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Yoga: The Science of the Soul
Much of what is known as yoga today emphasizes physical postures and exercises to increase flexibility and help relaxation. But in fact, yoga has its roots in centuries of rigorous investigation and research in the East to develop an understanding of human consciousness and its potential.
In Yoga, Osho explains the meaning of some of the most important Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an early "scientist of the soul" who is credited with being the father of Raja Yoga, or the "royal path" of yoga that uses physical postures and breath primarily as a means to achieve higher states of consciousness. With a fresh translation of these ancient texts, and unique Osho insights into the modern mind and its psychology, Patanjali comes to life on the pages with an approach to using yoga for greater self-understanding that is absolutely relevant to our times.
An invaluable resource for beginning or experienced yoga practitioners, and for anyone who seeks to better understand the intricate and powerful relationship that exists between body and mind
In Yoga, Osho explains the meaning of some of the most important Yoga Sutras of Patanjali, an early "scientist of the soul" who is credited with being the father of Raja Yoga, or the "royal path" of yoga that uses physical postures and breath primarily as a means to achieve higher states of consciousness. With a fresh translation of these ancient texts, and unique Osho insights into the modern mind and its psychology, Patanjali comes to life on the pages with an approach to using yoga for greater self-understanding that is absolutely relevant to our times.
An invaluable resource for beginning or experienced yoga practitioners, and for anyone who seeks to better understand the intricate and powerful relationship that exists between body and mind
202 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1984
74 people are currently reading
825 people want to read
About the author
Osho
4,285 books6,791 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 - 26 of 26 reviews
September 14, 2016
In Yoga: Science of the Soul, Osho explores some of the sutras of Patanjali. I enjoyed this little book, full of wisdom. Here Osho delves into the deeper meanings of yoga that go beyond just the postures, which is the aspect that many yoga practitioners focus on. In fact, besides a few basic words on posture and breathing, Osho really doesn’t describe any asanas at all.
This is more of a philosophic book, but it should be a nice complement to anyone who is studying the physical aspects of yoga to get grounded in the purpose and philosophy behind it. I was particularly struck by the similarity between yoga and Zen, and the importance in yoga of achieving a state of no-mind. This is a fun read with Osho’s usual enlightening words and ideas covering many different aspects of life.
This is more of a philosophic book, but it should be a nice complement to anyone who is studying the physical aspects of yoga to get grounded in the purpose and philosophy behind it. I was particularly struck by the similarity between yoga and Zen, and the importance in yoga of achieving a state of no-mind. This is a fun read with Osho’s usual enlightening words and ideas covering many different aspects of life.
January 22, 2021
This was eye-opening. And healing. Part self-help, part philosophy. It gives a very nice overview of the eight steps of Yoga - not as a physical practice, but as a mental and spiritual discipline.
Warning: he does get a little extreme with some statements; but you can safely ignore them.
Warning: he does get a little extreme with some statements; but you can safely ignore them.
April 6, 2013
It's not even a book. It's an absolute wisdom and knowing that is shared. A precious pearl among the roaring clutter of pseudo-philosophy.
July 19, 2016
This book is a discussion or commentary on Patanjali's yoga sutras. The book talks about what yoga really means - its dimension beyond the popularly known practise of posture - and who can practise yoga in its true essence. As far as reference to Patanjali and the essential dynamics of yoga is concerned, this book is a worthwhile read. But amidst the central issue of yoga, the author goes on to discuss the shortcomings in the tenets of the west and puts forward his philosophies on what should or should not be. In overall, after filtering information in the book I received some valuable insights from the book while at the same time there are parts I'd rather not read or comprehend owing to the heaviness of opinion and philosophy (that i don't relate to or am interested in) attached to them.
September 9, 2009
Explanation of the underlying principles for yoga. Science is based on experiments, and yoga is based on experiences, which are similar methods to work with the world around us.
March 8, 2016
I am an Osho fanatic so of course I love reading this and have learnt his voice.
He fills me with peace, such an easy read!
He fills me with peace, such an easy read!
May 16, 2019
This is only the first couple of volumes of Osho's full commentary, entitled "Yoga: The Alpha and the Omega". I'd suggest checking out that compilation text for readers interested in Osho's complete commentary on Patanjali's sutras. The Science of the Soul is still a good introductory book overall and a quick read.
May 29, 2015
abandoned..
August 7, 2015
Hur sätter man betyg på en livsfilosofi? Omöjligt...det här är ingen vanlig bok utan ett existentiellt föredrag.
5:a?, 1:a?...
5:a?, 1:a?...
August 15, 2021
"Machiavelli is for the outside world. Lao Tzu, Patanjali, and Buddha are for the inside world... if you ask Lao Tzu, Patanjali, or Buddha, they are talking of a different type of victory - the inner victory. There, cunning won't do. Deceiving won't do, fighting won't do, aggression won't do - because whom are you going to deceive? Whom are you going to defeat? You alone are there..."
About as good as it gets from Osho. Commentary on Patanjali's Sutras; in depth discussion on the eight limbs of raja yoga that stands up to Vivekananda's... probably transcends.
Highly recommend.
About as good as it gets from Osho. Commentary on Patanjali's Sutras; in depth discussion on the eight limbs of raja yoga that stands up to Vivekananda's... probably transcends.
Highly recommend.
January 28, 2018
The book is amazing .... one of the Best I've read from Osho.
"You are-but with no boundary, with no limitation, with no demarcation, with no definition. In that utter silence one comes to the perfection, to the very peak of life, of Existence."
"You are-but with no boundary, with no limitation, with no demarcation, with no definition. In that utter silence one comes to the perfection, to the very peak of life, of Existence."
January 5, 2021
Yoga:Science of the Soul by Osho is an exquisite transformative journey based on Patanjali's sutras. It is based on a transcript and also reads as a fairytale reaching beyond body and mind but also regarding then as a sacred whole, which should be taken care of on the path to enlightenment.
October 3, 2019
Superb!
May 5, 2025
Really good commentary on Patanjali’s Yoga Sutras that makes them easy to understand, interesting to learn, and relatable for today’s society. A must read for yogis.
November 12, 2025
Mind, body, soul - cosmic connection
Acceptance is the highest form of alignment
Acceptance is the highest form of alignment
July 24, 2020
Yoga means union, the science of union. Meditation is the most supreme phenomenon as far as union with reality is concerned. Meditation is the god of yoga. But yoga has fallen into wrong hands, and not only recently – for centuries it has been in the wrong hands.
The original fault must be with the founder, Patanjali himself. Patanjali has divided yoga into eight parts. His division is clear-cut, very scientific, but he was not really aware of human stupidity. He started with the body – and that's the right way to start. The first part of yoga must be physiological because man lives on the circumference, in the body, so the work has to start there, only then can it reach the mind. And when one has gone beyond the body and beyond the mind, then the third, meditation, happens.
So, according to Patanjali the first part belongs to the body. But he was not clearly aware that millions of people would remain entangled with the first part. Hence yoga has become synonymous with yoga postures: people standing on their heads and doing all sorts of contortions. That has become synonymous with yoga.
It is not a true yoga, it is just the preface, the introductory part; and the person who thinks the introduction is the whole book is idiotic. But Patanjali did not warn people. If he had warned people it would have been better. People like Patanjali believe in others' intelligence – which is not there! They trust. Their trust is immense, their trust is as immense as people's stupidity is! They respect people's intelligence. So he did not warn people, but the warning was absolutely necessary: 'Don't get entangled in the physiological part.'
A few people, only very few – if a hundred people become interested in yoga then only one person will get out of the physiological entanglement. And that one person will become entangled in the psychological. If a hundred persons are entangled in the psychological then only one person gets out of it...and only when you get out of the mind does the real yoga begin.
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The original fault must be with the founder, Patanjali himself. Patanjali has divided yoga into eight parts. His division is clear-cut, very scientific, but he was not really aware of human stupidity. He started with the body – and that's the right way to start. The first part of yoga must be physiological because man lives on the circumference, in the body, so the work has to start there, only then can it reach the mind. And when one has gone beyond the body and beyond the mind, then the third, meditation, happens.
So, according to Patanjali the first part belongs to the body. But he was not clearly aware that millions of people would remain entangled with the first part. Hence yoga has become synonymous with yoga postures: people standing on their heads and doing all sorts of contortions. That has become synonymous with yoga.
It is not a true yoga, it is just the preface, the introductory part; and the person who thinks the introduction is the whole book is idiotic. But Patanjali did not warn people. If he had warned people it would have been better. People like Patanjali believe in others' intelligence – which is not there! They trust. Their trust is immense, their trust is as immense as people's stupidity is! They respect people's intelligence. So he did not warn people, but the warning was absolutely necessary: 'Don't get entangled in the physiological part.'
A few people, only very few – if a hundred people become interested in yoga then only one person will get out of the physiological entanglement. And that one person will become entangled in the psychological. If a hundred persons are entangled in the psychological then only one person gets out of it...and only when you get out of the mind does the real yoga begin.
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February 1, 2018
"Now, the disicple of yoga.."
I have always known yoga is so much more than weird poses. It is the way of life and this books confirms it.
I have always known yoga is so much more than weird poses. It is the way of life and this books confirms it.
April 27, 2023
This is the first book about yoga that I’ve read, and for the most part I really enjoyed it. It has a lot of valuable information, and I know I will come back to the book in the future to review some of the highlighted points. The only reason I’m not giving it 5 stars is due to some misogynistic language used as well as possibly triggering language regarding mental illness, therapy, and especially suicide. I found myself really loving the book and then coming across one of these topics and then becoming disappointed in how Osho talked about it.
November 26, 2014
Han spar inte på krutet den gode Osho. Önskar mig lite genustänk dock. Det finns, såvitt jag vet, även kvinnor och döttrar i världen. Detta även om man ska förmedla 2000 år gammal visdom. Men ändå...så bra för en yogi-wannabe, tar med mig massor.
September 2, 2010
wonderful, a must-read!
July 5, 2016
Fondamentale,assieme ai successivi 2volumi
August 24, 2008
A fantastic guide to your own yogapractise! Love it!
October 21, 2012
Fantastic!
November 24, 2013
this book opened my eyes
October 21, 2015
Beautiful lessons on mind, body and spirit = life♡
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews