Why Not Humility?

Why Not Humility? (Amanitvam)

By Hailey Shah

             From the past few blogs, we seem to have been losing track on what each virtue that we have learned from the Bhagavad Geeta means. Let's start with the first one that we learned; Amanitvam, or humility. Make sure to comment any relevant ideas, or even just comments to contribute!

               Is It Really Necessary?

              Today, many people are self-centered and arrogant to survive in a world full of competition to rise to the top. Most people think that knowing you are the best and letting everyone else know as well, is the only way to become successful. They assume that humility is letting people take advantage of you. However, humility proves to put many people in a better position. According to Bill Gates, the co-founder of Microsoft, “You’ve got to want to be in this incredible feedback loop where you get the world-class people to tell you what you’re doing wrong.” (http://www.baps.org/EnlighteningEssays/2015/Snooty-or-Sweet-Acts-of-Sincere-Humility-(Part-1)-9020.aspx) You have to accept who you are, whether it is good or bad, and critique yourself. What he means is that humility is necessary, although there are fewer acts of it every day.  You can be smart about the choices you make, and skillfully rise to the top without being egoistic.

All You Have To Do Is Be Humble?

             No! It isn't that easy! How you think also plays a role in this virtue. If you think of other individuals lesser than you, the way you act will reflect how you think. Your actions depend on how you regard someone. Equalizing is important, because if you practice accepting who the person is for who the person is, you can stimulate better relationships with people, and be rid of the ego that you may have accumulated.

            Humility also means that we should be accepting of ourselves. Individuals tend to emphasize what they can do, and don't notice the limitations. It is to surrender to God's strength that is REAL humility. We should know that we don't have certain things, and should be aware of our worth.

Pride

            Pride isn't bad. It gives us the drive to do better. It can help us improve ourselves to the point where we produce quality and skill. But too much pride, can cause arrogance and self-centeredness.

Story Time!

           There once was a king who was rich and powerful. He felt that there was no worthy competitor to play with him during his favorite game-chess. So, he decided to send an announcement all throughout the land. "Whoever is deemed an unworthy opponent by the King, will be decapitated. However, if they were worthy, then they will receive one tenth of the King's fortune!"

           Many risked their lives to be a worthy opponent of the King. He always thought that they could never match his command of chess. He soon felt satisfied that there was no one in his kingdom to beat him.

           Soon, a beggar tried to compete. Many tried to convince him not to risk his life, but despite that, he went into the palace. Upon seeing the beggar, the King was shocked at the thought that this man would even think of being worthy of a rival! The King asked why he thought that he was a worthy rival, as he was calling the executioner.

          The beggar said," I forgive you, for what you are about to do. Are you capable of that?"

The King thought about this. If he had sentenced the beggar to death, it would show that the beggar was the better man because he forgave the king. If the beggar was not decapitated, then he would be able to keep his life, and become a worthy opponent.

           The King knew he had lost the match. He realized that without even playing, everyone would have seen deficiency of his dignity. The beggar explained that everyone already knew that he had no dignity, and that the people weren't unworthy, but their actions or deeds were. The kings actions had been noticed throughout the land and his people saw how disgraceful and unfair he became.

           The King switched places with the beggar, making him the new king. The King wanted to be taken to the deepest of the prison in order to serve a penance for his unmistakable crimes. Soon, the beggar set him free as he was a wise person, and knew that the King had served his time.