Lying

[Frater G]

We can all agree that to lie is wrong. It is an action that leads to disharmony and pain. However; is telling a white lie so to speak a harmless action? Is it ok to lie if it meant NOT hurting someone if the truth were to be known? Can lying be justified at any time? If someone practices telling white lies can that person be trusted?

[elijah]

There are many ways to tell the truth without resorting to white lies so not to hurt someone's feelings. It called diplomacy.

[vajramukti]

Jul 9, 2008 19:27:26 GMT -5 Frater G said:

We can all agree that to lie is wrong. It is an action that leads to disharmony and pain. However; is telling a white lie so to speak a harmless action? Is it ok to lie if it meant NOT hurting someone if the truth were to be known? Can lying be justified at any time? If someone practices telling white lies can that person be trusted?

There is truth, and lying. And in between. White lies cover a lot of gray area, so the answer is difficult and has many variables. For example, is not telling the truth the same as lying, even if you are unaware that what you speak is not true? Is a "white lie" a lie even if it is spun to not be untrue. Often, a white lie is based on an omission of other facts, like, "No, those pants don't make you look fat," while omitting, "it's all that fat that makes you look fat."

So, yes, dishonesty can be justified. However, that does not mean it will not lead to distrust.

[George the 3rd]

"No, those pants don't make you look fat," while omitting, "it's all that fat that makes you look fat. . . . . "

But adding the "truth"

. . . . . but trying to fit that fat ass in those tight pants isn't helping!

isn't necessary either!

[Frater G]

Anybody else? Has anyone ever told a white lie and then felt guilty? Let me be the first to say that I have and that there were Karmic repercussions. I believe that my intent was not pure. However if intent is of pure giving goodness...well then.....

It's a bit of a conundrum the more I think about it.

[gandolph]

My feeling around this is people have a tendency to use the "white lie" to try and save the feelings of another, the only problem I find with it, as it has already been said, that can lead to the comfort of the white lie and you get tied into the spin of it.
Feelings are not something that we should take lightly. So the question "do these pants for example make me look fat in my opinion is an unfair Question, because the asking party already knows the answear.

May not make sense to some, but I find we are lead into the little white lie, to help make that person feel better. On that topic of pants that is, and maybe the others as well.

Gandolph

[gandolph]

Micheal

I would have to say great words. I like the way you put that.

Greg