Truth Is the Foundation
What is man’s highest objective? What is his most precious ideal? The Vedas say that there is no rule higher than truth. This mansion, named the universe, stands on the foundation of truth—sathya.
You are all members of the Sathya Sai Seva Organization. Remember that Sathya is My name. It is the first and foremost ideal that must shape and sustain all activities of the organization and every one of its members. Give sathya the first place in your thoughts, words, and deeds.
In ancient times, there was a King called Sathyavratha. He was so named because truth was his way of life, his goal, and his guide. He derived great joy from the strict adherence to truth. One day, a few hours before dawn, during Brahma muhurtha (the time dedicated for meditation on God), he went alone through the Lion Gate of his fort to have a holy dip in the sea. It was a holy day marked in the calendar as sacred for ceremonial baths.
Only truth sustains charity
When he was passing through the gate, the king saw a fair maiden with a halo of splendor emanating outward. Curious to know who she was and why she was making her exit at that early hour, he approached her to ask. She replied that she was Dhanalakshmi, the goddess of riches. She said, “I have been here a long time. I desire a change because usually I do not stay in one place long.” Sathyavratha answered, “Go. I do not object, nor do I obstruct your movement.”
Presently the king saw a charming masculine figure going out quietly through the Lion Gate. The king asked him who he was and what errand caused him to leave. The man replied, “I am charity. When Dhanalakshmi has left, what reason is there for me to stay?” The king allowed him to leave, and the man walked away.
Within a few minutes, the king saw another person going out. The king learned that this man was sadachara, representing goodness in social behavior. “How can good social relations be sustained without riches and the quality of generosity?” the man asked. “I am leaving because the two things are no longer here.” The king agreed and the man moved on. The next emigrant—fame—lamented the disappearance of the other three. He, too, wanted to go. He said, “How can fame survive the absence of riches, charity, and happy social life?” The king felt he was right and let him go.
Meanwhile, a person emanating overwhelming splendor came into the gate from the fort with the intention of leaving the city. When asked who he was, the man said, “I am truth.” At this, the king begged him to stay in the city, in the kingdom, in the palace, and in the homes of the people. He said that if he were to leave, the loss would be irreparable. Life would not be worthwhile. Hearing the king’s words, truth decided to stay.
Then fame returned to the fort in a trice, for truth is basis enough for fame to flourish. Sadachara returned and grew. So, too, did charity and riches come back to establish themselves in the kingdom. All of them were delighted to share the glory of sathya (truth).
Source: Sathya Sai Speaks, Vol. XII
