________________
Shri Mahavir Jain Aradhana Kendra
www.kobatirth.org
Acharya Shri Kailassagarsuri Gyanmandir
of Dharma. I always speak the truth." On hearing this. an American professor asked him, "What is that truth ?"
Gandhiji said in reply to that question; "It is evident in my behaviour and my actions. Whenever I speak, 1 speak only the truth. I never take the refuge of falsehood for any reason. Even in the foul atmosphere of politics. I speak only the truth; I have made experiments with truth and ! have achieved success" Whoever would say that he belie ves in untruth and that he has no faith in truth? You seem to believe that, if you utter falsehood you can earn your livelih od or even wealth and that if you speak the truth you will have to suffer poverty. The point is, first of all you have no faith in your own soul. How can a man who lacks taith achieve pertection in life ? Gandhiji declared. "I always act on the basis of my faith in truth. By speaking the truth I may have to face serious calamities or difficulties; I may have to face many ordeals but I am sure that truthfulness will bring a sublime fruit ultimately,"
A gentleman once asked Gandhiji,, 'Mahatmaji; where
find the truth?"
can
Gandhiji replied, "Nowhere; It is not an article sold in the market so that you may bring it in a basket. One can find the truth in one's own heart. Truth is a quality of the soul and one can get it from one's own soul". Please see this point. Is there any need to teach a person to speak the truth ? is it necessary to teach a person to speak the truth at any time? Will there be any delay in it? Do you have to think about it? No. It is a quality of the soul; a natural quality of the soul. One learns to speak the truth from one's childhood, Truth lies in him and he has to be taught only this point. But a man has to be taught to utter lies. One has to create lies. One has to think thus, "What shall I say now? How should I say it?" Thus, if you utter one falsehood, you have to utter many lies to cover it up.
18
For Private And Personal Use Only