There are days when practicing what
you preach can be hard!
The other day
my friend and I were taking a walk towards a grocery store. Alongside the
pavement, a young, well dressed motorcyclist appeared angling to park his
vehicle. As he was stepping out, we saw him mindlessly spitting on the ground.
Had he been mindful, perhaps he might have refrained from such an irresponsible
public show; so we thought.
My friend
was miffed at what he saw. Can’t blame the poor guy, attired in white dress he
was dangerously close to the scene! Knowing that he is prone to quick arguments
and retorts that could vitiate the
atmosphere, I restrained him but made a passing remark “yes, this gentleman could
have been respectful to mathrubhoomi”. And we moved on to some distance and got
into the shop.
Moments later, to our utter disbelief, the
motorcyclist came running behind to locate us. He began to apologise
unconditionally for his thoughtless act in public space.
There is an
episode in Mahabharat during agyatvas of Pandavas when Yudishtr in the garb of
a priest offended King Virata by telling the truth that there is someone else
behind the triumph of Prince Uttar in the battlefield. He even got slapped by the
King.
Ours is not
an ideal world and we often come face to face with harsh realities. For
instance, we know that deodorants are not aphrodisiacs; we know that the ad
promos for such products manipulate human emotions blatantly. Many a times, we
are helpless.
This real life
experience made us reflect over the spiritual wisdom of Sanatan dharma
highlighting the value of being gentle with the truth.
Satyam
bruyat priyam bruyat na bruyat satyam apriyam
priyam ca nanrutam bruyat esha dharmah sanatanah
Speak truth in such a way that it
should be pleasing to others. Never speak truth, which is unpleasant to others.
Never speak untruth, which might be pleasant. To speak truth is an eternal
value irrespective of time and place. Such expression of truth should be
presented in a loving manner; equally it should be spoken for the betterment of
others. One should be careful of speaking truth but not hurting others.
