Consider the idea of Satya (Truth) and how this virtue is perceived by you…

What is truth?

Is it comprised of objective sensations perceived through your eyes, ears, nose, mouth and skin? Is truth your perceived sense of your unique place in this world? What happens when someone else experiences what you saw (in the same moment & place) and applies different attributes?

Sraddha (Trust/Faith) helps to break down the idea of what Trust might entail. Rooted in the idea of truth, sraddha is “holding truth.” First, who is holding? Second, whose truth is being held?

Trust is a deliberate activity, one which is a vulnerable action requiring an individual to extend themselves, outside of their realm. When you give someone trust, there is a perceived value or judgement in the action. Furthermore, the action is one of faith, that the extended party’s re-actions will yield predictable results: that benefit you, allow you to share a burden or help you grow.

So consider your own truth… What you currently know, and how you perceive it. Regardless of other people’s perceptions/reality, how firmly do you stand in your own beliefs, boundaries, and sense of self? If you do have the subtle awareness, to share those vulnerabilities (the parts of you that are most protected out of fear, attachment and ego), it is one where you place your heart in the hands of another.

Independent of what the receiver may believe; if he, she, they are able to understand and create space for your ideas without harsh judgement, detriment or malice, then truth is a creation of your heart, trusting is an action your of agency, and the connection between you and recipient is the foundation for empathy. Thus trust is also a facet love.