Acharya Tulsi
Words have their own culture, their own tradition and history of their own. Meanings of the words have constantly gained excellence and have also degenerated from time to time. There are some words which were symbols of glory at some time have now lost their dignity. While some words even after receiving beatings in some ages are still alive. Their identity is linked with the human culture. They have become the mantras of life and infuse new life into man's dormant consciousness.
There are some words like jay and vijay, signifying victory and triumph and they are characteristic of the Indian culture. These words are said to imply auspiciousness in religious, political, cultural and other fields. In ancient times, there was a tradition of using the words like jay-vijay at the time of coronation. These words were also used to welcome the kings returning after inning victory in a war. Phrases like jay-jay Nanda, Jay-jay Bhadda, ajiyamjinahi, jiyampalayahi, jiyamajhavasahi etc. have been used in the Jain Agamas.
It is a scientific truth that words have their own power. The mantras have their influence only because of the power of the words. The power of the words is enhanced when they are correctly pronounced. Not only the news is conveyed, but medical treatment is also given through sound-waves. In the case of some tasks, which can be performed only through strenuous work, the use of powerful words can inspire enthusiasm and strengthen will power. Some words can also break one's will power and lead to failure. Hence, it is necessary to be watchful in our use of words.
India's National Emblem
Man lives by the strength of his faith. He devises some formulas of faith in order to achieve his ideal. Whenever his steps become shaky in the course of his life-journey, he passes even through dangerous paths by depending on those formulas of faith. One of them is satyamevajayate.[1]This slogan is attractive, inspiring and also effective. There is nothing great if it is used from the religious platform, because Truth is the basis of religion. But it has been inscribed in our national emblem. It is a matter of pride for any country that its administration ' should follow this motto. It is not even difficult to build such a faith in a country like India with its spiritual background. However, in spite acknowledging all this, the use of the words "Truth alone triumphs" seems to be controversial.
Any person who is engaged in the pursuit of religion is devoted to Truth. His sadhana is related not to triumph over, but to develop his Soul. He, who pursues Truth, is able to reach the highest point of self-development, but it is not necessary for him to opt for triumph at every stage of his life. On many occasions, it is possible to find a person devoted to Truth being defeated and someone resorting to falsehood walking away in triumph.
Better to be Defeated
There is a case being on in the court. The plaintiff and the defendant are giving their respective statements. Winning or losing the case in the court is determined on the basis of the evidences. He, who is able to produce the strongest evidence, whether true of false, wins the case, while a genuine person loses the case for want of supporting evidences. In such a situation, the slogan "Truth alone triumphs" cannot become an exclusive and absolute fact. The following words were probably uttered by Guru Nanak only in such a context:
Nanak is better defeated, let the world win. Those who are defeated meet the Divine, and those who win stand at the gate of Hell.[2]
A war starts between two countries. The country, which has a stronger army and weapons, wins. The morale of the story as well as skill in warfare is helpful in winning a war. In the absence of dexterity and competence, dreaming of victory merely on the strength of Truth is a mere dream. Can a weak country attain the glory of victory on the strength of Truth?
Path of Truth is Strewn with Thorns
The war between Rama and Ravana is a very touching episode in the Ramayana. Shri Rama was MaryadaPurushottama.[3] He had an abiding faith in Truth. It was only to protect Truth that he had left Ayodhya and agreed to go to the forest in exile. His younger brother Lakshmana too was not averse to Truth. Ravana harassed Rama to no end. He almost pushed Lakshmana into the jaws of death. That was the time when Falsehood had delirious laugh as it were. The voice of Truth was completely suppressed. But the ultimate victory was for Rama, though the path of Truth had become so difficult for him!
The story of King Harishchandra is very well-known. Where did his truthfulness take him? A powerful king had to be in service of a Chandala. His son Rohitashwa died prematurely and in tragic circumstances. But it was only for defending Truth that he asked his wife for money, for a shroud. Is this what is meant by triumph of Truth? An ordinary person is disturbed by such a situation, because he does not have the fortitude of remaining undaunted till the final result.
Complete Dedication to Truth
The idea about Truth I have mentioned above can raise doubts about my faith in Truth. But I would like to make it clear that every pore of my body is dedicated to Truth, that Truth is my life and my very breath. My entire sadhana is only for Truth. It is my abiding faith that Truth is never defeated. Its lustre grows in the face of every adverse situation. But I cannot understand the propriety of relating it to victory or triumph on the ground of practical reality.
I have no objection to keeping the faith in the dictum that "Truth alone triumphs." But at times, the idea does flash in my mind that the greatness of Truth as it is expressed in the Jain Agamas can be more effective, useful and practical. In that case, we can further strengthen our faith in Truth by accepting those expressions as ideal.
Message of Truth in Mahavira's Words
Bhagwan Mahavira was an ardent votary of Truth. He faced unbearable troubles during the period of his sadhana but never resorted to untruth. Goshalaka, his own disciple, tried very hard to push him into trouble by resorting to falsehood. But Mahavira never belied Truth even to protect himself. Let me give some illustrations of his ideas about Truth based on his own experiences:
Sachchambhayavam-Truth alone is God
Sachchamloyammisarabhuyam- Truth is the basic essence in the world.
Satyamevasamabhijanahi - Pursue only Truth.
Sachchansidhitimkuvvaha- Be patient regarding Truth.
Sachchassaanaeuvathie se mehavimaramtarati -The wise person who follows the dictate of Truth, crosses over death.We have included these aphorisms from Mahavira's philosophy in the worship of the Adorable Ones, ArhataVandana, with a view to relate them to life. Every morning and evening, these verses of worship are collectively sung with full concentration and dignity. This is a simple experiment to strengthen faith in Truth.
New Dimension in Thinking
The individual devoted to Truth is free from care, is respected in the world and no one is able to disobey his order. He may also attain the Vachana Siddhi (accomplishment regarding speech). From this point of view, every discerning individual should keep in mind the words that express faith in Truth. He should pursue Truth with complete devotion. But rising above the feeling of triumph or defeat, he should have self-purification or purity of life as his main objective. It is necessary to give a practical ground to this new dimension in thinking.
