What is Respect, and its Criteria

A couple of days ago, I posted a blog under the title of Vasant-Panchami.
In that article, I mentioned that the ancient Indian scriptures illustrate how the power of knowledge can help us in all spheres of life. That knowledge, wisdom, and humility - politeness, humbleness, courtesy, and compassion makes one eligible for merit - and eventually gains respect and honor from everyone.

Someone wrote a comment which says:
'But sometimes we see the opposite. Wise intelligent people do not get the respect they deserve, and there are many who are arrogant and not intelligent but still they get so much respect and admiration.

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I think what I wrote in that blog is generally true - in theory at least.
However, many times we see a disagreement - an inconsistency in theory and practice.

Therefore, even without such qualities and virtues, some people may get some respect for some time - at least from some people. Either because they are rich and providers - and people need something or some kind of help from them - or because of some fear - because of their power and position in society. 

There is an ancient Subhaashitam in Sanskrit which explains the different kinds and scales of respect that people get from others. 

              स्वगृहे पूज्यते मूर्खः - स्वग्रामे पूज्यते धनिकः
              स्वदेशे पूज्यते राजा - विद्वान सर्वत्र पूज्यते 
Svagrahay poojyatay moorkhah - Svagraamay poojyatay Dhanikah
Svadeshay poojyatay Raaja - Vidvaan sarvatra poojyatay

Meaning:
"Even a fool is respected and worshiped in his house.
The rich and wealthy are respected in their own village or city - within their vicinity.
A king is worshiped by his subjects - within the boundaries of the jurisdiction of his dominion.
Whereas a Vidvaan scholar - (a Gyani - a learned, intelligent person with humility) is respected everywhere."

He can earn money and respect wherever he goes.

However, some people - because of their competitive and jealous nature - or for some other personal and self-centered narrow motives, may not give due respect to the wise and Gyanis.

But, even if a Gyani is not recognized and respected openly for some reason, he would still occupy a genuine and respected place in people's hearts and minds. 

It is also said that knowledge is the only kind of wealth that no one can ever steal from you.
Therefore, one should always strive to gain more knowledge and wisdom.
                              'Rajan Sachdeva '