credibility - leading a ethical life

[Gummuluru Murthy]

On Wed, 25 Feb 1998, Chandran, Nanda (NBC) wrote:

> I read G Murthy's post with great interest.
>
> But I don't agree that one who preserves the word is no nearer to the
> truth than a common criminal. What's it that we seek? Truth. When one
> goes all lengths to preserve his word, he's indirectly preserving the
> truth. This act also indirectly affects one's mind, helps shape his
> morals and his conscience etc. If we're unable to understand the lower
> truths, how can we ever hope to understand the highest? I personally
> don't believe that anybody, however intelligent, can attain jnana just
> by reading metaphysical works. As Shankara and Gaudapada state in the
> introductions of their works, the requisites of the aspirant : pure of
> mind, devoid of ego, full control of the senses. This can be achieved
> bit by bit, with us exerting vigilance on our actions in our everyday
> life. For if one doesn't have these requisite qualities, he will never
> be able to completely understand and implement the teachings in his
> life.
>

Namaste.

What is one's word ? It is a statement made by the individual ego, which
I fully agree that the individual ego should honour. Valuing the word and
even throwing the life out for it is a noble act. But isn't there an
attachment to it blindly ? This attachment to the word is by the ego of
the individual, not the SELF. The SELF does not have attachments. If the
individual's word is attacked by the others (either in meetings,
conferences or scientific discussions or in other contexts) why get
bothered about it ? I think it is a dogma that one's word has to be valued
beyond anything. While it is a sign of chivalry, in my view, it is not a
sign of seeking Truth. My thinking is: be detached, see it from distance.
That does not mean that the individual does not have faith in his/her own
word. It means simply, even if the word is maligned, there is no need for
alarm.

My views on the subject-title are further clarified in my other post on
the subject in response to Shri Anand Hudli's comment.


> as God and insight into it as Enlightment. Lately I've realized that I
> would gladly trade whatever little intellect I have for natural goodness
> of heart.
>

Aren't we all ?  But, really, is it in our hands ?

Regards
Gummuluru Murthy
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Yadaa sarve pramucyante kaamaa ye'sya hr^di shritaah
atha martyo'mr^to bhavatyatra brahma samashnute   Katha Upanishhad II.3.14

When all the desires that dwell in the heart fall away, then the mortal
becomes immortal, and attains Brahman even here.
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