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The Buddha Said...: Meeting the Challenge of Life's Difficulties
Osho, one of the best-known and most provocative spiritual teachers of our time, presents The Sutra of 42 Chapters—a scripture compiled in the first century C.E by a Chinese emperor. Using wonderful anecdotes throughout, Osho weaves his own unique insights into this profound ancient wisdom and expands its meaning for our time. As we travel with the Buddha on a path of radical wisdom, we’ll laugh or shake our heads at the folly, the ineptitude, or the goodness of the characters in the stories—and gain knowledge and understanding at the same time. Osho engages us at every level to help us experience the Buddha’s teachings and take in their timeless truths. A powerful, inspirational gem of a book.
464 pages, Paperback
First published January 15, 2007
170 people are currently reading
1297 people want to read
About the author
Osho
4,318 books6,771 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 - 30 of 37 reviews
April 29, 2010
5 stars is not enough...there should be an infinite option in the rating.
This is one of those rare books that introduces a fundamental change in the reader's consciousness. It can widen the reader's sensibilities so that you can look at familiar things as though you are seeing and understanding them for the first time.
It presents to you ideas that will keep you thinking long after you have read the book, analysing them subsconsciously so that no matter what interpretation you take with you, it will widen your senses.
Oh and by the way , you already are happy, you just don't know it yet.
This is one of those rare books that introduces a fundamental change in the reader's consciousness. It can widen the reader's sensibilities so that you can look at familiar things as though you are seeing and understanding them for the first time.
It presents to you ideas that will keep you thinking long after you have read the book, analysing them subsconsciously so that no matter what interpretation you take with you, it will widen your senses.
Oh and by the way , you already are happy, you just don't know it yet.
November 4, 2014
A real thinking book, The Buddha Said can be tackled two ways. OK, infinite ways, but I'll recommend one or the other, based on your temperament or how you find the sailing. Yes, you could read it coast to coast, though a lot of it is "chewy." That is, I sometimes stopped to write stuff down because I liked it so much. I went back and reread certain paragraphs. In that sense, the book argued for a more leisurely, "side" read, while others were in progress -- maybe at certain, more introspective times of day, like dawn.
I wish I "got" it, but really, I'm worse than handicapped being a Westerner. At least as a Hindu or Jainist you get a running start. A little more Eastern, no? But Osho considers other religions just that -- mere religions. Buddhism is not a religion. Or a philosophy really. It's so hard to describe, you can take 454 pages trying, but Osho probably did it more eloquently than others I have read.
The big monotheistic religions, according to Osho, are "father" religions, wherein we are the children in need of a father figure. We must renounce our fatherhood. He really has it in for the Jewish God. The vengeful one. The watchful one. The jealous one. This is God? Osho asks. Mere men have done better. Oy. And while the Christians and Mohammedans (his word) don't fare much better, he has nothing but kindness to say about Jesus because, well, Jesus was a buddha if ever there was one.
Big takeaways? There's nothing but trouble in obsessing about the past (realm of regret) and the future (denizen of desires). It's the here and now, baby. Best learn how to enjoy it, accept it, be... like driftwood, maybe. Just about every human emotion is suspect. Power. Jealousy. Greed. Hatred. Doubt. Hope. In fact, being human seems to run counter with being Buddhist. You just have to let go... the rest will follow.
I suppose you can take some of it as a downer. We are dying every day -- closer and closer to our pretty little demises and there is no heaven or hell, for instance -- but even dying doesn't matter if you reach nirvana. It's inconsequential. It's not our bodies that matter. And we are not trapped inside our bodies, we are greater THAN our bodies.
Hoo, boy. If such thoughts shake you to the root, get over yourself and roll up your sleeves. You have a LOT of work to do. God is dead. You (and some Neitzsche guy) are Superman -- or at least capable of it if you choose the Middle Way.
The most radical and revolutionary (yet peaceful) Buddha said as much. A long time ago. And boy did he leave a map. A map not for the faint of heart.
I wish I "got" it, but really, I'm worse than handicapped being a Westerner. At least as a Hindu or Jainist you get a running start. A little more Eastern, no? But Osho considers other religions just that -- mere religions. Buddhism is not a religion. Or a philosophy really. It's so hard to describe, you can take 454 pages trying, but Osho probably did it more eloquently than others I have read.
The big monotheistic religions, according to Osho, are "father" religions, wherein we are the children in need of a father figure. We must renounce our fatherhood. He really has it in for the Jewish God. The vengeful one. The watchful one. The jealous one. This is God? Osho asks. Mere men have done better. Oy. And while the Christians and Mohammedans (his word) don't fare much better, he has nothing but kindness to say about Jesus because, well, Jesus was a buddha if ever there was one.
Big takeaways? There's nothing but trouble in obsessing about the past (realm of regret) and the future (denizen of desires). It's the here and now, baby. Best learn how to enjoy it, accept it, be... like driftwood, maybe. Just about every human emotion is suspect. Power. Jealousy. Greed. Hatred. Doubt. Hope. In fact, being human seems to run counter with being Buddhist. You just have to let go... the rest will follow.
I suppose you can take some of it as a downer. We are dying every day -- closer and closer to our pretty little demises and there is no heaven or hell, for instance -- but even dying doesn't matter if you reach nirvana. It's inconsequential. It's not our bodies that matter. And we are not trapped inside our bodies, we are greater THAN our bodies.
Hoo, boy. If such thoughts shake you to the root, get over yourself and roll up your sleeves. You have a LOT of work to do. God is dead. You (and some Neitzsche guy) are Superman -- or at least capable of it if you choose the Middle Way.
The most radical and revolutionary (yet peaceful) Buddha said as much. A long time ago. And boy did he leave a map. A map not for the faint of heart.
December 25, 2020
I started this book with desperate attempt to get my hand on some reading to face the challenging coronavirus pandemic. And this has helped me a lot. The book has made me cry, made me laugh on myself and taught me how to face the challenges of life, however impossible it may seem.
This is a massive book. Osho takes the reader through the 42 sutras shared by Buddha. Although the talks are related to Buddhism, what I liked about it is the emphasis to view and understand it without the boundaries of any religion.
Given the audiobook has Osho's voice himself, I recommend to go for the audiobook. (Though you will need the paperback/ebook to make a lot, and really lot of highlights and underlines!) Each audiobook chapter is around 1.5 hours. A typical chapter starts with the sutra, then Osho digs deeper into the sutra with the help of deep explanation and stories. It gets so engrossing that you grasp the sutra, not just literally, but are able to relate to it personally.
Read this book if you are ready to go to deeper layers of human consciousness. Be ready to immerse yourself. Since it triggers very deep thoughts, recommend to read only one chapter at a time, otherwise you may find it very difficult to understand, or worse, to retain what you have read. And one read is not enough, at least I need to keep revisiting it to remember what I learnt from it. It has changed the way I look at life.
A life-changing read indeed!
This is a massive book. Osho takes the reader through the 42 sutras shared by Buddha. Although the talks are related to Buddhism, what I liked about it is the emphasis to view and understand it without the boundaries of any religion.
Given the audiobook has Osho's voice himself, I recommend to go for the audiobook. (Though you will need the paperback/ebook to make a lot, and really lot of highlights and underlines!) Each audiobook chapter is around 1.5 hours. A typical chapter starts with the sutra, then Osho digs deeper into the sutra with the help of deep explanation and stories. It gets so engrossing that you grasp the sutra, not just literally, but are able to relate to it personally.
Read this book if you are ready to go to deeper layers of human consciousness. Be ready to immerse yourself. Since it triggers very deep thoughts, recommend to read only one chapter at a time, otherwise you may find it very difficult to understand, or worse, to retain what you have read. And one read is not enough, at least I need to keep revisiting it to remember what I learnt from it. It has changed the way I look at life.
A life-changing read indeed!
April 22, 2015
This book changed my life. Once you read it, you automatically start re-reading, again. It is not meant to read swiftly, but rather to take in a chapter a day and let it sink in. And Osho's commentary are very comical and light-hearted. Makes you almost smile or laugh.
Read
July 2, 2018This book was my first introduction to Osho. A deeply penetrating, and interpretational ride through the 42 Mahayana Buddhist sutras, sprinkled with a fair share of humor. While it does at time stray from direct interpretations of the sutras, it covers a lot of ground, from social and parental conditioning, to religious indoctrination, be it subtle or obvious. The book is straightforward, but it takes a certain kind of let-go to really understand. To move beyond the mind, beyond your conditioning, to move away from the head and into the heart, that seems to be Osho’s overall message if there is one. If you are open, these interpretations will remind you of your true nature, your true being. Like all of the great spiritual teachers, and mystics, Osho is just giving you a reminder as to what you already are. This book gave me invaluable insights, so take a deep breath, and dive in. -Tal S.
May 26, 2022
I disagree with some (major) conclusions that Osho puts forth. With that being said, I have read no one who "hits the nail on the head" the way he does, across so many topics. Essential reading for seekers, IMO. I have read probably a dozen of his titles, and this is one of his best. I recommend it.
May 20, 2019
???? 2000s?: Buddha comes alive in these conversational gems...
August 18, 2018
This book was my introduction to to eastern philosophy. It changed my life.
May 10, 2018
Life-changing and inspiring
I highly recommend this book if you're on the path of awakening and reconnecting to your inner self. Osho brilliantly explains these Buddha's sutras and the way he does it is simply amazing. Eye-opening. I can't wait to read another book from Osho and keep expanding my consciousness.
I highly recommend this book if you're on the path of awakening and reconnecting to your inner self. Osho brilliantly explains these Buddha's sutras and the way he does it is simply amazing. Eye-opening. I can't wait to read another book from Osho and keep expanding my consciousness.
November 27, 2010
Top 5 books I've ever read...
Marcel gave to me in Africa
Read it twice. Once in Africa, then started it again at the end of my trip and finished it in the states...
Marcel gave to me in Africa
Read it twice. Once in Africa, then started it again at the end of my trip and finished it in the states...
August 6, 2013
I love Osho despite all the problems he had here in the states. He is good with explaining some of the esoteric teachings in a clear manner us dumb Americans can understand.
November 11, 2015
"If you have a cause to be happy you are already getting into unhappiness, because t cause will disappear." -Osho
October 11, 2022
A lovely interpretation of the teachings of the Buddha. Insightful, funny, non-dogmatic.
In Osho's conception, dharma is just the law that governs human nature. When we act in accordance with our nature, we feel at peace; when we go against our nature, we hurt ourselves. We don't notice when we hurt ourselves because we are half-asleep or deluded.
A recurring theme is the transformative power of attention. Taught knowledge is useful but often fails to drive personal transformation - e.g. we all 'know' we should eat better. Osho argues this is a false knowledge. If we really want to change, we should closely observe how our behavior makes us feel and discover first hand what is 'good' and 'bad' - only then will we have the real motivation to change and grow.
In Osho's conception, dharma is just the law that governs human nature. When we act in accordance with our nature, we feel at peace; when we go against our nature, we hurt ourselves. We don't notice when we hurt ourselves because we are half-asleep or deluded.
A recurring theme is the transformative power of attention. Taught knowledge is useful but often fails to drive personal transformation - e.g. we all 'know' we should eat better. Osho argues this is a false knowledge. If we really want to change, we should closely observe how our behavior makes us feel and discover first hand what is 'good' and 'bad' - only then will we have the real motivation to change and grow.
July 5, 2022
This is a life-transforming book. Osho has dived deep into Buddha's path to enlightenment. His understanding of the subject and Buddha's teachings has left me spell-bound. I have much gratitude towards both these Masters!
August 28, 2022
Some interesting and important points but I found it repetitive to the point of frustration. Some people may find that repetition soothing or meditative - I think it’s a feature not a bug. Just not my cup of tea, writing style wise.
December 31, 2024
Este libro cambio mucho mis idea sobre la religión .
Hace una crítica a la religión occidental y su ideología que conlleva.
Me gustó como hablando la vida y la muerte.
El concepto de que es la vida. La libertad individual,etc.
Budismo
Hace una crítica a la religión occidental y su ideología que conlleva.
Me gustó como hablando la vida y la muerte.
El concepto de que es la vida. La libertad individual,etc.
Budismo
January 1, 2025
An insightful read into the ideas of Buddhism for a newbie, but as a woman I really did not enjoy all of the sentiments toward women. One Google of the author told me not to take it too seriously. Overall, a pretentious but interesting read.
November 24, 2019
essential reading.
April 7, 2022
Read It !
June 8, 2022
Longest book I’ve ever read and What a beautiful book, don’t want to write about how I loved it necessarily 😄 cause anyone has to make their own experiences
December 31, 2024
Thought provoking.
October 3, 2025
The Buddha Said...: Meeting the Challenge of Life’s Difficulties
by Osho
Structure and Content
Key Themes and Insights
Detachment and Impermanence: Learning how to release our attachments to possessions, relationships, and even our own identities.
Inner Awareness: Emphasizing that
Freedom from Ego and Fame: Reminding us that
Style and Accessibility
Relevance to Contemporary Life
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
Readers seeking modern spiritual insights
Fans of Buddhist philosophy looking for fresh interpretation
Anyone navigating life’s chaos with a hunger for clarity
Structure and Content
The Buddha Said... is based on the ancient Sutra of Forty-Two Chapters, one of the first Buddhist texts translated into Chinese. Osho doesn’t just comment on these teachings—he reinterprets them through the lens of modern psychology, existential reflection, and mindfulness practice. Each chapter begins with a quote or saying from the Buddha, followed by Osho’s spontaneous and meditative discourse that opens up the layers beneath it.
Key Themes and Insights
Osho’s interpretation centers around the timeless struggle of the individual to live a meaningful life in a chaotic world. He addresses core themes such as:
Detachment and Impermanence: Learning how to release our attachments to possessions, relationships, and even our own identities.
Inner Awareness: Emphasizing that
“Truth is not something outside to be discovered, it is something inside to be realized.”
Freedom from Ego and Fame: Reminding us that
“Fame is foolish, it is pointless, meaningless. Even if the whole world knows you, how does it make you richer?”
These ideas echo other spiritual voices such as Jiddu Krishnamurti and Ram Dass, but Osho adds a distinct flavor of rebellion against tradition and conformity.
Style and Accessibility
Osho’s tone is conversational, sometimes humorous, and often confrontational. His language is stripped of religious pretense. Rather than mystify, he demystifies. For a spiritual or philosophical novice, this is a surprisingly readable book—Osho keeps his metaphors grounded, his examples practical, and his logic compelling.
Relevance to Contemporary Life
This book resonates powerfully in today’s world where many are seeking authenticity and peace amid constant distraction. Osho’s teachings offer a radical alternative to consumerism and competition: awareness. Meditation is not just a technique, but a way of life. Even in discussing death, Osho challenges the reader to live fully rather than fear the end.
Final Thoughts and Recommendation
The Buddha Said... is more than a book about Buddhism; it’s a meditation on life itself. Whether you're spiritual, skeptical, or somewhere in between, this book encourages inner transformation without any dogma.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Recommended for:
Readers seeking modern spiritual insights
Fans of Buddhist philosophy looking for fresh interpretation
Anyone navigating life’s chaos with a hunger for clarity
December 7, 2022
Un poco complejo.
July 4, 2023
I like this critique of Buddhism. Buddha as the overly scientific atheist. Osho’s story telling and jokes are the perfect way to show how Buddhas focus on “how” rather than “why” is its dogmatism. The Buddha, lacking any motivation at all to promote the self, but to a fault. Osho shows how a well adjusted faith in the future, even if deceived by desire, craving, and attachment, can too be enlightening.
July 15, 2011
Brilliant with a capital 'B'!!
I have been familiar with Osho's teachings and have read a few of his books...this one stands out in many ways. First, its clarity, simplicity and to the point discussion and finally Osho's humor...always makes it a fun read.
I have been familiar with Osho's teachings and have read a few of his books...this one stands out in many ways. First, its clarity, simplicity and to the point discussion and finally Osho's humor...always makes it a fun read.
Read
July 24, 2011Could hardly get through the first 50 pages and then gave up. I understood why once I realized that Osho is that old Rajneesh rascal. I'm sticking with the Insight Meditation crowd for Buddhist texts.
August 14, 2007
(Discounting his obsession with sex) Osho is a persuasive spokesperson for Buddha.
Currently reading
September 2, 20085 stars. It's a must read book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 37 reviews