In our everyday life, we often encounter individuals who exude an air of confidence and self-assurance. Yet, true greatness lies not in the loud proclamations of one's achievements, but in the quiet strength of humility. As Swami Mukundananda ji, the Founder of JKYog often reminds us, humility is the cornerstone of spiritual growth and a key ingredient for success in all aspects of life.
But what exactly is humility, and why is it so elusive? Why do we find it challenging to embrace this virtue, even as we recognize its importance? Let us delve into the depths of Vedic knowledge, as elucidated by Swamiji, to unravel the mystery of humility and its transformative power.
Understanding the Essence of Humility
Humility, in its essence, is not about thinking less of oneself, but rather thinking of oneself less. It is a quality that allows us to see our place in the grand universe of God, recognizing our own limitations while appreciating the vastness of creation.
Swamiji beautifully describes humility as "the internal awareness of our own insufficiency and inadequacy in doing anything when compared to the vast and magnificent elements of creation." This perspective shifts our focus from self-aggrandizement to a deeper appreciation of the divine order.
Consider the analogy of a drop of water in the vast ocean. The drop, while integral to the ocean, is but a tiny part of its immensity. Similarly, humility allows us to recognize our role in the cosmic dance of life, without overinflating our importance or diminishing our worth.
The Spiritual Significance of Humility
In the realm of spirituality, humility takes on profound importance. It is, as Swamiji emphasizes, the first step toward developing a loving relationship with God. The Supreme Lord is not swayed by displays of material accomplishments or theoretical knowledge. Rather, His heart melts for the humble soul who approaches Him with sincerity and devotion.
This truth is beautifully illustrated in the story of Vibhishan from the Ramayana. When Vibhishan approached Shree Ram, he did so with utmost humility, introducing himself as "the fallen brother of the sinful Ravan." His heart overflowed with love and reverence, manifesting in physical symptoms of devotion – trembling body, tears in his eyes, and a choked voice. This display of genuine humility and surrender touched Shree Ram's heart, leading to Vibhishan's acceptance and ultimate redemption.
If you feel inspired by Vibhishan's vignette and would like to learn more about how devotion enhances humility and vice versa, please watch Swamiji’s narrative on this heart-warming story of humble surrender.
Swamiji often reminds us of the profound verse from Chaitanya Mahaprabhu:
तृणादपि सुनीचेन, तरोरपि सहिष्णुना । अमानिना मानदेन, कीर्तनीय सदा हरिः ॥
Trinaadapi sunichena, Tarorapi sahishnuna, Amaanina maanadena, Kirtaniya sada Harih
Be Humbler than a blade of grass, and more tolerant and forgiving than a tree. Give respect to others, but do not desire respect in return. While living like this, always chant and remember Shree Krishna.
This verse encapsulates the essence of spiritual humility – a state where we recognize our own insignificance in the face of divine glory yet understand our potential for transformation through devotion and service.
Humility in Our Personal and Professional Life
The power of humility extends far beyond the spiritual realm. In our personal and professional lives, this virtue can be a catalyst for growth, success, and harmonious relationships.
In the workplace, humility fosters an environment of mutual respect and trust. Humble leaders are more likely to acknowledge their own limitations, seek input from others, and create a culture of open communication. This approach not only enhances creativity and productivity but also builds stronger, more resilient teams.
Swamiji often cites examples of great leaders who exemplified humility, such as Mahatma Gandhi and Mother Teresa. These individuals, despite their immense influence and achievements, remained grounded in their service to humanity. Their humility not only made them more effective leaders but also inspired millions to follow in their footsteps.
In our personal lives, humility allows us to grow and learn from our experiences. It enables us to accept our mistakes gracefully, seek forgiveness when needed, and continuously strive for self-improvement. Such an internal state diminishes arrogance and replaces it with humility.
Cultivating Humility: A Practical Approach
While the importance of humility is clear, cultivating this virtue requires conscious effort and practice. Here are some practical steps, inspired by Swamiji's teachings, to nurture humility in our lives:
- Self-Reflection: We must regularly take time to reflect on our actions, thoughts, and motivations. Recognize areas where pride or ego might be hindering our growth.
- Gratitude Practice: Cultivate a sense of gratitude for all that we have received. Remember that everything, from our knowledge and abilities to our material possessions, are gifts from the Divine.
- Service Attitude: We must approach our work and relationships with a spirit of service. Focus on how we can contribute rather than what we can gain.
- Embrace Learning: Be open to learning from everyone and every situation. Even perceived setbacks can be valuable teachers if approached with humility.
- Seek Feedback: Actively seek feedback from others and be open to constructive criticism. This not only helps us grow but also demonstrates our willingness to learn.
- Practice Empathy: Try to understand the perspectives of others to broaden our worldview and naturally cultivate humility.
- Remember Our Spiritual Identity: Regularly contemplate our spiritual nature and our relationship with the Divine – we are the servants of God. This helps maintain a balanced perspective on our material achievements and setbacks, and maintaining humility.
If you relish meditation as a tool to connect with the Divine, you may relish this guided meditation by Swamiji to enable the practice of humble thoughts.
Overcoming Obstacles to Humility
In our spiritual journey, we may encounter various obstacles. The ego, deeply ingrained in our psyche, often resists attempts to diminish its influence. Society's emphasis on individual achievement and recognition can also make humility seem like a disadvantage.
However, as Swamiji reminds us, our true strength lies in overcoming these challenges to cultivate humility. He often shares the story of the Titanic to illustrate the dangers of excessive pride. The engineers believed in the ship's invincibility, which led to a tragic downfall. This serves as a powerful reminder that humility is not a weakness, but a strength that can protect us from the pitfalls of arrogance.
To overcome these obstacles, we must constantly remind ourselves of our place in the grand scheme of things. Regular spiritual practice, study of scriptures, and association with like-minded individuals can help reinforce this understanding.
The Transformative Power of Humility
As we embrace humility in our lives, we begin to experience its transformative power. In the spiritual realm, it opens our hearts to receive divine grace if we associate and willingly learn divine knowledge from a true Guru or saint. As Shree Krishna teaches Arjun:
तद्विद्धि प्रणिपातेन परिप्रश्नेन सेवया। उपदेक्ष्यन्ति ते ज्ञानं ज्ञानिनस्तत्त्वदर्शिनः॥
Learn the Truth by approaching a spiritual master. Inquire from him with reverence and render service unto him. Such an enlightened Saint can impart knowledge unto you because he has seen the Truth (Bhagavad Gita 4.34).
This verse emphasizes the importance of approaching a spiritual mentor or guide with humility and a service attitude to be blessed with divine knowledge.
In our personal and professional lives, humility fosters better relationships, enhances our ability to learn and grow, and leads to more fulfilling success. It allows us to celebrate the achievements of others without feeling diminished and to learn from our failures without being discouraged.
Conclusion: Embracing the Path of Humility
Swami Mukundananda ji's teachings remind us that humility is the key that unlocks the door to spiritual growth and success in all aspects of life. By cultivating this precious virtue, we not only enhance our own lives but also contribute to creating a more harmonious and compassionate world.
In Part 2 on this theme, we will provide tools to help readers practice humility to be truly successful in life. Stay tuned…
Call to Action
What practical tools should use to increase our humility? Watch any of the videos shared under Resources below to answer the question.
Resources
- How to Develop True Humbleness? | Swami Mukundananda
- Staying Humble in the Face of Success - A Story you MUST Remember | Swami Mukundananda
- Staying Humble in the Face of Success - A Story you MUST Remember | Swami Mukundananda
FAQs
What does humility mean?
Humility is the absence of pride, freedom from arrogance, being down to earth, or not exaggerating one’s sense of self-worth. It is a trait where a person has an accurate perception of oneself characterized by modesty. A humble attitude involves not taking our successes, failures, or desires too seriously.
Why should corporate leaders be humble?
In an increasingly self-serving and narcissistic global culture characterized by the attitude of entitlement and reinforced arrogance, humility may appear to be a weakness. Corporations like Enron, Wells Fargo, Equifax, Waste Management, etc., were not led by humble leaders at the time of their downfall. Humble leaders are more likely to take the company and its employees toward success through open and transparent self-assessment and tolerance for mistakes in the interest of creativity.
Why should even the average person be humble?
Everything we have received is due to the causeless grace of God. Our knowledge, skills, and accomplishments are a gift of God. If we give up our pride and fill our hearts with gratitude, it will help to experience humility and purify the heart.