Monthly Archives: April 2023

“Modesty is the foundation of all virtues.”

– Confucius

“Modesty is the highest elegance.”

– Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

 
Kabir – The couplet
शीलवन्त सबसे बड़ा, सब रतनन की खान ।

तीन लोक की सम्पदा, रही शील में आन ॥||
 
Transliterated:
Sheelvanth sabse bada, sab ratnan ki khaan |

Teen lok ki Sampada, rahi sheel mein aan ||
 
Translation:
Modesty is the greatest of virtues, the kind of all jewels|
The true wealth of all the worlds is found embedded in this virtue ||
 
My understanding:
Goethe and Confucius both have identified the princely position of modesty in the regime of virtues. Kabir has placed it even higher. What does modesty really do for us?

Modesty is a virtue that can shower many blessings on us. By promoting humility, modesty can help individuals develop healthier relationships with others, reduce conflicts, and promote a sense of mutual respect. Modesty can also help individuals develop a strong sense of self-awareness and avoid the pitfalls of arrogance and entitlement. This can lead to greater personal growth, as individuals are more willing to learn from others and recognize their own limitations. Additionally, modesty can promote a sense of inner peace and contentment, as individuals are less concerned with status and external validation and more focused on personal values and relationships. In short, modesty can bring many blessings to humans, both in terms of personal growth and in fostering healthier relationships with others.

Practicing modesty involves being humble, respectful, and aware of one’s limitations. It’s important to recognize the contributions of others, listen actively, and avoid seeking attention or validation from others. Practicing gratitude and focusing on personal values can also help promote a humble and respectful attitude. Ultimately, the key to practicing modesty is cultivating a mindset of humility and respect for others while avoiding the pitfalls of arrogance and self-centeredness. By doing so, individuals can develop healthier relationships with others, promote personal growth, and find a sense of inner peace and contentment. This is what Kabir is exhorting us all to do!

“It is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain a thought without accepting it.”

– Aristotle

 
Kabir – The couplet
जाती न पूछो साधू की, पूछ लीजिये ज्ञान |

मोल करो तलवार का, पड़ा रहने दो म्यान ||
 
Transliterated:
Jati na poochho sadhu ki, pooch lijiye gyan |

Mol karo talwar ki, pada rehne do mayaan ||
 
Translation:
Ask not of the wise their background, rather feast on their wisdom|
Focus on the strength of the sword, ignoring the distractions of the scabbard ||
 
My understanding:
The base human mind is forever trying to establish its own identity and greatness over all else. This petty one-upmanship leaves us much the poorer, for it leaves us unable to take advantage of opportunities that continue to present themselves to us all the time. 

This is what Kabir is advising in this beautiful couplet – to take the wisdom from the wise, ignoring the rest of the persona. The beauty of the scabbard can distract us – but the scabbard by itself is of little value – it’s true value is the power of the sword it holds. So we should focus first on the sword – only if it is of the right value does the scabbard become relevant.

Even Aristotle is telling the same thing – albeit differently. His quote emphasizes the importance of being open to different perspectives and viewpoints, even if they conflict with our own beliefs. By considering different viewpoints, we can gain wisdom and insight that we might not have otherwise been able to obtain. Rather than picking sides or adhering strictly to our own beliefs, we can learn from others and broaden our understanding of the world.

“When we love, we always strive to become better than we are. When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” 

– Paulo Coelho

 
Kabir – The couplet
जल में बसे कमोदनी, चंदा बसे आकाश |

जो है जा को भावना सो ताहि के पास ||

 
Transliterated:
Jal mein base kumudini, aur chaand base aakaash |

Jo ja ke hirday base, vo va hi ke paas ||

 
Translation:
The water-lily nestles in water, the moon graces the night sky |
But like the reflection of the moon in water brings the two seemingly together, so also does pure devotion bring the heavenly Lord right down to the devotee’s space ||
 
My understanding:

Pure love and devotion are the best paths to getting closer to God. They bring the devotee closer to the divine. The more one empties oneself of everything, the more one is filled with divine love!

So, what exactly is God? To me, God, or Divinity, is that spark inside me that continuously nudges me in the “right” direction, asking me to serve, to help, and to spread peace and joy wherever I can. And when I cannot, it asks me to walk away calmly rather than interfere. And herein lies the heart of the matter – such equanimity can be expressed only when there is no desire to benefit from participation – which means the self is divested of all desire!

When we achieve that state, we are able to appreciate the joy in simplicity and every moment around us. We have achieved the divine at that moment!