Is There Anything Like Absolute Truth or Is Truth Just Relative?

The age-old question of whether there is an absolute truth or if all truths are relative has puzzled philosophers, theologians, and scientists alike throughout time. This essay seeks to explore the implications of both absolute and relative truths, drawing from diverse perspectives, including the wisdom of the Upanishads.

Absolute Truth: Absolute truths are infallible and universal, such as mathematical and logical certainties like 2 2 4 or the impossibility of a married bachelor. These truths hold true regardless of time, place, or circumstance.

The Question at Hand

Is there such a thing as absolute truth, or is all truth relative? This query invites us to ponder the nature of reality and our place within it. The Upanishads, which stand as a pinnacle of human wisdom, offer a profound insight into this question.

The Upanishads assert that the BRAHMAN, the ultimate truth, is beyond comprehension and unknowable. Yet, the ALIVENESS or CONSCIOUSNESS that defines our being is the gateway to this ungraspable truth. The CONSCIOUSNESS simply recognizes itself as self-luminous and self-evident, without the need for external validation or proof.

According to the Upanishads, the ATMAN (the individual self), which is a reflection of the BRAHMAN, intuits itself as identical to the BRAHMAN. This paradoxical truth is an enigma: I am BRAHMAN and yet, I cannot comprehend BRAHMAN.

Unchanging Truths in Life

While the idea of absolute truth might seem abstract and paradoxical, there are certainties that are always true, regardless of context. These truths, which are self-evident and don’t need to be proved, are often dismissed as clichés or truisms. Examples include the obvious yet profound truths such as:

Nothing lasts forever. We are not as young as we once were. Change is the only constant.

These absolute truths are fundamental to our existence and are universally recognized, even if they are often taken for granted. They are so inherent in our lives that they are almost invisible, yet so integral that they shape our everyday experiences.

Consciousness and the Absolute

The Upanishads suggest that our very CONSCIOUSNESS operates as a window into the ABSOLUTE TRUTH, or BRAHMAN. This consciousness is self-evident and self-illuminating, capable of recognizing its own nature without relying on external proof or validation.

But why is this recognition of self-illumination so critical? It highlights the epistemological challenge: while we can perceive our consciousness, the nature of the ABSOLUTE beyond it remains elusive. This recognition underscores the inherent limits of human understanding while also acknowledging the profound insight that lies within our very awareness.

Conclusion: Embracing Paradox and Uncertainty

The tension between absolute and relative truths reflects the complexity of human existence. While absolute truths provide a stable foundation for understanding, the questions they raise about the nature of reality and our role within it contribute to a deeper and more nuanced appreciation of life’s mysteries.

As we navigate through life, embracing both the certainties and the uncertainties, we can find meaning and wisdom. The paradox of our conscious INTUITION leading us to the ABSOLUTE TRUTH, which we cannot fully understand, invites us to live each moment with an open mind and heart.