A few days back I was reminded of a deeply insightful quote, that I had not heard in a while; “there are three things that cannot be hidden, the sun, the moon and the truth” (Buddha). The quote is remarkably true. Several noteworthy quotes about the truth come to mind, many of which are deeply profound, factual and illuminating. “A speaker of truth has no friends” (African Proverb). “The truth is like a lion. You don’t have to defend it. Let it loose. It will defend itself” (St Augustine). “From falsehood lead me to truth, from darkness lead me to light, from death lead me to immortality” (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad). “You will know the truth and the truth will set you free” (John 8:32). “And confound not truth with falsehood nor hide the truth, knowingly” (Holy Quran (2:43)).
A Dreaded Adversary
The Merriam Webster dictionary, defines the word truth as “the body of real things, events, and facts, the property (as of a statement) of being in accord with fact or reality; sincerity in action, character, and utterance”. The truth is not necessarily about exposing a lie but simply about revealing fact or living in a manner that is authentically true. It is also perhaps one of the most feared, dreaded adversary. Almost instinctively most people would prefer to avoid, ignore or dismiss facing the truth. Admittedly the truth can sometimes be inconvenient, uncomfortable or unpleasant. There are multiple reasons why people choose to hide or dismiss facing the truth; some of which could be the need to protect themself or loved ones, avoid offending or upsetting others, to please others, avoid conflict or to control and manipulate. Whatever the reason it is fundamentally rooted within the perceived loss of something significant which would inevitably change their existing status quo. Therein lies the complexity of life.
A Self-Sabotaging Choice
More perturbing than shrouding the truth from others and the world however is concealing the truth from oneself. It is probably one of the most damaging, injurious self-sabotaging choice one can make. One can justifiably blame others for several impediments in their life but as adults, opting to live authentically is our choice and responsibility. Surface level observation of modern life reveal the struggles, challenges and trappings that perpetuate the need to live inauthentically at an exorbitant cost. Short term gain is never a good thing. Confronting the truth is not aimed exclusively to those that are brave, strong or courageous; on the contrary it is imperative for those who need to develop such qualities. Failure to consider or engage a process to live authentically often results in the universe instigating such a move. If unaware or oblivious; meditation, contemplation and introspection are reputable mechanisms that inform us of which areas of our life require work, adjustments, restoration or refinement. If intentionally avoidant the alternative of having the universe compel it, often arises when least expected, not on your terms, and can be perceived as more intense and challenging.
The God of Illusion
We have already established that life on earth is driven by maya, the god of illusion, which keeps us away from our true self. It is therefore counterproductive to live within an illusion and create a further illusion around oneself by not living authentically. Being true to oneself makes it easier to navigate out of the illusion toward the true self. The lessons around truth may differ from person to person relative to one’s soul’s requirement. My observation of the truth in recent times has left me sad but informed. The concept of truth is not confined to people and souls; its impact can be observed around global affairs, economic sectors, political manoeuvrings, communities, friends and family. People however reflect struggle, resistance, torment and pain when truths eventually catch up with them. Is living truthfully and authentically impossible or unrealistic or is it oversimplified? It may be viewed as impossible if the perceived fear of loss, prospect of pain and aversion to drop control or desires are insurmountable.
Benefits of Awareness and Mindfulness
It is far from being oversimplified however living a simple life in awareness and mindfulness supports a life of authenticity; it further improves one’s health, elevates the quality of life, facilitates living meaningfully and brings one closer to realising the self. This too is cloaked within the illusion, which must be dropped to traverse to the true self and at the point of death. It is however a more favourable space than the former consumed by pain, suffering and misery.
