We know as "truth" as "that which is in accordance with a fact or reality."
Throughout these writings we have been able to observe that only perceptions are all we could ever obtain, because there are different roles performed by different actors in this Drama of life, which have different stages of consciousness.
Human beings do not perceive things in the same way.
As we progress in our knowledge of the world and the universe, what we call as "fact" is merely a perception. That is why to "know that we don't know" is to be "real."
When we approach God, we have religions and philosophies dealing with him in several ways as something "outside" us. That becomes a source of debate about "who has the truth. Who has God."
It is important to note that we could only get perceptions of that experience which we may call God. Some may say, that God is this or that. Perceptions.
Every religion has its own procedures to deal with the perception by extending the experience of one individual as the "way" of knowing God. That becomes a belief. Something to have faith on.
That is why, some will extend the meaning of "knowing God" as knowing "the word of God," that is someone knows God when that one hears "his words" and follows those words literally.
Those words accordingly are written in some sort of scripture, some sort of book or booklet, where we could "get the truth."
Nevertheless, there is no way that words could reflect truth, specially spiritual truth.
Why?
Because any ordinary language can only express duality, and the depth of spirituality resides in understanding that duality exists, but also to go beyond it.
That "going beyond," is not in the realm of words.
That is why to connect with feelings of the heart has been used by religions to connect with the "truth," with God. Nevertheless, the outcome of that connection has to be shown in our own actions; otherwise those feelings become mere sentimental, emotional outlets, a source for devotional upliftment for the heart, but without the force to express itself in our own activity.
It has been said that: "The highest truth cannot be put into words. Therefore, the greatest teacher has nothing to say. He simply gives himself in service, and never worries." (Hua Hu Ching )
Activity over words and language. Don't talk, for, it could be misunderstood. Just do the walk and let everyone see.
For example, some scriptures could express that marriage is "bad." Others that celibacy is "good," etc.
Please note that this "all or nothing" approach is not reflecting truth but is reflecting a teaching according to time and to certain individuals according to traditions and levels of understanding.
If marriage was "bad," then societies wouldn't be able to survive. For a society depends on a couple as the building block to survive.
Likewise, celibacy is not for everyone. As we know, "actors" need to come on to this "stage" of the Drama of life and that happens through reproduction.
Similarly if we go to an extreme, like in killing, we could observe that life may offer "tests" when
killing may be necessary as a last resort as in self-defense or even when euthanasia is considered.
We also know that there is "no killing" in the unlimited, for, we are eternal beings, but there is "cause and effect," thus, what we do will come back to us.
A commandment such as "you shall not murder" could be extended to murder of animals for some, while for others that is not the "true" meaning of that commandment.
Note that religious teachings have been given according to the consciousness of those being taught.
Note that "black or white" statements are meant to reform personalities, their ways of living. They are meant for a particular type of people at a particular time. That is why, the "word of God," cannot be put into words as the "ultimate truth," but rather as a reference for behavioral change.
Therefore, the only thing that I could truly attempt to know in its fullest extent is the self, for no one can know more about myself than myself.
Below some quotes to spark the need for self-knowledge:
* Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.
Proverbs 21:2
(Actions are in itself neutral. Our hearts, our intentions, our consciousness make those activities "good or bad.")
* When asked what was the most difficult thing, Thales replied, "To know thyself."
When asked what was easiest, he replied, "To give advice."
* Katha Upanishad: The Self lies beyond the senses and can only be understood by him who knows It is.
* Ramayana: Enquiry into the truth of the Self is knowledge.
* Koran: And Do thou, Oh Muhammad, remember thy Lord within thyself.
* Tao Te Ching: Knowing others is intelligence; knowing yourself is true wisdom. Mastering
others is strength; mastering yourself is true power.
A spiritual seeker, perhaps will start looking for the truth. He will start looking for anything outside him including the idea that he has about God. However, that search sooner or later will go back to the inner self, that is the only truth we could ever get close to in a world ruled by perceptions where our perception about ourselves is our own reality.
Spirituality then is meant to change that perception to the highest one of ourselves.
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