XIV / (iii)

Truthfulness and Contentment

Our prayers can be fruitful only when we are true to ourselves in all aspects of life. We must have right thoughts, right aspirations, right contemplation, right livelihood and right conduct. Purity in thought, word and deed must precede everything else. Righteousness, chastity and truthfulness are all closely associated with and actually spring from Brahmcharya (self-control), which is a great motive force in life. It is on the bedrock of Brahmcharya that all these things grow and bear fruit.

Contentment is an active aid in controlling the wandering faculties of the mind. Unless mental oscillations stop and stillness is achieved we cannot offer a true and sincere prayer. A stilled mind alone can reflect God's Light when it may dawn.

God is attracted swift and sure, with prayer from mind contented and pure.

Guru Nanak, Ramkali M1

To thine own self be true and then it must follow, as night the day, thou canst not be false to any man.

William Shakespeare