There
are seven facets to living a sacred life, which are like the seven colors
contained in the rays of the sun. They make up the standards
of virtuous behavior and moral excellence which are the very fabric of
spiritual life. The first facet is truth. The second facet is good character.
The third is right conduct. The fourth is sense-control. The fifth is conscious
living with emphasis on restraining
one's desires. The sixth is renunciation or detachment, and the seventh
is nonviolence. All of these principles of right living
have been laid down for the protection of the individual and for the well-being
of society. Collectively they are referred to as DHARMA or righteousness.
Truth
is the very basis of righteousness. Just as burning is the nature of fire,
coolness is the nature of ice, fragrance is the nature of
a blossom and sweetness is the nature of sugar, so also, truthfulness is
the nature of a human being. Truth and good character are your very life
breath. When you recognize the innate truth which is your essential nature,
then you understand your own reality.