When we speak of Truth in Buddhism we are speaking of practicing the acceptance of what IS. We are identifying this world, this life, this space, this time and walking in complete acceptance of it all. We learn to accept the joys in life. We learn to accept that our hopes don't always work out and we learn to accept disappointment. We learn to not be attached to the outcome we desire, to accept life on life's terms and insist on being happy with the end results.
Truth is the stark and naked message of what simply IS. No matter what we try to do or say to change or manipulate it into something pliable that fits our safe framework of everyday comfortable living. The Truth is still simply the Truth. And fighting it only causes samsara. The cycle of unhappiness. But do not confuse Truth with Honesty. When dealing with honesty, as with dealing cards, we cannot know with certainty the end result. Being honest, completely honesty, is gambling on the gift or the monster that waits just on the other side of the threshold. We need only to step through and stand in the humility and light of honesty. But in doing so the vulnerability and powerlessness of this step can be the abyss that, once spoken out loud, holds the possibility of loss and damage that we may never return from. The groundlessness of honesty holds no promises of gain or loss. We are gambling on the fortune of freedom or the possible burden and responsibility of guilt for damages done as we seek to find our own solid ground. Just as we may experience joy or relief that our message was received as we hoped it would be, in delivering a message that may cause disappointment we will have to look on the face of that disappointment with guilty eyes that compassion will not let rest. As truth may set us free complete honesty can wound and, at times, cause such great damage in ones life so as to cripple another bringing them such deep grief and despair that often the damage is too great to bear. Therefore when dealing with the truth on the strictest level we need to temper our honesty with compassion. If we need to deliver harsh messages, whether to ourselves or others, we should do so with a tender heart that carries with it the message of love and compassion. The responsibility is ours to be kind in our honesty. "I will abide pervading the all-encompassing world with a mind imbued with lovingkindness; abundant, exalted, immeasurable, without hostility, and without ill-will." ~Pasanno Bhikkhu *Joanie Lane is a Meditation Teacher, Reiki Master/Teacher, Spiritual & Life Coach, and Healing Qigong Leader. She lives in Kelseyville, Ca. at her meditation center "A Positive Light". For more information visit her website at apositivelight.com **These are original writings by Joanie. Any quotes by other teachers that have been included have been identified.
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