At the local Bala Vihar, I have been discussing with 13-year old kids the values enumerated in Chapter 13 of the Bhagvad Gita. "Humility" is the very first in this list of values. Humility is not weakness, but courage; courage to openly accept one's errors and making amends for it, for "nobody stands taller than those willing to stand corrected[1]". Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself, but " It means freedom from thinking about yourself at all[2]". Humility is focusing on doing the right thing and not just pointing to who is right or wrong. Humility is the principle of "do unto others as you would have them do unto you ", for, when we do not follow this golden rule we term it hypocrisy. Humility is unprovoked and calm even in the face of insult and injury. Humility is the ability to " accept being forgotten and disregarded [3]". Humility governs what we say to others, what we think of others and how we react to others. Humility is a unique state of mind. In this state, the ego deflates and evaporates by the awareness of the interconnectedness of everything; every thought, word and action, in harmony, are guided by the constant awareness of "Tat Tvam Asi ( You are That)[4]". Humility is thus a spiritual activity. The song Vaishnava Janato, by Saint Narsi Mehta ( 1414?- 1481? ) stands as an eternal and moving tribute to Humility.
References : 1. William Safire, 2. William Temple, Archbishop of Canterbury , 3. Mother Teresa, 4. Chandogya Upanishad
