It is time to embrace humility

 


I had written a note on simplicity. It was very well received. I was happy because that indicates simplicity still exists within us and has not lost its importance.

Another quality that is essential in these troubled times is humility. The struggle that will erupt and engulf the world will involve huge clashes at the individual level as egos will be aroused. Humility and the ability to understand the situation for what it is, will save you a lot of trouble.

It is said that when God seeks to destroy a person he simply raises the ego. The egoistic person then becomes reckless and the consequences of the egoistic activities undertaken leads to his doom.

Currently there is not one but billions who have to be exterminated. Therefore the collective consciousness will be disturbed. In the process all will feel the pressure and weaknesses will result in actions one would not have undertaken in normal times.

You will suddenly find yourselves in messy situations involving partners, colleagues, friends and relatives. Pushed out of their comfort zones people will forget basic decency as they scurry for their own interests.

It will be very difficult to tackle such situations. One has to develop humility to stop knee jerk reactions that escalate tensions. Let the other person have his or her way. You should only pray that you are not harmed.

The scriptures tell us that there are divine forces that protect us. These forces are emboldened by the strength of our karma and are invoked when we pray for guidance and assistance.

If our intention is good and our past actions are not too bad, we are protected. That faith is essential. In these times neither power nor position, nor wealth comes to our rescue, but only the some total of our karma.

Just remembering our divine origin and the form of the divine that we love will save us from many difficulties. The divine will protect us, or if it ordains it will remove us if it senses we cannot bear the ordeals. We must surrender ourselves and accept what comes.

Be simple. Be humble. Begin and end your day with a prayer or just remember your deity. Stay connected to the divine world. This world is essentially a mad house; in degeneration it will become madder still. But as a devotee, as a humane person you are not a part of the madness as you are conscious and know what is wrong and what is right.

By being humble you escape the ego whip that will be unleashed. You will be able to slip under the radar. During huge storms the trees break but the grass simply bows down and escapes destruction.

Be as humble as a blade of grass, endure like a tree, give respect to all, expect respect from none, and chant forever the name of Hari. This advice of Sri Chaitanya is to be embraced sincerely as it is the advice to escape the wrath of Kali.