When we strive to be authentic by aligning with our true nature, we may face the world’s disapproval or even censure. People around us may have become accustomed to expecting certain kinds of behavior from us based on their past interactions with us. However, when we begin comparing our external behavior with our inner nature and start adjusting the first to harmonize with the second, the change can make them uncomfortable. If our new version goes against social expectations or cultural norms, their reactions may range from raised eyebrows to raised voices or worse.

During such testing times, we need to set aside any inhibitions that may arise due to the world’s reactions and thereby we remain committed to activities that help us manifest our authentic selves. The Bhagavad-gita (02.69) emphasizes that when we engage in spiritual practices, our driving values will significantly differ from the values of most people who are largely materialistic. The contrast between these values is as stark as day and night. Therefore, to stay true to our spiritual selves, we need to distance ourselves from the opinions and associations of materialistic individuals. Later, the Gita reiterates this point (13.11) while concluding its list of items (13.08-12) that comprise the wisdom that enables us to be our authentic self. 

No doubt, being authentic requires fearlessness in the face of negativity from others. However, we need to avoid crossing the line and becoming shameless in the name of authenticity. Shame can serve as a deterrent to prevent us from doing actions that are harmful, either to ourselves or to others or even to both. While shaming can sometimes be used as a cultural tool by those in power to beat others into compliance, that doesn’t necessarily mean that the very idea of shame is a bad thing. And even more emphatically, that doesn’t at all mean that being shameless is a good thing, let alone that being shameless is central to being authentic. If we make a virtue out of being shameless, we may well end up becoming our worst self instead of our best self. 

To be authentic, we need to break free from the limits imposed on us by our own fears, be they internally triggered or externally induced — being fearless may sometimes require us to put aside considerations of what people will think of us, but it involves many more things, several of which may be much more important: giving up our own lethargy, apathy and complacency, for example. 

Summary:

To be authentic, we need to be fearless, not shameless. 

Think it over:

  • For being authentic, what do we need to set aside?
  • Why might we make a virtue out of being shameless? What’s wrong with that?
  • How are authenticity, fear and shame related? 

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13.11 – … Constant and unalloyed devotion to Me; aspiring to live in a solitary place; detachment from the general mass of people; … [ – all these I declare to be knowledge].

Audio explanation of the article is here: https://gitadaily.substack.com/p/authentic-shameless

To know more about this verse, please click on the image