The power of humility

Humility is the real spiritual power of the inner being. It is a manifestation of greatness, even though often perceived as some kind of a weakness. A humble person always wants to remain incognito, in silence, not making a show of themselves. In a world of noise and thousands of opinions, that kind of power is not easily recognised.
Humility is the seed of a beautiful tree that bears the fruit of many spiritual values and virtues. An egocentric person could view that seed with arrogance, “I am the creator of the tree”, but a humble soul recognises and acknowledges the support and invaluable help of the earth in which it grows, the blessed rain and light of sunshine. A humble person deflects all praise to the others that made all things possible. A humble person also gives time to help and encourage the growth of others, while maintaining their self-respect, and has only benevolence in their hearts. If they perceive some weakness or another, they make it known with great love and with only the growth of the other in their mind. If someone approaches a humble person with some criticism or correction, they check first to see if what is being pointed out is true. Then, if it is true, they feel grateful for the signal and make efforts of their own, to improve.
A humble soul is detached and knows that some fruit takes time to mature. The sweeter and more virtuous a soul is, with genuine concern for others, the more that soul becomes detached. Detached from fame and defamation, praise and criticism, success and failure. The humble soul knows that they are still learning, and ego of any kind is like an insect eating away their real honour, and the sweetness of the fruit.
An egocentric soul, on the other hand, wants to be recognised, and raises their voice loud. They can appear powerful, and often are, but it is the wrong kind of power and will end in sorrow. They are stubborn, want to be right, and defame others in order to appear more virtuous or better. They depend and thrive on praise, and when praise is not forthcoming, they wilt and blame, and point a finger to the outside. Little do they realise that three other fingers are pointing back at them.
There are three qualities that a humble soul values most highly – truth, love and inner silence. They never give sorrow to others, nor do they take sorrow from anyone or any situation. They understand that freedom is the birthright of each person. They live with mercy and compassion. They have a caring nature and give respect to everyone, whatever their station in life. They constantly uplift others, so that after being with a humble soul, the other feels strength and courage to move forward. The humble soul has inner stability and is a source of support and wisdom for others.
The egocentric seed gives rise to a tree that is tall and imposing, but the fruit of the tree cannot be reached, as it is too high. The tree that has grown from a seed of humility bows down to the earth, laden with sweet fruit for all to reach and be sustained from. A humble soul is not deceived by the role, position or status, for they know the secret to true humility is the understanding of being the soul within, and not the physical body.

B.K. Sudesh is Director of the Brahma Kumaris’ services in Europe.