We have missed another Gautam Buddha for the simple reason that he was praised all over the world by those who knew nothing of the organic unity. He himself cannot see the contradictions; and neither will you be able to see the contradictions. But I want to be honest and sincere because I love him, and love is a fire; it burns all that is false and saves only that which is true.

And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship.

The very word friendship is not of the heights – the word friendliness rises to the moon, to the sun – because the word friendship is just of the mind. It is confining; you can be in friendship with only a few people. But friendliness is vast; you can be friendly to the trees, to the mountains, to the stars.

Friendship is hiding a bondage too. All words like relationship, friendship, are superficial. Lovingness, friendliness, have a totally different meaning. When you are talking about friendship it is a very small thing – a kind of bondage and dependence on the person with whom you feel the friendship.

But friendliness is freedom – you are not dependent on anybody. Friendship is objective, and friendliness is your love shared unconditionally with the whole existence. They don’t mean the same thing. Friendship can become any moment its opposite; the so-called friend can turn into your enemy. But friendliness has no particular address. It is not for anybody, it is for the whole existence. It can never turn into its opposite.

Remember, that which can turn into its opposite very easily – and you know friends become enemies, enemies become friends – is very superficial, a false substitute. But friendliness is not addressed to anyone; it is the love overflowing within you, unconditionally. There is no possibility of it turning bitter – you are the master of it. In friendship you are not the master. Friendship is like marriage, an artificial thing, but friendliness is your very nature.

And a youth said, Speak to us of Friendship.
And he answered, saying:
Your friend is your needs answered.

This is an ugly statement, but it is a logical consequence because he has not changed the basic question. He should have told the youth that friendship is worthless; friendliness is invaluable. Your friend is your needs answered. I say it again: it is ugly, because friendship is demanding.

Friendliness simply gives its fragrance to all without any exception – and it is fulfilled in giving it. It is not a need; it is an overflowing love. You can be friendly with the trees, you can be friendly with the stars, but there is no demand, no condition. Of course your needs will be fulfilled, but not because you have been demanding. Your friendliness will bring you tremendous treasures. Make a clear distinction between these two words.