“First you have to become a receiver, first you have to attain to silence, then communion is possible, not before it.”
Buddha is not an atheist but he never talks about god. That’s why I say he is a rarity. He brings many people to god – he brought more people than anybody else has done. Millions of people were brought to become godly in his presence, but he never uttered the word. Not only god, but even soul, self – he has no theory about it. He simply says, ‘I can show you the way how to go in. You go and see.’ He says, ‘Buddhas can only indicate the path, they cannot provide you with a philosophy. You are there, go in and see.’
One man came to Buddha. He was a great scholar, a sort of professor, had written many books, was known all over the country. Maulingaputta was his name. He said to Buddha, ‘I have come with dozen questions and you have to answer them.’
Buddha said, ‘I will answer, but you will have to fulfill a requirement. For one year you will have to be with me in total silence, then I will answer – not before it. Right now I can answer but you will not receive the answers because you are not ready, and whatsoever I say you will misinterpret because you have too many interpretations crowding your mind. Whatsoever I say will have to pass through your mind. For one year you just be silent so that you can drop the knowledge. When you are empty, whatsoever you want to ask I will answer, I promise you.’
While he was saying this, another of Buddha’s disciples, Sariputta, sitting under a tree, started laughing – a mad laughter. Maulingaputta must have felt embarrassed. He said, ‘What is the matter? Why are you laughing?’
He said, ‘I am not laughing about you, I am laughing about myself. One year has passed. This man deceived me also. I had come with many questions and he said, “Wait for one year,” and I waited. Now I am laughing because now those questions have disappeared. He goes on asking, “Now, bring those questions!” but I cannot bring those questions. They have disappeared. So, Maulingaputta, if you really want your questions to be answered, ask now, don’t wait for one year. This man is deceptive.’
Buddha introduced many people, millions of people, to the inner world, but in a very rational way. This is simple – that first you have to become a receiver, first you have to attain to silence, then communion is possible, not before it.
Buddha never used to answer any metaphysical questions. He was always ready to answer any question about methods, but he was never ready to answer any question about metaphysics. This is his scientific approach. Science believes in method. Science never answers the ‘why’, it always answers the ‘how’.
Osho, The Discipline of Transcendence, Vol 1, Ch 1 (excerpt)
Series compiled by Shanti
All excerpts of this series can be found in: 1001 Tales
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