What Is Truth? - The Definitive Answer
Summary
This video explores the nature of truth, distinguishing between relative and absolute truth. The speaker claims direct conscious awareness of absolute truth, which they define as 'that which is the case' or simply 'being'. They argue that ordinary experience, beliefs, and scientific models are relative truths, dependent on concepts and interpretation. Absolute truth, conversely, is direct experience itself, transcending logic and language, and is the fundamental substance of reality. The video addresses common misconceptions and paradoxes surrounding truth, emphasizing that direct realization, not intellectual understanding, is key.
Key Insights
Truth is fundamentally 'that which is the case' or pure existence, not human concepts or beliefs.
The speaker defines truth not as a belief, concept, or idea in the mind, but as 'that which is the case' or simply 'being'. This is described as direct experience, reality itself, or actuality. Ordinary understanding of truth as knowledge, science, logic, or philosophy is presented as relative, dependent on interpretation and limited by language. Actual truth is what is, regardless of human comprehension or validation.
Absolute truth is paradoxical, transcends language and logic, and can only be realized through a shift in consciousness, not intellectual pursuit.
Absolute truth is described as paradoxical, illogical, and impossible to capture in symbols, language, or scientific formulas. It is suggested that true understanding requires a radical change in consciousness, an epiphany, or an awakening, rather than relying on intellect, logic, or empirical proof. The speaker reiterates that truth is not something to be known intellectually but something to be directly experienced and realized.
Sections
Defining Truth: The Common Misconception
Truth is often misunderstood as belief, concept, philosophy, knowledge, or science.
A common misconception is that scientists, philosophers, religious leaders, or academics truly understand truth. The speaker claims truth transcends science and is not a belief, concept, philosophy, ideology, knowledge, theory, logic, or mathematics. They emphasize that truth cannot be proven, written down, or considered irrelevant; it is something fundamental that requires direct realization.
The speaker claims personal direct conscious awareness of absolute truth and that others can achieve this too.
The speaker boldly claims to have become directly conscious of absolute truth and asserts that anyone can achieve this. This realization is not a special privilege but a potential accessible to all, though rarely pursued due to the difficulty and the 'homework' required to truly understand.
The speaker's personal realization of truth occurred during a profound moment of consciousness shift.
While realizing truth in multiple ways, a vivid moment involved the conceptual notion of truth melting away, revealing actual truth. This moment, experienced while on LSD, revealed that 'truth' is simply 'being' – the entirety of the present moment. This experience was simultaneously ordinary and extraordinarily mind-blowing.
Relative Truth vs. Absolute Truth
Relative truths are conceptual, mind-dependent, and can be true or false.
Relative truths are truths of the mind, dependent on concepts, symbols, language, and interpretation. Examples include 'the sky is blue,' 'the Eiffel Tower is in Paris,' 'one plus one equals two,' and historical events. These are contingent and vary based on context, perception, and interpretation.
Absolute truth is unconditional, actual, and transcends conceptual understanding.
Absolute truth, or 'Truth with a capital T,' is true under all circumstances and conditions. It is not conceptual but actual, and it is the opposite of relative. It is experienced directly and is not dependent on language, logic, or the mind's interpretive functions.
Examples like 'the sky is blue' are relative due to dependence on language, context, and perception.
The statement 'the sky is blue' is considered relative because it depends on understanding language, the specific sky (Earth vs. another planet), time of day, the definition of 'blue,' and the perceiving observer (human eyes vs. a dog or worm). It requires mental interpretation and is an abstraction, not a pure fact.
Mathematical statements like '1+1=2' are also relative, relying on learned symbols and understanding.
'1+1=2' is a relative truth because it depends on understanding the symbols '1,' '+,' '=', and '2,' and the concept they represent. This understanding is learned through trial and error and insight, not inherent. It requires specific mental functions and does not represent absolute truth.
The correspondence theory of truth is problematic as it confines truth to symbols and concepts.
Western philosophy often relies on a correspondence theory where truth aligns with objective reality. However, this is seen as problematic because it conflates the actual thing (e.g., the sky) with the mental representation or affirmation ('the sky is blue'). The speaker distinguishes between the actual state of being and our mental claims about it.
Relative truths have an opposite (falsehood), while absolute truth does not.
Relative truths exist in a duality with falsehood. However, absolute truth, being 'that which is,' cannot have an opposite. This duality is a feature of the relative world, not the absolute.
The Nature of Absolute Truth
Absolute truth is the immediate experience of reality, such as the direct perception of one's hand or room.
An exercise is proposed: focusing on one's hand or the surrounding room. The direct consciousness of the existence of these things in the present moment is presented as absolute truth. This is described as being as real as reality gets, a direct experience of actuality.
Truth is defined as 'that which is the case' or simply 'being,' encompassing all of existence.
Truth is equated with 'that which is the case,' 'being,' 'actuality,' 'reality,' 'direct experience,' and 'existence.' The question of what truth is becomes identical to asking 'what is existence' or 'what is being.' This fundamental isness cannot be easily defined by words because words themselves 'are'.
Reality is not made of atoms but of 'truth' or 'bits' in various states, akin to a boundless computer.
The universe is conceptualized as a boundless machine with an infinite number of 'bits' representing states. Truth is the complete state of all these bits, whether on or off, at all points in space and time. This suggests reality's fundamental substance is truth, not matter like atoms.
The self-reference problem prevents ultimate understanding of reality's substance through logic or science.
Attempting to define the fundamental substance of reality through science or logic leads to self-reference paradoxes, like trying to point a finger at itself. Science hits limitations when asking what fundamental particles are made of, leading to a 'rock bottom' that defies explanation within its framework.
All of reality, including concepts like falsehood and non-existence, exists as part of the absolute truth.
Even falsehood and non-existence must exist as concepts or realities within the absolute truth. The concept of falsehood exists because it is 'the case' in our minds. Non-existence is impossible in actuality; only existence is real, though concepts of non-existence can be created. The statement '1+1=3,' though symbolically false, exists as a phenomenon on the screen, thus being 'the case' and part of absolute truth.
Falsehood and non-existence are conceptual, second-order phenomena, not fundamental aspects of reality.
The speaker argues that falsehood and non-existence are not actual realities but conceptual constructs. To even conceive of falsehood or non-existence, those concepts must exist. Therefore, in actuality, only existence and truth prevail. This challenges the notion that there can be anything other than 'that which is'.
Death, if non-existence is impossible, may not be the finality commonly perceived.
If non-existence is not real, then death, often perceived as cessation or non-existence, is questioned. This opens the possibility that death is not as final as commonly believed, suggesting it might be another aspect of reality that exists.
Truth cannot be communicated directly through words; it must be recognized by the individual.
The speaker emphasizes that they cannot 'tell' someone what truth is because truth is direct experience, interwoven with one's being. Any words spoken are just more 'isness.' True understanding requires the individual to 'be' their own 'isness' through sustained awareness.
Recognizing one's reflection is a sophisticated act, analogous to recognizing truth, which most humans have not mastered.
The speaker uses the analogy of a donkey failing to recognize its reflection to illustrate how most humans fail to recognize 'isness' or truth. This recognition requires a level of consciousness and insight that many lack, despite it being a fundamental aspect of reality.
Absolute truth is inescapable; even a universe without truth would be the truth of that situation.
Truth is presented as inescapable. If a scenario were conceived where no truth existed, the 'truth' of that scenario (that there is no truth) would itself be the case. Truth encompasses all possibilities, including states of non-existence or destruction, as long as they 'are the case'.
The ego's insistence on its own reality prevents the recognition of absolute truth.
The primary obstacle to realizing truth is the ego's commitment to its own perceived reality and existence as a separate self. This belief in being a real, biological entity is seen as an illusion that prevents one from seeing the objective, absolute truth.
Perception and experience are not subjective realities but mental projections onto absolute truth.
The speaker argues that 'experience' and 'perception' as commonly understood don't truly exist. They are second-order mind projections onto absolute truth. The belief in subjective experience stems from the ego's illusion of existing as a distinct self.
Realizing one is not real is key to shedding subjectivity and accessing objective absolute truth.
By ceasing to believe in one's own separate, real existence (the ego), subjectivity dissolves. What was perceived as subjective experience then becomes recontextualized as pure, objective, absolute truth. This is how humans, who are imaginary, can access absolute truth.
Emotional reactions and resistance to these ideas are defense mechanisms against confronting truth.
Fear, anger, panic, or criticism directed at the speaker's message are identified as defense mechanisms. These reactions arise because the ego perceives truth as a threat to its survival and existence. Overcoming these defenses is crucial for penetrating the veil of disinterest.
Truth is metaphysical and non-dual, unifying disparate concepts and dualities.
Truth is considered metaphysical, not just epistemic. It represents the unification of dualities, such as subject/object, form/formlessness, and metaphysics/physics. Non-duality is the ultimate state where only absolute truth exists, encompassing all relative truths.
Absolute truth has no opposite, cannot be proven, captured, quantified, communicated, or taught.
Key characteristics of absolute truth include: possessing no opposite, being imperishable by scientific experiment, inability to be symbolized or quantified, being uncommunicable and untaught, being infinite and singular, being paradoxical and illogical to the mind, and containing all qualities, including no quality.
Awareness itself, being formless and quality-less yet encompassing all, is a pointer to absolute truth.
When consciousness or awareness is turned upon itself, it reveals nothing tangible or definable. This formless, quality-less 'nothingness' is pure existence, pure isness, and absolute truth. It paradoxically has no qualities but also possesses all qualities.
Truth is consciousness, the whole universe, God, love, uncaused, eternal, intelligent, good, and now.
A list of equated terms for truth includes: consciousness, the whole universe, God, love, uncaused, eternal, intelligent, absolute good, now (the present moment), inescapable, mysterious, life-transforming, beyond importance, life and death, the only thing that exists, radical, awesome, terrifying, paradise, self-awareness, omniscience, and utter directness.
Truth is multi-dimensional, requiring years of investigation to grasp its various aspects.
Understanding truth is a layered process. Comprehending one aspect does not mean understanding all. The speaker suggests it takes years of dedication to investigate and grasp the various dimensions and degrees of truth. The list of equated terms represents different facets of this multi-dimensional reality.
Addressing Objections and FAQs
Truth has no origin; it is nowhere and nothing, encompassing infinity.
The question of where truth came from is answered by stating it came from nowhere because 'anywhere' is also part of truth. It is nowhere and nothing, yet simultaneously everything, infinity, and the present moment. It is the definition of infinity and is inherently eternal.
The speaker dismisses claims of delusion, suggesting the objector is projecting their own delusion.
When asked if they are deluded, the speaker argues that truth cannot be explained further and that any doubt reflects the questioner's own attachment to self and delusion. They encourage direct investigation rather than reliance on trust or external validation, comparing it to scientific verification.
The possibility of something beyond absolute truth implies a misunderstanding of its infinite nature.
The idea of something beyond absolute truth arises from conceptualizing truth as a limited concept. Absolute truth, being infinite and encompassing all possibilities, inherently includes any imagined concept of 'beyond.' The imagination used to pose such questions is itself part of absolute truth.
Science doesn't validate absolute truth because its validators (Nobel Committee) are also unaware of truth.
Science operates within the realm of relative truths and cannot validate absolute truth because the institutions and individuals involved (like Nobel Prize committees) are themselves not conscious of absolute truth. Validation requires direct experience, not external authority.
Relative truths (science, math) are useful tools but do not equate to absolute truth.
Science and mathematics are valuable for navigating the relative world but are not absolute truth. They deal with finite, contingent forms. While they may partially correspond to reality, they capture only aspects, not the infinite whole. Absolute truth is not achieved by accumulating relative truths.
The distinction between relative and absolute truth is a pedagogical tool, not a fundamental duality.
While absolute truth is non-dual, distinguishing between relative and absolute is helpful for ordinary consciousness. Relative truths, like parts of a hand, are useful for manipulating reality, but they are ultimately facets of the absolute. The finger is part of the hand; the relative is part of the absolute.
Absolute truth's function is its own existence; its usefulness is being the substance of reality.
The usefulness or practicality of absolute truth is its very being. It is the substance of the entire universe. Questioning its usefulness is nonsensical, as usefulness itself requires existence. Its value is so profound it becomes 'useless' in the conventional sense, hence why it's often ignored.
Pursuing truth is a personal choice, beneficial for eliminating suffering and gaining self-understanding.
A 'should' to pursue truth doesn't exist. It's a personal choice driven by curiosity or a desire to escape suffering. The primary benefit is the elimination of suffering, as suffering is seen as a falsehood. It leads to self-discovery and fulfillment, not just superficial improvements.
Discovering truth requires meditation, concentration, yoga (Kriya), psychedelics, self-inquiry, and study.
Practical methods include developing laser-focused concentration through meditation, practicing Kriya yoga, using psychedelics, engaging in self-inquiry, journaling, reading recommended books, and watching relevant videos. These practices aim to shift consciousness and facilitate direct realization.
Authentic awakening to absolute truth is self-evident and transformative, not something easily overlooked.
Genuine realization of absolute truth is a massive, self-validating epiphany that transforms understanding of the universe. It is not something that can be accidentally slept through or missed due to distraction. It is a profound, undeniable shift in consciousness.
Psychedelics are potent catalysts for revealing absolute truth, working directly rather than chemically.
Psychedelics are presented as powerful tools for revealing absolute truth. Their effectiveness is not purely chemical but direct, facilitating a shift in consciousness that allows for this revelation. Empirical testing, the speaker claims, confirms this.
Love and truth are identical, representing the substrate of existence, not mere human emotions.
Love is equated with truth, consciousness, nothingness, and the substrate of existence itself, not just a human emotion. Understanding this connection requires an awakening into the nature of love, which is separate from an awakening into truth.
While aspects of truth can be conceptualized differently, absolute truth itself is singular and unified.
Though people may conceptualize or speak about absolute truth in different ways, the truth itself is singular. Deep investigation into all its aspects reveals its unified nature, aligning with the speaker's message. There is no 'my truth' versus 'your truth' at the absolute level.
The speaker's words are pointers, not absolute truth itself; they are scaffolding to be discarded.
The speaker acknowledges the paradox: their words are not absolute truth, yet they also 'are' truth. They are not trying to establish an ideology but provide 'mental scaffolding' – tools to guide towards direct realization. The listener must do their own work and eventually discard the teachings once they are no longer needed, like burning a book.
Answering the question of whether the speaker knows absolute truth is framed as egotistical denial of reality.
Claiming to know absolute truth is not egotistical if genuine. The speaker states it would be untruthful to deny their own conscious experience of absolute truth. They invite others to investigate and experience it themselves, emphasizing that their communication is a direct pointer, not a claim to ultimate authority.
Warnings and Practical Implications
Beware of anyone claiming sole knowledge of truth; it's a common tactic of ideologies.
Be suspicious of individuals or groups who brand themselves with 'truth' or claim exclusive knowledge. Such claims can be a tactic to co-opt truth for ideological purposes. Skepticism and personal validation are advised, even towards the speaker.
Thinking truth is a property of the mind or brain means misunderstanding its fundamental nature.
If truth is perceived as solely a mental or brain phenomenon, or exclusively human, then its true nature is misunderstood. Truth is considered more fundamental than the mind or brain.
Formlessness or cessation of perception is absolute truth, but not the *only* aspect of it.
Meditative states of formlessness or cessation are indeed aspects of absolute truth, but they are not the entirety. The formed, relative world is also absolute truth. These are not separate but identical. Realization doesn't require cessation of experience.
Initial awakenings do not guarantee full understanding of absolute truth; deeper exploration is needed.
Realizing 'no-self' or having glimpses of non-duality is not the same as understanding absolute truth. Many enlightened or awakened individuals may still lack a deep comprehension of truth's full nature. Profound and sustained work is necessary.
Accessing truth necessitates a change in consciousness state, not just thinking.
Intellectual thinking alone cannot lead to truth. A change in consciousness state is required. Practices like meditation, yoga, and especially psychedelics are suggested as effective methods for inducing such shifts.
Anything conceived as absolute truth is likely a lie; the ego's attachment is the main obstacle.
The primary barrier is the ego's insistence on its own reality. What one *thinks* is absolute truth is likely a conceptualization colored by egoic attachment. The journey involves dismantling this attachment.
Psychopathology and life's dysfunctions stem from disconnection from truth.
Abraham Maslow's quote suggests therapy aims to strengthen patients to bear truth. Psychopathology, emotional problems, addictions, and immorality are viewed as symptoms of being disconnected from truth. Honesty with oneself and embracing truth are crucial for well-being.
Pursuing truth leads to transformation by eliminating suffering and realizing one's true self.
Discovering truth is the ultimate goal, promising profound transformation. It eliminates suffering, which is seen as falsehood. The reward is immense, requiring the 'cost' of shedding one's ego and illusory self for true change and fulfillment.
Actualized.org content is scaffolding, not dogma; it's meant to guide, not be worshipped.
The website and its content are framed as relative, contingent mental tools ('scaffolding') to guide individuals towards self-discovery. They are not meant to be taken literally or as dogma but used pragmatically and eventually discarded once their purpose is served.
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