Wednesday, February 27, 2013

The Blind Men and the Elephant



I was listening to a CES Devotional given by Elder Uchtdorf about truth.  He quoted/spoke about a poem called 'The Blind Men and the Elephant' 

"Well over one hundred years ago, an American poet put to rhyme an ancient parable. The first verse of the poem speaks about:

Six men of Indostan
To learning much inclined,
Who went to see the Elephant
(Though all of them were blind),
That each by observation
Might satisfy his mind.

In the poem each of the six travelers takes hold of a different part of the elephant and then describes to the others what he has discovered.

One of the men finds the elephant’s leg and describes it as being round and rough like a tree. Another feels the tusk and describes the elephant as a spear. A third grabs the tail and insists that an elephant is like a rope. A fourth discovers the trunk and insists that the elephant is like a large snake.

Each is describing truth.

And because his truth comes from personal experience, each insists that he knows what he knows.

The poem concludes:
And so these men of Indostan
Disputed loud and long,
Each in his own opinion
Exceeding stiff and strong,
Though each was partly in the right,
And all were in the wrong!1

We look at this story from a distance and smile. After all, we know what an elephant looks like. We have read about them and watched them on film, and many of us have even seen one with our own eyes. We believe we know the truth of what an elephant is. That someone could make a judgment based on one aspect of truth and apply it to the whole seems absurd or even unbelievable. On the other hand, can’t we recognize ourselves in these six blind men?"

I originally read this fireside as a suggestion from a friend to help reassure me that no matter how/what Ben and I decide to do as parents it will work out and it has really gotten me thinking a lot about truth lately.  Especially the truth and knowledge I have of the restored gospel on the earth. 
As we study the D&C in Sunday School and the youth have been studying the Godhead and the Plan of Salvation I have had a chance to look at the basics of my beliefs in the Godhead (and God in general), the restored gospel and my purpose in life. I believe it is important for us to occasionally strip down and study the fundamentals- get back to the basic truths!

This last week it was announced that the Pope (Benedict XVI) is resigning and stepping down (something that has not happened in over 600 years).  He is stepping down due to 'exhaustion in his old age' and his resignation has brought out scandals and discussion of 'changing policy' with the new Pope (Discussion has been brought up that the new pope must act as more of a 'CEO' and less as a spiritual leader in order to assure the church runs well).  It makes me sad that such a great standard of truth (papacy/core Christian values)in the world can be maimed and belittled so quickly and that this 'truth' for so many is being ripped apart. Is it an elephant or a tree?

It then makes me compare this to the First Presidency of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and of the truth and strength of our Prophet, President Thomas S. Monson.  I am so grateful that I know there is a modern day prophet, called of God, on this earth.  I am grateful that I know that by following him (as he follows the Lord) that the gospel and the church will remain true and pure.  I know this and I know that this is TRUTH. 

There have been other things in the news about changes in politics (changing standards in lue of popular votes) that make you reconsider the 'truth' that once was.  At Stake Conference this last weekend (I did not go but Ben gave me an update) Elder Carlson from the Quorum of the 70 spoke about the line between what is right and wrong (truth and false).  He spoke about how the lines are becoming clearer (less gray- more black and white) and that people are now being forced to choose a side between what is right and what is wrong (instead of wading in the middle ground).  

I am grateful to know that I have the gospel of Jesus Christ as a compass of truth in my life.  I am grateful that I live my life in full companionship with the spirit and can more clearly see the truth.  I am grateful for the scriptures, prophets/leaders and the spirit for helping me see the 'picture' of truth more clearly- that I know what an elephant really looks like and can recognize it for what it truly is.
I am grateful for the truth of the gospel!



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