Truth is among the most crucial principles that people should uphold, according to Gandhi. In most cases, truth refers to the honesty of speech but the Gandhi defined it differently. Truth exists in one’s thoughts, speech and actions. He defined truth as absolute principle that is eternal. The devotion that human beings show towards God should be the same they show in truth. Gandhi explained that he spent most of his life seeking to know God, and urged individuals to seek for truth in the same way that they seek God. Individuals are urged to be committed to the truth in the same way they are committed to God by avoiding doing any actions that may be against Him. The link between truth and divinity is applicable in the modern world, especially in relation to enhancing law and order in the society. Individuals who equate truth with God are less likely to be involved in actions that hurt others including criminal activities. The divinity of truth is crucial in promoting peace and unity across the world, leading to long-term development of the economic, social and political aspects of the society. The following discussion relates to the concept of truth as explained by Gandhi and how it is equated with God. It concludes by discussing the practical implications of viewing truth as divine.
The meaning of Truth is God as proposed by Gandhi
The nature of God is equated to the nature of truth by Gandhi because the power of God is the same power in truth. God is powerful as indicated by his omnipresence and the same power is associated with truth. Religious texts present God as the source of all morality, and the same case applies to truth. According to Gandhi, morality is the basis of humanity thus truth is the source of all things as it is the main substance of morality. Religious texts agree about the existence of God, a supernatural being that exists in reality. Gandhi has similar opinion about the truth, arguing that it is the only virtue that exists in reality.
The other aspect that justifies the equation of truth with God is the type of devotion shown by human beings. The primary aim of human existence is to show devotion to God by living lives that are devoid of evil activities that hurt the others. The same devotion shown to God is shown to truth because people exist to seek the truth. Just as God does not change, truth is constant. Gandhi explained that truth exists in all circumstances regardless of the accuracy of knowledge provided. True knowledge remains unchanged even in cases where the truth does not exist. This implies that avoiding the truth does not change true knowledge, implying that truth is constant.
Truth informs the conscience of individuals leading to the differentiation between right and wrong. Gandhi explains that people who seek the truth are able to avoid committing evil actions. Religious texts hold a similar opinion about God as those who seek Him are able to avoid doing immoral actions. In Christianity, for example, the Holy Spirit given to the righteous people helps them avoid involvement with evil deed by guiding them to do moral activities only. Truth also guides individuals to morality as it informs about the right and the unacceptable actions. True knowledge is constant thus individuals who seek the truth get to know the right and the wrong actions. ‘
Individuals across the world have different perceptions about the nature of God, as indicated by the varying religious organizations. The belief that an individual has about God may be different from what the other individuals believe, based on their religious backgrounds. Truth has a similar implication, in the sense that one individual may perceive some information as true while another may not believe it. However, this does not imply that the nature of God or the truth changes.
Practical implications of viewing Truth as God
Individuals who perceive truth as God are committed to doing the right actions thus avoiding conflicts. By upholding the concept of truth as God, it is possible to live in a society free of crime activities and other vices. This is because the population would base their actions on the truth, and this would lead to the right actions only. Individuals would be devoted to the truth, implying that there would be no room for evil actions as everyone would be aware of the consequences of their actions. The motivation to seek the truth would lead individuals to gain the true knowledge before taking any action. The social welfare of the society would be improved due to the unity and peace achieved from the devotion to God and the truth. There would be equal employment opportunities for all, leading to improved living standards. The economic and political welfare would be enhanced by the absence of vices such as corruption and embezzlement of funds.