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Happiness: The Only True Prosperity
“Happiness is not an achievement. It is your nature.” - OshoHappiness is the twelfth title in the Osho bestselling Insights for a New Way of Living series, and the first new title in the series since 2017.The popular Insights for a New Way of Living challenges readers to examine and break free of the conditioned belief systems and the prejudices that limit their capacity to live life in all its richness. The books shine light on beliefs and attitudes that prevent individuals from being their true selves. The text is an artful mix of compassion and humor, and readers are encouraged to confront what they would most like to avoid, which in turn provides the key to true insight and power.
- GenresSpiritualityPhilosophy
Kindle Edition
Published October 17, 2023
17 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
About the author
Osho
4,353 books6,775 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 - 12 of 12 reviews
October 16, 2023
I struggled with this book. There are some good thoughts here and I believe the author intends that you do some self-evaluation to determine how it applies to you. The main point of the book seems to be that the pursuit of pleasure and the pursuit of acquisition will never bring happiness. I do believe that is true and the book provides guidance for some self-reflection here. You won't attain happiness by reading this book; however, it provides thoughts to weigh for yourself as you think about what happiness really is and how you could achieve that state. Some things presented, though, I felt if they were applied by many people that society would be in a total state of chaos.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 17, 2023.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 17, 2023.
March 3, 2024
Existence is not against you. How can existence be against you? You are a part of it.
February 26, 2024
อ่านสนุกๆ สอดแทรกเรื่องเล่าตลกหยอกล้อสังคมที่บิดเบี้ยว แต่แฝงไปด้วยข้อคิด ตามสไตล์การบรรยายของโอโช
สร้างความตระหนักรู้ เข้าใจตัวเองจนถึงแก่นของความเป็นเอกเทศของมนุษย์ ไม่จำกัดความเหตุการณ์ที่ประสบว่าดีหรือร้าย แค่ดื่มด่ำกับทุกช่วงเวลา เพราะความทุกข์เกิดขึ้นเมื่อเราเลือกรับแต่ความสุข แล้วต่อต้านสิ่งที่ไม่พึงประสงค์
เรื่องเล่าที่ประทับใจคือ การที่ติดอยู่ในน้ำวน ยิ่งดิ้นรน ยิ่งเป็นผลเสีย แต่การจมลงไปกับมัน อาจต้องต้องเร็วกว่ามันเล็กน้อย จนถึงจุดที่ลึกสุด เพราะข้างล่างนั้นกระแสน้ำวนจะเล็กที่สุด และนั้นเป็นจุดที่เราจะรอดพ้นจากวังวนของความทุกข์ออกมาได้
สร้างความตระหนักรู้ เข้าใจตัวเองจนถึงแก่นของความเป็นเอกเทศของมนุษย์ ไม่จำกัดความเหตุการณ์ที่ประสบว่าดีหรือร้าย แค่ดื่มด่ำกับทุกช่วงเวลา เพราะความทุกข์เกิดขึ้นเมื่อเราเลือกรับแต่ความสุข แล้วต่อต้านสิ่งที่ไม่พึงประสงค์
เรื่องเล่าที่ประทับใจคือ การที่ติดอยู่ในน้ำวน ยิ่งดิ้นรน ยิ่งเป็นผลเสีย แต่การจมลงไปกับมัน อาจต้องต้องเร็วกว่ามันเล็กน้อย จนถึงจุดที่ลึกสุด เพราะข้างล่างนั้นกระแสน้ำวนจะเล็กที่สุด และนั้นเป็นจุดที่เราจะรอดพ้นจากวังวนของความทุกข์ออกมาได้
September 24, 2024
Happiness is one of the most fundamental topics to discuss or understand, and it applies to everyone. Through reading "Happiness" by Osho, I've gained so much insight and spent a lot of time reflecting on it. I’ve also read some of Osho’s transcribed talks since none of his works were actually written by him—they're all based on recordings of his speeches.
There have even been times when people avoided me after I mentioned I read Osho 😅. But who really likes someone who challenges the foundations of human ideologies? I see Osho as a significant philosopher when it comes to understanding life and Buddha’s teachings. I’ve also always been drawn to the philosophies of both Jiddu Krishnamurti (JK) and Osho. Their thoughts play a major role in shaping how I live my life. Alright, let’s talk more about this book and my reflections on it.
Most of us know how to receive happiness. We celebrate it by hosting parties, meeting loved ones, going out, or simply enjoying the moment—it all depends on the situation. But how many of us know how to receive sadness? Have we ever learned? Often, we end up stuck in a loop, replaying sad thoughts, and some even take their own lives because they don’t know how to deal with sadness. Humans have categorized emotions like happiness, sadness, and many more. As social creatures, living in a society that teaches us so much, sadness is something we all inevitably experience. But how we respond to sadness is crucial.
Osho believes that happiness is our natural state, a view echoed by the Dalai Lama and other spiritual leaders. We don’t need to exert extra effort to be happy—in fact, even the word "happiness" can be a trap. True bliss comes from within. Society often equates happiness with pleasure, but bliss is something deeper that you feel internally.
I could even relate this book to the movie Inside Out. It shows that we shouldn’t try to choose a particular emotion in life—every emotion is essential. Each one teaches us something, and it’s important to understand them and figure out how to act in ways that help us improve our lives.
The essence of this book is simple: Don’t chase happiness, but rather embrace all emotions, which will make you more blissful. There is wisdom to be found in sadness, so don’t shy away from it. The reason for much of our distress is that we expect happiness when we are met with sadness. If you accept and appreciate sadness, it will pass. Never chase happiness!
There’s one phrase that resonates deeply with me: If you ask someone, “What is the most precious moment in your life?” most people will mention events from the past like birthdays, getting a job, a wedding day, or meeting someone special. But do you know the best answer to that question? The most precious moment in your life is now.
Embrace the present. Be ready for all emotions, and stay alert with mindfulness. There’s so much more in this book, but it’s impossible to share everything all at once. You have to read it yourself to truly understand.
#osho #happiness
There have even been times when people avoided me after I mentioned I read Osho 😅. But who really likes someone who challenges the foundations of human ideologies? I see Osho as a significant philosopher when it comes to understanding life and Buddha’s teachings. I’ve also always been drawn to the philosophies of both Jiddu Krishnamurti (JK) and Osho. Their thoughts play a major role in shaping how I live my life. Alright, let’s talk more about this book and my reflections on it.
Most of us know how to receive happiness. We celebrate it by hosting parties, meeting loved ones, going out, or simply enjoying the moment—it all depends on the situation. But how many of us know how to receive sadness? Have we ever learned? Often, we end up stuck in a loop, replaying sad thoughts, and some even take their own lives because they don’t know how to deal with sadness. Humans have categorized emotions like happiness, sadness, and many more. As social creatures, living in a society that teaches us so much, sadness is something we all inevitably experience. But how we respond to sadness is crucial.
Osho believes that happiness is our natural state, a view echoed by the Dalai Lama and other spiritual leaders. We don’t need to exert extra effort to be happy—in fact, even the word "happiness" can be a trap. True bliss comes from within. Society often equates happiness with pleasure, but bliss is something deeper that you feel internally.
I could even relate this book to the movie Inside Out. It shows that we shouldn’t try to choose a particular emotion in life—every emotion is essential. Each one teaches us something, and it’s important to understand them and figure out how to act in ways that help us improve our lives.
The essence of this book is simple: Don’t chase happiness, but rather embrace all emotions, which will make you more blissful. There is wisdom to be found in sadness, so don’t shy away from it. The reason for much of our distress is that we expect happiness when we are met with sadness. If you accept and appreciate sadness, it will pass. Never chase happiness!
There’s one phrase that resonates deeply with me: If you ask someone, “What is the most precious moment in your life?” most people will mention events from the past like birthdays, getting a job, a wedding day, or meeting someone special. But do you know the best answer to that question? The most precious moment in your life is now.
Embrace the present. Be ready for all emotions, and stay alert with mindfulness. There’s so much more in this book, but it’s impossible to share everything all at once. You have to read it yourself to truly understand.
#osho #happiness
August 15, 2023
"Happiness" by Osho is a profound exploration of one of the most sought-after and elusive emotions of human existence. In this thought-provoking book, Osho delves into the nature of happiness, dissecting its origins, misconceptions, and the paths individuals often take in their pursuit of it.
Osho's writing style is captivating, blending spirituality, philosophy, and psychology in a way that challenges conventional notions and encourages readers to think deeply about their own lives and the nature of happiness. He approaches the topic with a fresh perspective, urging readers to question societal norms and conditioning that often lead to a false sense of happiness rooted in materialism, social validation, and conformity.
One of the standout features of "Happiness" is Osho's ability to seamlessly weave together teachings from various spiritual traditions, philosophical perspectives, and psychological insights. He draws from Eastern philosophies, Western psychology, and his own unique insights to provide a comprehensive view of happiness that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
Throughout the book, Osho invites readers to explore their inner selves and confront the layers of conditioning that prevent genuine happiness from flourishing. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, meditation, and mindfulness as tools for unraveling the complexities of the mind and experiencing true happiness from within.
While "Happiness" offers profound insights, it may also be challenging for some readers. Osho's ideas can be unconventional and may push readers out of their comfort zones, urging them to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. However, this discomfort can ultimately lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the path to authentic happiness.
In conclusion, "Happiness" by Osho is a compelling and thought-provoking read for anyone seeking to understand the true nature of happiness and how to cultivate it in their lives. Osho's unique perspective, eloquent writing, and ability to synthesize wisdom from various sources make this book a valuable resource for those on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. Whether you're new to Osho's teachings or familiar with his work, "Happiness" offers fresh insights that have the potential to reshape your understanding of well-being and fulfillment.
Osho's writing style is captivating, blending spirituality, philosophy, and psychology in a way that challenges conventional notions and encourages readers to think deeply about their own lives and the nature of happiness. He approaches the topic with a fresh perspective, urging readers to question societal norms and conditioning that often lead to a false sense of happiness rooted in materialism, social validation, and conformity.
One of the standout features of "Happiness" is Osho's ability to seamlessly weave together teachings from various spiritual traditions, philosophical perspectives, and psychological insights. He draws from Eastern philosophies, Western psychology, and his own unique insights to provide a comprehensive view of happiness that transcends cultural and geographical boundaries.
Throughout the book, Osho invites readers to explore their inner selves and confront the layers of conditioning that prevent genuine happiness from flourishing. He emphasizes the importance of self-awareness, meditation, and mindfulness as tools for unraveling the complexities of the mind and experiencing true happiness from within.
While "Happiness" offers profound insights, it may also be challenging for some readers. Osho's ideas can be unconventional and may push readers out of their comfort zones, urging them to confront uncomfortable truths about themselves and the world around them. However, this discomfort can ultimately lead to personal growth and a deeper understanding of the path to authentic happiness.
In conclusion, "Happiness" by Osho is a compelling and thought-provoking read for anyone seeking to understand the true nature of happiness and how to cultivate it in their lives. Osho's unique perspective, eloquent writing, and ability to synthesize wisdom from various sources make this book a valuable resource for those on a journey of self-discovery and spiritual exploration. Whether you're new to Osho's teachings or familiar with his work, "Happiness" offers fresh insights that have the potential to reshape your understanding of well-being and fulfillment.
April 8, 2025
Dzięki temu, że OSHO jest pewny swoich poglądów, otwiera nas (czytelników) do zastanowienia się: co ja o tym sądzę? Czy zgadzam się z nim? Czy może się zupełnie nie zgadzam?
Nie mogę powiedzieć, że zgadzam się w 100% z tym co autor napisał w tej książce, ale jestem za to bardzo wdzięczny!
Dzięki tej książce stałem się bardziej pewny swoich niektórych poglądów, przez to właśnie, że OSHO wywołuje różne emocje swoimi wypowiedziami i nie sposób się do tego nie odnieść.
Główny mój zarzut co do tej książki, to autor opisuje szczęście, spełnienie porównując nas (ludzi współczesnych) do plemion, „zacofanych” społeczności, nachodzi mnie takie pytanie(bo po przeczytaniu tej książki, nie mam w planach sprzedać wszystkiego i polecieć na drugi koniec świata). Jak w naszej codzienności możemy czuć więcej spełnienia? Autor na końcu, gdy odpowiadał na pytania trochę się do tego odnosi, ale też nie wystarczająco, żebym czuł się usatysfakcjonowany.
A może autor to zrobił celowo, żebyśmy samemu wyznaczyli sobie: co my możemy zrobić, aby na codzień czuć się bardziej spełnionymi(?). A te porównania miały być odniesieniem(?)
Nie wiem, ale tutaj czuję dziurę fabularną xD
Polecam książkę tym, którzy lubią sobie pogłówkować na takie bardziej filozoficzno-psychologiczne tematy.
Nie mogę powiedzieć, że zgadzam się w 100% z tym co autor napisał w tej książce, ale jestem za to bardzo wdzięczny!
Dzięki tej książce stałem się bardziej pewny swoich niektórych poglądów, przez to właśnie, że OSHO wywołuje różne emocje swoimi wypowiedziami i nie sposób się do tego nie odnieść.
Główny mój zarzut co do tej książki, to autor opisuje szczęście, spełnienie porównując nas (ludzi współczesnych) do plemion, „zacofanych” społeczności, nachodzi mnie takie pytanie(bo po przeczytaniu tej książki, nie mam w planach sprzedać wszystkiego i polecieć na drugi koniec świata). Jak w naszej codzienności możemy czuć więcej spełnienia? Autor na końcu, gdy odpowiadał na pytania trochę się do tego odnosi, ale też nie wystarczająco, żebym czuł się usatysfakcjonowany.
A może autor to zrobił celowo, żebyśmy samemu wyznaczyli sobie: co my możemy zrobić, aby na codzień czuć się bardziej spełnionymi(?). A te porównania miały być odniesieniem(?)
Nie wiem, ale tutaj czuję dziurę fabularną xD
Polecam książkę tym, którzy lubią sobie pogłówkować na takie bardziej filozoficzno-psychologiczne tematy.
June 24, 2024
I didn't know anything about Osho (who turns out to be a controversial figure in the '80s) when I picked up this book at a local shop. I chose his work "Happiness" from the shelf because the back of the book promises to explain how happiness comes from within us. I thought it would be an easy read at just 178 pages but it took me almost two months to finish it.
My reading experience for Osho's "Happiness" is, to say the least, taxing. It took me a very long time to finish it because, even though Osho's teachings make sense on paper, I struggled to imagine how they could even be applied in this day and age. This book challenges ambition, attachment, choice, and purpose, which are often a person's sources of motivation to live.
Osho wants you to live in the present, stop putting meaning into things, refrain from clinging into anything and simply just be. As I put down and pick up this book numerous times over the past two months, I could not fathom at all how a modern-day individual could possibly apply these principles on his own without spirituality, medical help or a community. I want to like Osho's wisdom but, by the end of the book, I felt unmoved.
My reading experience for Osho's "Happiness" is, to say the least, taxing. It took me a very long time to finish it because, even though Osho's teachings make sense on paper, I struggled to imagine how they could even be applied in this day and age. This book challenges ambition, attachment, choice, and purpose, which are often a person's sources of motivation to live.
Osho wants you to live in the present, stop putting meaning into things, refrain from clinging into anything and simply just be. As I put down and pick up this book numerous times over the past two months, I could not fathom at all how a modern-day individual could possibly apply these principles on his own without spirituality, medical help or a community. I want to like Osho's wisdom but, by the end of the book, I felt unmoved.
October 12, 2023
This book is part of a series that includes Compassion, Joy, andfForgiveness, to name a few. Each, including this newest one, offers the reader a chance to contemplate their life and how it might best be lived.
The author believes that it is the total absence of desire that brings happiness. Do you agree? This means that pleasure seeking and acquisition (more things) will never bring the happiness that is this book’s subject. Think about this is what the reader is urged to do.
This is not a book with a quick fix to attain happiness as can be seen right from the first few pages of this title. Read this book to ponder essentials that are inner. It is not for everyone but it will be welcomed and will resonate for some.
I felt mixed about this book. It seemed a bit ponderous in its presentation.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
The author believes that it is the total absence of desire that brings happiness. Do you agree? This means that pleasure seeking and acquisition (more things) will never bring the happiness that is this book’s subject. Think about this is what the reader is urged to do.
This is not a book with a quick fix to attain happiness as can be seen right from the first few pages of this title. Read this book to ponder essentials that are inner. It is not for everyone but it will be welcomed and will resonate for some.
I felt mixed about this book. It seemed a bit ponderous in its presentation.
Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for this title. All opinions are my own.
October 20, 2024
I wasn't able to fully complete this book. While I understood much of what was being written, I couldn't entirely grasp its concepts. Perhaps I'm too young for this material, or it simply felt like a tiring read. However, I wouldn't say I walked away without learning anything. "Happiness" by Osho taught me valuable lessons about society and its restrictions, though I’m unsure how much of it I can apply to my own life. That being said, I would like to try reading this book again, after a few years…
December 15, 2023
I have a number of Osho titles and if you have any of his books you'll likely enjoy this one as well. Mostly timeless wisdom.
I really appreciate the copy for review!!
I really appreciate the copy for review!!
January 15, 2025
More of the Heart, Less of the Head!
What a lovely book! Osho's words are always a guide, a torch for living. I have been incredibly blessed by this book.
What a lovely book! Osho's words are always a guide, a torch for living. I have been incredibly blessed by this book.
June 3, 2025
I found this book to be a challenging yet thought-provoking read. While some concepts were difficult to grasp at first, the author succeeds in encouraging a deeper level of self-reflection. The primary message seems to be that neither the relentless pursuit of pleasure nor the accumulation of material possessions will lead to true happiness. This idea resonates deeply with me, as it underscores the often-overlooked truth that external achievements and acquisitions cannot fulfill our inner needs.The book provides a framework for introspection, urging readers to critically examine what happiness truly means to them. It doesn’t offer a one-size-fits-all solution but rather encourages a personal journey of discovery. The author presents several questions and exercises aimed at helping readers explore their values, desires, and life choices. These tools can be powerful in guiding one’s reflection on the gap between where they are and where they want to be in their pursuit of contentment.However, it’s important to approach the book with the understanding that it won’t hand you happiness on a silver platter. Instead, it offers a collection of ideas to mull over as you navigate your own path to fulfillment. The strength of the book lies in its ability to make you think deeply about your priorities and the sources of your discontent, potentially leading to personal growth.On the flip side, some of the author’s suggestions, while insightful, seem somewhat idealistic. If widely implemented, they could result in a society where norms and structures are destabilized, leading to chaos. For instance, the book’s emphasis on abandoning the pursuit of material wealth and conventional success might inspire some to withdraw from societal responsibilities or economic participation altogether, which could have far-reaching consequences. Overall, the book provides a meaningful exploration of what it means to live a happy life, but it should be read with a critical mind. It challenges conventional wisdom, pushing readers to reconsider what they value most in life. While it may not provide all the answers, it certainly poses the right questions, making it a worthwhile read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of happiness and fulfillment.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews