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Truth is truth and falsehood is falsehood. They are as wide apart as the terminals of a
diameter of a circle or the north and the south poles. He who wants ethical perfection, who loves
Dharma for the sake of the Supreme, ought to stick to truth however crucial be the
circumstances, however tense be the situation. Think of Harischandra ... how he stuck to truth
even in the face of trials. How his name is to stand, for all time to come, for truth undimmed!
Harischandra was truth personified. That is why he is known as Satya Harischandra. This single
instance is enough to sustain man’s living on a sound basis of truth, however disastrous and
threatening be the crises one has to face. However inevitable and indispensable it be, and
however much the situation demands to gain some selfish ends, falsehood should ruthlessly be
avoided. Truth and falsehood cannot be linked together. Yoking of the one with the other is
awfully absurd. No doubt, in the Bhagavata and other Puranas a few exceptional instances have
been cited, where speaking untruth would be considered appropriate. But they are a matter of
exception, they are not applicable to all times and all persons. For illuminating and interesting
information in this connection, go through my book, “Ethical Teachings”.
From "May I answer that" by Swami Sivananda (1987-1963). More Informations on Swami Sivananda: on the Website of Divine Life Society, Photographs of Swami Sivananda, German Pages on Swami Sivananda