Humility

Humility is a virtue that elevates our consciousness. Arrogance is a vice that diminishes our consciousness. Humility lifts up. Arrogance brings us down. Arrogant people not only tweet about themselves but also use insulting words about those who are humble. Humble people speak in a non-judgemental and kind way. What can I do for you is the voice of a humble person. What do I get from you is the voice of an arrogant and conceited person. A humble person talks less about his accomplishments while an arrogant person brags about his
accomplishments.

In chapter 13 of the Bhagavad Gita twenty characteristics are described to evolve on a higher level of consciousness. Out of the twenty characteristics three characteristics, evolutes, are mentioned in the first two verses ( veres 7 and verse 8). They are amanitvam- absence of vanity or pride, adambhitvamabsence of hypocrisy, and anahamkara-absence of egoism.

James (4:100) says in the Bible,” Humble yourself before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”

Zen Story : Your Cup of Tea Is Overflowing.
A scholar went to a Zen master to learn how to be enlightened. The Zen master welcomed him and made tea for him. He poured the tea from the kettle into the empty cup of the visitor. He kept on pouring and it started overflowing. The visitor asked the Zen master why he kept on pouring the tea into the cup that was already full. The Zen master told the visitor that his mind was flooded with too much bookish knowledge. He needs to learn how to be still and humble and keep his mind open and free to learn wisdom.

Nine Steps To Practice Humility by Mother Theresa

1. Speak as little as possible about yourself to avoid bragging or blowing your own trumpet.
2. Mind your own business rather than poking into others’ business.
3. Avoid curiosity to find faults or shortcomings of others.
4. Accept contradictions and corrections to learn about yourself. Nobody is perfect.
5. Accept insults and injuries.
6. Accept being forgotten and disliked.
7. Be kind and gentle even under provocations.
8. Choose what is hardest to do to be stronger.
9. Don’t dwell on faults or limitations of others.

Watch the short videos that convey the power of humility. These stories are available on YouTube.

1. ​The Buddha And The Half Pomegranate  (3:49 mins)
2. Jesus Shows Humility  (2:30 mins)
3. Mother Teresa And The Shopkeeper  (2:40 mins)