LIFE WITH HUMILITY

"Humility oftentimes conjures up images of weakness, submissiveness, and fear.
But this is a false idea of humility.
Real humility is a sign of strength, authentic confidence, and courage.
It is the mark of a true man".

This comment, written by an author whose name I do not recall, perfectly encapsulates the true meaning of humility, one we all will do well to take to heart.

Humility exists at two levels. On one level, it is a state of being humble, or having a low esteem of oneself or tending to project an image of inferiority. It is a feeling that one is less important than others. On the other hand, the more profound attitude is that humility is a virtue, a position of strength and confidence without a need to advertise, to be pretentious or to be disrespectful of another.
Both Confucius, the ancient Chinese philosopher, and St. Augustine, whose life was a study in humility, described it as “the foundation of all other virtues”. Throughout the ages and in every civilization, the one most constant characteristic of many of the respected and successful leaders, thinkers, scientists and teachers is that of humility. All the major religions emphasize repeatedly the importance of humility in the lives of the followers;
In Christianity, consider the life of Jesus, the Son of God. He chose to be born into the family of a poor carpenter, in a stable among animals, and live for most of his life on earth in poverty. And when he began to preach the Doctrine of Heaven he was ridiculed, accused of blasphemy and ignored by the establishment. In the end he was treated like a criminal, tortured and crucified between two thieves. He endured all of this with humility and forgiveness in his heart. His message was clear and indelibly imprinted to all who believe, that entry into the kingdom can be achieved only by humility and forgiveness. The constant theme in the Bible and all Christian literature attests to the overriding emphasis of humility among the disciples, prophets, saints, leaders and teachers in their lives and thought, so much so that the Christianity is often called the Doctrine of Humility.
In Judaism, humility is considered an indispensable ingredient in the religious and social perspective. The Torah contains many references to humility being deeply associated with the complex system of Jewish ethics. Rabbi Jonathan Sacks, Chief Rabbi for Great Britain and the Commonwealth, in his excellent essay On Humility, expressed profound sentiments in the following manner:

“Humility, -- true Humility -- is one of the most expansive and life-enhancing of all virtues.

It does not mean undervaluing yourself. It means valuing other people.

It signals a certain openness to life's grandeur and the willingness

to be surprised and uplifted, by goodness wherever one finds it”.

In Islam, Muslims are encouraged to practice the daily Islamic virtues of modesty, submission and respect and to reject pride and arrogance. The act of prostration at pray five times a day acknowledges a person’s humility and lowliness before the world. The Holy Quran advises the practitioner to “call Allah in humility” to prevent suffering and adversity.
In Buddhism, Humility leads to being liberated from the sufferings of life and all illusions of stress and self-deception by achieving the freedom of Nirvana. Enlightenment can come only after humility, which ultimately leads to wisdom.

I have no doubt that each and every one of us can readily think of many examples of people with true humility with whom we have come in contact or about whom we have read or heard about. For my own self, of the many people who have crossed my path or about whom I have acquired knowledge, I will identify one person whose life has been spent in total humility despite having to deal with enormous obstacles. He is His Holiness the Dalai Lama XIV, who has been forced to live in exile since 1959 when the Chinese invaded Tibet. Despite profound deprivations suffered by him and his followers, he continues to preach peace, love and forgiveness to all. Although he has met leaders of most of the nations of the world, this has in no way affected his self-image and he continues to shine with the aura of humility. The following quotation speaks volumes on his views on life:

"Every day, think as you wake up, today I am fortunate to be alive,
I have a precious human life. I am not going to waste it.
I am going to use all my energies to develop myself,
to expand my heart out to others;
To achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings.
I am going to have kind thoughts towards others,
I am not going to get angry or think badly about others.
I am going to benefit others as much as I can."

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When pride comes, then comes disgrace;
But with Humility comes wisdom.
…….Proverbs 11:2

He is always the secure who is humble.
……Gilbert Keith Chesterton

Life is a long lesson in humility
……James M. Barrie

Humility makes great men twice honorable
……..Benjamin Franklin.

In peace there's nothing so becomes a man
as modest stillness and humility.
…..William Shakespeare

Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit,
but in Humility consider others better than yourselves.
…..Philippians 2:3

Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds
for all the possible changes of life.
……George Arliss

Life is a long lesson in Humility.
……James M. Barrie

O be very sure That no man will learn anything at all,
unless he first will learn Humility.
……Lord Lytton

It is no great thing to be Humble when you are brought low;
But to be Humble when you are praised is a great and rare attainment.
……..St. Bernard of Clairvaux

Humility, like the darkness, reveals heavenly lights.
……Henry David Thoreau

We come nearest to the great

when we aregreat in humility
…….Rubindranath Tagore