ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Osho (1931–1990), born Rajneesh Chandra Mohan Jain, wasn’t your conventional spiritual teacher. Known for his razor-sharp intellect and rebellious views, he questioned everything from religious orthodoxy to political structures. His teachings blended Eastern mysticism with Western psychology, creating a spiritual philosophy that still resonates. While his time in the U.S. was controversial, resulting in deportation, his legacy lives on through the countless books on spirituality compiled from his talks. Osho remains a beacon for seekers looking to chart their own spiritual path without the baggage of tradition.
BOOK REVIEW: THE JOURNEY OF BEING HUMAN
Picking up The Journey of Being Human is a bit like having an unexpected, soul-stirring conversation with someone who sees right through you. It doesn’t follow the structure of a regular self-help book—and that’s the point. This is one of those Osho books that throws structure out the window and invites you to explore your inner world with raw honesty.
The book is a collection of transcribed discourses, which means it reads more like a dialogue than a traditional narrative. But don’t let that throw you. There’s an emotional current that runs through every page. Like in most of his books, Osho challenges the way we define ourselves—are we truly human, or are we just behaving the way we’ve been told to?
He draws a line between existence and being. We all exist, sure. But to truly be—now that’s the hard part. According to Osho, most of us never get there. We’re stuck in cycles of fear, ego, and cultural conditioning. And through sharp, often poetic language, he nudges us to break out of those cycles.
WHAT WE LOVED
Let’s be honest—philosophical books can often feel like hard work. But not this one. Osho has a gift for turning abstract concepts into everyday truths. He doesn’t sound like a distant guru. He sounds like a brutally honest friend who’s not afraid to tell you that you’re asleep—and it’s time to wake up.
One of the most refreshing things about this book is how grounded it feels despite dealing with lofty ideas. Osho uses simple language, witty observations, and cross-cultural references that make you feel seen. He draws from Zen, Sufi mysticism, Indian mythology, and even Western psychology. It’s not about impressing you. It’s about reaching you.
There’s also something comforting in how he embraces contradictions. Osho isn’t trying to make everything neat and tidy. He tells you straight up: life is messy. Spiritual growth is messy. But if you can hold that mess without running from it, you’re already closer to the truth.
His thoughts on suffering hit especially hard. Rather than trying to avoid pain, he teaches you to sit with it. To listen to it. According to him, suffering is not a punishment—it’s a teacher. That alone reorients how we think about healing and inner growth.
This is a book for anyone who’s tired of being told what to do. It doesn’t give you a checklist. It gives you a mirror.
WHAT COULD HAVE BEEN BETTER
As insightful as it is, The Journey of Being Human isn’t without its challenges. The lack of structure, while true to Osho’s style, can be disorienting. There’s no clear beginning, middle, or end. Instead, ideas flow in loops—sometimes poetic, sometimes repetitive.
If you’re someone who likes linear progression or clearly defined chapters, this book might frustrate you. You won’t find “Chapter One: How to Love Yourself.” What you’ll find instead are reflections. Riddles. Invitations to think for yourself.
Also, like in most of his books, Osho doesn’t exactly tiptoe around controversial opinions. He can be dismissive of traditional beliefs, which may rub some readers the wrong way. He speaks with conviction, often leaving little room for dialogue. For readers looking for a gentle introduction to spiritual philosophy, this might feel too intense.
Finally, if you’re hoping for practical exercises or techniques, you’ll be disappointed. There are no step-by-step instructions—just a push to shift your awareness. It’s more “why” than “how.”
WHY YOU SHOULD READ IT
Read this book if you’re feeling spiritually stuck. If you’ve been dabbling in self-help but still feel like something’s missing, this book might be the spark you need. It’s raw. It’s honest. And it’s not afraid to make you uncomfortable in the best way possible.
If you’ve ever wondered whether being human is more than just being alive, this book says: yes, it absolutely is. And then it dares you to find out how.
This isn’t a feel-good read. It’s a feel-deep one.
MEMORABLE QUOTES FROM OSHO
To be human simply means to be on the way of being a god, and nothing else. God Is the goal. To be human is the journey, the way. The way can never be permanent, it cannot become eternal. Otherwise, it will be very tiring. The Goal will never arrive then, and you will be just on the journey, on the journey, on the journey.
And ghosts have never been known to paint, or to compose poetry, music. They never been known to dance and enjoy. Ghosts don’t fall in love, for the simple reason that the ghost has lost the body, the biology, physiology; he is just a shadow.
CONCLUSION
If you’re looking for Osho books that don’t just challenge your mind but tug at your soul, this one’s a solid pick. The Journey of Being Human doesn’t promise quick fixes or instant enlightenment. It offers something deeper—a nudge toward awareness, a questioning of your habits, and a reminder that your humanity is something to be earned, not assumed.
In a world flooded with noise, this book dares you to be quiet—and listen. Not to someone else. But to yourself. It’s not always comfortable. But it’s real.
A proverbial bookworm, Anusuya is always hungry for new stories and adventures.