Purity is the foundation of truth, and the practical proof of truth is virtuous actions. Many people consider themselves to be truthful, but the basis of truth is purity. Where purity is lacking, there cannot be constant truthfulness. Purity makes us naturally truthful.
Truth is not just speaking the truth or doing what is right. The first aspect of truth is to know our real identity, that I am a soul. That brings recognition of our connection with the Supreme Soul, who is the Father of all souls. No matter how truthful people consider themselves to be, most of them do not know the truth of their own immortal identity, or their father. Being ignorant of who they really are, they identify themselves with their current role, position, qualities, and relationships. They also see and relate to the world on that basis. When our awareness of the self is itself based on ignorance, how can our perception of other people, and interaction with them, be based on truth?
When we see ourselves and others as bodies, not souls, then the labels that come with the body – of gender, race, nationality, religion etc. – come into play. Identifying the self and others by these labels vitiates the mind. It creates divisions, of ‘us’ and ‘them’, and gives rise to desire, ill will, and conflict.
Where there is purity and truth, there cannot be any vice. If someone were to say: “I never speak a lie, I always speak the truth”, the proof of that would be virtuous thoughts, words, and actions. If we claim to be speaking the truth but our words are harsh, they would not be accepted, or respected, by others. We may insist, “I am telling the truth”, but in the absence of purity, our honesty would be suspect, and others would feel that we are just trying to prove ourselves right. Truth does not need to be proven, certainly not with stubbornness, which robs it of its value. Where there is truth, there is lightness and happiness. But if there is the slightest untruth mixed with the truth, the dishonesty diminishes our happiness.
Many people say that it is difficult to remain honest in today’s world, and one has to tell lies in order to survive. Some others do not tell lies, but they are clever in their use of words and their behaviour so that the truth is camouflaged. Then they explain that they do not intend to be dishonest, but they need to act cleverly in order to get things done. This is compromising with the truth. We may be able to get things done cleverly, but that will be at the cost of our honesty. That may bring us some temporary attainment, but the soul will be tainted forever with our deceit.
Even if we must face or tolerate something because of being truthful, that is not really a punishment for being true – it actually makes us stronger. It is weakness that seeks the support of falsehood. Sometimes we resort to falsehood after watching others do the same. We think that they are getting away with it and they seem to be doing fine, so why should I alone stick to the truth and suffer for it? This is not suffering, but standing the test and thereby elevating our quality. Gold, when burned in fire, becomes pure and therefore more valuable, as the alloy melts away. That is the sign of a worthy soul – there is no trace of falsehood in them. The power of truth brings them peace, happiness, and dignity – all of which make us truly valuable.
B.K. Geeta is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris
headquarters in Abu Road, Rajasthan.
