“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!