Posted on May 9, 2022

In this time of great divide and disagreement, the subject of truth often arises. Time and again we see people arguing on social media - trying to convince one another that their truth is the truth. These debates often turn ugly, and can lead to separation of friends, and even family members.

Truth is powerful and not well understood. Truth is not always an “or” choice, it is often an “and” proposition. Thisundamental misunderstanding is the root of much strife, suffering and death in humanity. It does not need to cause a great divide if understood correctly. Let me explain through a parable that was shared with me by my spiritual guide Maia. 

Many years ago there was a small village located at the edge of a great forest. The Spring season had been very dry – a drought that was of great concern to those who grew food and relied on it for survival. It was not so bothersome or alarming for those who relied primarily on hunting in the forest. 

There were two women who were fast friends, living side-by-side in the village. The first was a planter, and her crops were on the verge of dying from the lack of rain. The second was in a hunter family, and was preparing to host the celebration of marriage for her only child daughter the next morning. She and her family had spent many hours preparing the outside area with a beautiful bower and decorations. They would cook meat and food over open fires to serve the guests. 

Both women awoke just before dawn on the fateful day to the sound of heavy rain on the roof. They both quickly arose and stepped outside to feel the rain on their faces. The first woman laughed and cried tears of joy for the blessing of the rain, knowing that it was falling just in time to save her crops and perhaps her ability to survive. The second women wailed in despair and cried tears of sadness to know that her daughter’s wedding was ruined and feeling that this rain was an omen of doom for the marriage. 

They saw each other, and ran to the other. The first woman gave her friend a hug of joy, and the second woman hugged her friend in search of solace. At the same time, the first woman spoke of her joy, and the second woman spoke of her sadness…..and for each of them it was true. At first they were in shock to hear the others conflicting belief, but their love and compassion for each other allowed them to truly listen. 

They went inside the farmer’s cottage to sit together. As the first light of dawn arose, they finally realized that neither of their truths were false. They began to see that in fact there were three truths about this event. The rain was good, and the rain was bad, and the underlying truth is that is was just raining. It was all about “and” not “or”. In their discussion, the women finally understood that each of their truths was correct, and that the shared truth between them was that it was simply raining. 

Then they began to discuss ways to help each other. The woman farmer offered her large empty barn to the hunter woman to hold the wedding. She offered to help move all the beautiful decorations, and help set up everything for the celebration. The hunter woman offered her friend first pick of their next hunt, and some fine furs. They hugged each other again in happiness for seeing beyond their immediate negative reaction to the other.

As you you make your life journey, know that truth is always seen through the eyes, ears, and mind of the beholder and listener - including your own. Do your very best to understand and communicate the underlying truth as much as possible when that is called for. When you share or debate about a truth, ask yourself about your truth and the other's - "Is this my truth, can I understand theirs, and is there an underlying truth?" No matter what is discerned, your truth does not negate the personal truth of another person. Strive to be in discernment - and not judgment.

In this way, perhaps we together can discover wisdom and not just knowledge - and the biggest gift of all - compassion and understanding.