BE MODEST TOWARDS THE GURU

The identity of a gentleman is that he is humble and modest towards his guru. The period of Kaliyuga is such that we have forgotten our humility and modesty. The student no more recognizes his guru. The Gurus [teachers] have also started going to the houses of disciples [students] for tuition,. This has changed the atmosphere. The main culprit of this was Dronacharya, because he was the first teacher [Guru] who became a tutor. He used to go to palaces and homes to preach. The rule, the policy as such was that the disciple [student] used to go to the Guru’s [teacher’s] ashram for studies.

Rama went to the Guru Vashisht’s ashram, Lord Krishna to Rishi Sandeepni’s ashram. But when limits are crossed, there is bound to be deterioration of society whether it is a teacher or a preacher as a tutor. Chanakya says that a person who is humble and modest towards his guru is a gentleman. This modesty and humility should remain in the person throughout his life. Consider that a person as great who has a stable and sober consciousness. A magnanimous man is not fickle-minded. He should display fortitude even in the battlefield. It is said that philosophers have advised that during adversity one should be patient and when powerful, one should be forgiving. Fight till the last breath and face the challenges bravely.

By Humble and Affectionate

A person should be humble before elders, affectionate towards children and remain unaffected by evil influences. The course of river is highly torrential until it merges itself in the serene calm sea. Rivers are turbulent but the vast expanse of sea which has several rivers in its fold is deep and silent. A person should not indulge in self-praise of his qualities. Our religious texts tell us that a person who has no power of tolerance has to suffer pain. Tolerant and patient men thank God after the adverse times are over. A perfectly subdued and pure chitta [thought] is not shallow and imparts great forbearance.

You can overcome the fluctuations in consciousness by practicing some asanas [postures] for a while having consistency in the work initiated by you, irrespective of the obstacles. It is only when you are dedicated and constant for long period of time that the forbearance and serenity of conscious mind increase and sorrows decrease.

Eat a bitter thing as happily as you would eat sweets. Smile away at your criticisms and insults. Rishi Valmiki drew a parallel between the serene sea and Shri Rama. Lord Rama is a glowing example of a person who is free from craving, both for worldly pleasures and for heavenly eminence. Unmoved by desire or passion, adversity or happiness, the same satisfaction is seen on his face whether he is in the forest after losing his kingdom or he is celebrating Diwali on his return to Ayudhya.