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).
The verses shared from the Dnyaneshwari (chapter 13, verses 185-192) highlight the profound wisdom regarding humility and pride, central virtues in the path of spiritual progress. Saint Dnyaneshwar, the 13th-century Marathi saint and philosopher, emphasizes the qualities of a truly wise and realized soul who shuns pride, status, and public recognition, instead embracing humility. Let's explore this teaching further by integrating additional symbolism, examples, and perspectives from Hindu scriptures and philosophy.
Expanded Understanding of Humility and Pride in Dnyaneshwari
In the verses you cited, Dnyaneshwar describes a person of true wisdom as one who:
- Rejects praise and honor: Such a person feels uncomfortable with external accolades because they recognize the dangers of pride. Praise can inflate the ego and distract from the path of self-realization.
- Hides their greatness: Just as a gem does not need to announce its value, a wise individual does not need to advertise their spiritual depth. This aligns with the idea that true wisdom does not seek validation or recognition.
- Behaves like a simpleton: The realized soul may even behave in ways that seem unwise or eccentric to avoid attention or adulation.
Dnyaneshwar uses the metaphor of a wise man pretending to be a “mad person” to symbolize how detached such individuals are from societal norms of status and power. Just as a mad person is unconcerned with social expectations, the enlightened individual is free from worldly concepts of pride and honor.
Symbolism and Importance in Hindu Thought
In the broader context of Hindu philosophy, the rejection of pride and the embrace of humility is essential for spiritual progress. Pride is often seen as a manifestation of the ego (ahamkara), which obscures the true self (atman). The more one identifies with external achievements or status, the further one is from realizing the divine nature within. Humility, on the other hand, fosters surrender (sharanagati), which is critical in both Bhakti (devotion) and Jnana (knowledge) paths.
Examples from Hindu Scriptures:
Bhagavad Gita: In the Bhagavad Gita (13.7-8), Lord Krishna describes humility (amanitvam) as one of the primary qualities of a wise person:
"Humility, lack of pride, non-violence, tolerance, simplicity, approaching a bona fide spiritual master, cleanliness, steadiness, and self-control—these are the qualities that lead to true knowledge."
Just as in the Dnyaneshwari, the Gita emphasizes that true knowledge cannot coexist with pride, as pride ties the soul to worldly delusion and suffering.
Ramayana: The life of Lord Rama in the Ramayana is a testament to the virtue of humility. Despite being a prince and later a king, Rama exemplifies humility in his conduct. When he was unjustly exiled to the forest for 14 years, he accepted the decision with grace and without anger or pride. His humble acceptance of fate made him one of the most beloved figures in Hinduism.
Mahabharata - Bhishma: Bhishma, the grand elder in the Mahabharata, exhibited deep humility, despite his unmatched wisdom and prowess. When he lay on the bed of arrows after being defeated, he accepted his fate without pride in his past victories or wisdom, patiently awaiting his death. His humility allowed him to impart great wisdom even in his dying moments.
Stories to Illustrate the Concept:
Story of Sage Durvasa and King Ambarisha: In the Bhagavata Purana, there’s a story of King Ambarisha, a humble devotee of Lord Vishnu, and the great sage Durvasa. Durvasa, who was known for his pride and temper, once challenged Ambarisha’s devotion by attempting to curse him. However, Lord Vishnu’s Sudarshana Chakra (divine discus) protected the king, and Durvasa was forced to flee in fear. Eventually, Durvasa realized the power of Ambarisha’s humility and devotion, teaching that pride leads to downfall, while humility brings divine protection.
Sage Ashtavakra: Sage Ashtavakra, despite having a deformed body, was deeply realized in spiritual knowledge. When he entered King Janaka’s court, the learned scholars mocked his appearance. However, Ashtavakra did not react with pride or anger. Instead, his humility and wisdom made the scholars realize their own superficial understanding, proving that wisdom and humility go hand in hand.
Modern-Day Relevance and Practicality:
In today's world, where social recognition, fame, and status often seem paramount, the teachings of Dnyaneshwar on humility and pride are profoundly relevant. Here's how they can be applied:
In Leadership: Leaders who embody humility create healthier, more inclusive environments. The corporate world increasingly values servant leadership, where the leader focuses on the growth and well-being of others. Humble leaders are also better equipped to accept mistakes, learn, and adapt.
In Personal Growth: Cultivating humility allows us to engage in continuous learning. When we admit that we don't know everything, we remain open to new ideas and perspectives. Humility fosters growth, while pride breeds stagnation.
In Relationships: Pride can be a major cause of conflict in personal relationships. Practicing humility allows for better communication, empathy, and the ability to let go of minor grievances. A humble person is more willing to apologize and forgive, which strengthens relationships.
Mental Health: Humility can have psychological benefits, reducing stress by detaching from the need for constant validation. It promotes a sense of peace and contentment, as one no longer feels the pressure to prove oneself constantly.
Benefits of Humility in Day-to-Day Life:
- Fosters Inner Peace: When not seeking external validation or superiority over others, a person experiences a deeper sense of contentment.
- Improves Relationships: Humility invites empathy and understanding, which are crucial in resolving conflicts and fostering compassion.
- Enhances Learning: A humble attitude keeps the mind open to learning from everyone and every situation, allowing continuous personal growth.
- Reduces Egoic Suffering: Many of the conflicts and stresses of life stem from egoic desires for recognition and status. Humility frees a person from these burdens.
Saint Dnyaneshwar's teachings on humility versus pride reflect timeless wisdom that resonates across eras and cultures. Humility is more than a personal virtue—it is a pathway to inner peace and spiritual growth. By shedding the layers of ego, pride, and attachment to worldly honor, one can connect to the deeper truth of the self, which is universal and divine. In the modern world, this teaching remains practical and beneficial, offering a key to navigating personal, professional, and spiritual challenges with grace and equanimity.