This reflective walk beside the river running through the Waterperry Estate, known as the ‘truth trail’, is based on 13 forms of truth as expressed in the ancient Upanishads, starting with ‘impartiality’ and ending with ‘innocence’. Each form of truth appears on a staging post along the trail.
The project, conceived and directed by Bernard Saunders, then Steward of the Waterperry Estate, was inspired by this passage from the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad:
What are the indications … of truth? How may it be acquired? What is gained by practising truth, and how?’
The forms that Truth assumes are impartiality, self control, good will, forgiveness, modesty, endurance, goodness, renunciation, contemplation, dignity, fortitude, compassion, and innocence.
Brihadaranyaka Upanishad
The idea was that visitors could walk the trial as a contemplative exercise, taking in each of the forms of truth, one by one, or else, simply chance upon the trail, and be affected however they might be moved.
Each staging post was made from sweet chestnut wood and the letters carved and gilded by Andy Peters, a master wood carver best known for his ship figureheads and maritime craftwork.
This is a very popular installation at Waterperry Gardens. Visitors can be seen walking along the trail, slowly and purposefully, engaging with each of the forms of truth as they go. Some speak of being transformed, as each form of truth resonates within them.
The Truth Trail can be seen in the ornamental gardens at Waterperry.