Satyagraha

I came across Satyagraha serendipitously while browsing the Wikipaedia, and then following up the external links to read more about Ghandi. I have always admired him ever since watching the movie over a decade ago, but never knew much about his writing. I recall being surprised by reading that he was influnced by Tolstoy's pacifist philosophy, while reading a biography of Leo Tolstoy. What really surprised me is the feel of completeness in his vision of Satyagraha. The taste of truth form it resonates so strongly with me, that it fills my being like no other, except in moments of contemplation and prayer. I think it was Einstein who once said that when a new scientific theory is proposed, one can feel the truthfulness of it by its overwhelming simplicity, and power in solving dilemma and answering questions. The simplicity of Satyagraha is amazing, yet, its implication is profound, and its power, when manifested properly, is immense.

The difficult part of following in the footsteps of great spiritual leaders is the will and self-discipline to do what is required to overcome old habits, like Christ taught in the parable of new wine in old bottles. Even something simple like telling the truth, as in the dedication of truth, can be so easily mis-applied. So many people use truth as a weapon, wielding it in a spirit of criticism, to dominate and control others, to make themselves feel superior, to stroke their own starved ego. It is such a waste when the truth can be so much more, when used as a beacon for those in darkness, to illuminate and inspire those in despair, as a warm cloak of protection to nurture and comfort. Truth in Satyagraha is used to serve others, to do no harm, to uplift, not to trodden down. It is why Christ condemned the Pharisees and Sadducees most of all in the Gospel. His most severe condemnation is against those "who would not take a step to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, and even guard the gate keeping others from entering." We are told to be wise as scorpions and harmless and doves, because the truth is so easily twisted and distorted by those wolves in sheep's clothing. Instead of nurturing and caring for the flock, there are those who feed on the flock instead.

It is not easy to define truth, and sometimes just as difficult to understand it when we hear it. Yet, it is not impossible because Christ said that the flock knows the voice of the shepard. Although truth is paradoxical and impossible to define in words, I think we have the capacity to feel it, holistically, in the sense that inconsistencies become apparent, like a blotch of paint in the middle of an intricate painting. The key to satyagraha's first principle, I think, is to learn to listen to the inner voice, to hear the warning of jarring double-take, and take the time to reflect on the inconsistencies consciously. Most scientists don't know the answer, and don't deduce their discoveries. Instead, they follow their intuition to find proof of a hypothesis, a hunch, of what they think the truth should be. Only in quiet contemplation, when we are empty of our own preconceptions, our own prejudices, when we are ready and open to accept whatever the truth may be, however paradoxical it is, that we can see the light. The danger is the cultish truth that seems to be paradoxical, when it fact it is merely inconsistent. We are told to be wise as scorpion, and discern among trees by their fruits, not just their outward appearance. In today's busy hustling materialistic world, few can find the time, the leisure, to taste the banquet of truth, free for all who are open to it. Instead of the life giving water that truth gives, we thrist for the addictive drinks in gossipy news and virtual reality multiplayer games. Instead of the love that builds community and family, we search for soul mates in phone lines and chat rooms. The truth is simpler than we think, and more paradoxical than we can imagine.