Whose Truth Is It Anyways? An Indic Wisdom
What is Truth?
Pontius Pilate approaches Jesus during the trial (John 18:37-38, James Version) and asks, 'Art thou a king then?' Jesus answered, 'Thou sayest that I am a king. To this end was I born, and for this cause came I into the world, that I should bear witness unto the truth. Everyone that is of the truth heareth my voice.' In this, Jesus acknowledges his kingship but emphasises that his kingdom is not of this world. He says he was born and came to testify to the truth. All who love the truth recognise that what he says is true. Pilate says to him, 'What is truth?’ Here, Pilate may be expressing doubt about the existence of absolute truth or dismissive of the spiritual and philosophical ideas presented by Jesus.
Indeed, the question "What is truth?" resonates through the centuries as a profound inquiry into the nature of reality and human understanding. The moot point is, what even is truth, and can we ever really know it?
Everyone sees things from their perspective, and what might be valid for one person may not be for another. It's like looking at a painting; everyone interprets it differently. Truth can vary depending on context, perspective, and the subject matter being discussed. Sometimes, truth is subjective, influenced by personal experiences and beliefs, while in other cases, it's more objective grounded in measurable or observable facts.
Indic Wisdom
Indic wisdom offers a unique lens through which to contemplate the nature of truth and its manifold manifestations. Central to Indic philosophy is "Satya" a Sanskrit term encompassing truth, righteousness, and authenticity. Satya is perceived as a multidimensional and context-dependent reality, unlike a singular, absolute truth. According to this perspective, the truth is not a fixed point but a dynamic interplay of various factors, acknowledging the relativity of experience and perception.
One cornerstone of Indic thought is the understanding that truth is not a possession to be grasped but a journey to be undertaken. The Bhagavad Gita, a revered scripture in Hindu philosophy, emphasises the importance of righteous action without attachment to the results, recognising the impermanence of circumstances and the evolving nature of truth.
Furthermore, the concept of "Neti, Neti" (not this, not that) from the Upanishads encourages seekers to transcend limiting definitions and approach truth through negation. This negation serves as a process of elimination, guiding individuals towards a more profound understanding by shedding layers of misconception and subjective biases.
In Indic wisdom, the notion of Syadvada is associated with the Jaina logic and epistemology, emphasising the relativity of truth and the recognition of multiple perspectives. It is intricately woven into the Jain doctrine of Anekantavada, which asserts that reality is complex and cannot be fully grasped from a single point of view. Here, a statement is presented with the understanding that it is valid only from a particular perspective, under certain conditions, or in a specific context. The idea is to avoid absolutism and recognise the limitations of human understanding. The seven-fold scheme of Syadvada includes perspectives like affirmation, negation, affirmation and negation, and so on, allowing for a nuanced understanding of truth. It encourages intellectual humility, acknowledging that our understanding is always partial and contextual. It's like saying, "Well, from this angle, it might be true, but let's consider other angles too, which also offers other truths."
Indic wisdom also underscores the interconnectedness of all things, promoting a holistic perspective. The idea that truth is a harmonious synthesis of apparent contradictions encourages individuals to embrace diversity and seek unity amid apparent differences. In a world grappling with information overload and conflicting narratives, the wisdom of the ancient Indian sages offers a timeless guide. It invites us to cultivate discernment, compassion, and a profound respect for differing viewpoints. Instead of a battleground where conflicting truths clash, Indic wisdom envisions a shared space where diverse truths coexist, contributing to the richness of the human experience. We may discover that the pursuit of truth is not a singular path but a mosaic of diverse perspectives, each offering a unique piece to the intricate puzzle of our shared reality.
Israel – Gaza Conflict
Applying Syadvada to the Israel-Gaza conflict allows us to recognise the multiple perspectives at play. From Israel’s perspective, there is an affirmation (Syat): the need to ensure the security and safety of its citizens is paramount. Affirming the right to exist and defend itself, Israel argues that military actions are necessary to protect itself against threats. Palestinians in Gaza might negate (Negation (Asyat) the Israeli actions, viewing them as oppressive and a violation of their rights. They may argue that the root causes of the conflict, such as territorial disputes, occupation and historical grievances, need to be addressed for a lasting solution.
International perspectives might involve both affirming Israel's right to security and negating excessive use of force (Syat-Astyat). Inexpressibility (Anirvacaniya) is a depth of emotional and historical complexities in the Israel-Gaza conflict of pain, fear, and aspirations of individuals on both sides that contribute to a narrative that transcends a simple affirmation or negation. The goal is to encourage understanding of the multitude of viewpoints and the necessity for dialogue and empathy in addressing such conflicts.
Corporate world
The perpetual question "What is truth?" mirrors the complexities faced in business decision-making, where diverse perspectives influence the trajectory of corporate strategies. The dynamic nature of truth, as emphasised by the concept of Satya in Indic philosophy, aligns with the evolving challenges and ethical considerations inherent in the corporate world. The principles of Syadvada, highlighting the relativity of truth and the importance of multiple perspectives, resonate in a global business environment that demands an openness to diverse ideas and a recognition of the limitations of singular viewpoints. Applying Syadvada to corporate conflicts and ethical dilemmas encourages a nuanced approach, fostering a balanced and inclusive decision-making process. Embracing interconnectedness and harmonising apparent contradictions becomes a guiding principle for corporate leaders navigating uncertainties, promoting unity amid diversity.
