Some people equate humility with lack of self-respect. However, the humble respect their self so much that they are ready to do whatever it takes to protect it. To gain this protection, they acknowledge their vulnerability, and that acknowledgment makes them humble.

Consider soldiers on a battlefield. Even when they are confident about their own abilities, they know that they can’t look in all directions; they need others to watch their back. In acknowledging their vulnerability and their need for others, they practice humility.

The essence of humility is not gestures such as bowing down that might seem obsequious – the essence is the acknowledgment that even when we do our best, there’s a lot that affects us which we can’t do much about.

The Bhagavad-gita’s sixteenth chapter describes the ungodly who refuse to acknowledge this. They imagine that they are controllers and enjoyers (16.13), and that there’s no one like them (16.15). Overestimating themselves and underestimating others, they become self-complacent and impudent (16.17). They are like soldiers who believe that they are invulnerable and don’t need anyone’s help. Such foolhardy overconfidence takes them to destruction. Similar are the ungodly who propel themselves on spiritually destructive trajectories (16.19-20)

To prevent such a self-induced catastrophe, we need to acknowledge that we need help of something outside of ourselves. We need help for protecting ourselves not just amidst the world’s many unpredictable uncertainties but also amidst its many tantalizing temptations. And we need help of not just other living beings like us but also of the supreme living being, Krishna who is everyone’s eternal source and shelter. By humbly practicing bhakti-yoga to connect with him, we realize our indestructible spirituality and relish imperishable joy in our eternal relationship with him.

Thus, Gita wisdom helps us become humble spiritual warriors empowered by a combination of vigilance and dependence.


To know more about this verse, please click on the image
Explanation of article:

Podcast:

Download by “right-click and save”