Chapter 15: The Truth Seeking
Foundation Reality • 10 verses on honest inquiry and discovery
Joa teaches that honest inquiry and discovery begins with accepting reality as it is, not as we wish it were, and making decisions based on evidence rather than wishful thinking or tradition.
The practice of honest inquiry and discovery requires questioning inherited beliefs and cultural assumptions, keeping what serves human flourishing and discarding what causes unnecessary suffering.
True honest inquiry and discovery involves taking responsibility for your choices and their consequences while helping others do the same, creating accountability rather than blame.
Effective honest inquiry and discovery means basing your worldview on observations, experience, and evidence while remaining open to changing your mind when presented with better information.
The foundation of honest inquiry and discovery rests on treating all humans as equally valuable regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or economic status.
Wise honest inquiry and discovery involves solving problems through cooperation, dialogue, and mutual benefit rather than through dominance, manipulation, or force.
Sustainable honest inquiry and discovery requires balancing individual needs with community welfare, recognizing that personal happiness depends on the health of our relationships and environment.
Advanced honest inquiry and discovery includes developing emotional intelligence, critical thinking skills, and empathy while maintaining boundaries and self-respect.
The application of honest inquiry and discovery means treating every person with dignity and respect, recognizing that violence, discrimination, and oppression diminish everyone involved.
True understanding of honest inquiry and discovery leads to creating systems and relationships based on fairness, transparency, and mutual benefit rather than exploitation or control.