What do we mean by Truthful Living? In his message at a youth conference in Delhi, Baba Hardev Singh Ji offered an insight into this topic in a manner that will resonate and feel relevant for people of all ages. Speaking clearly and concisely, Babaji made it apparent what he wished from each of us, if we are to live a life of truth.
He explained that we are to properly understand the essence and the principles of the Sant Nirankari Mission. Babaji asked that we make use the Knowledge of God, seeing it as the true basis of our life. Those who understand the Knowledge wish to strengthen their connection with it.
Babaji explained that the Mission is really a call to Oneness. In other words, it is a teaching for brotherhood, love, tolerance and non-violence. I feel Babaji was requesting our participation in spreading this message, so that it could reach every corner of the world.
Speaking further, Baba ji used the analogy of “walls” and “bridges”. He emphasised the importance of building bridges of understanding and cooperation between human beings, whilst being weary of the harmfulness created by walls of separation, prejudice and ignorance. Babaji made it abundantly clear that where there are walls between us, these are man-made barriers – divisions we have made which lead to growing distances from one another. These barriers have been formed from man’s ego, ignorance and desire for one-upmanship.
During a subsequent youth conference in Calgary, Canada, Baba ji spoke to an international assembly of youth members of the Mission. The very theme of this conference was “…a world without walls”. In this meeting, Babaji described the manner in which walls are creating havoc with our world. He inspired all present to use our efforts to pull down the walls and build bridges. Babaji helped me understand that these bridges are necessary to establish peace and engender a sense of the global family of humankind. By coming closer to each other, irrespective of differences in diet, dress, nationality and culture, Babaji envisioned the growth of Oneness and Humanness.
Babaji’s message was for the betterment of the whole of mankind, not just a sub-class or select few. Today, we are witnessing so much violence, where innocent blood is being shed. We need Babaji’s wisdom more than ever before. We need to be guided by the truth. With the Knowledge of God as our foundation, it becomes possible to build towering examples of truthful and sincere living.
Let us consider that whenever we behave erratically, rudely or discriminate against the rights of others, we have lost sight of truth and truthful living. Then even small things become big issues. Being slowed down by 1-2 minutes on our journey to work becomes a catalyst for some disproportionate act of road rage. If minor things grate and irritate us, how will we even begin to tackle the global conflicts that are decimating our planet? Whenever we become intolerant, we are not being guided by knowledge and wisdom – this becomes a source of pain and troubles. The analogy Baba ji used to illustrate this state of affairs, was that of tooth decay, or as he playfully put it, “TRUTH DECAY”.
When I was younger, I wanted to become a teacher. I soon realised that before I could share any knowledge with others, I would have to become a learner first of all. I had to go to school to acquire the requisite knowledge and tools. For part of my studies, I was told I would need to engage in an original research thesis, with which to add to existing knowledge and deepen my own understanding of any chosen subject. Along the way, I knew I would have to face the challenge of exams. I made a start, but after my first year of degree level education, I gave up. I simply found it too tough and never reached my desired outcome.
It is very similar on the spiritual path. To become a true devotee, there are instances in life when we are faced with tough times – challenges and tests. We have to apply our knowledge, and discover it’s depths. There is the laboratory of the world, and the tutorial group we find in Sangat, where fellow learners on the path support and inspire us. Using these tools and practices, we can build our faith and stay the course. The Mission becomes a school for our soul, teaching us how to live a saintly and noble life. However, if we do not use what we are taught or give due attention to the knowledge being shared, there is no application of the principles within our daily life. We may find it too hard or fail to fully appreciate the real value of the teachings and opportunity.
In listening to a discourse by Mata Sawinder Hardev ji, the very same message is emphasised. Mataji shared that having the Gyan (Knowledge of God) is not enough; after having the Gyan it is important for us to live as it teaches. But how do we do that? What I have realised through Sangat, is that we have to surrender to God and have complete faith in His work. I learned from another discourse by Mata Sawinder ji, that change is possible. She spoke of a small caterpillar, which is capable of transforming into a beautiful butterfly. It is only able to metamorphosise if it can let go of its body, fearlessly moving with whatever is coming to pass. This is the kind of surrender and faith we all need, if we are to transform into saintly beings and lead a truthful life.
As I conclude, I recall my attempt to climb Mount Batur in Bali. Standing at an imposing height over 2,000 feet, I set off with a small group during the early morning hours with the objective of seeing the sunrise at the peak. Using a small flashlight we began our ascent, with one tour guide at the front of the group and one behind. About an hour in, I began to struggle to keep up with the group, as the path was becoming pretty steep. Gradually, I fell to the back. The tour guide at the rear was very attentive to my struggles. As I was losing faith in myself and thinking I couldn’t continue, I almost felt ready to give up. What saved me was my guide, who kept faith in me. He walked at my pace, and stayed with me. He encouraged me to take my time, sometimes modelling where to place my foot and at other times pulling me up as required. With his support and guidance, I managed to reach the peak. I climbed a mountain and saw the sunrise. The sight was breath-taking.
Living a truthful life, can feel like a monumental task. The path can tough, and our stamina may desert us. We may also lose faith and direction. But when we have a good guide, even the most unlikely person can make the journey, and succeed. For me, Babaji and now Mataji are my sacred guides. With their encouragement and modelling, I am making progress. It reminds me of an often spoken quote, which seems like an apt way to conclude;
“When God pushes you to the edge of difficulty trust him fully because two things can happen.
Either He’ll catch you when you fall, or He will teach you how to fly”.
-Gurmeet Dhillon
