. Meditation, for Osho, was a means of bringing individuals into the now, living life in its entirety without judging or expecting anything.
• Accepting Emotions: While other forms of meditation have traditionally been about going beyond emotions, Osho taught that one should accept emotions—let them flow freely and unconditionally. Osho felt that suppressed emotions cause blocks in the mind and body, which keep people trapped from ever being able to meditate.
• Celebration of Life: Osho urged his devotees to celebrate life in all its manifestations, including its contradictions and paradoxes. His was a method of love, laughter, and joy, and he believed that spirituality did not have to be ascetic or somber.

Osho’s Meditation Techniques: Active and Passive

Osho’s most revolutionary contribution to meditation was perhaps his creation of active meditation techniques. These techniques were meant to free the practitioner of suppressed emotions and tension so that they could step into a place of stillness and silence. Osho believed that people in today’s world were too detached from themselves, and that passive techniques of meditation may not be successful in freeing one of deeply entrenched emotional and psychological blocks.

Dynamic Meditation

Dynamic Meditation is one of Osho’s most renowned meditation methods. It is intended to be a cleansing process that assists practitioners in releasing their inner tensions by physical means. The meditation consists of five phases:

1. Chaotic Breathing (10 minutes): The participants inhale in a chaotic, unbalanced rhythm, which serves to boost energy levels and release emotional blocks.
2. Cathing (10 minutes): Volunteers get into intense, unfettered body movement, like screaming, jumping, or dancing, to release pent-up emotions and energy.
3. Mantra (10 minutes): The exercise transitions to chanting, with the use of a mantra such as “Hoo” or “Aum” to build concentration and energy.
4. Stillness (15 minutes): This is a quiet, immobile time when participants are asked to pay attention to their internal states.
5. Celebration (15 minutes): The last phase is about enjoying joy and celebration in the form of dancing and free movement, which leaves the practitioners refreshed.

Nadabrahma Meditation

One of Osho’s other widely used techniques is Nadabrahma Meditation, which entails humming as a means of soothing the mind and linking to inner energy. This method includes three phases:

• Humming (30 minutes): The practitioner hums a sound that is continuous, and the sound vibrates throughout the body.
• Hand Movements (15 minutes): With hands on knees, the practitioner gently moves their hands in a circle to discharge energy.
• Silence (15 minutes): The last step is simply sitting quietly and noting the impact of the meditation.

Kundalini Meditation

Kundalini Meditation is one of Osho’s popular methods. This meditation aims to awaken the Kundalini energy, which is thought to be located at the base of the spine. The meditation is structured in four phases:

• Shaking (15 minutes): The body is shaken in a rhythmic fashion to let go of tension.
• Dancing (15 minutes): People are invited to dance in a spontaneous and unfettered way.
• Sitting in Stillness (15 minutes): Practitioners sit in stillness after releasing energy through shaking and dancing to allow the energy to settle.
• Silent Meditation (15 minutes): The last step is simply sitting quietly, sensing the impact of the awakened energy.

Osho’s Influence on Contemporary Meditation

Osho’s meditation methods have profoundly impacted the modern meditation movement. His teachings have struck a chord with individuals who want to liberate themselves from the emotional and psychological limitations of contemporary life. Osho’s meditations are now practiced by millions worldwide, and his teachings have been disseminated through his books, audio tapes, and the numerous Osho meditation centers throughout the world.

Global Reach and Influence

Osho’s meditation methods were made well known by his many books, talks, and one-on-one interactions with his devotees. His centers, particularly the Osho International Meditation Resort in Pune, India, have been gathering places for meditation practitioners worldwide.

Osho’s influence can also be traced to the spread of new meditation movements that focus on mindfulness and emotional release, most noticeably. His methods have had an impact on mind-body wellness disciplines like yoga, Tai Chi, and many modalities of healing. 

Osho and the Western World

Osho’s methodology of meditation was especially revolutionary within the West, where meditation was conventionally perceived as a passive, contemplative exercise. His energetic methods moved away from such a tradition and enabled people working in hectic, stressful settings to feel profound relaxation and awareness using active methods. Most of his methods were set up to remove stress, fury, and ire that had gathered over the years of contemporary living.

Reflective Questions

• How do you view the balance between passive and active meditation practices? Do you believe one is better for contemporary practitioners, and why?
• Consider the influence that active methods such as Dynamic Meditation or Kundalini Meditation could have on an individual’s emotional health.
• Osho stressed the letting go of emotional baggage in meditation. In what way do you believe letting go during meditation impacts the body and mind in the long run?
• In what ways could Osho’s methodology of meditation assist you with your own personal meditation practice or in teaching others?

Conclusion

Osho’s meditation revolution introduced a new vision to meditation practice, marrying ancient knowledge with the realities of contemporary life. His active meditation innovations and his philosophy of celebrating life’s paradoxes have created a lasting imprint on the worldwide meditation scene. His message has inspired many people to try new methods of meditation, allowing them to achieve inner peace, emotional liberation, and a closer understanding of themselves.

As we keep progressing in our meditation practices, Osho’s teachings remind us that meditation is not merely about inner quietness, but also about accepting the richness of our human existence. Through incorporating his energetic practices in our daily routines, we can be more attuned to ourselves, unburdened by the weight of stress, emotional loads, and the speed of contemporary life.