Truthful To Yourself – In Gita Verse 18.30 O son of Pṛthā, that understanding by which one knows what ought to be done and what ought not to be done, what is to be feared and what is not to be feared, what is binding and what is liberating, is in the mode of goodness.
O Partha, the intellect that discerns the path of inclination and the path of retirement, duty and non-duty, fear and fearlessness, bondage and salvation, is indeed Satvik.
These three qualities of Sankhya are exceptionally unique and applicable to every aspect of life. This is not merely a philosophy but a straightforward analysis of life. Nature itself is threefold, and thus, everything inherently possesses three qualities. This division provides significant clarity for understanding. For those whose minds are shrouded in darkness, surrounded by confusion, this categorisation is immensely helpful.
The intellect that comprehends the essential distinctions between inclination and retirement, duty and non-duty, fear and fearlessness, bondage and salvation, is Satvik. It is crucial to introspect and identify which intelligence is active within oneself. Until one reaches a Satvik intellect, understanding and relating to religion remains challenging.
Even if a Tamasic person visits a temple, it will be for the wrong reasons. A person of Rajas will not fully engage; half of their mind will remain elsewhere. A virtuous person, however, does not need to visit a temple; wherever they are, they embody the temple.
It is important to conduct a thorough self-analysis. Arjuna is not Tamasic; Duryodhana is Tamasic. That is why the Gita could not be imparted to Duryodhana. For him, there was no solution, no question. Duryodhana is a Charvakist; for him, life is about eating, drinking, and enjoying. Concepts of the soul, God, or higher pursuits are meaningless to him. His life is devoid of questioning or seeking, content in darkness, without the curiosity to ask Krishna.
In contrast, Arjuna was authentic towards himself. He openly expressed his vulnerabilities to Krishna: “O mighty-armed one, my hands become weak, my Gandiva falls; I am trembling, I am afraid. I don’t know what is worth doing and what is not worth doing. Give me wisdom.”
Krishna emphasises through this verse the importance of being truthful to yourself. Truthfulness means authenticity – being genuine, not false, and not hiding behind masks. Show your real face, regardless of the cost. This does not mean unmasking others; if they are content with their illusions, it is their choice. Focus on your own growth and authenticity rather than trying to reform others.
To be authentic means to remain true to your own being. This requires remembering three key principles:
First, always listen to your inner voice rather than external opinions. Your life should not be dictated by others’ expectations. If your inner voice guides you to be a poet, pursue it, even if it means facing financial challenges. True fulfilment comes from following your own path, not from conforming to others’ desires.
Second, never wear a mask. If you are angry, express it rather than forcing a smile. Authenticity means being true to your emotions. Suppressing your true feelings leads to a disconnect within yourself, affecting your ability to genuinely experience other emotions like love and joy.
Third, always remain in the present. Falseness arises from dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Focus on the present moment, as it encompasses the entirety of existence. Being present allows you to be truly authentic.
By adhering to these principles, you achieve what Patanjali calls truthfulness. An authentic person naturally speaks the truth. In Yoga tradition, it is believed that an authentic person’s words hold immense power, even if they unintentionally utter a falsehood, it can manifest as truth due to their inherent authenticity.
Krishna advocates for authenticity to ensure that one’s actions align with the mode of goodness. Authenticity leads to a harmonious and fulfilling life, where actions are genuine and true to one’s inner self.
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