Teachings on humility and pride from Dnyaneshwari.
Because he lacks pride a man of knowledge does not like to be equated with anybody and he feels awkward if burdened with greatness and honour. He feels nervous by praise or honour or if one openly applauds his worthiness. He does not let greatness to be showered on him. He feels distressed even by obeisance from others. Lest his greatness increase in public eyes he pretends to be a simpleton, hiding his wisdom. Ignoring his greatness he deliberately goes around as if he is a mad person. (13:185 192).
Because he lacks pride a man of knowledge does not like to be equated with anybody and he feels awkward if burdened with greatness and honour. He feels nervous by praise or honour or if one openly applauds his worthiness. He does not let greatness to be showered on him. He feels distressed even by obeisance from others. Lest his greatness increase in public eyes he pretends to be a simpleton, hiding his wisdom. Ignoring his greatness he deliberately goes around as if he is a mad person. (13:185 192).
He detests fame and does not like discussing Shastras. He
prefers to sit quietly and he strongly wishes that people should ignore him and
relatives should not worry about him. His actions are generally such that they will
instil humility in him and appearance of being insignificant. He prefers to
live in such a way that people ignore his existence. He moves around in such a
light-footed manner that people wonder whether he is really walking or is being
carried around by wind. He prays that his existence should be ignored, nobody
should remember his name or looks and everybody should go away from him
frightened. He always prefers to live in solitude and feels happy in deserted
places. He is in sympathy with the wind, converses with the sky and is friendly
with the trees. He who has these characteristics of pridelessness may be
considered as having attained knowledge. (13:193-202)
Dnyaneshwari