There is a Hindu saying that, "Truthfulness alone constitutes the spiritual discipline of the Kali Yuga."
As we study the beliefs of our sisters and brothers, we realize how much we have in common, and how universal wisdom always points to truth.
The Kali Yuga, the age of the goddess Kali, is a time of death and destruction, but also a time of rebirth and renewal. As we embrace the truth of the most horrific actions of humanity, hateful lies lose their power. We become enlightened, and the path to a better world becomes clear.
This can be seen very clearly when we study genocide. Those who create conflict always teach that there is an "us" and there is a "them."
The genocidal message is, "They need are a threat to us. Their ways must be destroyed. They must be destroyed."
When we actually look at the words of those who preach hate, they often seem ludicrous.
In discussing her first reaction to "Hutu power" rhetoric on the radio, Rwandan Genocide survivor Immacule Iligagiza said, "The broadcasts were so ridiculously juvenile that they were almost funny. It is hard to believe that anyone could take the infantile and outlandish threats seriously."
Even more frightening are lies disguised as intellectual discourse.
Historian Deborah Lipstadt was sued for libel by historical writer and Holocaust denier David Irving for claims she made in her book, Denying The Holocaust: The Growing Assault On Truth And Memory.
In a British court, Lipstadt had to demonstrate how the supposed research Irving had done was a purposeful manipulation of facts.
Names, dates and other details were changed in the sources he cited in order to make his case. Lipstadt was eventually exonerated by the court, and Irving was exposed.
In the world today, truth remains under assault.
Scientific research, for example, has presented irrefutable evidence that global warming is taking place.
American intellectual Noam Chomsky has thus referred to the Republican Party as "the most dangerous organization in human history."
He justifies his radical statement by pointing out that in an effort to gain the support of the fossil fuel industry, the Republicans have put the survival of human life into jeopardy by denying the truth of climate change, and even passing policies that accelerate the process.
Fake news has also taken on a life of its own. Some current affairs television programs are hosted by people who appear to take the view that when they speak loudly and emphatically, anything they say becomes truth. Those who wish to propagate lies have learned that if one repeats a message over and over, eventually people begin to accept it as truth.
It has become quite evident that we need to be vigilant consumers with regard to the media.
It is important to take the time to check the facts we are being given. It is also very clear that teaching critical thinking in our schools is even more vital in the 21st century.
When we begin to lose hope, we need to remember that truth is a powerful force.
History has proven that it may be masked for a time, but it will always reveal itself.
Truth actually does set us free. When we embrace it, we can clearly see the wrongs that have been done, as well as the challenge of healing that lies before us.
Those who hold fast to lies end up destroying themselves.
One only needs look at the lives of Adolf Hitler and other cruel dictators.
What can we do then to heal the world?
By being consciously aware and living with integrity, we challenge our leaders to do the same.
We are a powerful force, working together with truth, leading our world into peace and enlightenment.
