Firstly, if you aggressively believe you know what love is, don’t bother getting this book. It’s for the humble mind and soul that’s seeking to learn (or unlearn) their theories of love. Proceed with openness and courage.

Being familiar with Osho’s catalogue, I purchased this book in agreement with a friend who needed a new theory of love; because I believe that you cannot practice the art of love without a theory of it. Many of us are practicing with an insufficient or ineffective theory of love. Personally, I needed a revision to my theory of love, and this is book is undeniably informative.

Osho, per usual, delivers much of his ideas and concepts through the vehicle of poetry while also serving as a cultural critic in our “love” exploits. He’s unforgivingly vulgar at times; in others, very subliminal. The layout hints at a conversational style as throughout the book he is merely replying to questions from audience members. It’s a fluid read, but it also demands some intermittent reflection to truly understand the meanings in his yogic rants.

Many of the ideas are radical; sometimes absurd; provocative; but surprisingly sensible. His messages imply that love should make you conscious, mature, courageous, joyful, alive, creative, and independent when in the air of an exclusive relationship. If you adhere to any religion, and your convictions are strong, you may want to temper your beliefs before reading to avoid some cognitive dissonance.

Osho taps on topics of sex, intimacy, parenting, personal growth, gender roles, gender equality, marriage, tradition and religion, soul vs. ego, and emotional wellness. Some of his metaphors are inconsistent at times, which invoked some confusion (I’m also a poet). Still, many of the concepts and ideas are protrusive enough to inspire serious consideration.

Overall, there is a wealth of ideas to integrate into your personal theories of love. Many of them are worthy of informing our personal goals and shaping our practice in being loving and being loved. The contents challenge you to unlearn or at least critically assess your inherited cultural views and personal experiences of love. Just when you believe you know what love is, this book prances along and sings “think again”! It’s a book that deserves several reads over the life span. While there’s no obligation to agree with everything that’s in this book, I recommend considering that perhaps your knowledge and wisdom is fallible.

Positively life-changing!

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