Humility

Once, while writing about certain points, a dialogue emerged between two individuals, Raju and Vinay, with others joining later to contribute. After some time, someone who read it remarked to me that, while Raju was correct on many points, he lacked the humility that Vinay displayed by acknowledging his shortcomings. To this, I responded, “You are only seeing the tip of the iceberg in their dialogue. First, Raju and Vinay know each other well.” The reason why Raju and I, at times, use strong words in our criticism is that the truth is at stake. While Vinay may appear humble in his words, how deep is his humility in spirit?

I know how humble Raju truly is. A genuinely humble person does not show humility merely in words but through their commitment to a vision or cause. A pseudo-humble individual might claim to be willing to listen and learn with a spirit of humility, but when their security and identity are threatened, they will abandon their commitments. True humility lies in being willing to pay the cost for one’s vision. A person with deep conviction will not waver in the face of fleeting opinions, whereas a pseudo-humble person will shift their stance with every new opinion.

I don’t know Vinay well, but I do know that at one point he claimed to have given up his faith in the Western system, only to later approach them in the name of challenging it, even writing for them to raise funds for his house. If Vinay truly sees no hope in the Western system, then let him distance himself from it completely.

Raju, on the other hand, saw no hope in the system and stepped away entirely. With his knowledge, he could easily become a renowned leader or teacher, traveling the world. But he prefers to remain unrecognized, unnoticed, and unaccepted, choosing to work behind the scenes. I see true commitment in his life to his vision. This is real humility. True humility is measured not by words or expressions but by one’s commitment and obedience to truth and vision. While opinions may cause temporary discomfort, real commitment with deep conviction may even cost us our lives. Great people hold on to their convictions, while small people are swayed by opinions.

Chanchal and Deenbandhu once stood with Sevanand and the Galatians. But when the Judaizers came and their security and identity felt threatened, they deserted Sevanand and the new believers. This is why Sevanand had to use strong words against them—because he saw both the Gospel and his cause at stake, jeopardized by the private issues of Chanchal and Deenbandhu. Even though Sevanand had a good relationship with them, when he saw them becoming a threat to the Gospel and the truth, he did not hesitate to oppose them openly. This does not mean Sevanand was arrogant, nor does it mean that Chanchal and Deenbandhu, being on the receiving end, were the humble ones. Rather, Sevanand, committed to his vision and counting the cost he had to pay, remained humble in spirit but strong in words.

Thus, real humility is to be judged not by words or expressions but by one’s commitment and obedience to truth and vision.

Thus, real humility is not judged by words or outward expressions, but by one’s commitment and obedience to the truth and the vision. 

— Dayanand Bharati, September 18, Gurukulam 

(From the diary of October 24, 1997)