Morning Muse 211 : God, But Not Right Now

Those who teach overly complex paths to God often reveal something essential—they themselves have not known God. Truth needs no expertise, no elaborate systems, no endless techniques. Complexity becomes a convenient shield, allowing the teacher to always say, “You are not doing it right; that is why you have not attained.” In this way, responsibility is subtly shifted, and the seeker is kept perpetually dependent.

Osho narrates a beautiful story echoed in the writings of Khalil Gibran and in the honest confessions of Saint Augustine. Augustine admits that in his youth he prayed, “God, save me—but not right now.” He wanted salvation, but only after he had tasted and exhausted all the pleasures of the world. The prayer was sincere, yet the intention was postponed. This “not right now” is deeply human—and very common.

A wandering preacher once went from town to town calling people to follow him, promising to show them the way to God. People respected him, admired him, even worshipped him, but always said, “One day… not right now.” The preacher was quite comfortable, because no one ever actually followed him. This is how pseudo-masters thrive—seekers who are always willing later, never now.

One day, however, a madman said, “Okay, I will come now.” The teacher became uneasy. To discourage him, he gave him extremely complex and nearly impossible practices. But the madman performed them perfectly. Days turned into months, months into years. The disciple kept asking, “What next?” The teacher was slowly running out of excuses.

After six years, the disciple said, “I am ready. But you are not giving me anything.” Finally, the teacher confessed, “In your company, I have lost my own way. Please have mercy and leave me.”

This is Osho’s sharp insight: complexity is often invented by cunning minds. Either no one follows, or if someone does, the complexity ensures they can always be blamed for “doing it wrong.” A real Master, on the other hand, offers simple, direct, experiential methods—accessible to ordinary intelligence, ordinary health, and ordinary life.

The deeper message is this: truth is simple, but we postpone it. We say, “God, but not right now.” Yet transformation only happens now. Not tomorrow. Not after pleasure is exhausted. Not when life becomes convenient.

This Morning Muse gently asks:
What are you postponing in the name of readiness?
And what if now is the only doorway there ever was?