A short and to the point question which to this date has yet to be answered. The word truth itself is complex in meaning. In order to provide a definition of the word truth various conditions need to be met. According to one such definition truth itself is as follows:
“Truth can have a variety of meanings, from the state of being the case, being in accord with a particular fact or reality, being in accord with the body of real things, events, actuality, or fidelity to an original or to a standard. In archaic usage it could be fidelity, constancy or sincerity in action, character, and utterance. The term has no single definition yet about which over fifty percent of professional philosophers and scholars agree, and various theories and views of truth continue to be debated. There are differing claims on such questions as what constitutes truth; what things are truthbearers capable of being true or false; how to define and identify truth; the roles that revealed and acquired knowledge play; and whether truth is subjective, relative, objective, or absolute.”
Hmm, does that leave you scratching your head? After generations upon generations of great philosophers, prophets and teachers you would have thought man could come to some conclusion on what it true and what is not. Look around at all the various ideas and notions on everything in our lives. Some make you think, ask questions of yourself and others and wonder about life itself while some make you wonder all right but more on how did that person ever come up with such an idea! We live in an age where we have such great access to other’s ideas and discoveries, works of literature and lost books providing us with glimpses into the past are being found all the time. When I was growing up these resources were not available. Even the local libraries didn’t contain any books on philosophy or controversial texts. Even if they were there, I don’t know if I would have known about them, as they were not discussed in school and definitely not at home. Television shows on the three stations we received were limited to African Safaris or Artic Expedition shows –“yawn”. Today, we have the internet, a variety of book stores, libraries are expanding, TV programming is vast and varied opening a whole new world of knowledge for us.
Even so, in all of this, what is the truth? When it comes to a believe system or faith, there is such a large volume to choose from. Is one better than the other? Is one the absolute truth? How would we know? How can it be proven? It would all depend upon whom you ask, when and where. Since man was on this earth I am sure they had some ideas about their origin, the universe and their creator. As man evolved, and grew to understand the world around him, his own body and how everything works along with his understanding and concept of truth would change. All the ancient books show us how these men (and women) thought in those times and why they did. Looking back and knowing the history and time period they lived in explains much of their thoughts about life. Does this make what they believed in to be false? I don’t think so. They lived in a way they believed to be truth…whether is was their own actual thoughts or put into their minds through guilt and fear, it was all they knew and they lived accordingly. There have been great breakthroughs in science and medicine, which have changed how we live, and in many cases, how long we live. These are now the truths of today but as new discoveries are made they will give way to more advanced learning and knowledge. As man’s awareness grows and he dares to step out and discover new things and questions old ways of thinking mankind as a whole will grow.
However, when it comes to the non-tangible part of our being, our wanting to know why we are here, what is truth, things can get a bit more complicated. Many times people are afraid to step out of the conventional way of thinking in case they are put out of the “tribe” or punished by man or God. However, we all have the choice of free will and thought. Each of us is on our own personal journey through life. Respect and being nonjudgmental to one another are keys to our own discovering of what truth is to us. Each of us has to live out this life and “be comfortable in our own skin” as the saying goes. If it doesn’t feel right, don’t do it could really apply to so many aspects of our life.
For me, and my sense of truth at this very moment in my life is different than it was when I was a child, a teenager, young adult or even fifteen years ago. At the core I still maintain a sense of connection to the Divine, others may not feel this and that is their truth, but for me I feel and long for that connection. Whatever thoughts come and go through my mind that sense of belonging does not waver and keeps me centred and calm (at least inside). To me, it is true that we are all spirit within a physical body, all come from the same source, all here to live out lessons for ourselves or to help another. Just as we change, grow and evolve from a baby to adult so mankind has evolved in knowledge and understanding of so many things. We are now entering a time when we appreciate how much our mind, body and spirit work together on so many levels. Does this take away from one’s faith or belief system? I don’t think so but rather confirms and acknowledges just how wonderful and complete we are – how connected we are to each other and the environment and to the Divine.
By recognizing the Divine within our own spirit, we honour the Divine in those around us, realizing that each of us in on our own journey, doing the best we can at this moment in our lives. Love is the positive and absolute truth to me – even love cannot be easily defined- and pure unconditional love is what my soul strives for. To me, there is no difference between Ali, God, Jehovah, Shiva, and Universal Consciousness only in man’s interpretation of them. Too bad man has not been able to get over the need to be “right” and feels only a certain select group can lay claim to a god and that we all need to be classified and placed into a slot of dogma and laws. Each religion contains its books and interpretation of these books but I feel as individuals we need to take time in personal prayer and meditation to discover what is truth for us at this moment in our lives. Place your intent within and without for the higher good of all, listen for the answers and if they are of love, follow that voice.
Namaste
Namaste