Swami Aatmo Neerav: A Journey In Meditation, Spirituality, and Inner Harmony Inspired by Osho
By Ujen Rajkarnikar - Sep 2, 2025 | Updated: September 2, 2025 | 11 min read
Spiritual journeys often occur suddenly and unexpectedly, emerging during a moment of unexpected encounter. For Swami Aatmo Neerav, a personal transformation occurred during his two decades of practicing meditation and self-exploration at Osho Tapoban. There, he practiced the self-exploration teachings of Osho, and his practice of Osho meditation techniques grew.
Swami Aatmo Neerav shares his early childhood in Kathmandu, his ambition to become a film director, and his discovery of Osho. He describes how his studying Osho’s teachings led him into a monastic life. He strives to display practical spirituality through Osho meditation techniques and personal experience.
Swami Neerav recalls observing the naturalness in Osho, highlighting love and sexuality as integral parts of our nature, which helps expand our capacity and awareness to reach a high state of consciousness.
He explains the reasoning behind Osho’s emphasis on compassion and full commitment in the present moment, particularly the idea that we should take every step we can to maintain balance and harmony in life’s struggles.
Swami Neerav’s Early Background & Spiritual Calling
Swami Aatmo Neerav reminisces about his childhood in Kathmandu. He considers himself fortunate to have had conscious parents who were kind and loving to him, providing him with plenty of space to grow spiritually. He originally planned to study filming in another country, but realized early on that he wanted a monastic life.
Swami Neerav mentions that when he first visited Osho Tapoban, his curiosity, rather than a transformational event, drew him there. He reveals that he attended a 7-day meditation retreat, as suggested by his parents, drawn by the food and its closeness to his relatives. He remembers being untrained in any knowledge or experience, but felt a mystical connection to himself, marking the start of his journey.
Swami Neerav recalls feeling a deep sense of home and peace within himself the first time he practiced meditation at Osho Tapoban. He remembers doing Kundalini Meditation, which affected him deeply, so that he remembers shaking for about 15 minutes after performing it. He describes it as a euphoric sensation. He states that he felt a euphoric sensation throughout his entire body for about three hours. He recalls that this was the beginning of his spiritual journey.
He explained that he chose Osho as his spiritual teacher for a deep, inexplicable reason, not any intellectual or dramatic reason. He mentions that for some reason, he was drawn to the various pictures of Osho, his clothes, and the clarity in Osho’s lectures. He shares that he could feel an ancient relationship with Osho that bypassed the physical realm and his mental faculties, and without question, recognized Osho as his teacher.

Understanding the Teachings of Osho
Swami Neerav describes Osho’s primary message as more straightforward to understand. He explains that Osho’s teaching is centered on recognizing and respecting a vital energy intrinsic to human life. It is a divine energy that is fundamental to all of creation and life itself. He advises us to accept this life force energy instead of suppressing it.
He clarifies that Osho does not discuss sexuality in the context of indulgence, instead recognizing this life force energy as a natural and beautiful aspect of life, which in a heightened state feels congruent with a higher consciousness and promotes inner transformation. He stated how society misinterprets this aspect of Osho as just sex.
Swami Neerav expresses his love towards Osho Tapoban, citing over 2 decades spent at the sanctuary. He states that it is a wonderful place to practice spiritual growth, meditation, and be in nature. Although he no longer resides there, he continues to call Osho Tapoban home.
He explains that the world of Tapoban still exists within him, and so do its attributes of peace, non-violence, and joy. He states that Tapoban has given him the courage and capacity to remain calm and confident despite the challenges in his life, and that it is an irreplaceable chapter in his spiritual journey.
Swami Neerav describes his transformation before and after he arrived at Osho Tapoban. He reveals that at first, he was a normal, free young person with little spiritual interest. Following his monastic adoption under Osho’s guidance, he underwent an inner shift that altered his way of life.
He expresses that he discovered peace and joy through the Osho meditation techniques. Now, he has the capacity to deal with life’s hurdles with quiet confidence and peace. He continues to mention that Tapoban refined his awareness, provided lasting inner peace and harmony, and a foundation, even while he faced challenges.
READ MORE: Swami Anand Arhat: Spiritual Wisdom on Compassion, Success, and Inner Balance
Osho Meditation Techniques & Spiritual Practices in Modern Society
Swami Neerav discusses the numerous Osho meditation techniques he has learned about. He outlines around six hundred techniques taught to him by Osho, more than the 108 so often considered the standard for meditation techniques. He discusses the differences between meditation as a “state” and a “technique”.
He clarifies that ancient methods, developed in simpler times, are not enough for our restless minds. He states that the Osho meditation techniques include active movement and therapy to still the mind, transitioning to a new form of silent meditation. He continues to state that.
Osho’s meditation included active mind-stilling movements and verified psychotherapy practices, such as walking, running, working, dancing, and laughing, leading to a state of “doing nothing” and “being nothing.”
He states that Osho borrowed teachings from common traditions, such as Sufism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Buddhism, to incorporate active meditation in examples and forms that can reach our minds and help address the modern mental health crisis.
Swami Neerav emphasizes the importance of meditation in addressing mental health challenges, which are prevalent in modern society. He perceives meditation as not something to be forced upon someone, but instead to be a necessity for those who genuinely are in pursuit of it. He recommends that people first “enjoy life,” “travel,” “love,” “work,” and take advantage of every opportunity life has to offer until they feel a genuine need to meditate.
As for when to meditate, he believes the early morning is the best time, as it is generally the most conducive to stilling the “racing mind.” He also recommends creating a clean, clear, and harmonious space for meditation, as it is profoundly beneficial. He explains how meditation serves as a vehicle for health and well-being.
Swami Neerav offers simple techniques to experience stress relief. He suggests taking actual steps, such as spending time in nature, which he also sees as a type of meditation. He says in nature, the mind is released and calmed.
He also offers an easy breathing exercise: Breathe in through your nose, breathe out through your mouth, and concentrate on your belly button. He suggests doing this daily in a state of stress or before going to sleep. He points out that mindful living and meditation will help facilitate experiencing moments away from chronic stress and anxiety.
Philosophical Insights and Spiritual Thinking and Journey towards Inner Harmony
Swami Neerav shares that, as children, we learn to ultimately categorize our actions and thoughts as only good or bad. He explains that this limited mentality towards the world as black or white can constrict one’s freedom and logical thinking, inducing guilt. He clarifies that we should stop judging actions by a moral code; instead, we should experience real excitement and express our genuine feelings. He poses a question of whether a purposeful decision can be right or wrong, highlighting the value of viewing life beyond right and wrong for personal growth and inner peace.
He addresses the differences in spirituality between the Nepalese people and those abroad. He notes that Westerners are generally more honest and authentic in their spiritual practice, following through on their commitment. On the other hand, He notes that spirituality in Nepal and India tends to be more theoretical and hypocritical.
He explains his reasoning, noting that Nepali people tend to be innocent and sincere, engaging in lengthy discussions on spirituality, but often lacking consistent practice. He notes that Western spiritual practitioners typically have a deeper, more practical engagement, leading to an authentic experience.
Swami Neerav states that he observed Chinese people have more receptivity to spirituality than others. He credits a critical reason for their receptivity to the cultural revolution, which cleared out many of the religious influences, leaving a “blank slate” free from the traditional conditioning and pollution of religious and political beliefs.
He states that this innocence, not ignorance, allows for the Chinese to begin at the very center or essence of spirituality, and organically be more open and receptive to real spiritual events and practical components. He credits it as an excellent space for spiritual growth.
Swami Neerav shares his struggles with meditation in the late 1980s, influenced by a rise in the vibrant “hippie culture. ” Despite his family’s strong support for his spiritual path, he faced challenges due to the casual approach to spirituality around him. He reveals his meditation experiences were intense yet rewarding. He also says that the support of his family was crucial in helping him overcome the hardships that came his way.
The Transformative Power of Suffering, Meditation, and Compassion for Meaningful Living
Swami Neerav explained that suffering is perhaps the most acknowledged teacher present in everyone’s life, as it is what naturally occurs in unpredictable ways. He explains that when things don’t go as expected, pain occurs, and the hurt serves as a deep source of learning and growth. He states that suffering can provide significant learning experiences, inner growth, and greater consciousness in life.
Swami Neerav discusses how self-compassion and embracing life through living, loving, enjoying, and learning are key to harmony in life. He elaborates on how harmony can serve one in life and create a beautiful, enriching existence.
The Legacy of Osho and Forming Personal Bonds
Swami Neerav recalls the significance of the bond and the relationship that exists between a student and a teacher. He recalls his close bond with his teacher, Swami Anand Arun, and his connection with Swami Anand Arun and Osho. Although they were physically distant, he states they helped him better understand Osho’s teachings and spirituality.
Swami Neerav also reflects on the complexity of Osho’s death, emphasizing it as a teaching lesson of the unpredictability of life and how my accident happened so quickly. He also reflected on how ironic it was that someone who was the master of spirituality had met his end.
Swami Neerav considers whether Osho was fully recognized while alive. He indicates that it often requires many years and/or the exact discipline to have their spiritual teaching and philosophy accepted. He believes the Osho meditation techniques have the potential to expand their influence tremendously in the future and reach all types of people worldwide, as spirituality continues to evolve.
Embracing Inner Harmony: The Transformative Journey of Meditation and Spiritual Awakening
With over 20 years of deep engagement with Osho, Swami Neerav, both an Osho disciple and a renowned spiritual instructor, offers meditation and spiritual guidance. He states that meditation is necessary to accommodate the transverse restlessness of today and points out that Osho meditation techniques help to clean out and prepare the mind for silence. He mentions that true meditation can only come through an authentic inner thirst for it.
In this video, Swami Neerav discusses the Osho meditation techniques and the acceptance of our sexuality as natural and divine. He shares his journey in spirituality, which includes Kundalini meditation and an understanding of Osho’s perspective on death. He discusses how Osho meditation techniques can support mental health. However, he emphasizes that it requires a genuine interest to experience an authentic experience.
Swami Neerav suggests developing simplicity, inner space, and harmony in one’s life. He advises experiencing them through both nature and breathing techniques. He emphasizes the importance of achieving calmness, pure meditation, and well-being. He encourages us to realize that the desire to live a life of compassion will ultimately depend on our appreciation for life.