My Dear Friend,

As the days of summer pass, I continue to think a great deal about the nature of truth. As of late, I have been particularly fascinated by my fluctuating views of truth and how conditioning and my innate proclivities seem to shape what I believe is real and true in any given moment or circumstance. In contemplation, I return many times over to a truth that penetrates my mind from a place deep within my being. I often refer to this as my inner truth. There are times when I find myself discerning between the truth of my conditioned mind and voice of my inner truth in an attempt to understand and make meaning of the world around me.

A dear friend once asked me, “when is truth not good enough?”.  I thought it was a fascinating question. It seems to imply a universal truth – but also accounts for the fact that there are times when we don’t always perceive truth in the same way – not only amongst each other – but also within ourselves). Therein, lies the heart of my dilemma.

What I do know is this: there are moments when I feel a tremendous sense of clarity. And, I often interpret these moments, as moments of truth. As I reflect and contemplate the source of these insights, I recognize there is a place within me, (what I call the essence, or center of my being), that just knows what is true and seems to be constantly encouraging me to make choices accordingly.

Despite the sense of deep and resonating calm these moments bring, I’ve still been known to cross my arms and turn my head away from their wisdom; afraid to take action on my knowing, fearful of unanticipated outcomes. I wonder if you too have this battle within yourself?

Still I question: Am I, in fact, afraid of truth?

I’ve been at the coast for nearly one month’s time now – and I’ve been diligent in tending the property’s gardens. They remind me a great deal of this discussion on truth. While they are beautiful and lush, they are never without a constant crop of weeds that threaten the vitality of that which is intended to grow. New seeds flourish, but only when they are nourished. Its beauty – perhaps like truth – must be continually cultivated.

I wonder if it’s possible that a day will come when everyone will see the process of tending to our inner gardens as the most important thing we do, if indeed, tending to the inner lushness reveals the beauty of its awakening.

In devoted expression,

Swami Karikananda