What is the relationship between truth and lies?
Synthesized from Source
definition
"Truth cannot be spoken; the moment it is uttered, it transforms into a lie. A master uses skillful untruths as ladders, guiding you to the direct experience of truth that lies beyond words."
According to Osho, truth cannot be transmitted by words; as soon as it’s put into language it becomes a lie. Because seekers first understand only lies, a master uses compassionate, strategic untruths to build trust and capacity, gradually guiding them to direct experience. Such lies are skillful means—ladders to be discarded once the shock of truth can be borne.
Truth is beyond words, so a wise teacher may use helpful ‘lies’ to gently prepare you to experience it yourself.
Why this matters practically
- Be patient with gradual growth; don’t demand instant absolute truths.
- Evaluate teachings by whether they awaken awareness, not by literal correctness.
- Communicate compassionately by meeting people where they are.
- Evaluate teachings by whether they awaken awareness, not by literal correctness.
- Communicate compassionately by meeting people where they are.
AI Confidence Score: 96%
Read Original Discourse →