By: BK Sheilu
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/view/2318/the-daily-guardian/15
Dated: April 12th, 2025

Truth is a quality that is equated with God. God is truth, they say. Truth is valued so highly because where there is truth, things are clean and clear – there are no doubts, there is trust, relationships are uncomplicated, and consequently there is peace and happiness.

Being honest and truthful brings several psychological benefits that influence our personal growth and shape our character in meaningful ways. When we are truthful, we do not need to remember conflicting stories or juggle lies, which can be mentally exhausting. Moreover, honesty brings a sense of inner peace and reduces the anxiety that arises from the fear of being caught in a lie or maintaining a facade. 

Since people appreciate honesty and are more likely to trust someone who is open and transparent, being truthful helps to foster authentic connections with others. It encourages genuine conversations and a sense of safety in relationships.

Truthfulness is also closely tied to integrity. When we act in accordance with our values, we feel better about ourselves. Upholding honesty increases self-respect, and this respect radiates into how we perceive and treat others. There is another way in which honesty enhances our sense of self-worth and confidence: it helps us avoid the feelings of guilt and shame, which often arise from dishonesty.

Truth aids our personal growth at a deeper level too. Honest reflection on our actions, thoughts, and feelings fosters self-awareness. When we are truthful with the self, we can identify areas for improvement and move toward becoming the best we can be.  Truthfulness also enables us to face uncomfortable facts, which builds our emotional resilience by developing our capacity to deal with difficult feelings and situations. Then, honestly taking responsibility for our actions helps to develop accountability, which brings maturity.

While being truthful is a great virtue, how we express truth also matters. Sometimes truthfulness can make us self-righteous and intolerant of anything or anyone who we see as not aligned with truth. When we express the truth in a way that offends or hurts others, it can lead to negative outcomes, even if our intention is good. 

If the truth is delivered in a way that is harsh, blunt, or lacking empathy, it can cause emotional pain and damage relationships. Being truthful does not mean we have to blurt out everything that comes to mind without considering the other person’s feelings. How we say something – the tone, body language, and context - and when we say it are critical. It helps to wait for the right moment and approach a sensitive topic with care. 

Being kind and thoughtful while sharing the truth can make it easier for the other person to hear, even if it is difficult.

Some people pride themselves on being brutally honest, but their behaviour can come across as callous and disrespectful. It need not be so. Honesty is constructive when the truth is shared in a way that is considerate and aimed at a positive outcome. It is about focusing on the other person’s well-being and offering support where needed. It is important to recognise that not every truth needs to be stated, especially if it is not going to benefit the other person or the situation. And if someone is consistently hurting others with their "truth", it is important for the people around them to set boundaries. Being truthful does not give us the right to be rude or dismissive of others’ feelings. Intentionally hurting someone just to prove a point or asserting our “rightness” is not really right.

At the same time, there are situations where the truth is inevitably painful or hard to hear, such as when giving critical feedback, or confronting harmful behaviour. In these cases, we can aim to be as gentle as possible while still being clear and honest.

In essence, it is about finding the balance between honesty and empathy. Truth that is communicated with kindness and tact is far more likely to have a positive impact, even when the content is difficult.

BK Sheilu is a Rajyoga teacher
at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.