Satyam (Truthfulness)

Add as a preferred source on Google

I would like to conclude this series on 'Cultivating Divine Qualities' with this brief exposition of Satyam which is considered as the cornerstone of all spiritual practice. I have not covered all of the Daivi Sampat mentioned in the Gita since this is meant to be an introductory study to stimulate the reader's interest in discovering the treasure of the knowledge of the Gita for oneself. Interested readers are encouraged to study the 16th chapter of the Gita under the guidance of a teacher.

Satyam has been extolled as the crest jewel of all virtues since Vedic times. It is the very foundation on which this universe exists. A man who is always truthful aligns himself to the cosmic order, Rtam and attains the highest goal of life, moksha.

The Puranas have immortalised characters like Harishchandra and Yudhisthira for their truthfulness. These ancient role models have in turn influenced even modern Indian leaders like Gandhiji who made satyam & ahimsa as the two pillars of his satyagraha movement. Gandhiji mentions in his autobiography My experiments with Truth that as a child he was deeply touched and transformed when he saw a play on the life of Raja Harishchandra.

The power of the spoken word is immense and can make or break a mind. Therefore, the Vedas declare that not only one should speak only what is true, but also take care not to hurt others while speaking a truth. This doesn't mean that one should compromise the truth in order to make it pleasant but it not need be said in a hurtful manner. Or there may be things which may not serve any purpose even if they are truthful.

For example, a doctor dealing with a terminal cancer patient or a heart patient need not add to the patients psychological stress & anxiety by telling him the grave nature of his disease if the patient is not strong enough to absorb the shock.

But on the other hand, there are situations when remaining silent becomes a liability.

Satyam can be practiced only by a courageous person who is not afraid of difficult situations and consequences of his wrong actions. A person who wants to be truthful must have the strength to understand his own limitations objectively and not be judgmental at the same time. He must be humble enough to accept these shortcomings and work on them. It is only those who fear their own self who resort to falsehood, unable to face reality.

Read about Sri Ramakrishna's adherence to truth on the Next Page