"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 truth bearers 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. We live in an age where we have access to other's ideas and discoveries, works of literature and lost books are being 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 on what was considered 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 out dated 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 belief 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 humans have been on this earth I am sure they had some ideas about their origin, the universe and their creator. Looking back and knowing the history and time period they lived in explains much about their thoughts about life. All the ancient books show us how these men (and women) thought in those times and why they did. As our species evolved and the understanding of the world around us grew, i.e. our own body and how everything works the concept of truth would change.
Does this make what they believed in to be false? I don't think so. They lived in a way they believed to be true, 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. They lived the best they knew how in a way that was comfortable and accepting to them.
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 and 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 and we experience this trip in our own way. Respect and being non-judgmental to one another are keys to our own discovery 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. Understanding that within us is a need to be balanced and connected to Spirit is the first step in discovering the truth.
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 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, the environment and to the Divine.
By recognizing the Divine within our own spirit, we honour this great force in everything and everyone 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. First we need to recognize that within us we have a masculine and feminine energy and it has nothing to do with whether our physical body is a male or female. We need and long for a balance of these two great forces in order for us to have a greater understanding and increased awareness of others and ourselves.
As we bring these two energies together, we will realize that it is okay to be the strong and protecting force but through love and compassion rather than control and violence. It is all right to show our emotions, shed a tear, ask questions then listen for the answers, allow ourselves to change our opinions as we grow and express how we feel in a positive and constructive manner. We have so much to learn from each other but it all starts with looking within and determining where we are right now at this moment in time. We may need to let go of past ideas to make room for our own discoveries and truths of today in order to bring balance and inner peace into our lives.
Take some quiet time, beginning today, to reflect, to think and to begin a journey of self-discovery. Embrace your masculine and feminine energies, giving thanks for this wonderful connection to all mankind and the Divine. Acknowledge that this same energy flows through everyone you meet and they too are striving to understand it. Perhaps then you will discover what is truth.
Namaste
*en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Truth
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