In this first volume of his commentaries on The Dhammapada, Buddha’s time-honored sutras, Osho’s focus is on a very modern-day concern: the survival of man. He describes how a Western approach to life results in a denial of the soul, reducing man to a machine, whilst the Eastern way nourishes the spiritual dimension.

In the second volume of twelve on Buddha’s essential teachings, Osho says not to follow, but bathe in the fragrance of one who has known. Taking responsibility for yourself creates wisdom, and you can be as Buddha was – through meditation.

“In freedom, anything becomes possible.” In the third volume of twelve on Buddha’s essential teachings, Osho stresses the importance of inquiry over belief. The inner search is not about knowledge or instructions – it needs openness and freedom.

“You have to write your own song…” In the fourth of twelve volumes on Buddha’s teachings, Osho shows that everything is possible in your life. You can live in a functional way – or realize the tremendous potential that every individual contains.

Love yourself first. In the fifth volume of twelve on Buddha’s essential teachings, Osho says that if you don’t love yourself, you cannot love others. Love is a light that dispels the darkness of the ego and makes you a spiritual force.

“Joy is forever; happiness is momentary.” In the sixth of twelve volumes on Buddha’s essential teachings, Osho refutes the idea that Buddha’s way is serious or dry, and reveals the true nature of joy – being neither happy nor unhappy, but peaceful.

How can you know what is right? In the seventh of Osho’s twelve volumes of commentary on Buddha’s essential teachings, he focuses on the concept of “rightness.” The answer is not to be found in anybody’s words, but through meditation.

“We are always trying to look good in the eyes of others…” In the eighth of twelve volumes on the essential teachings of Buddha, Osho challenges the illusion of fitting in with the crowd. Freedom is discovering your individuality, your original face.

Compassion is the word associated with Gautama Buddha more than any other. In the ninth of twelve volumes of commentary on Buddha’s essential teachings, Osho looks in detail at how to become compassion, the ultimate flowering of meditation.