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The First Principle: Talks On Zen
Osho introduces these discourses on Zen stories by explaining what the first principle is: that which cannot be said. But it can be shown and experienced as Osho demonstrates in talking on the often bizarre, always maddeningly simple anecdotes about interchanges between Zen masters and their disciples. He also talks on intellect and reason in the seeker's life, spiritual greed and the real meaning of the Zen dictum to "kill" one's master. Somehow Osho takes the enigmatic quality of Zen and shows us its pragmatic truth, without robbing it of its inherent magic, charm or humor.
Subject
Zen and Zen Masters
Translated from
Notes
Time Period of Osho's original Discourses/Talks/Letters
from Apr 11, 1977 to Apr 20, 1977
Number of Discourses/Chapters
10
Subject
Zen and Zen Masters
Translated from
Notes
Time Period of Osho's original Discourses/Talks/Letters
from Apr 11, 1977 to Apr 20, 1977
Number of Discourses/Chapters
10
288 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1979
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110 people want to read
About the author
Osho
4,286 books6,738 followersRajneesh (born Chandra Mohan Jain, 11 December 1931 – 19 January 1990) and latter rebranded as Osho was leader of the Rajneesh movement. During his lifetime he was viewed as a controversial new religious movement leader and mystic.
In the 1960s he traveled throughout India as a public speaker and was a vocal critic of socialism, Mahatma Gandhi, and Hindu religious orthodoxy.
Rajneesh emphasized the importance of meditation, mindfulness, love, celebration, courage, creativity and humor—qualities that he viewed as being suppressed by adherence to static belief systems, religious tradition and socialization.
In advocating a more open attitude to human sexuality he caused controversy in India during the late 1960s and became known as "the sex guru".
In 1970, Rajneesh spent time in Mumbai initiating followers known as "neo-sannyasins". During this period he expanded his spiritual teachings and commented extensively in discourses on the writings of religious traditions, mystics, and philosophers from around the world. In 1974 Rajneesh relocated to Pune, where an ashram was established and a variety of therapies, incorporating methods first developed by the Human Potential Movement, were offered to a growing Western following. By the late 1970s, the tension between the ruling Janata Party government of Morarji Desai and the movement led to a curbing of the ashram's development and a back taxes claim estimated at $5 million.
In 1981, the Rajneesh movement's efforts refocused on activities in the United States and Rajneesh relocated to a facility known as Rajneeshpuram in Wasco County, Oregon. Almost immediately the movement ran into conflict with county residents and the state government, and a succession of legal battles concerning the ashram's construction and continued development curtailed its success.
In 1985, in the wake of a series of serious crimes by his followers, including a mass food poisoning attack with Salmonella bacteria and an aborted assassination plot to murder U.S. Attorney Charles H. Turner, Rajneesh alleged that his personal secretary Ma Anand Sheela and her close supporters had been responsible. He was later deported from the United States in accordance with an Alford plea bargain.[
After his deportation, 21 countries denied him entry. He ultimately returned to India and a revived Pune ashram, where he died in 1990. Rajneesh's ashram, now known as OSHO International Meditation Resort and all associated intellectual property, is managed by the Zurich registered Osho International Foundation (formerly Rajneesh International Foundation). Rajneesh's teachings have had a notable impact on Western New Age thought, and their popularity has increased markedly since his death.
In the 1960s he traveled throughout India as a public speaker and was a vocal critic of socialism, Mahatma Gandhi, and Hindu religious orthodoxy.
Rajneesh emphasized the importance of meditation, mindfulness, love, celebration, courage, creativity and humor—qualities that he viewed as being suppressed by adherence to static belief systems, religious tradition and socialization.
In advocating a more open attitude to human sexuality he caused controversy in India during the late 1960s and became known as "the sex guru".
In 1970, Rajneesh spent time in Mumbai initiating followers known as "neo-sannyasins". During this period he expanded his spiritual teachings and commented extensively in discourses on the writings of religious traditions, mystics, and philosophers from around the world. In 1974 Rajneesh relocated to Pune, where an ashram was established and a variety of therapies, incorporating methods first developed by the Human Potential Movement, were offered to a growing Western following. By the late 1970s, the tension between the ruling Janata Party government of Morarji Desai and the movement led to a curbing of the ashram's development and a back taxes claim estimated at $5 million.
In 1981, the Rajneesh movement's efforts refocused on activities in the United States and Rajneesh relocated to a facility known as Rajneeshpuram in Wasco County, Oregon. Almost immediately the movement ran into conflict with county residents and the state government, and a succession of legal battles concerning the ashram's construction and continued development curtailed its success.
In 1985, in the wake of a series of serious crimes by his followers, including a mass food poisoning attack with Salmonella bacteria and an aborted assassination plot to murder U.S. Attorney Charles H. Turner, Rajneesh alleged that his personal secretary Ma Anand Sheela and her close supporters had been responsible. He was later deported from the United States in accordance with an Alford plea bargain.[
After his deportation, 21 countries denied him entry. He ultimately returned to India and a revived Pune ashram, where he died in 1990. Rajneesh's ashram, now known as OSHO International Meditation Resort and all associated intellectual property, is managed by the Zurich registered Osho International Foundation (formerly Rajneesh International Foundation). Rajneesh's teachings have had a notable impact on Western New Age thought, and their popularity has increased markedly since his death.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
March 6, 2020
As one of the chapter in this book said, Life is profound and trivial both in one go.
80% of the book was eye opener or at least dusting off illusion and giving new discovery or invention.
But at moments, it felt long and sleepy .
Having said that, read it with patience absorbing, mediating over the talks and immerse in it
80% of the book was eye opener or at least dusting off illusion and giving new discovery or invention.
But at moments, it felt long and sleepy .
Having said that, read it with patience absorbing, mediating over the talks and immerse in it
July 25, 2025
To paraphrase chapter 1: "All religions are horrible lies except for my religion which is like the king of all the religions". Shortly after there is a parable from a supposedly Hassidic tale -- which didn't seem right to me. After some research it appears to be a complete fabrication.
If you get something out of vibing with this guy, great, not for me.
DNF
If you get something out of vibing with this guy, great, not for me.
DNF
July 13, 2023
Un libro que te da unas enseñanzas sencillas y sin complicaciones que al aplicar tu vida fluirá con el universo recordando que todos somos uno mismo pero acomodados en diferentes partes vibrando una experiencia muy agradable y el cual se convertirá en mi libro de consulta frecuente para mi vida
March 14, 2015
This book focuses on exploring abstract interpretations of the Zen philosophy. The most practical application of this book is to apply the concepts discussed to highly specific problems in ones life - its an opportunity to re-strategize solutions.
The "first principle" has many meanings - the "first principle" is a method for the implementation of the deepest level of insight in any given circumstance. It is not a concept created for purely academic or theoretical discourse. The fun of the pie is in the eating.
The "first principle" has many meanings - the "first principle" is a method for the implementation of the deepest level of insight in any given circumstance. It is not a concept created for purely academic or theoretical discourse. The fun of the pie is in the eating.
May 26, 2012
What is the first principle?
Osho: If I were to tell you, it would be the second principle.
Osho: If I were to tell you, it would be the second principle.
September 10, 2013
This book contains talks and discussions of Bhagwan Shree Rajneeesh, otherwise known as Osho on Zen. This book challenged my thought patterns and shown me a brand new perspective, that of zen.
October 19, 2013
A good, compelling, relevant and humorous book, but too short.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews