Fourth Week: Be sincere.
Sincerity is not just a specific action or a daily routine to follow; it is a shift in mindset that occurs when we strive to align our thoughts with our actions, regardless of the outcome.
When your child understands the significance of daily study and how it can lead to a better future for her, you do not need to insist. In the same way, recognizing the value of sincerity helps us break free from dishonesty.
If there is one key that can open all the doors in a house, we call it the "master key." Similarly, sincerity acts as the master key that unlocks the door to honesty.
Communicate the truth with love, sincerity, and with no selfish agenda.
As we learned earlier, we should only speak what we know to be true, either from our own experience or by referencing authentic sources. Often, the honest truth may hurt the feelings of those who believe in falsehoods due to a lack of understanding or evidence. Therefore, it is common advice that the truth should be communicated with love. It should not be presented as a command or a strict rule, as is often done in a court of law.
Additionally, the intention behind speaking the truth should be to benefit others rather than oneself. A Guru should teach earnest seekers not to gain fame as a Guru, but to sincerely uplift the awareness of their students, helping them liberate themselves from self-inflicted suffering.
A mother should prepare daily meals to nourish both the body and mind of her family members, rather than focusing solely on taste. When worshiping at the altar, flowers should be offered in prayer rather than just for decoration. Many such instances to practice are there. Engaging in these daily practices sincerely can help create a stronger sense of integration in one's life.
Do not doubt the sincerity of others in their actions.
While practicing values such as sincerity, it's important to avoid hastily judging others solely based on their actions. Every individual is influenced by their priorities, goals, desires, and past experiences. Similarly, your own thoughts and reactions are shaped by various factors, making it difficult to predict how you will respond in different situations, even with your best intentions.
Allow enough space for improvement for both yourself and others. Be honest in recognizing your own setbacks in meeting your expectations. When you encounter difficulties, pick yourself up and prepare to put in more effort to move forward. As Lord Krishna advised Arjun, “Lift yourself by yourself. Do not underestimate your own self.”
