Eat a Peach

by Milarepa

originally written for the VIHA Connection, August 2002

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Ever taste an Oregon peach? Boy, are they good. To me, they taste just the way a peach should taste: soft, sweet, juicy. Mmm! But wouldn't you rather taste them for yourself than listen to me rave on and on? It's like with truth: I can't understand why anyone would ask someone else what truth is. Not that I haven't asked Osho my fair share of questions about it - but really now. Wouldnât you prefer to taste something as good as truth for yourself instead of watching someone else have all the fun? At most, I might draw you a good map how to find the Hood River Valley in Oregon where these divine peaches come from - just as any master worth his salt would point your eyes in the right direction of the moon. But as the Zen people are fond of saying: Better to look where I'm pointing - and don't bite my finger!

I used to think a lot about things like truth. I sure harassed Osho about it with my questions - on more than one occasion! Like the time I asked: "Beloved Master, What is the difference between my mind and No-mind." And he responded with: "Milarepa, it is basically the difference between you and me." The next day, he surprised me with a question he wrote himself and signed my name to: "Bhagwan, why am I a philosopher?" That was the last time I ever asked someone else about truth - ultimate or otherwise. From that point on, I started eating the peaches.

When I was growing up, truth was something you got into trouble for telling. Later, truth became the thing to pondered whether or not to tell my girlfriend. Then I met Osho, who would say things like " truth is that which can't be said" - and in the next breath talk about it for one-and-a-half hours. The truth is: I don't know what truth is. It's one of those big words like love. You really want to know about love? You ask a woman. Every woman knows what love is. I have never met one who doesn't. Truth, though? It seems to be kind of a male thing, something male minds like to chew on - like enlightenment, another big bone for the mind. Hey! Don't believe me? Just try asking your girlfriend tonight 'what is enlightenment?'.You might find yourself sleeping on the sofa.

Funny thing, the truth. It sure creates a lot of trouble for some people. Like poor Mansoor, the Sufi mystic. He said the truth and a crowd of people cut him up into little pieces. All he said was "I am God". Who knows? Maybe it was the truth as far as he was concerned. But it sure upset people - pissed them off, in fact. Big time. Moral of the story? Watch out for the truth!

Yes, some people always seem to get in trouble with the truth. Just like some people always seem to get in trouble with the Law. Take Osho, for example. Of course, he's had his fair share of brushes with the Law - like the occasional speeding ticket! - but it's his truth-filled statements like: "violence is the religion of America" get him into hot water and make powerful people like Ronald Reagan shit a brick. Yes, the truth can be uncomfortabe; otherwise, why would anyone get their knickers in a twist over someone owning ninety-eight Rolls Royces?

Lao Tzu says:Ê"The truth is that which canât be said". Well, thatâs still saying something, isn't it? But I would have to agree with Lao tzu as far as to say the truth is a hard thing to put into words. At least, I think it's fair to say truth can be inspirational. The fact is, nothing inspires me more than seeing someone allowing truth to manifest through him, or her. I think to live in truth requires tremendous courage - maybe more than most people can afford. The courage to stand alone and be yourself, even if it means standing up to the whole world. Notice I said live in truth, not living my truth. I think it shows a mis-understanding to say things like Îliving my truthâ. This statement has just never made sense to me. I donât think I ever heard Osho say living my truth. My truth? What does that mean? Can you own the truth? Personally, I think truth is something bigger than all of us.

I think truth is more like a woman. Itâs kind of a shy thing. I do know that when I am in love, I feel closest to it. In love, my life feels worth living, has meaning, purpose, value. In love, I feel my unique place in the vast scheme of things - a sense of at-homeness. Conversely, when I am feeling most alive, love flows effortlessly in my life. I often find truth hiding in small everyday things. Ordinary things: Like a good cup of tea. Even an Oregon peach! Actually, I'm not sure how Osho would feel about me speaking about peaches (especially ones from Oregon) and truth in the same breath, but I suspect it might make him chuckle - for he is someone who knows that a good belly-laugh is perhaps the best medicine for realizing truth. And thatâs the truth!

ãA master is one who has become the truth and is available for all those who are ready to absorb him. Hence, Jesus says to his disciples: 'Eat me.' Truth can be eaten. It cannot be taught.äÊOsho, Just Like That - Talks on Sufism