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Intelligence and intellectuality
> Guest contributors > Understanding is an intellectual effort

Understanding is an intellectual effort

"Life is far deeper than logic, and many times life is absolutely illogical. If you try to cling to logic you will miss those things that are the most precious." - Osho

It is logical that first one should understand, and only then should one try to live. But life is far deeper than logic, and many times life is absolutely illogical. If you try to cling to logic you will miss those things that are the most precious. You will miss love, you will miss meditation, you will miss joy, you will miss the divine, you will miss freedom. You will miss all that makes life significant, that gives life beauty, splendour.

Meditation has to be experienced. If you try to figure out what it is, you will miss the point, because it is not a question of mind at all. Meditation means a state of no-mind. I am constantly pulling you towards the sate of no-mind, in every possible way.

Just by listening, something will start reaching your heart. A song, a dance will start happening. Your heart will start opening up like a flower and great fragrance will be released—and that will be real understanding.

You will have to put logic aside; otherwise, I will say one thing and you will understand something else. Put your intellect aside. I am not telling you to put your intelligence aside. On the contrary, if you can put your intellect aside you will be far more intelligent. Intelligence and intellectuality are antagonistic: intelligence is clarity; intellectuality is a clouded state. Intellectuality means your knowledge goes on interfering; your mind is continuously interpreting, your mind is judging. Listen to me without any judgment. I am not saying agree with me—there is no question of agreement or disagreement—just listen.

Please don’t try hard. In fact, stop trying. Just listen for the sheer joy of listening. The wind passing through the pine trees…listen. The sound of running water…listen. The birds singing in the morning…listen. Don’t try to understand. Just by listening, something will start reaching your heart. A song, a dance will start happening. Your heart will start opening up like a flower and great fragrance will be released—and that will be real understanding.

Abridged from The Dhammapada: The Way of the Buddha by Osho

Osho is known for his revolutionary contribution to the science of inner transformation, with an approach to meditation that acknowledges the accelerated pace of contemporary life.

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