Be Discerning So As To See The World As It Is And Can Be – Hinduism Teaching

Wisdom in Discerning Counsel – Lessons from the Panchatantra

The Power of True Vision

In a world overflowing with advice, the greatest gift is the ability to see both people and situations as they truly are—and as they can become. Hindu teachings remind us that viveka (discernment) is the foundation of all wisdom. As the Bhagavad Gita declares, “Among thousands of men, one may strive for perfection; and among those who have achieved perfection, scarcely one knows Me in truth.” This realization depends on our skill to distinguish genuine friends from self-serving flatterers.

A Timeless Tale: The Lion, the Bull, and the Jackals

Once, a powerful lion ruled the forest. Alarmed by a bellowing heard at dawn, he feared an unknown foe. Two cunning jackals—his ministers—assured him the source was harmless: a wise bull grazer. To confirm, the lion met the bull, and they soon became inseparable friends. So deep was their bond that the lion ceased hunting; the other forest creatures began to starve.

Sensing an opportunity, the jackals sowed seeds of doubt in each friend’s mind. To the bull, they whispered that the lion planned his ruin; to the lion, that the bull sought the throne. In the tragic duel that followed, the bull fell—his death providing meat for the starving animals—and the jackals received honors for “protecting” the king. Yet the forest mourned a noble friendship lost to deceit.

The Deeper Teaching: Discernment Over Force

On the surface, the story may seem to celebrate might and conquest. In truth, the Panchatantra advises us to look beyond brute strength. The bull represented satsang—good company—and the lion embodied sattva—pure leadership. Their union offered harmony. The jackals embodied rajas and tamas—passion and ignorance—twisting words for personal gain.

Adi Shankaracharya taught that not all advice is equal: “He who discerns the eternal from the transient attains peace. He who fails is lost in illusion.” Genuine guidance uplifts; manipulative counsel divides.

Saints on Discernment and Friendship

• Sri Ramakrishna spoke of true companionship: “A friend in adversity is worth a thousand in prosperity.” When temptations arise to betray loyalty, inner vigilance safeguards our integrity.

• Swami Vivekananda urged us, “Talk to yourself once in a day, otherwise you may miss meeting an excellent person in this world.” Self-reflection trains us to question motivations—both others’ and our own.

• In the Bhagavad Gita, Krishna instructs Arjuna: “Yada yada hi dharmasya glanir bhavati bharata, abhyutthanam adharmasya tadatmanam srijamy aham” (“Whenever righteousness wanes and unrighteousness threatens, I incarnate”). This serves as a reminder that clarity of purpose must rise above false counsel.

Modern Relevance: The Jackals of Today

In the age of social media and instant communication, “jackals” lurk in comment sections and boardrooms alike. They use half-truths to erode confidence in true allies. Consider how rumors spread about a colleague’s intentions, leading teams to fracture. Or how sensational headlines stoke fear of those who could, with cooperation, solve pressing problems. Discerning leadership demands the skill to question:

• Who gains when relationships fracture?

• What evidence supports claims?

• Have I sought counsel from unbiased witnesses?

Practical Steps for Everyday Discernment

1. Pause Before Reacting
   When confronted with alarming news or accusations against a friend, pause. Reflect on past actions. Has this person shown loyalty and integrity?

2. Gather Multiple Perspectives
   Like the lion’s initial meeting with the bull, direct dialogue often reveals truth. Seek input from those who value honesty over politics.

3. Cultivate Inner Silence
   Through practices such as meditation or japa (mantra repetition), we strengthen the inner voice of intuition (buddhi). The Gita teaches that when the mind is still, we hear the whisper of wisdom.

4. Honor True Allies
   Gratitude towards those who have supported us builds resilience. A simple word of thanks to a caring friend reinforces mutual trust and wards off the influence of sly advisers.

5. Release Attachments to Outcome
   As Sri Aurobindo noted, “Detach yourself from the fruits of action.” When decisions arise, act with integrity, not from fear of loss or desire for gain. This freedom prevents manipulation.

Transforming Trials into Triumphs

Imagine a team leader who hears rumors that her most effective project manager is plotting against her. Instead of acting on hearsay, she meets privately with the manager, recounts the whispers, and invites honesty. The manager clarifies that they only sought budget autonomy to speed delivery. Trust is restored, the project thrives, and the “jackals” who spread discord lose their power.

Similarly, in family life, gossip from relatives can poison relationships. By returning to open communication—asking, listening, forgiving—we honor the spirit of the bull and lion’s true friendship.

Cultivating Discernment as a Daily Practice

• Study Sacred Texts: Regular reading of the Gita, Upanishads, and stories from classical teachings sharpens moral perception.

• Seek a Mentor: A wise guide—a guru or elder—can help you interpret mixed messages.

• Engage in Self-Inquiry: Journaling about challenges reveals patterns of influence and response.

Through these disciplines, we develop the clarity to see beyond appearances and recognize both genuine allies and hidden agendas.

Vision That Transforms

Hinduism teaches that jnana (knowledge) arises from direct experience and reflection. The tale of the lion, bull, and jackals is not merely a forest parable but a mirror to our own social jungles. By practicing discernment, we honor true friendship, protect communities, and align our actions with higher purpose. In doing so, we not only see the world as it is, but also as it can be—united in trust, guided by wisdom, and free from the shadows of deceit.