Gita Yoga

The Art of Truthfulness

by Andre Gray

What is a Lie?

Any communication with intent to deceive.

What is Truthfulness?

Honesty resides in our speech; truthfulness resides in our character.

“What you are shouts so loudly in my ears I cannot hear what you say.”

- Emerson

3 Components in the Art of Truthfulness

1) Arjavam – Honest

– Our words are factual representations of our knowledge and understanding and are free of unnecessary and/or malicious embellishment.

3 Components in the Art of Truthfulness

2) Priyam – Pleasant

– Our words are not demeaning, insulting, denigrating, crass and uncultured.

3 Components in the Art of Truthfulness

3) Hitam – Beneficial

– We may not know what is in the best interest of the other but we do not carry feelings of ill-will, malicious or vengeful intent toward them.

How to Live the Art of Truthfulness

Practice

– Choose a person with whom you have a decent relationship and resolve to communicate with that person using the Art of Truthfulness.

Commit

– Do not be half-hearted in your practice. Once you have chosen a person with whom to practice the Art of Truthfulness do not waver and do not later choose a different relationship.