I can never tell a lie

At one time during his travels, while living as a wondering monk, Swami Vivekananda happened to be in the State of Mysore. By then the Maharaja (or the Prince) of the State of Mysore had received glowing reports of Vivekananda and so came to meet him. The Maharaja was deeply impressed by Vivekananda’s penetrating spiritual insight, wide learning, brilliance of thought and charming personality. He invited Swami Vivekananda to be a guest at his palace.

One day at his palace, in front of all his court officials, the Maharaja asked Swami Vivekananda, “Swamiji, what do you think of my courtiers?” Without a moments hesitation Vivekananda said, “I think Your Highness has a very good heart, but you are unfortunately surrounded by courtiers who are generally flatterers. Courtiers are the same everywhere.” The Prince protested, “But my Prime Minster is not such. He is intelligent and trustworthy.” Vivekananda replied, “But, Your Highness, Prime Minister is ‘one who robs the Maharaja and pays the Political Agent.’” At this the Prince quickly changed the subject.

Later when he was alone with Vivekananda, he warned the Swami be more discreet in expressing his opinion of the officials in a Native State, otherwise those unscrupulous people might even poison him. At this Vivekananda thundered at the Maharaja, “What! Do you think an honest Sannyasin is afraid of speaking the truth, even though it may cost him his very life? Suppose your own son asks me about my opinion of yourself, do you think I shall attribute to you all sorts of virtues which I am quite sure you do not possess? I can never tell a lie.”