Your simply speaking truth, just narrating facts as they are, this is only ‘Laukika Satyam’, ‘Vyavaharika Satyam’. Actually this is not what is meant by Truth, the term has a far deeper connotation. Truth, in its real sense, is that which is forever changeless, which does not change at any time. It is Trikala Satya - Eternal Reality.

 

The Laukika Satya is of a very much lower order. It is truth for that moment alone. The next moment is no longer valid, it isn’t the same as it was a little while before. All the material objects in this world which you see, are in a continuous flux of change every moment, and they are all subject to decay. In this ever-changing and transient world, how can anything you see or hear be a valid and lasting truth? Truth really means God - Truth is the form of Divinity.

 

In this world and nature, what we experience and take as truth/truths are of relative nature only, Vyavahara Satya.

 

Let us take chemistry for example. You take some chemicals and mix them in some order. They react and produce another chemical. When you mix lime and turmeric powder, a red colour results. This is chemistry.

 

You take the case of physics. If you take a three inch long needle and heat it in fire, it will become 3 1 / 2 inches long. Such is the truth of physics. How long do the truths of physics and chemistry last? Their validity is only of relative value – their significance is of a relative nature. But the Spiritual Truth of God is eternally valid, valid under any circumstances and never changing, whether you use fire or whatever you may do.  So, Truth means that which is changeless, which is immutable and which remains ever the same. That is Truth, that is Divinity. (TTFFW, pp. 16-17)

 

Whether we are adhering to the classical Vedantic faiths or whether we are adopting recent trends in that Vedantic thought, we have to bear in mind certain basic universally accepted truths.

 

The first of these is: ‘Bharatiyas do not insist that everyone has to be bound to one attitude, or that everyone must abide by one interpretation or commentary to the exclusion of other possible explanations or points of view, or that a particular way of life with all its implications has to be the one approved by some one individual or group.

 

Next: ‘The Eternal Universal Dharma, or Religion is taught by the Vedas. The sacred body of teachings, referred to as Vedic, is coeval with Creation, without ascertainable beginning or end. With it, all inquiry into the spirit and the ramifications of faith have to find fulfilment and close. One cannot escape this conclusion if he studies and practises the Vedas.

 

The third one is: ‘The Vedas are concerned with and they expound the Supreme Person, the Ishvara who created this Universe, who fosters it, in whom it merges in accordance with the process of time, and in whom it is again manifest as His Form, this amazing Universe. We might have diverse beliefs about the nature and characteristics of this Ishvara. The fourth one is: ‘For spiritual exploration and discovery, there can be no qualification like wealth, or disqualification like poverty. The truth has to be handed down to the children by Bharatiya parents. They have to grow up with this broad feeling.

 

The fifth one is: ‘Bharatiyas do not accept the belief, held by persons belonging to other countries, that the Universe was manifested a few thousand years ago and that it will be destroyed finally and for ever at some future date. Bharatiyas will not accept the theory that the Universe arose out of nothing. They believe that the Universe, or this objective Creation, is beginning-less and endless and that, according to the laws of evolution in time, it will recede from the gross into the subtle stage and after being in that stage for some period, it will again recede into the causal stage from which it emerged. From the One into which it merges, it will gradually manifest itself again as many, through the subtle and the gross stages of expression.

(BPV, pp. 32-34)

 

Complete surrender to Lord Krishna, freedom from the threefold shackles which bind one with the external world of objects, the observance of good deeds and virtuous disciplines, these are the principal truths underlined in the Gita. The Lord holds these forth as the best forms of training and the deepest secret of inner progress.  (GV, p.7)

 

The Vedas declare, ‘Satya nasti paro Dharmah’ - There is no rule higher that Truth. This Mansion named Universe stands on the foundation of Truth, Satya. (SSS Vol.9, p. 18)

 

Karma and Jnana are related as cause and effect and so, the Karma sections of the Sruti and Smriti, which emphasised activity, led to the discovery of new facets of Truth and rendered the ideas of a transcendent God clearer and nearer. (BPV, p. 77)

 

Truth is one’s real nature and when you are yourself, there comes a great flood of joy welling up within you. When you deny yourself and deceive yourself, shame darkens your mind and breeds fear. You take the path of falsehood because of the Rajasika passions of lust, greed, hate and pride. Contentment, humility, detachment - they keep you on the path of Truth. (SSS Vol.5,  p. 100)

 

Truth will always triumph; do not doubt this in the least. (SSS Vol.5, p. 101)

 

In everything that you do, use all the strength and talent with which you are endowed, speaking and acting truthfully. ‘Satyameva Jayati Na anrtham’. (Pre. V. - p. 13)

 

Truth is something, which people do not like. They look at it as if it is inimical to them. Untruth is something which people like. They look at it in a friendly manner. People like to buy intoxicating, drinks like toddy and liquor even if they have to pay a high price. They do not go in for health-giving things like buttermilk and curds, even when they are quite cheap. This is what generally happens in most families. Divyatma swarupas, students: Time is moving away as fast as the wind. The duration of our life is melting away like a block of ice. We will drop the body some time or other and leave this world without knowing the purpose of life. Man must recognise the sacred task for which he has taken birth and that if he spends his time in fulfilling his sensuous desires, he will be wasting his life.

 

The duration of a life is an important factor; therefore, time should be used properly. Man is relying very much on his physical and mental strength. He is not making the slightest attempt to fall back on divine strength. Today, in the human heart there is a huge fire. The fire of anger, the fire of lust, the fire of greed and the fire of attachment are always burning in his heart. (SSB 1973, p. 95)

 

While this earth of ours moves at a very fast pace, along with other planets in the solar system, we do not even feel the motion of the earth. We see here that truth is one thing and our experience is a totally different thing. We imagine that earth is not moving at all although it is moving at a very fast pace. Although in truth, there is nothing like east or west, many eminent scientists keep saying that there is an east and a west. Now we have to enquire whether what we experience is truth or what we say is truth.

 

Many eminent people have gone to the moon and come back and tell us that the moon is truth. Many eminent people have gone to the moon and come back and tell us that the moon is lifeless. This is not an accurate description. On the one hand, they say that the moon is lifeless, and on the other hand they say that all matter is composed of tiny particles called atoms, which are in perpetual motion.

 

If you have a piece of matter which is composed of atoms in perpetual motion, is it correct to say that it is lifeless? There are waves of motion that constitute these ultimate particles called electrons, protons and neutrons. The manner in which these ultimate particles come together, conglomerate and form matter has been described as a condensed form of energy by our ancients. The moon is also a conglomeration of these fine particles, which constitute energy, and in this context how can we say that the moon is lifeless. We think that whatever we see superficially with our eye is the basic essential truth. That is not so. Behind what we see is the real hidden truth. (SSB 1976, p. 116)

 

If you tell the truth, tell it clearly and sweetly. Do not tell truth in an unclear way, or tell untruth in a dear way. (DBG, p. 84)

 

Uttering truth is easy. But indulging in falsehood is a tortuous process. One has to take a lot of trouble to cover up one lie with more lies. That is why it has been said; Satyam bruyat, Priyam bruyat, Na bruyat Satyam apriyam (Speak the truth; speak what is pleasing. Do not utter truth that is unpleasant) God is the embodiment of truth. Truth is the foundation of the universe This truth transcends the mind and speech and is beyond the categories of Time and Space. Vedanta has described it as Ritam. It is also called Transcendental Truth. Truth is that which remains unchanged over time. You must live upto this Truth. You must realise that the Divine is present in everything. Only when you can recognise the Omnipresence of the Divine will you be able to experience the Divine. (SS Oct ’88, p. 268)

 

Truth is the very basis of Dharma. When a person recognizes the innate truth, which is his essential nature, then he understands his own reality. For truth, good character is the very life breath.

 

Truth does not simply mean abstaining from lying. You have to take truth as your very essence, as the foundation of your life. You should be prepared to renounce everything for the sake of truth. The world conducts itself in fear of truth and is always subservient to truth. When there is no truth, man will be afraid even to live. Truth confers fearlessness on man. It is truth, which protects the entire world and makes it move. It is truth, which drives away fear. Truth is such an important quality that only when .it is being fearlessly observed by an individual will he be able to attain divinity. Character is the life breath of truth. Important to character is virtue and good behaviour. Humanity will not shine without good behaviour. Virtues, good qualities, good behaviour, all these lend splendour to humanity. In order to protect humanity and develop divinity, you have to take truth, character and good behaviour as your basis. Untruth will destroy the person’s humanness. Therefore, you should resolve to always tell the truth no matter what, not fearing and not caring for the consequences, whether they be joyful and profitable for you, or whether they may result in chastisement and punishment. Just as ~ a foundation is very important for a mansion, just as roots are the very basis of a tree, truth is the very basis of life as a human being.

 

If you are wavering in truth, there will be no safety and protection for your life. Under the most trying circumstances, Harishchandra never gave up either telling the truth or following Dharma. He considered Truth and Dharma like two eyes or like the two wheels of a chariot or like the two wings of a bird, each indispensable to the other. (DBG, pp. 179-180)

 

The entire Cosmos has emerged from Truth. And it will merge back in Truth. Where is the place beyond the sway of Truth? Behold, brothers, That which is the Pure Sattva! To every man born on earth, Truth is verily the visible God. The entire universe consisting of moveable and immoveable objects has emerged from Truth. Satyam Jnanam  Anantam Brahma. Truth is indeed Brahman. Truth is endless. According to Vedantins, Truth is synonymous with the eternal Brahman. Hence Truth alone has to be revered by everyone. Justice is their mainstay. Every man is the inheritor of Truth and Righteousness.

 

Truth and Righteousness will never submit to anything. All kinds of power, whether physical, intellectual, monetary, military or political, have to bend before Truth and Righteousness; but the latter will yield to none. Truth and Righteousness will always triumph. (ICS, p. 1)

 

This Truth is beyond the grasp of all; not all can achieve this knowledge; who is the ruler of the Universe? Who is it that stands outside it and guides it? What is the cause of the existence of this Cosmos? Whence did this originate? How did it happen? What caused this existence? The Vedas have many Rks dealing with these mysteries. Bharatiyas have probed into them. (BS, p.4-5)

 

There are three concepts in Vedanta relating to what constitutes truth: Paramarthika, Vyavaharika and Pratibhasika. Paramarthika relates to the Supreme, Vyavaharika to worldly existence and Pratibhasika to the superimposition of the physical on the spiritual. These three are not at variance from each other. They are the same thing in three different forms like the ocean, the waves and the foam. The same coolness and taste that exist in the ocean are to be found in the wave and the foam.

 

When you are considering matters relating to the world, you use the term Vyavaharika. When you are considering experiences relating to the mind, you call them Paramarthika (concerning the Divine). When you consider matters relating to thoughts, you describe them as Pratibhasika. While the epithets are different, the underlying truth is one and the same. (SSS Vol.28, p.332)

 

The glory of Truth has been proclaimed by the Vedas, the Upanishads, the Puranas and the Epics. The Upanishads have expounded the characteristics of Satya (truth). ‘satyanna pramaditavyam, dharmanna pramaditavyam, kusalannapramaditavyam , bhutyai na pramaditavyam, svadhyaya pravacanabhyam (Do not disregard Truth. Do not be indifferent to Dharma). ‘In any circumstances do not give up Truth. Overcome all difficulties by adhering to truth’ is the teaching of the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad  and other texts. (SSS 23, p. 58)

 

There is an old saying: ‘Truth creates enemies. Falsehood pleases many.’ Truth is not always pleasant and hence provokes enmity. Lies and falsehood appear attractive and pleasing. Nevertheless, people must adhere to truth for its own sake. To say one thing and act differently is destructive of the Self. It is opposed to the scriptures. One should try to practise at least one or two of the precepts one professes. (SSS Vol.22, p. 146)

 

Satyam Eka padam Brahma. Satye Dharmo Pratishtitah. Satyam eva vak hridayam. Satyam Sarvam. (The one word Satya is Brahman. Dharma is rooted in Truth. Truth is the heart of speech. Truth is all). (SSS Vol.18, p. 146)

 

Satyam bruyat, Priyam bruyat, Na bruyat Satyam apriyam (Speak truth, speak pleasingly, do not speak truth which is unpalatable). Satyam bruyat refers to moral value. Manava Jati (human race) cannot survive without Neeti (morality). Today the whole world is engulfed in troubles and turmoil on account of injustice, falsehood and unrighteousness. Only young men and women are capable of restoring the declining human values. Only when man upholds morality, can there be equality, fraternity and freedom in the society. In order to uphold morality, one should adhere to truth. That is why it is said, Satyam bruyat. This is second one, Priyam bruyat (speak pleasingly) refers to dharmic value. It is based on this that the Bhagavad Gita (17:15) says,

 

anudvega-karam vakyam

satyam priya-hitam ca yat

svadhyayabhyasanam caiva

van-mayam tapa ucyate

 

 

Anudvega karam Vakyam Satyam Priya Hitam Cha Yat (speak truth in a pleasing and wholesome manner. Your speech should not excite others’ impulses and emotions). The third one, Na bruyat Satyam apriyam (do not speak truth which is unpalatable) refers to spiritual value. One has to adhere to these principles to progress on the spiritual path.  (SSS Vol.32 Part 2, p. 149)

 

‘Satyam Nasti Paro Dharmaha’ (There is no other Dharma greater than truth). What students must first learn is spirituality. Truth is God. When anybody asks. ‘Where is God?’ reply that God is everywhere. They will ask you to show. You should reply that Truth is God and Truth is everywhere for which they can’t say no. Truth is everywhere. Even in a thief truth is there but he conceals it. To escape punishment, he lies but truth is there inside. So don’t cover truth. Do it openly. That Truth is verily God. Satya pratishta, Satya pratyaksham. That is the expression of Truth. That is true manifestation. So, we should speak the Truth. Because of Love only Truth comes. What is the connection between love and truth? The human values are Satya, Dharma, Shanti, Prema and Ahimsa. Love + Words = Truth (Satya) Love + Action = Righteousness (Dharma) Love + Thinking = Peace (Shanti) Love + Discrimination = Non-violence (Ahimsa) Love is everywhere. Without love, there is no truth. Without love, there is no peace. Without love, there is no Dharma. Without love, there is no non-violence. So, Love is the essential ingredient of all. So, Love is God. (M, pp. 119-120)

 

Wife and children come and go; Truth alone is permanent. Pleasures of kingdom come and go; Truth alone is permanent. Brothers and relatives come and go; Truth alone is permanent. Status and power come and go; Truth alone is permanent. The path of Truth bestows all prosperity and auspiciousness. In world, there is no prosperity greater than Truth. (DD on 19.11.2001 p. 1)

 

The world is born of Truth.

Everything merges in Truth.

There is no place in the world

Where the power of Truth is not felt.

This is the pure Truth

That all of you should know. (Telugu Poem)

(SSB 2002 p.80)

 

Peace emerges from truth. Where there is no truth, there can be no peace. When you combine truth and righteousness, you attain peace. Without these two, you will have only pieces and pieces! Therefore, combine truth and righteousness. Protect love with truth. Truth is the eternal quality of a human being. You cannot create it. It cannot be acquired by bookish knowledge. Truth is your inner Self. There is no human being in this world without truth. Truth is there in man but he tries to cover it up with untruth. He thinks of only falsehood but not truth. (SS Feb ’09, p.44)

 

There is nothing easier than telling truth. It is very easy to report events as they happen. For example, when you say that Swami today came at 4 o’ clock and started His Discourse early, it is true. How easy it is to resort any matter as it is! It does not require any planning. But if you have to speak untruth, you have to do a lot of scheming so that people may believe it. In order to speak untruth, you have to resort to nasty tricks. How difficult it is to tell a lie, whereas speaking truth is so easy! It is a mistake to think otherwise. You think, speaking truth is difficult because you are habituated to speaking untruth. Since you have developed this bad habit of telling lies, you are unable to recognise the importance of truth. (SS May ’11, p 147)

 

There is no duty higher than Truth

Indescribable joy and glory come within the reach of man when the Universal Immanent Principle decides to assume human form. You are all standing in the scorching sun for hours and so, you can realise what it is to be offered a cool drink when you get parched in the heat. The Avatar comes to offer this cool comforting drink to parched humanity. Mere repetition of the words, Sathya, Dharma, Shanti and Prema will not quench the thirst; the words rice, curry and rasam (soup) will not satisfy hunger. How can you get anandam from words? Practise them, that is the message that the Avatar brings, with all the authority that It can wield. What you have heard and seen must be spoken out, without exaggeration or abridgement; that is satya or truth speaking. Of course, when the mind is controlled, the intelligence is sharpened and purified; you see only the one everywhere, in everything, at all times; then that one becomes the only Truth, which you see, hear and speak of---for, there is nothing else to see or hear. "Satyannastiparo dharmah"---"There is no duty higher than Truth."

Some people raise the question, "How can we make a living if we adhere to Truth?" Well, you cannot escape death, whatever way you spend your days. It is far better to die, adhering to Truth, than die, sliding into falsehood. Do this duty to yourself first; then, consider the rights of others.

Falsehood looks easy and profitable; but, it binds you and pushes you into perdition. Purify your feelings and impulses; do not worry that others are not doing similarly. Each man carries his destiny in his own hands. You will not be bound, because others are not freed. You should strive for your salvation, at your own pace, from where you started when you were born into this chance. One coconut garden may have a thousand fruits; the neighbouring garden which belongs to you may have only eight hundred. But, you are rich only to the limit of the number that grew in your garden. You have no right to the fruits grown on another s tree. Earn yourself, for yourself. Two people may have two acres each in the same village; but, they reap different quantities of grain, depending on the skill and attention they bestow, and the quality of the soil, the seeds and the manure they use. (SSS Vol.5)