Question:
In Sangat, we are taught to be humble - that humility is the best virtue.But there are times when we face humiliation - we are humiliated by others - especially by our superiors.
How can we stay humble when it causes turbulence in mind?
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There is a difference between humility and humiliation.
Humility is a positive attitude - adopted by choice, while humiliation is a negative emotion forced and caused by others.
One should understand the difference between Self-Respect, humility, and humiliation.
Humility - undoubtedly, is one of the greatest virtues - but not at the cost of self-respect. Loss of self-respect can invite humiliation from others.
Humiliation also causes many other negative emotions in one's mind, such as guilt, anger, jealousy, and regret, and becomes a hindrance to further growth.
On the other hand, humility and self-respect help us to grow.
Humility is to know our limitations and shortcomings - and at the same time, not being egoistic and arrogant about our abilities. It is the sense of ego and arrogance - the desire to impose our superiority that leads us to humiliate others. Regardless of how much one has - knowledge, money, or position - no one has any right to insult and humiliate anyone else.
By nature, a spiritual person respects everyone regardless of their status and can not even think of insulting, humiliating anyone.
As Gurbani says"
"Bhaya kaahu ko dait nahin, nahi bhaya maanat Aan
Kahu Nanak sun re manaa, Gyani Tahi bakhaan"
"He - who never intimidates anyone, nor feels intimidated by anyone (or anything)
Listen, O' mind, says Nanak, consider him Gyani - spiritually wise and enlightened." (Gurbani - Mehla 9)
Arrogance blocks one's own growth as well as of their associates, while humility can take us further.
Therefore, be humble - not arrogant - and at the same time, maintain your self-respect as well.
' Rajan Sachdeva '
So nicely differentiated
ReplyDeleteThank You ๐
ReplyDeleteVery well explained
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ReplyDeleteVery well expalined. Thanks ji
ReplyDeleteDhan Nirankar.
ReplyDeleteSometimes similar sounding words have very different connotations. This is the best example as always simply explained by Guruji. ๐๐๐๐๐
Whenever I try to envision ideal behavior I think of our beloved line of Gurus. Amazingly they embodied humility.
ReplyDeleteKnowledge brings humility; from humility comes worthiness; with worthiness one attains wealth; with wealth one is able to perform his duties in better way; and in performing his duties one attains happiness.
ReplyDeleteThis loosely translated shloka sums up everything.