Yoga: The Science of the Soul by Osho

Book Summary

In Yoga: The Science of the Soul, one of the greatest spiritual teachers of the twentieth century presents the history and philosophy of this timeless health practice. 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.Osho challenges readers to examine and break free of the conditioned belief systems and prejudices that limit their capacity to enjoy life in all its richness. He has been described by the Sunday Times of London as one of the “1000 Makers of the 20th Century” and by Sunday Mid-Day (India) as one of the ten people―along with Gandhi, Nehru, and Buddha―who have changed the destiny of India. Since his death in 1990, the influence of his teachings continues to expand, reaching seekers of all ages invirtually every country of the world.

About the Author –

Born Chandra Mohan Jain on December 11, 1931, in Kuchwada, Madhya Pradesh, he later adopted the name Acharya Rajneesh and eventually became known as Osho. An academic by training, he earned an M.A. in Philosophy from the University of Sagar and taught at Jabalpur University before leaving academia in 1966 to pursue spiritual teaching full-time .

Osho’s teachings blended Eastern mysticism with psychology and Western philosophy. He advocated a revolutionary path of “neo-sannyas” that encouraged full engagement in life—embracing love, creativity, and celebration—without attachment to social or religious dogma. He was well-known for his candid views on sexuality, advocating freedom and awareness rather than repression .

In 1974, he founded an ashram in Pune, which attracted thousands worldwide. His dynamic meditation techniques, combining movement, breath, and stillness, became central to his practice and remain widely used today . Osho spent the early 1980s in Oregon (Rajneeshpuram) and later returned to India, where he died on January 19, 1990.

He is remembered as a highly influential, though controversial, spiritual figure whose legacy endures through hundreds of books (transcriptions of his talks) and meditation centers globally, including the OSHO International Meditation Resort in Pune