Truth to the 3rd Degree

The definition of truth as empirical – what’s true is true for all times, all people and in all circumstances, represents the truth about our physical reality

Truth when interpreted as a felt experience is subjective, determined and limited by our current belief system, always subject to change. It may reflect our emotional truth in the moment or it may resonate with and activate a deep-seated memory within us (perhaps from an early childhood, teen or adult experience) leading us to respond from some point on our time continuum other than the here and now.

How often do we let the feelings we hold about ourselves shape how we respond to the moment? How many of these feelings are stowaways (hidden from view)? Are we aware of where in us they live, what provokes their expression and how they operate?

In Budhism, the Four Nobel Truths* are:

1. Nature of Dukkha: All life is suffering or Life is full of suffering.

2. The Origin of Dukkha (Samudaya): Suffering is caused by desire or suffering results from expectations linked to our desires, and our attachment to those desires themselves.

3. The Cessation of Dukkha (Nirodha): To eliminate suffering, eliminate desire. The third Noble Truth reflects on the belief that suffering can be eliminated. It asserts that it can be done, and that it has been done.

4. The Way Leading to the Cessation of Dukkha (Magga): To eliminate desire follow the Eightfold Path; that is, right view, right intention, right speech, right action, right livelihood, right effort, right mindfulness, right concentration.

Adopting meditation as a spiritual practice provides a structure which, with practice and over time, helps us ground and centre our being. Meditation is a discipline that trains us to attune and cultivates our capacity for honesty. The ability to be honest with oneself and others is limited by our capacity to face, accept and embrace ourselves fully. Deep and profound self acceptance is key to building our capacity for honesty.

If truth, in personal terms, is our core being; then honesty is how we manifest our personal truth….our bell resounding clearly and unobstructed rings true.

*from Wikipedia