Premanand Maharaj clarified that lying to take leave from the office is a sin. He stated that one should avoid lying in worldly life, whereas a lie told for devotion and religious purposes is not considered a sin. His message focuses on ethics, truth, and honesty in life.
Leave from Office: Premanand Maharaj stated that taking leave by lying is a sin. Recently, an employee from a private company asked him at his ashram in Vrindavan whether it is a sin when one doesn't get leave by speaking the truth but gets it immediately by lying. The Maharaj, with a smile, clarified that lying in worldly life is morally wrong. He said that only lies told for devotion and religious purposes are not sinful, but adherence to truth is essential in office and everyday tasks.
Taking Leave by Lying
A person working in a private job asked Premanand Maharaj that he works for a private company. He explained that sometimes, despite having urgent work, he doesn't get leave from the office, but if he makes an excuse about a relative's death or serious illness, he gets leave immediately. The person asked, "Is it a sin to take leave by lying?"
To this, Premanand Maharaj, with a laugh, said that this is the effect of Kali Yuga. He humorously remarked that people often do this, but it doesn't mean it can be justified.
Premanand Maharaj's Clear Answer
Premanand Maharaj explained, "Lying is taking, lying is giving, lying is eating, lying is chewing." Whatever the circumstance, lying is a sin. He further cited a shloka (verse) which states that adhering to truth is akin to penance, while lying is equivalent to sin and causes pain to the heart.
However, he also clarified that if a lie is told for devotion, religious work, or a divine purpose, it is not considered a sin. For instance, if lying is necessary in tasks related to bhajans (devotional songs), religious service, or charitable deeds, it is not deemed a sin.
Adopt the Path of Truth in Worldly Life
Premanand Maharaj stated that one should avoid lying in worldly affairs. Even though lying might sometimes seem easier due to difficult circumstances, the effort should be to walk the path of truth and adhere to moral values. He said, "Adhering to the truth might be difficult, but lying does not solve problems. The habit of speaking the truth yields long-term benefits in life."
His message was clear: Lying to take leave from the office or for any everyday task is a sin. While it might resolve a problem immediately, it is not morally appropriate. Instead, one should try to take leave by speaking the truth at the right time and for a proper reason.
Viral Video on Social Media
This video of Premanand Maharaj quickly gained attention on social media. People from across the country visit his ashram for darshan (sacred viewing). Besides the general public, many renowned personalities also come to his ashram. His simple and natural style in the video impressed people, and many wrote in the comments that this message reminds them of moral values in life.
Taking leave from the office by lying might be easy, but Premanand Maharaj's clear message is that adhering to ethics and truth is essential. A lie told for religious or divine purposes is different, but one should avoid lying in worldly life. This not only ensures adherence to moral values but also brings mental contentment and spiritual peace.
