The secret of secrets by Osho Summary

The Secret of Secrets by Osho is a comprehensive commentary on an ancient Taoist text called "The Secret of the Golden Flower." This esoteric work explores consciousness, meditation, and spiritual transformation through the lens of Chinese mysticism. Osho demystifies teachings from the Chinese mystic Lu Tsu, presenting 112 meditation techniques and explaining the balance between male (animus) and female (anima) energies within each person to achieve what Taoism calls becoming a "golden flower"—a state of perfection and totality.

Osho was a controversial Indian spiritual teacher and mystic known for challenging conventional religious beliefs and exploring human consciousness. Described by the Sunday Times of London as one of the "1000 Makers of the 20th Century," he wrote The Secret of Secrets to make ancient Taoist wisdom accessible to modern audiences. His approach bridges Eastern mysticism with contemporary psychology, offering practical meditation techniques that had been confined to mystery schools for centuries before his teachings democratized this esoteric knowledge.

The Secret of Secrets is ideal for experienced spiritual seekers already familiar with meditation and Eastern philosophy. This book suits readers interested in Taoism, energy work, and advanced consciousness practices rather than beginners. Those exploring the connection between breath, mind, and spiritual awakening will find valuable techniques here. However, due to its esoteric nature and length (55 hours of content), it's best approached by individuals who have read Osho's other works and are ready for deep, contemplative study of mystical teachings.

The Secret of Secrets offers profound value for those seeking transformative spiritual practices rooted in ancient wisdom. Osho's poetic, accessible style makes complex Taoist concepts understandable while providing practical meditation exercises like the Golden Light Meditation. However, the book's considerable length and esoteric subject matter require patience and commitment. Readers praise its ability to marry intellectual depth with mystical insight, though it may feel meandering to those seeking quick takeaways. For serious practitioners of meditation and Taoism, it's an invaluable resource.

The Golden Light Meditation is a core Taoist practice detailed in The Secret of Secrets that involves harmonizing male and female energies within the body while transmuting sexual energy. This technique uses visualization and breath work to circulate light through the body's energy centers. Osho provides specific instructions on focusing attention on the pineal gland, which ancient Taoists considered the "third eye." The practice aims to dissolve the ego, awaken consciousness, and achieve what Chinese mystics called the "circulation of light" for spiritual transformation.

In The Secret of Secrets, Osho describes the animus as masculine energy (yang) associated with spirit, consciousness, and outward awareness that "lives in the eyes." The anima represents feminine energy (yin), linked to substance, bodily sensations, and inward withdrawal. Osho teaches that the animus loves life while the anima seeks death, with sensory desires being effects of the anima. True spiritual development requires balancing these opposing forces—using the circulation of light to maintain the spirit while subjugating and transforming the dark anima into pure light.

Osho presents multiple meditation techniques in The Secret of Secrets rooted in Taoist practice. Key methods include breath awareness exercises focusing on the gap between breaths, visualization practices involving the pineal gland, and techniques to address common obstacles like indolence (sleepiness) and distraction. He explains the breath-mind connection—when breathing slows, the mind calms; when breath stops, the mind becomes completely quiet. The book emphasizes that these powerful methods require guidance from a Master, as they're as potent as "atomic energy" in catalyzing inner transformation.

The Secret of Secrets reveals that breath and mind are intimately connected in Taoist philosophy. Osho explains that when breathing is fast and heavy, the mind becomes restless and agitated. As breathing slows and becomes rhythmic, the mind naturally calms down. When the breath stops completely, the mind achieves total stillness. This understanding forms the foundation of many meditation techniques in the book, as practitioners learn to use breath awareness as a pathway to controlling mental activity, dissolving the ego, and accessing deeper states of consciousness.

In The Secret of Secrets, "becoming a golden flower" symbolizes achieving spiritual perfection and actualizing one's full potential. Called the "thousand-petaled lotus" in Indian traditions, the golden flower represents totality, beauty, and the grandeur of complete being. Osho teaches that humans begin as seeds in darkness—containing all potential but unrealized. Through meditation, consciousness work, and balancing inner energies, individuals can bloom into their full spiritual splendor. This transformation moves beyond mere survival into expressing magnificence, transcending dualities, and experiencing unity with existence.

The Secret of Secrets faces criticism for its extreme length and meandering style, which can challenge even dedicated readers through 55 hours of content. Some find Osho's approach overly esoteric and impractical for daily application, requiring pre-existing knowledge of Eastern philosophy. Critics note that the book isn't beginner-friendly and demands significant time investment without clear, actionable takeaways. Additionally, Osho's controversial reputation and unconventional views on sexuality and religion have made some readers skeptical of his teachings, though supporters argue this reflects his role as a deliberate provocateur challenging spiritual orthodoxy.

While both books by Osho focus on meditation and consciousness, they explore different traditions. The Book of Secrets presents 112 meditation techniques from Tantra, emphasizing the acceptance of all human experiences and the mind-body connection for self-realization. The Secret of Secrets specifically addresses Taoist teachings through commentary on "The Secret of the Golden Flower," focusing on the balance of animus and anima energies. The Book of Secrets covers broader spiritual territory with Tantric philosophy, while The Secret of Secrets offers deeper immersion into Chinese mysticism and specific Taoist practices.

The Secret of Secrets remains relevant in 2025 as modern society increasingly seeks authentic spiritual practices beyond religious dogma. Osho's call to "live life in insecurity, as an adventure" and "be a rebel, drop all taboos" resonates with contemporary desires for individual authenticity over social conformity. In an age of digital distraction and mental health challenges, the book's breath-work techniques and consciousness practices offer practical tools for managing stress and finding inner peace. The Taoist emphasis on balancing opposing forces applies to navigating today's polarized world while maintaining centeredness.