How To Recognize The Truth - Part 1 E-mail

I submit with God's grace the following nectar to the genuine devotees of the Supreme Being.    

Some variant denominators like time, place, name, size and shape change due to maya, mamata, ego and vanity, but the principles presented here will survive as Truth and therefore Eternal. Nothing discussed here is either new or my own creation. It's as old as Creation itself. Nonetheless, nothing has been said here that has not already been observed, experienced and backed by the Gita or Truth.

If an opinion contradicts the Truth, it doesn't serve any purpose in the long run. It may as well be abandoned right now. If it echoes Truth, it does not matter even if it is a lone ranger. As Mahatma Gandhi once said, "In a matter of conscience, the majority has no voice. Truth or Love is self-existent; It does not require any voting, agreement, like/dislike, approval/disapproval. It prevails ‘As Is.'"

Look at the sun! It continues to exist and shine day and night. The phenomenon does not rely on our likes, dislikes, needs or whims. Nothing matters whatsoever to its existence. It performs its function without a flaw and so does Truth, God or Love.

  1. If you notice any so called guru or priest promoting his own self-importance, avoid him right away.
  2. If anyone blackmails you for your mistakes with threats of punishment from God and instills a fear of reprisal (like going to hell), just ignore him. There is no "hell" after life. It exists on this very earth in the form of a suffering due to our own karmas. Therefore, one must abide by the Laws of Nature (i.e. Truth) or face the consequences.
  3. Truth shines by Itself. It needs no polishing or endorsement from anyone. Anyone who is articulate, impressive, convincing and claims to be an authority on Scriptures, he is nothing but a salesman looking to enhance his own interests. Simplicity and Love promote by Themselves. They do not need the services of a salesman.
  4. If anyone believes that God exists only through a certain form, name or function, his understanding of Spirituality is in the reverse gear. Avoid these types of people, cults, beliefs and their "gods" altogether.
  5. Any practice that promotes inequality among mankind and causes disharmony with nature should be cremated before it is too late.
  6. Any play on emotion or arousal of a transient fervor should be distanced from at all costs. True Love requires real work, i.e. an unselfish and strenuous process of purification. And that's a life-long commitment.
  7. Any religion or culture that treats females as an inferior species should be subject to deep scrutiny. The practice is unacceptable even if accepted, endorsed or promoted by women. Atman, an extension of Higher Consciousness, is sexless and must be treated as such if one wants to make any real progress.
  8. Any solicitation or expectation of material goods or services for "noble" goals requires thorough scrutiny. The practice can be either direct or subtle. The objectives are carefully carved to appeal to 'good Samaritans' and play on their "guilt" feelings. Any social or charitable work to feed the  hungry, treat the sick, help the unprivileged, etc. is noble and should be carried out by the responsible people in the society. And spiritual leaders should inspire the common folks to commit their fair share. No doubt, this will help to narrow the bridge among the "haves" and "have-nots" and make this world a better place for all. But do not encourage dharma gurus and priests by showering material gifts and unnecessary services directly to them. They should definitely refrain from taking charge of such activities. If any "guru" deviates from this, no matter how well-intentioned his initial goals are, there's a good chance for his downfall and subsequent abuse.
  9. If anyone discourages you from participating or following their rival factions, think about it. Be critical and open minded about your own goals. Spirituality is universal. It can't be confined to a certain belief or group. Our understanding of it should be ever-expanding and ever-progressive. It may be OK to make some adjustments in our day to day behavior to suit circumstances, time and place, but never at the expense of Truth.
  10. There is nothing wrong for a Real Saint to inspire noble activities but he will neither benefit from it or claim any credit for its success. Their only goal will be to reduce the social injustice and promote purification of those who endure. Naturally, they surrender all their actions and results to the Higher Consciousness.
  11. Any offering of milk, butter, fruits, flowers or money to a deity is totally useless. It is not going to bring you any luck or favor in this life or next. It is an organized scam to milk the naive, greedy and stupid. If you really want to do something, feed the living deities like underprivileged poor, children, women and sick. Worship life itself and shun those self-created gods.
  12. Occasionally, you may come across some strange practices under the cover of nonviolence. For some, any act which does not shed blood is non-violent. Nothing can be further from the Truth. Nonviolence is a true virtue which leads in our process of purification; it exists both in gross and subtle forms. Anyone who advocates physical non-violence but promotes social injustice and hatred towards those who disagree is actually a wolf in sheep's clothing. He is very violent. Keep a healthy distance from him.
  13. Should an instruction or a talk flatter you, especially when you're impure, there is something wrong with the teachings. Truth is always unpleasant but good in long run. And as a rule of thumb, no one in this world can be totally perfect or pure. There will always be some room for improvement. So be alarmed when something is not critical of your actions all the time. Be a good sport and look out for pit falls. Once you make some progress along the Spiritual Highway, you are more vulnerable for a nasty fall. The balancing act becomes more and more challenging and crucial as you advance, but do not worry. Be humble and leave everything to Him. And, that's your ticket to Freedom.
  14. Any public gesture of hugging or blessing does not necessarily constitute True Love. Real Love expands from heart to heart without any need for public display. Shove aside such gimmickry.
  15. Even though we are marching towards the same goal of Spirituality, there are many possibilities for a fumble. The attraction towards the opposite sex is one such temptation that no one can afford to overlook. Avoid any physical touch or personal services from a "guru" of the opposite sex. Do not lower your safeguard even in the company of the same sex. Avoid physical touch and private encounters.
--Swami Radhanandaji
Last Updated ( Monday, 20 August 2007 )
 
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“Good is attractive, evil is disgusting.” – unknown