Page 67 - Mystic Pathways through the Bible

d
chapter one 61
While practicing truth, you may have to take recourse to words that appear to be lies and actions that seem deceptive. Great men of all ages have had to use insight into human psychology in order to promote truth.
Buddha once told his disciples a parable about a re that was rapidly spreading in a great hall. The hall contained many children, but because the children had been enclosed in an area surrounded by walls, they were unaware of the re and the danger to their lives. Concerned for their safety, the owner of the hall rushed in with a plan to get the children out of the building quickly, without causing them to be alarmed. He told them, “Come with me and I will give you toys. I have wonderful toy horses and elephants and animals of all types.” Enchanted, the children all rushed to follow him as he left the burning hall. In promising to give the toys, the man’s intention was to get the children out before they were injured or killed in the re. Although he lied about why the children were leaving the building, his intention was to promote a greater truth.
Similarly, in dealing with different personalities and situations, one’s intentions are really more important than simple facts. If any action serves the purpose of helping people to prevail over their shortcomings or to remedy their troubles, then that action is truthful.