Leaders possess numerous powers, but this should not make them adamant and inflexible. They should have the humility to listen to and accept other opinions whenever appropriate. Vinayaka also indicates one who has Vinaya-humility. – Swami Swaroopananda

Dear ones, do we know how to be humble? It is a missing quality or trait. Call it what you wish.

Analyse yourselves

• How often have you been humble?
• Does your ego get the better of you?
• Does your arrogance rule your opinions?
• Have you interacted with a truly humble person?
• What kind of feeling did you experience?

I will share a few personal, experiences with you. Having worked and been in and out of hospitals, one sees many aspects of human nature. People who have the most suffering seem to be the kindest. I studied counselling at the Christian Counselling Centre in Vellore and one went to counsel the patients at the Christian Medical college in Vellore.

I was given the toughest wards because I was considered old. I was thirty-five years old. Whenever I visited a patient in the Neuro ward, it was heart breaking. Young persons, mainly athletes had come and they had injuries which had led to paralysis of the spine. Vellore was the last stop. Their care givers were so kind to me, and they would insist on offering me cake and coffee.

Smile and bless you

They had faith in the goodness of the doctors and the staff themselves were humble and caring. I digressed but I have seen humility in my work with runaway kids. They never grab things when clothes and toys arrive. Earlier I worked with girls also and they would always share with the boys. When one gives to elderly people, who are begging, they are so happy, if one asks them what they would like. They will ask for a cup of tea and biscuits, smile and bless you.

A funny story comes to my mind about my stay in San Francisco. I had gone to attend a course at UCSF on HIV-AIDS interventions. I lived in Haight Ashbury. There were a great many persons living on the street. If one gave them money, many would say buy me a Starbucks coffee instead.

Being humble means, forgetting one’s ego and thinking about others and not yourself. Apply it is not about you; it is about me in the reverse. We again come to practice of Atmabhava.

Aim Hrim Klim