“A single word from you will show the mind inside; a single word and your whole being is exposed.”
It happened:
There was a case against Mulla Nasruddin in the court. The court could not prove much. He was charged with polygamy, having many wives. Everybody knew about it, but nobody could prove it.
The lawyer said to Nasruddin, “You remain silent, that’s all. If you utter a single word you will be caught. So you simply keep quiet and I will look to the matter.”
Mulla Nasruddin remained silent – deep down boiling, in turmoil, wanted to interrupt many times, but somehow managed and controlled himself. Outwardly looked like a Buddha, inside a madman. The court couldn’t find anything against him. The magistrate, even though he knew that this man had many wives in the town, when there was no proof what could he do? So the magistrate had to release him.
He said, “Mulla Nasruddin, you are released. Now you can go home.”
Mulla Nasruddin looked puzzled and said, “Er – Your Honor, which home?” He had many homes because he had many wives in the town.
A single word from you will show the mind inside; a single word and your whole being is exposed. Not even a word is needed; just a gesture and your chattering mind will be there. Even if you are silent, your silence will not reveal anything other than the chattering monkey within.
Osho, Hsin Hsin Ming: The Book of Nothing, Ch 1
Series compiled by Shanti
All excerpts of this series can be found in: 1001 Tales
Featured image: commons.wikimedia.org
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