Is there any characteristic of mankind
that can match humility? Is being humble something out of reach for the common
man like you and I or can it be developed? Today let’s contemplate on this.
What does humility mean?
My interpretation is that humility
is the mother of all virtues. True humility is not only a desirable trait but
in my opinion it is a divine quality. But what exactly is it? In a typical
scenario, the standard meaning of humility is to voluntarily put yourself
behind so that others can move ahead and shine or to intentionally lower
yourself in order to lift others up for their benefit. The reason behind such
act or idea should not be to gain recognition or admiration and at the same
time it should not be offered with disappointment and remorse. If it is
contaminated by any of these factors, then though it may remain a good deed, it
cannot be considered as a true expression of humility. I urge you to think of
what it means to you and come up with your own understanding of humility.
Are we qualified to examine this quality?
I agree that you and I can learn
a lot and become a better person as we gain more life experience. However, humility
is much more than mere manners, ethics and moral. I believe improving and
advancing ourselves is achievable only when we make a mindful commitment to
examine our thoughts, experiences and actions, and then by trying to understand it in segments with
impartiality. I am not suggesting that by thinking and talking about this, we
would improve on the humble side of us. But by raising our awareness on this,
we could then move forward incorporating these into our day-to-day thoughts and
actions. On the other hand, if we dismiss this open dialogue with ourselves,
then we are indirectly telling our subconscious mind that we have no desire to
improve and we have given up on nurturing humility in us. I think even if we are
defeated, we still remain a winner when it comes to having tried. Therefore,
personally I am up for this challenge and I propose that you do take out time
and conduct a thorough biopsy of all things humility. By saying so I do not
mean that you need to do any practical exercise or academic research but the exercise
and research within your internal self is the intrinsic notion. Be cautious that this may bring to
surface our hidden ego (a thought for another day.) Note that humility lies on the
fine line between our ego self and our true self.
I perceive humility to be on three different levels:
(1) The beginner level
(1) The beginner level
It is a foundational stage
towards a clearer mind. It is being honest, kind, sincere and modest. It is
when one is fully aware of one’s behaviour, attitude and thoughts and
constantly strives to cleanse oneself of false pride, arrogance, ego, and selfishness. At
this state of consciousness one sees life as an opportunity to improve oneself
and add value to others lives, and goes about just doing that. This form of
humility is often reflected in people who have a grateful and helpful nature.
Even if they run a business, it is with the intent to offer products or
services of
value to other people.
(2) The intermediate level
It is a broad and purer state of
mind. It is obtaining genuine satisfaction and contentment in doing, being, and
serving. It is when one is free from any kind of expectations and rewards, and
is not seeking any form of acknowledgement and honour. At this stage, one views
one's contribution as insignificant, compared to all one has received from
others and from forces higher than one. In fact it is living with the awareness
that every good thing one does or acquires is not really due to ones efforts or
merits but a blessing from
source that is greater than what one is aware of. It is reflected in people who
possess a truly compassionate and peaceful nature. They help not because they
think they are superior to others and feel pity on them, but because they tend
to genuinely think of others well-being more. They look outward with the eyes of
empathy and a focus on serving.
(3) The advanced level
It is an open and non-judgemental
state of mind where one understands all as one and therefore that person is not
an individual but a tiny drop, which after coalescing with countless drops
forms a vast ocean. This ocean stretches from the world we know and senses we are
receptive to, all the way to other dimensions and levels of existence and
perhaps sensory experiences unrevealed to us. It is the ultimate state of being
in unity with all, beyond seeking peace, when one is present in a state of void
and behaves like a witness to all without indulging into the senses. It is
reflected in people who see themselves indifferent to everyone and everything
around. They are untouched by happiness or sorrow, success or failure,
attachments and emotions (anger, offence, criticism etc.) Do such people exist?
I think they do!
My insights:
One thing clear to me from these
three levels is that humility is not about showing, feeling, sensing, emoting,
and or perceiving. It is when the mind is in a neutral state and the person is open to their
soul and to the universal mind, humility is born within.
It reveals itself to others through an unswerving modest nature
and kind gesture of a humble person. Although such a person usually carries themselves
in a simple and subtle manner, their presence is felt as larger than life to the
rest. Such people don’t necessarily commence a big mission or launch a
world-wide movement; rather, they begin their journey with little steps.
However, the effect of their pure intention and action do create positive ripples
in the universe. Whether their work is reported, publicised, weighed, and acknowledged
or not, these humans always end up making a huge positive impact to the lives
of many. The contribution they make is incomparable. Not only do they bring about a
positive shift in the universe, but in the process they unintentionally elevate
themselves to another level – they unlock the doors to the house of great
wisdom.
How much of humility can we develop?
We can’t force ourselves to achieve
this state of mind and presence. Nonetheless, let’s be mindful that though our
hearts may be temporarily polluted by internal delusion and
our rational mind may be somewhat entangled in webs of external debris, yet our
soul remains pure and our purpose to develop it remains firm. Once
we accept that there is no room for pride and arrogance in our humble soul, a
shift begins within. No matter what approach we take, it has to be
executed by us individually, no one else can live our life for us and enhance
the qualities that each of us possesses. By taking personal accountability of
our thoughts and actions, we can bring about a positive change to our lives as
well as of others and progress on our spiritual journey towards humility. I
caution you to use your own judgement and rationale. Hence, after reading this
I don’t expect you to allow others to throw their emotional, physical and
mental trash on you thinking that you would be immune to its effects. That will
only bring days of misery until you can’t hold it anymore and give up on this
path you wanted to walk on. Therefore, instead let’s begin by continuing to be
our normal self but proceed with greater awareness. As such, let’s work on our
ability to maintain our composure at times when we otherwise would have thrown
a tantrum out of frustration. I understand that when you try to find your
tranquillity in moments of chaos and frustration, no one may know how
challenging it is for you internally. Yet as you manage this, you would know deep
inside that you are one step ahead on
your path, change begins from within. No matter how insignificant it may seem,
know what you have gained helps heal many souls not just yours. Remember
that a lot can be achieved if you set your mind to it, if you nurture it in
your heart, if you give yourself a chance, and only if you dare to let it be.
Closure
I hope my thoughts on humility gives
you a platform to reflect on this cherished quality and share your valuable
opinion and experiences with those who matter most to you, because walking
along on an unfamiliar path can at times be daunting, the more company you have
the merrier it will be. May together we cultivate the heights of humility that
we always envisaged for this dear world we call home, where our ancestors have
walked and which we need to preserve for our future generation.
May peace, light and love be with you.
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