“This is an Italian story, the story of Pinocchio.”
You cannot believe that a man like Jesus can commit mistakes because you cannot believe that Jesus is a man like you. And unless you believe that Jesus is a man like you, you cannot believe the other part of the story, that you are as divine as Jesus.
Remember these are two sides of the same coin. If you can believe Jesus is a man just like you, then you can also believe that you have the same potential as Jesus. If he can become a christ you can become a christ too.
A little introduction for a joke. This is an Italian story, the story of Pinocchio.
A carpenter, named Geppetto, is feeling very lonely and wishes to have a child. With some sticks of wood he creates a puppet – with a red hat and a very pointed nose – and calls it Pinocchio. Hardly has he finished it when Pinocchio kicks him in the leg – and with this kick Geppetto realizes that this “son” will give him only trouble.
In fact, Pinocchio asks immediately for something to eat, and Geppetto, though very poor, manages to find some food for him and goes to bed himself without dinner. Pinocchio, without even thanking him, goes out, and this way for years he tortures his creator. He goes on doing one mischief after another until finally he is swallowed by a whale in the ocean.
Now forget this introduction as if I have not told you at all; only then will you understand the joke. I had to tell it to you; without it you would not understand the joke – and that I have to tell you. Now forget all about it. I have not said any introduction to you.
Now the joke….
After forty years of hard work an old carpenter dies and goes to heaven. When he gets to the Pearly Gates he knocks on the door. Saint Peter opens it and says, “Yes?”
The old carpenter explains, “I am an old carpenter. I have worked hard for forty years, I never did any harm to anyone, and I am here for my reward.”
Saint Peter replies, “I don’t know about that. Wait here for a minute and I will go and get some information on you.”
He goes inside and is about to talk to the boss, God, when he runs into Jesus. Jesus says, “Why are you all excited?” So Peter tells him the whole story: an old carpenter, worked hard for forty years, never did any harm to anyone.
Jesus listens to the story with mounting interest and asks, “Did he have white hair?”
Peter says, “Yes!”
“Little pixie eyeglasses with chromium frames?”
“Yes!”
“About so tall? Wearing a waistcoat, a little paunchy?”
“Yes, yes, yes!” says Peter.
Jesus runs to the Pearly Gates, throws open the door, takes a look at the little old man and cries at the top of his lungs, “Daddy!”
And the carpenter looks at him and joyously exclaims, “Pinocchio!”
Osho, The Dhammapada, Vol 8, Ch 13
Series compiled by Shanti
All excerpts of this series can be found in: 1001 Tales
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