What is the significance of the smile before and during discourse?
Synthesized from Source
definition
"The smile before speaking acknowledges the absurdity of words, reminding us of the silence that lies beyond; when discourse ends, the smile returns, revealing the true teaching in our nonverbal presence."
According to Osho, the smile before speaking acknowledges the absurd, torturous necessity of using words to point to the wordless; it is compassion and a reminder of the silence behind speech. During discourse the smile fades because speaking is a burden. When discourse ends, the smile returns—freedom from words—hinting that the real teaching is the nonverbal presence you will learn to hear.
He smiles to show that the real teaching is silent; talking is hard but needed, so the smile appears before and after, and fades during the effort of speaking.
Why this matters practically
- Listen for the silence and presence behind words during any conversation.
- Use speech as a bridge to inner stillness, not as the final goal.
- Notice tension while talking and return to relaxed awareness—a simple inner smile.
- Use speech as a bridge to inner stillness, not as the final goal.
- Notice tension while talking and return to relaxed awareness—a simple inner smile.
AI Confidence Score: 96%
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