Trust begets Trust

 A question which comes to my mind is the truth of the statement "Trust begets Trust". Going down to first principles we must define the word trust in every context it is used. 

Trust is a noun and is simply defined as " the belief that somebody/something is good, sincere, honest, etc. and will not try to harm or trick you". 

Trust is also a verb to have confidence in somebody; to believe that somebody is good, sincere, honest, etc.

So there a quality of trust as a relationship based on trust. You build up trust in someone or something. A position of trust also means that trust as quality is inbuilt or expected in such a position. This the noun. 

The act of trusting is a verb. When I trust someone or say someone cannot be trusted it is an act of trusting. If you cannot trust someone to do the right thing. This is the verb. 

The dilemma every individual faces in most situations is to make this choice. This choice is made with head or heart. Scientifically it is the left brained analytical skeptical who will analyze the situation and after careful considered evaluation make a judgement on this decision. On the other hand the right brained emotional person will as a default trust. The result in both situations can be good or bad. Not trusting a trustworthy person will result in losing an opportunity to make a true friend. Trusting blindly a person who later betrays one will lead to sorrow and heartbreak. 

If I turn to scriptures for guidance then Bible says Judge not, that you be not judged. For with what judgment you judge, you shall be judged: and with what measure you mete, it shall be measured to you again. This seems to be identical to the law of KarmaYoga which suggests you reap what you sow. If you sow trust you are more likely to get trust back. A show of trust with even an iota of doubt in your mind cannot be considered as an act of trust. 

All this sounds very good on paper but we are not all right or left brained but situations dictate how we react. There are certain relationships which like of parent child, teacher pupil and brother sister and husband wife which thrive on trust. However, the world today lacks intellect and even these relationships fall apart because of lies, deceit and betrayals. This is because we are victims of desire, lust and fear. All of these are the main obstacles to Self realization which is the purpose of our existence. 

In my life the consequences of trusting as a default option has led to temporary setbacks but strengthened me to weather these storms as I may have lost materially but gained spiritually. The persons who Have gained may be laughing behind my back and calling me a fool but the consequences of their action will ultimately bear fruit. If I have this faith, I will have truly internalized the words from the Gita describing the man of equanimity or Stithapragnya, He lives in wisdom who sees himself in all and all in himself. This philosophy is the basis of trust. 

I know the majority will not agree with me but I am ready to stick my neck out and be trusted or betrayed by my friends and foes. 

I would like to leave you with is wonderful quote. "There is so much good in the worst of us, and so much bad in the best of us, that it ill behooves any of us to find fault with the rest of us." On this note I trust you will trust me and enjoy the value of our friends

Almost 18 months after this post in August 23, this quality of trust stands tested. The persons I trusted have back stabbed and betrayed me and ironically the same allegation has been flung back at and I am portrayed a betrayer. The propensity of man to interact socially and create imaginary tales can also lead to undesirable consequences. However, the strength of character comes from admitting one's mistake, apologizing and moving on in an attempt to mend the relationship. Sadly, in such circumstances ego come into play. Hard as it may get one must send positive vibes to those that persecute you on the lines of the verses given in the sermon on the Mount. 

Blessed are the meek:
for they shall inherit the earth.

Blessed are they which do hunger and thirst
after righteousness:
for they shall be filled.

Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness’ sake:
for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are ye, when men shall revile you, and persecute you, and shall say all manner of evil against you falsely, for my sake. Rejoice, and be exceeding glad: for great is your reward in heaven: for so persecuted they the prophets which were before you.

Ye have heard that it hath been said,
Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.
But I say unto you,

Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; that ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.

For if ye love them which love you, what reward have ye? Do not even the publicans the same? And if ye salute your brethren only, what do ye more than others? Do not even the publicans so?

Be ye therefore perfect,
even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.
My case rests here. Thank you readers. Comments welcome. 

Vispi Jokhi