Spreading Rumors

Unfortunately, there are lots of unsupported - unsubstantiated rumors that are being spread these days over the social media. Obviously, they are causing further speculations and doubts in the minds of many. Any sincere and intelligent person would want to see a solid and authentic proof behind such rumors before believing and forwarding them among friends and acquaintances.     

Therefore, keep the following philosophy in mind next time you hear - or if you are about to spread a rumor.

Triple Filter Test

In ancient Greece (469 - 399 BC), Socrates was widely reputed for his wisdom.

One day an acquaintance came to the great philosopher and said, "Socrates! do you know what I just heard about one of your students?"

"Wait a moment," Socrates replied. "Before you tell me anything, I'd like you to pass a little test. It's called the Triple Filter Test."

"Triple filter?" asked the acquaintance.

"That's right," Socrates continued. "Before you talk to me about my student, let's take a moment to filter what you're going to say.

The first filter is Truth. Have you made absolutely sure that what you are about to tell me is true?"

"No," the man said, "actually I just heard about it."

"All right," said Socrates. "So, you don't really know if it's true or not.

Now let's try the second filter, the filter of Goodness.

What you are about to tell me about my student - is it something good?"

"No, on the contrary ...".

"So," Socrates continued, "you want to tell me something bad about him, even though you're not certain it's true?". 

The man shrugged, a little embarrassed.

Socrates continued." You may still pass the test though, because there is a third filter -

 the filter of Usefulness. Now, what you want to tell me about my student - is it going to be useful to me?"

"No, not really..."

"Well," concluded Socrates -

"if what you want to tell me is neither True, nor Good, nor even Useful to me, why tell it to me at all?"

The man felt defeated and ashamed.

This is the reason Socrates was considered a great philosopher and held in such high esteem.  

Are we as great as we claim to be? 

Do we – the so called ‘Gyanis’ – try to look at everything through the lens of Gyana or do we tend to believe everything we hear without analyzing and verifying it? Without realizing the consequences, and its effects upon our own and other’s spiritual practices? 

Do we want to build bridges and fill the gap between people? or dig ditches to keep them separate? Erect walls to divide?

Remember:

It’s easier to damage than to repair.

It’s easier to destroy than to create.

Therefore, Next time you hear a rumor -  Pause for a moment ………and think.

Filter it through the ‘Triple Test’ before passing it on to others – especially to the innocent and unsuspecting faithful minds.  

                'Rajan Sachdeva'