“Why We Lie” is the cover story in National Geographic’s June 2017 issue.
Even after 21 pages of reporting on scientific studies, various philosophies and anecdotes from an art forger, secret agent, impersonator, con artist, card shark and prankster, the “why” question remains unanswered.
Identifying the whys of dishonesty is a psychologically complex task; there are countless types of lies, reasons for lying, methods of lying,
effects of lying, and of course, consequences of lying.
And we all have done it.
From the Buddhist side, let me share a few notions about dishonesty, and its most profoundly favorable flip side: honesty.
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Consider: without an authentic commitment to honesty, there can really be
no Buddhist path . . . Dharma practice is, in its essence, synonymous with
working to live a life of truth.
Lying and/or dishonesty arises in the mind under the effects of ignorance . . . full of conflicts and tensions, tumult and turmoil.
The urge to lie often arises in moments of defending, apologizing for, hating, or hiding ourselves from . . . our authentic selves — the very same authentic self Dharma practice leads us to discover within, become familiar/comfortable with, further cultivate and nurture, and then share with all who cross our path.
Those awakened to the Buddhist path strive to be honest with/to themselves simply because there is no longer an option not to, their honesty serving as the prerequisite to personal growth and fueling genuine liberation from the causes of suffering.
Dedicated practitioners strive to be impeccably honest with themselves . . . liberating themselves from the arising and impact of fear, greed and hatred . . . the breeding ground of lies.
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Mindfulness is sometimes defined as the practice of being aware and honest about what is happening in the present moment.
Through mindfulness we discover a truth that is deeper than beliefs; truths that will transform our character, our authentic sense of being, bringing what we say and do into harmony with our deepest self.
When our life is firmly based on truth, peace is not something we simply have or enjoy — it is who and what we are.
And lying – shallow and harmful – become impossible.
~If this resonates with you, neither grief or a broken heart, or fear, precludes you from participating.