The Way of Tao, Volume 1 - Discourses Series by Osho

About this series · summary by Osho Live

"The Way of Tao, Volume 1" delves into the profound philosophical teachings of Taoism, as illuminated by the mystic Osho. In this series, Osho explores the Taoist vision of life as a harmonious flow with the universe, emphasizing the natural order and spontaneity inherent in all things. Through his signature blend of deep wisdom and accessible discourse, he uncovers the essence of "wu wei" or effortless action—encouraging seekers to align with the cosmic rhythm rather than resist it. Osho unravels the delicately interwoven themes of duality and unity, highlighting the Taoist understanding of balance between opposites such as yin and yang. He suggests that true wisdom arises from observing the natural world and embracing its inherent mysteries. By transcending societal constructs and rigid thought patterns, individuals can experience a profound state of peace and authenticity. In this journey, Osho challenges viewers to rediscover their intrinsic nature, encouraging a return to simplicity and innocence. His approach is not merely philosophical but also deeply practical, offering insights into living a life of grace, fulfillment, and spiritual depth. Through vivid anecdotes and sharp humor, Osho brings the timeless teachings of Taoism to life, making them relevant and transformative for the modern seeker.

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1
The eternal, unchanging tao 19 June 1971
The eternal Tao is beyond all names, words and paths: naming or treading makes it transient; only by negation and emptying mind does the timeless reveal itself.
2
The mysterious original current -- Tao 20 June 1971
Naming fragments the seamless Tao into objects; the nameless is the origin. Words create duality; silence, not naming, reveals undivided existence. Embrace the jump.
3
Into the disinterested depths of Tao 21 June 1971
Desire blinds us to Tao: only by stripping every longing and accepting the present without seeking can one enter existence's depth and be truly free.
4
The mysterious Tao -- beyond ignorance and knowledge 22 June 1971
One reality underlies all dualities—life/death, name/nameless; true mystery lies beyond ignorance and knowledge. When ego falls, the subtle and miraculous open.
5
Free from the similar variances -- the beautiful and the good 23 June 1971
Knowing beauty creates ugliness; naming good creates evil—religion is beyond duality. Observe and fully witness anger, sex and greed to dissolve them.
6
The music of opposing notes 24 June 1971
Opposites are complementary, not enemies; accepting their unity frees us from struggle and calls for a science of co‑existence balancing science and Tao.
7
Actionless action and silent dialogue of the wise 25 June 1971
Actionless action and wordless transmission: be a silent presence whose being transforms others; true help arises without doing or declaring love.
8
Action free from ownership and recognition 26 June 1971
Act without claiming: life happens by itself; true wisdom is non-doership—give fully, take no credit—and stop striving or using methods to own outcomes.
9
The poison of ambition and the order of life 19 July 1971
Ambition poisons humanity by teaching comparison and scarcity-based value; accept natural dispositions and devalue rarity to end conflict and find inner peace.
10
The secret of a full stomach and an empty mind -- Tao 20 July 1971
Fill bodies, empty minds: real health is a full stomach and no willful ego. Strengthen the bones, dissolve the will — win without fighting through surrender.
11
Empty (theoretical) knowledge leads to desire 21 July 1971
Borrowed knowledge strengthens the ego and fuels desire; sages strip away information and future-cravings so present knowing arises, non-action brings order.
12
The supreme void, the supreme ancestor, the ideal support -- Tao 22 July 1971
Tao is perfect emptiness: renounce all fullness, for emptiness—unfathomable source of all—is the instant, egalitarian path to true religion and liberation.
13
Death of the ego and the entrance into the mystery 23 July 1971
Death of the ego: blunt your sharp edges, live without defensive securities, disentangle knots of pride and anger to become empty like deep waters of mystery.
14
Reflection of that -- which was before god 24 July 1971
Even the sage's 'I' cannot know the source of the Void; all revelation is a reflected image of that which was before God — a 'perhaps' that refuses assertion.
15
Understanding, emptiness, surrender and effort 25 July 1971
True understanding must penetrate the inner core, not mere intellect; stop filling the mind, surrender is the greatest effort, emptiness is already your nature.
16
Unbiased are the three -- heaven, earth and the saint 2 November 1971
Nature and the sage are impartial—neither benevolent nor cruel; saints see the ego as a 'grass-dog' and place ultimate responsibility on each individual.
17
Oneness in the opposites and installation into the void 3 November 1971
Emptiness is the source of perennial power: life breathes through alternating opposites—empty bellows suck in life; true strength lies in the void.
18
The supreme power -- corresponding to the valley female and mysterious 4 November 1971
The Valley Spirit—feminine, receptive darkness—is the source of creation; surrendering in passive non-action lets the Supreme Truth enter, as Lao Tzu teaches.
19
Other dimensions of a feminine consciousness: faith, acceptance and surrender 4 November 1971
Feminine consciousness is an oceanic, timeless faith of surrender and acceptance that perceives truth by intuition and joining, not by logic or conquest.
20
Blessed are those who are ready to be last 5 November 1971
Living not for the self - lose the ego by turning attention outward; like heaven and earth that endure because they live for others. Be last, yet become first.
21
The nature of water is very much like Tao 6 November 1971
Excellence is inner like water: it flows to the lowest place without striving, rests in stillness and humility, preferring silence over public praise.
22
Lao-tse is the most useful in the present state of the world 8 November 1971
Masculine mind has failed; rediscover Lao-tse's feminine simplicity — descend into humility to restore balance, dissolve ego, and avert collective destruction.

Talk summaries are written by Osho Live to help you find your way; they are not Osho's words.