Sharanagati

Collected words from talks of Swami Tirtha




(from lecture of B.K.Tirtha Maharaj, 6th of September 2006, Sofia)

Truth is the Truth. People have many small little truths. But the Truth we should write with a capital “T”. That is only one. There’s no question about it. And until we see the many truths, this is on the relative platform. As soon as we can come to the higher platform, than we shall see the relativity of the multiple truths and the bright shine of the one Truth.
On the relative platform there are many different truths. But I would sharply differentiate between the Absolute Truth and the different levels of validity that we approach in the material world. Because the further you see, the brighter the Truth is. The more blind you are, you see only one step ahead. The more enlightened a person is, sees the consequences also. So he is a real mystic, because he has the vision of the future, which is a mystery. At the same time he is a historian also, because he knows the past, how it was happening before, although past is a history. Therefore he is the true man, living in the present moment. Because he is not satisfied with some past histories and he is not satisfied with some future mysteries, but he wants the complete and perfect present moment.
In the Upanishads it is said: “Satyameva jayate*  – Truth always wins.” Whatever is covered, it waits to be uncovered. Truth always wins. Many times on the relative platform we see that this rule is not working. It’s not happening, right? The sinful wins and the faithful loses. But it’s no problem; time is on our side.
When the truth should not be mentioned? For example in love. If you love somebody, not that you don’t say – you cannot say the truth. And if your faith is deep enough in the person, may be he or she will be beautified. Don’t forget, if somebody has many bad characters and has some good, or one good and he gets trust – that one good character, one good mark will prevail. But if somebody has many good qualities and few mistakes, if that person doesn’t receive trust from the seniors, elders, master, etc.  – the bad characters will prevail. So in a loving contact it’s not that we should not, we cannot tell the truth.
But let’s not speak about such a high platform. Come to reality! Use the brain. When the consequences of that truth will be destructive, it should not be told. If I destroy myself – good, tell the truth, no problem. But if you hurt others – think twice, think three times, think hundred times!
And you must have heard about this graceful lie. For example doctors, mothers, fathers, friends – in so many cases we apply this. Right? Because you can kill with words. Words are sharp weapon.
Or again – don’t tell the truth when there is no hope. For example I remember one event: there was an old, old, old man, almost eighty and he got cancer. And the family members told the doctor: “Please, tell the grandfather to stop smoking, because cancer is coming from his smoking.” And the doctor said: “No, it doesn’t help. I will not tell.” This is an extreme, may be not a positive example, but when there is no hope, even if he gives up smoking he will die, at least let him enjoy the last cigarettes.
So there are many occasions when there are higher considerations than Truth. Remember the story of Yudhisthira and Arjuna. Many times I have told you. When Arjuna received his bow he gave a vow: “Anybody who condemns my Gandiva bow, I will smash him!” This was a standing oath of Arjuna. And during the Kurukshetra battle one day it happened that Yudhisthira was attacked heavily. And somehow Arjuna could not come and protect him, because he was occupied with fighting someone else. But you know, this was in ancient times, so even fighters had different mentality than today. Meanwhile when the attack was going on, the sun was just suddenly set. And after sunset we are not fighters, we are not enemies, we are friends. So the fight was stopping by the sunset. Everybody went home to their respective camps and Yudhisthira was meeting Arjuna. And you know, Yudhishthira always tells the Truth. Poor guy, always tells the Truth. So he said: “Hey Arjuna! You promised me that you will protect me even if you have to sacrifice your life! But today I was so heavily attacked and you did not come! Fie on your Gandiva bow!” And Arjuna immediately said: “What?! You criticize my Gandiva bow!? I will kill you, smash you on the spot!” Krishna was there. And immediately when Arjuna – after sunset, just imagine – was starting to kill his brother, for whose glory the whole fight started, he was ready to kill, he was so overwhelmed… Krishna caught his hand: “Hey my dear, what are you doing?” And he said still furious: “You also heard! He criticized my Gandiva bow so I’m ready to kill him!” But then Krishna said: “Wait a minute. For whom you are fighting? For whom did you get this Gandiva bow? Why are you here, my dear? What is the higher consideration?” “But my oath!” What is higher? He immediately understood.
Therefore we can come to the conclusion that war is for the sake of peace. Although it sounds very stupid, like previously they said “we fight for peace.” That’s ridiculous. Anyway, it’s not that peace is for the sake of war. Right? So if we always have in mind the higher considerations, then Truth can be set aside. Why? Because Truth will prevail. Truth will always win – by herself , not for me, not due to my contribution. Truth is strong enough by herself, much more stronger than myself.

*Mundaka Upanishad 1.6



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