“Politeness is the flower of humanity.”
– Joseph Joubert
Kabir – The couplet
सुख सागर का शील है, कोई न पावे थाह ।
शब्द बिना साधु नहीं, द्रव्य बिना नहीं शाह ||
transliterated:
Sukh Saagar Ka Sheel Hai, Koi Na Paave Thaah |
Shabd Bina Sadhu Nahi, Dravya Bina Nahi Shah ||
Translation:
Peace is the virtue of the ocean, whose depth cannot be fathomed |
Without politeness one cannot be a saint, as without money one cannot be rich ||
My understanding:
Here is a simple thought – we often express, without paying attention to whether the expression is being received, received well, or even has an audience.
However, most of the time, the intent of expression is delivery to a specific audience, and more often than not, there is expectation of a reaction to the expression.
So, when the intent is not served, there is dissatisfaction or more at the end of the delivery, often leading to distraction and even deviation from the path the journey started on.
So here, the master teacher is asking us to once again pay attention to the basics. Underlying the simple term “politeness” is a deeper and very effective magic wand – “attentive listening”. Politeness is possible only if we are attentive, and pay attention to the many cues from our intended audience. When we listen, we connect. Once we connect, the rest of the conversation will be a true conversation and not a monologue. When we then spice that conversation with the gentle dressing of politeness, the message will stay for life.
So let us relearn to listen, pay attention and be polite.