Destroy old files totally

I have heard that in the White House a president was very worried because many files had accumulated. He told his secretary to destroy all those files which were useless and to only keep those which were of any use. The secretary ordered many people to first make copies of the files in case something was needed some time, and then to destroy the files. This is how bureaucracy works. Now, this is unnecessary work: you are destroying the file but keeping a copy!

We go on accumulating useless memories, imagination, desires that we know are unfulfillable, still we carry on. Hence our emphasis has been on how to empty the inside of our being. There is no need to keep any copies because the more spacious we are, the more conscious we become, and that consciousness is enough to respond to any situation.

As one empties oneself, one becomes awarethat less the burden, more efficient one is. One is not carrying ready-made answers, so one can see reality and respond. Otherwise, the mind always reacts, it never responds. It uses the old ready-made answer that may not fit at all; and then you fail.


A man of absolute emptiness always has the right response. He never fails, he never repents, he never feels guilty, he never looks back. Each act is finished so totally that there is no question of thinking about it repeatedly. He simply moves ahead, unburdened of the past.

Abridged from Meeting with individuals/Courtesy Osho International Foundation/www.osho.com