2. Adambhitvam

The second value of jñānam is adambhitvam, which translates to the absence of pretence, hypocrisy, or “phoniness”.

It is the mental state where dambha (pretence or feigning) is completely absent. While the first value, mānitvam (pride), is an expression of the ahaṅkāra (ego) based on real achievements, dambha is self-glorification based on fabricated or pretended accomplishments.

Here is a comprehensive breakdown of this value based on the teachings:

The Expression of Dambhitvam Dambhitvam is a deliberate commitment to falsehood, designed to give others the impression that one is something they are not. The text categorizes its expression into two main forms:

• By Veśa (Dress/Appearance): Dressing like a wealthy person while actually dodging bill collectors and having an overdrawn bank account.
• By Bhāṣa (Words): Claiming recognition as a scholar and alluding to soon-to-be-published papers, when in reality, one has only written letters asking relatives for loans.

The Root Cause of Pretence The urge to pretend arises because a person does not feel good about themselves and fundamentally rejects who they are. Finding themselves unacceptable, they present a fabricated image, hoping that by impressing others and receiving a favourable response, they will finally feel good about themselves.

The Consequences and Tension of Dambhitvam Like pride, dambhitvam is absurd because one cannot rightfully claim authorship of accomplishments that are entirely fake. More importantly, a mind committed to dambhitvam carries a massive load of tension. A hypocrite must always be on high alert to avoid being “found out,” requiring a very long memory to keep their lies straight—unlike the truth, which requires no special remembering.

Why it is an Obstacle to Vedānta A mind expressing dambhitvam is deeply committed to falsehood and is thoroughly non-receptive to the teachings of Vedānta.

• Deep Self-Rejection: The entire purpose of Vedānta is to own up to the truth of oneself, revealing that the true Self lacks nothing and is limitless. If a person deeply rejects themselves and is committed to a false image, they will have a very difficult time accepting and assimilating the truth of their own limitlessness.
• Need for Self-Acceptance: To be ready for the teaching, a seeker must be able to accept themselves exactly as they are right now, complete with all their apparent limitations, while simultaneously longing for absolute freedom.

The Result of Adambhitvam When the futility and absurdity of pretence are clearly seen, it drops away, leaving the state of adambhitvam. A person possessing this value becomes a “real” and “simple” person. While a simple person may still make mistakes or get angry, their straightforwardness allows them to learn from their reactions and grow. In contrast, the false person learns nothing, as their energy is entirely consumed by hiding and tension. Ultimately, it is this simple, factual mind that is ready to discover the truth of the Self.