The Yogasutra of
Patanjali defines it as:
That which is universal and unaffected by jati, fundamental nature of a thing, place,
time, and circumstance.'In his commentary on this sutra Vyasa points out how this absolute
ideal is not for all individuals in society. The Hindu sages and moralists are keenly
alive to the limitations of practical life and they speak of a relatively lower standard. In the Santi Parva Sri Krishna illustrates the principle of the
exceptions and limitations to the absolute standard by referring to the story of one
Kausika who, after taking the vow of speaking the truth all times and at all hazards,
revealed the hiding place of a person who sought his shelter to the highway robbers who
were in, search of that person and became responsible for this being killed by them.
Speaking truth on that occasion is not to be commended as it results in harm to another
individual. At the same time, there may be occasions as when one, as a witness in a court
of law, has to speak the truth even though it may result in punishment being inflicted on
another person. The whole test is whether the particular conduct is conducive to the
welfare and stability of society. |
