Practicing what you preach

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.