By Yudhisthira Dasa
To answer this question, let’s look at the definition of truth. The word “truth” subdivides into two categories. There are finite “truths” in the material world, and there are absolute “truths” within all eternal spiritual energy. Finite truth has a beginning and an end. Infinite truth has no beginning or end. It just is and has always been.
ASSOCIATION
The saying “you are the company you keep” confirms that our friends and associates can greatly influence our character and behavior. It’s a reminder that our choices about who we spend time with can impact our own values, beliefs, and habits. This saying highlights the power of social influence on personal development.
We can all discern with whom we associate, and to be especially careful to curb our conditioned impulse to try to change others (especially those closest to us) faster than they are ready to evolve. It is also true that we can ultimately only change ourselves. In other words, while our perception may be that we found a lost treasure chest of knowledge, someone else hearing the same message may trigger combative defensive reactions if we express our perception as “the only way” and the only “absolute truth.” We can encourage others and perhaps even inspire them; however, everyone’s personal path is a result of our God-given free will to make our own individual choices in life.
The best way to help others is to first improve ourselves to set an inspiring example for others to follow. We may benefit from remembering this famous commentary by Srila Prabhupada from the Bhagavad-gita that states, “Not a blade of grass moves without the will of the Supreme Personality of Godhead” (BG 9.6 Purport).
Read more: https://iskconnews.org/coming-of-age-30-can-truth-be-subjective/
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