Who Are the Good People? A Hindu Perspective with a Smile
In almost every spiritual discourse, you hear it: “Be in the company of good people”, “Follow the good people”, “Associate with the wise”. Sounds simple enough. But here’s the twist — who exactly are these good people? And is there a yardstick for measuring them? Hinduism, with its oceanic treasure of wisdom, does offer an answer. The only problem? Finding such people today can feel like trying to locate a pearl in a beach full of sand grains... blindfolded… during a storm.
Let’s dive into the idea of “good people” as seen through Hindu thought — with a bit of humor so you don’t feel like you’re sitting in a heavy, sandalwood-scented lecture hall.
The Scriptural Definition
According to Hindu teachings, a truly good person is one who sees the divine in all — in every human, animal, plant, stone, mountain, and even that noisy ceiling fan above your head. This is not just a poetic statement. Scriptures insist that to the good person, there is no distinction between the king and the beggar, the saint and the thief, the sacred river and the roadside puddle.
But it doesn’t end there. After recognizing the divine presence in all things, this person also lives a life of detachment. That doesn’t mean they walk around without Wi-Fi or avoid Netflix; it means they are not controlled by greed, pride, or the endless craving for “more.” Whether praised or insulted, whether in a palace or a hut, they remain steady — much like your grandmother’s pressure cooker whistle: same sound, no matter what’s inside.
The Trouble with Kali Yuga
Now, here comes the challenge. Hindu tradition says we are living in Kali Yuga — the age of quarrel, hypocrisy, and inflated egos. In this age, the good person as described above is not only rare but almost invisible.
Why? Because in a world where value is often measured by bank balance, social media followers, or the number of wheels on your car, a person with no material ambition, no desire for fame, and no interest in competition simply doesn’t register on the “success radar.”
If by some miracle you do find such a person, society may politely ignore them, much like you ignore the guy handing out pamphlets at the traffic signal. In Kali Yuga, people ask: “What can you give me?” If the answer is “peace of mind,” the response is often, “That’s nice… but can you make it in cash?”
Spotting the Rare Gems
If we still want to look for these rare beings, scriptures give us some indicators:
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They are humble – not the “fake humble” kind where someone says, “Oh, I’m nothing…” and then waits for you to list their greatness. Real humility.
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They see unity in diversity – no discrimination, no favoritism.
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They practice detachment – they own things but are not owned by things.
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They speak truth – but with kindness, not like a blunt hammer to your self-esteem.
It’s worth noting that these qualities are subtle. You may not notice them in a flashy social media post. In fact, the truly good people might not even have social media. Imagine that.
Examples from the Epics
Hindu scriptures give us shining examples of such people:
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Vidura from the Mahabharata, who spoke the truth fearlessly but without malice, and lived a simple life of wisdom.
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King Janaka, father of Sita, who ruled with great wealth yet remained inwardly detached, treating his kingdom as a sacred duty, not personal property.
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Sant Tukaram (though from a later period), who sang the Lord’s name while being unmoved by ridicule or praise.
These figures remind us that “good” in the Hindu sense is not about being nice in a superficial way. It is about living in constant awareness of the divine and being free from selfish chains.
Lessons for Us Ordinary Folks
If you’re thinking, “Well, I can’t see God in that rude neighbor who blasts music at 2 a.m.,” you’re not alone. The scriptures never said it’s easy — in fact, they suggest it’s a lifetime’s work, or more.
However, we can still take small steps:
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Practice seeing beyond appearances. That shopkeeper or taxi driver might be a guru in disguise (unlikely, but possible).
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Learn to reduce attachment. Yes, your phone is important, but if it falls into the sink, maybe you can survive without dramatic mourning.
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Treat everyone with basic respect. It’s free and has no side effects.
These small acts put us on the same road the great ones walk — even if we’re still a few thousand kilometers behind.
A Gentle Laugh at Ourselves
The real humor here is that while we chase after “good people” to learn from them, they are often quietly living next door, growing vegetables, and minding their own business. They don’t advertise. They don’t form “Good Person Fan Clubs.” And they’re certainly not selling motivational courses for $99.
The even bigger twist? Hinduism tells us that instead of obsessively hunting for such people, we should try to become one ourselves. That way, the next time someone asks, “Where are the good people?” we can, without arrogance, quietly say, “Well… maybe right here.”
Final Thought
In the end, “good people” in Hindu thought are not measured by wealth, fame, or even by outward religious activity. They are measured by their inner state — their ability to see the divine in all and remain unattached amidst the chaos of life.
In Kali Yuga, they may be hard to find, but that only makes them more precious. And if we take even one step towards embodying those qualities ourselves, we’re not just finding a pearl in the sand — we’re becoming one.