As we go through life, we learn that we can’t always take things and people at face value. Part of growing up involves realizing that people don’t always mean what they say or say what they mean—sometimes unintentionally and sometimes intentionally. To avoid being misled, exploited, or even harmed, we need to develop a deception detection mechanism. This mechanism enables us to discern the congruence or dissonance between someone’s words and actions, between what they say about themselves and what others say about them, or between their behavior in different situations.

In environments where people are generally honorable, this mechanism may not be frequently required. However, in social or professional roles that demand interaction with individuals who are untrustworthy—ranging from fickle to outright diabolical—it becomes crucial. For example, detectives, law enforcement officers, attorneys, and even parents, especially as their children enter their teenage years, need this ability to notice and address deception.

While having such a mechanism to deal with others is valuable, it is even more important to direct it inward. Within us resides our mind, which can act as our enemy due to the impurities within it. One of its common and dangerous tactics is feeding us lies—rationalizing questionable actions or justifying destructive desires. These internal lies often revolve around worldly pleasures, exaggerating their allure and suppressing their consequences. The mind can deceive us into craving fleeting pleasures that we may have repeatedly found dissatisfying and even harmful. The Bhagavad-gita 6.5 urges us to develop such an inner deception detection mechanism, exhorting us to engage with our mind in a way that does not degrade us but instead elevates us.

If we fail to develop a mechanism to detect such inner deceptions, we risk being misled by our mind, often to our own detriment. For those skilled at detecting lies in others, this ability may even breed pride, which, though potentially justifiable, can alienate others if it fosters disdain. However, if we direct that skill inward—towards catching the lies our mind tells us—we can take pride in cleansing our inner world. This not only spares us from harm but also ensures we don’t alienate others with behaviors arising from unchecked internal deception.

It’s time we said goodbye and good riddance to the impurities within our mind, and if we haven’t already done so, now is the time to start.

Summary:

  • A deception detection mechanism is essential, especially in roles that involve dealing with untrustworthy individuals, ranging from fickle to diabolical.
  • Directing this mechanism inward helps us detect and reject the lies our mind tells us, protecting us from self-destructive behaviors.
  • While external detection may alienate others, using this mechanism internally enhances self-awareness and safeguards our relationships.

Think it over:

  • Why do we need a deception detection mechanism in our social interactions?
  • Why is it crucial to direct this mechanism inward to detect our mind’s lies?
  • Reflect on three recent incidents where your mind misled you into regrettable actions. Identify the lies it told you and consider how to counter them more effectively in the future.

***

06.05 One must deliver himself with the help of his mind, and not degrade himself. The mind is the friend of the conditioned soul, and his enemy as well.