Difficult to be Good?

Someone asked if it is difficult to be good? Does it pay more to be dishonest?

I think the answer is yes, though it is not so simple to say yes. If one is righteous and of a good character, life is difficult for one because life favors those who are ‘flexible’. Keep lots of rules to follow and values telling you not to do this and that, and you face many road-blocks and hiccups.

From famous examples, we can recall one with Gandhi ji. He was pained when he spoke the truth but his teacher didn’t listen to him and gave him punishment. Gandhi ji said that the truthful and righteous need to be more vigilant than others, in order to survive. And that’s the key. We can choose to be good and honest, but then we would have to ensure that we maintain higher level of vigilance too.

I believe that in the end, it is your clear conscience that matters most. If you have done nothing wrong, not harmed others, didn’t have evil designs to progress, then you would be a happy man/woman from your heart. It is said that clear conscience is the best pillow. Also, I believe that those who are righteous face greater problems in life and hence they also become stronger and more virtuous. I believe many people would still favor these guys over those without a backbone, i.e. without a clear conscience.

- Rahul