Truth means not only to speak
the truth but also to know and practice its spiritual implications.
Know the difference between Satyam
(truth) and Sat (eternal existence). Truth is the means to realize that Ultimate
Absolute Eternal Existence commonly known as Sat, Brahman, Atma, Supreme God,
Ruler, Creator/Sustainer/Destroyer, Father, Krishna, Rama, etc. That
realization depends upon the purification of our consciousness.
If the means are pure, the goal
and the means become almost one. So it is very important that our intentions
stay pure and we practice truth with inner as well as outer actions. All other
virtues fall within the sphere of this unique virtue.
As truth and Sat are closely
tied, truth leads to Sat. Where there is Sat, there exists pure knowledge and
where there is pure knowledge there is an experience of Eternal Joy and Bliss.
Gita unequivocally announces
that existence is based on truth and truth alone.
The Ultimate Truth is that you
are Atman and Atman alone.
We can achieve this through
Abhyasa and Vairagyam (6:35). Abhyasa means spiritual study
and diligent search for truth with indifference towards worldly pleasures. Vairagyam
means renunciation of worldly desires that lead to suffering and accepting the
reality that everything in this world is changing and temporary.
One may wonder what there is to
live for if desires are renounced. The answer is love. Because when all else is
renounced, love remains. Love cannot be renounced.
It is quite possible for various
religions and people to interpret truth differently. But we do know what Lord
Krishna preached through the Gita, "Truth is One regardless of time and place."
It must be based on the sacrifice of desires and the control of one's mind,
body and intellect. Any selfishness, gross or subtle, doesn't belong in this
pursuit of the highest order. Further, a true devotee would not hesitate to lay
down his own life rather than compromise with the truth.
All great religions of the world
teach the basic truth, but it often gets mixed up in narrow interpretations.
Therefore, a serious student must possess razor-sharp reasoning to discriminate
between the real and the phony. Milk, regardless of the animal it comes from is
always white and nourishing to the baby. Likewise, real knowledge is universal.
This Eternal Truth helps us realize Sat, which is beyond any duality. While
truth and untruth are both within the field of duality, maya, ignorance or
prakriti, Sat is not. It is beyond all existence.