According to Christian mythology, it was pride that changed angels into devils. It is humility, then, that makes humans angelic. Humility has been exalted as the solid foundation of all virtues. It is said that if we wish to rise, we have to begin by descending; if we plan a tower that will touch the clouds, we must first lay the foundation of humility.
Humility brings manifold blessings. Those who are humble tend to be more approachable and open-minded, as they have no image or idea about themselves to project or defend. This fosters better communication and collaboration in personal and professional relationships. Humility also enables us to acknowledge our limitations and be open to learning from others. Humble people have no inhibitions about seeking inputs from others and considering different perspectives before making decisions, so they are able to make more well-rounded and thoughtful choices.
Humility perhaps makes its greatest impact when it goes hand in hand with leadership. Humble leaders are more empathetic, supportive, and willing to admit mistakes, which helps to cultivate a positive work environment. At the workplace, having a humble boss rather than an arrogant one can make a world of difference to the state of mind of those working there, the vibrations of the place, and the group dynamics.
Humble leaders inspire trust and loyalty among team members, which fosters cohesion and cooperation, resulting in greater success in the team’s collective efforts. Humility also promotes harmony by diminishing conflicts that may arise from egotistical behaviour or a sense of superiority. Even in the event of a setback, humble individuals are more resilient as they are not consumed by ego-driven emotions like pride or defensiveness.
Nature too teaches us the value of humility
The more a tree is laden with fruit, the lower its branches are. The tree does not preen itself over its flowers and fruit – they are offered to others silently, selflessly, year after year.
Similarly, the quality of humility naturally serves others. Their words and behaviour, free from pride, do not hurt anyone’s feelings, and they naturally respect others. This is why the company of a humble person is pleasant and soothing. Contrary to the fears of some that if they are too humble the world will walk all over them, humility earns us genuine love and respect. Humility does not mean thinking less of yourself, it is thinking of yourself less. There is regard for the concerns of others, which makes us helpful and generous. In return, we earn love, goodwill, and blessings. The humbler we are, the greater the regard others have for us.
But how do we become humble? Only those who have genuine love for everyone can be truly humble. Without love, one can neither be compassionate nor humble. That kind of unselfish love can arise only from a spiritual outlook. When we recognise and accept the fact that we are souls, and begin to see others too as souls, our spiritual kin, then the critical attitude, prejudice, suspicion, and mistrust that arise from identifying the self with a race, country, religion, or ideology, begin to melt away. We begin to notice the good in others and the commonalities we share with them. We realise that we are all part of one family in which each individual is valuable in their own unique way. When this happens, we no longer have to make an effort to be humble; humility comes naturally.
B.K. Sheilu is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.