Third Judgment

[nothing_is_grey]

Those who fail to distinguish

Comments

[gensokyo_myon]

Shikieiki-san...why are you going about this all of a sudden?

[nothing_is_grey]

I was thinking on what someone said earlier, saying that lying would be a bad idea. If one could only tell the truth, there would be trouble for all, but why is that? Is it not because people lie so much that if the truth were to be revealed they would face the consequences? If no one lied from the beginning, there would be no such consequences or worry.

[gensokyo_myon]

I think it revolves around the fact that people want to either not hurt someone by telling the truth, or they will do so for their own personal gain.

So sometimes the truth can hurt. Although, you probably know more about this than I do anyways.

[nothing_is_grey]

Truth hurts when there is a practice of hiding or obscuring it. Lies are not the only way to be delicate, and should not be used in such situations. This is why problems arise when the truth gets out. But, greater harm comes from lies made for personal gain, especially when the truth is reveled.

It's a build up, the truth hurts because there was a mountain of lies piled on top.

[caprice_of_song]

It would be wonderful if all people could live honestly, but I think openly expecting goodness from everyone is more or less an impossible dream.

[nothing_is_grey]

It is impossible for there to be 100% goodness, but I think it's perfectly reasonable to do the best we can. Even 75% would be nice to have.

[caprice_of_song]

I agree. It would be so nice if things were like that. In some cases, though, I think it's difficult for people to be and do their best because of the circumstances.

[nothing_is_grey]

It because a catch... which is why all people should try to do their best, and in that way, it will allow for all to achieve it. It's idealistic, but I think one day such a thing could be achieved.

[note_atem]

[He'd made a lot of internal debate about answering to this post. But in the end he couldn't help it.]

And the people who have done 'evil'. There is no redemption for them?

[nothing_is_grey]

There is always the chance for redemption, but if they are unable to tip the balance of their karma within their life, they will pay for their crimes in the hereafter. They will be punished in accordance to their crimes, and when their sentence has been fulfilled, and they have fully repented, they will be released to the next cycle.

[note_atem]

What's something that can never be redeemed?

[nothing_is_grey]

That's a good question.... Theoretically there is a way to be in so much debt that it would take forever to repent, but with how the system works, I can't think of anything that doesn't have the potential. It may take many many life times in Hell, and then many cycles of reincarnation to pay it off, but there is always a way to bring balance.

[sapphirearrow]

What about those who lie to keep important secrets secret?

[nothing_is_grey]

Why would you need to lie to keep a secret? Simply don't speak of the secret.

[sapphirearrow]

Well, for instance, if the secret is the reason I associate with a certain person, and someone asks me how I came to know that person.

[Just acting like it's a hypothetical instead of past experience isn't technically a lie, right?]

[nothing_is_grey]

Being vague would be acceptable, wouldn't it? Or talking of something that is true and related, but not your secret? I can't say I would know quite what to do in that situation. I understand there are times when lies are unavoidable, but, they should still be avoided whenever possible.

[jiang_si]

This is from The Dhammapada, isn't it?

[nothing_is_grey]

It is indeed! I'm glad there is someone who recognizes it.