The Nice Life Inspirational Quotation:  "Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."  Jesus in John 8:32

But what IS this truth, of which, Jesus spoke?  Let's back up a bit, and put this in its proper context.

To the Jews who had believed him, Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples.  Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."

So Jesus says His teachings represent the "truth".  In my opinion, "truth" relates to a particular way of living — that will lead whosoever chooses to embrace it — to the greatest level of joy and peace of mind.  Ultimately, that's what the Soul is searching for.  Many people choose a lot of different avenues, in an effort to try to attain this consistent level of joy and peace of mind ... but most of those avenues are temporary, artificial substitutes. 



Especially here in America.  We've lost our sense of balance, humility, and appreciation.  America has become the world's ego.

Anyways, since we're talking about the "truth that will set you free" today, I'd like to include some wisdom from The Bhagavad Gita, which is the Hindu Holy Book.  I was re-reading portions, while at the pool the other day, and found myself in Chapter 16, which is called:  "Two Paths", and describes the "two paths" we have to choose from — while creating our lives.

I think it's similar to other teachings that describe the decision to follow the guidance of The Holy Spirit ... or the guidance of The Ego.  The Highway to Heaven ... or the Highway to Hell.



In The Bhagavad Gita, their "God representative" is named Krishna ... and has a role similar to that of Jesus in The Bible.  His "student" is named Arjuna, and asks questions about God and life.  It is believed to have been written between 500 - 200 B.C.

See if you can see the similarities in the "truth" spoken by Krisha, in comparison to the "truth" spoken by Jesus.  This excerpt is taken from Chapter 16, beginning with Verse 6 and ending with Verse 24.

Some people have divine tendencies, others demonic.  I have described the divine at length, Arjuna;  now listen while I describe the demonic.

The demonic do things they should avoid and avoid the things they should do.  They have no sense of uprightness, purity, or truth.

"There is no God," they say, "no truth, no spiritual law, no moral order.  The basis of life is sex; what else can it be?"  Holding such distorted views, possessing scant discrimination, they become enemies of the world causing suffering and destruction.

Hypocritical, proud, and arrogant, living in delusion and clinging to deluded ideas, insatiable in their desires, they pursue their unclean ends.  Although burdened with fears that end only with death, they still maintain with complete assurance, "Gratification of lust is the highest that life can offer."

(Continued from The Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 16)

Bound on all sides by scheming and anxiety, driven by anger and greed, they amass by any means they can a hoard of money for the satisfaction of their cravings.



(Continued from The Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 16)

"I got this today," they say; "tomorrow I shall get that.  This wealth is mine, and that will be mine too.  I have destroyed my enemies.  I shall destroy others too!  Am I not like God?  I enjoy what I want.  I am successful.  I am powerful.  I am happy.  I am rich and well born.  Who is equal to me?  I will perform sacrifices and give gifts, and rejoice in my own generosity."  This is how they go on, deluded by ignorance.  Bound by their greed and entangled in a web of delusion, whirled about by a fragmented mind, they fall into a dark hell.



(Continued from The Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 16)

Self-important, obstinate, swept away by the pride of wealth, they ostentatiously perform sacrifices without any regard for their purpose.  Egotistical, violent, arrogant, lustful, angry, envious of everyone, they abuse my presence within their own bodies and in the bodies of others.

Life after life I cast those who are malicious, hateful, cruel, and degraded into the wombs of those with similar demonic natures.  Birth after birth they find themselves with demonic tendencies.  Degraded in this way, Arjuna, they fail to reach me and fall lower still.



(Continued from The Bhagavad Gita - Chapter 16)

There are three gates to this self-destructive hell:  lust, anger, and greed.  Renounce these three.  Those who escape from these three gates of darkness, Arjuna, seek what is best and attain life's supreme goal.  Others disregard the teachings of the scriptures.  Driven by selfish desire, they miss the goal of life, miss even happiness and success.

Therefore let the scriptures be your guide in what to do and what not to do.  Understand their teachings; then act in accordance with them.

(End of Chapter 16 of The Bhagavad Gita)


So whether you're a follower of Jesus, or a follower of Krishna, you can see the similarity in their respective "truths".  Which means, you have two completely different cultures — with two completely different teachers — speaking about the exact same way to maximize the human life experience, and achieve the same goal (communion with God).

When Krishna urges us to avoid the three gates to "this self-destructive hell", he says to avoid:  lust, anger, and greed.  I'll cover my own bouts with lust and anger in Book Two ... so stay tuned.

Collectively, as a nation, how entrenched are we as Americans — in the pits of lust, anger, and greed?  And what do YOU plan to do to change that?

I'll end with the words of Ghandi, "We must be the change we wish to see in the world."