Vedic Wisdom and Application

Challenge of the Month: Being Simple in a Hypocritical World

Reflection Questions: What is Hypocrisy?  Why do the Vedic Scriptures Emphasize Simplicity Over Hypocrisy?  How Can We be Simple in a Hypocritical World?

Lamentation is an expression of grief due to painful past experiences. It could be in the form of oral and written expression, or as thoughts circling in the mind. It is usually in reference to feeling regret for broken relationships due to petty quarrels or unwarranted arguments or mourning the loss of loved ones. We know that lamenting never changes the ending of the event for which we grieve or mourn. Yet, we lament very frequently, finding some relief in reliving past experiences even if they are painful.

What is Hypocrisy?

Psychologists define hypocrisy as the habit where there is a lack of correspondence between one’s words and actions. In other words, hypocrites claim to possess ethical standards and expect others to adhere to them, however, they themselves do not practice the same standards. For example, propagating equality as a constitutional right of all human beings, yet treating people from underprivileged groups with disdain.  Click here to read more. Why do the Vedic Scriptures Emphasize Simplicity Over Hypocrisy? Hypocrisy is a major obstacle in surrendering to God/Guru whereas simplicity and straightforwardness pave the way for divine grace. This is the reason that Vedic scriptures emphasize simplicity over hypocrisy. God loves devotees who are simple-minded and have a loving heart with no pretense or hypocrisy. Additionally, simplicity frees the mind from the burden of living a pretentious life, enabling it to focus on devotion and love and God/Guru.  A beautiful example of Vibhishan from the Ramayan illustrates this point. Vibhishan’s thoughts, words, and actions are exemplary in simplicity and humbleness. When he was kicked out of Lanka by his older brother Ravan, Vibhishan went to seek Lord Ram’s shelter. His attitude portrayed humility, straightforwardness, and a total absence of hypocrisy. When he approached Lord Ram and Lakshman, his first reaction upon seeing their divine form was so intense, he went into a state of bhav-samadhi (i.e., devotional ecstasy). His body started trembling, tears rolled down his eyes, the hair on his body stood on end, and he lovingly looked at the Lord for a very long time.  Click here to read more. How Can We Be Simple in a Hypocritical World? Tips for getting rid of hypocrisy found in self-help manuals do not necessarily present viable options for lasting change. However, a few tips drawn from the Vedic scriptures may be more helpful from a practical perspective. Practice Humility. There are many tools for practicing humility but the most important requirement is to sincerely give up the desire for prestige. We must also pray to God/Guru to grace us with true humility. In The Science of Mind Management, Swamiji suggests that we must also conceal our sadhana or devotion from the world to avoid becoming a victim of pride and hypocrisy.  Click here to read more.

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