Always Remain Humble

During a brief vacation from his office duties, Lahiri Mahasaya embarked on a visit to a holy festival in Allahabad, India. Amidst the bustling festivities, his attention was drawn to an ascetic man with a begging bowl on the side of the street.

He then had a thought, "that the man was hypocritical, wearing the outward symbols of renunciation without a corresponding inner grace." In other words, he thought the man was pretending to be spiritually advanced and hadn’t really given up on material desires.

Immediately after that thought crossed his mind, another man appear at the scene and started cleaning the poor man’s feet. To Lahiri’s astonishment, it was Babaji, his guru. A Yogi master, a sage of profound wisdom. Who, with a childlike smile said, "I am washing the feet of this renunciant, and then I shall clean his cooking utensils."

Lahiri Mahasaya understood at once that Babaji's actions were intended as a profound lesson. It was a reminder that he should not judge or feel a sense of superiority. But instead to see the Absolute residing equally in all bodies. Rich and poor. Spiritually advanced or not.

Babaji added that, "By serving both the wise and the ignorant ascetics, I am learning one of the most cherished virtues, one that pleases God above all others—humility."

Indeed, humility is one of the greatest virtues one can have, isn’t it?

This story is told by Paramahansa Yogananda in his famous autobiography. Its a reminder for you to avoid the "holier-than-thou" attitude.

Just because you intellectually know more, or because you are more spiritually advanced, or because you have many material possessions, doesn't mean that you should look down on other people.

Everyone is your equal, each playing the part that was allotted to them in this world. Let them play their part. Treat them with respect, dignity, and kindness. You still have much to learn, so don't waste your time condemning, judging, or criticizing other people.

Focus on yourself. Focus on fixing your flaws. Focus on learning from your mistakes. Focus on overcoming your impulses and cravings. Focus on improving, developing and growing every day.

And no matter how much you grow and know, always remain humble.

Listen to this email on your favorite podcast platform