The Virtue of Humility and Modesty

August 21, 2019

People in this world often acknowledge that humility and modesty are beautiful virtues. However, this recognition remains merely at the level of names and forms. In the reality of daily life, these virtues have long been neglected, forgotten, and cast aside. In many cases, they are even viewed with disregard or looked down upon. Because of this, it is difficult to witness true humility, and even harder to receive the fragrant virtue that radiates from a humble heart. As the ancient wisdom reminds us, arrogance invites loss, while humility invites benefit. Although we know that humility is good, it is often difficult to put into practice. This struggle causes people to remain trapped within their own ego-attachment and personal views, constantly calculating gains and losses. Consequently, they refuse to yield to one another, and society becomes filled with competition, conflict, and comparison. We live in a world of mutual distrust, anxiety, and fear, always struggling for survival amidst turbulence. Such is the suffering of this world.

The Fragrance of a Humble Heart

Most people do not know what true stillness and purification mean. They are unaware that the Pure Land within their own hearts is waiting for a knowing soul to develop it. The Pure Land is filled with purity, harmony, peace, and joy. The path leading to this inner Pure Land is paved with beautiful virtues: inner stability, humility, modesty, respectful courtesy, non-contention, non-competition, and the absence of greed or comparison. These qualities are not reserved only for those who are formally practising; they are inherent in everyone's true self. We have simply become lost in delusion and can no longer see them. Once you find your true self again, these virtues will naturally manifest.

Therefore, if you wish to rediscover your true self and find peace for your body, mind, and spirit, you must never depart from these kind and beautiful virtues in your speech and conduct. Humility and modesty are among the most essential. You should learn to make them a part of your heart and actions. This will surely transform your body and mind, making you approachable and someone whom others are willing to draw near to and learn from. Most importantly, it will allow you to be in sync with your true self and reclaim your original nature.

Rediscovering the Pure Land Within

When you truly understand in your heart that everyone possesses the Buddha-nature, you will naturally respect the Buddha-nature in others. You will no longer harbour arrogance or make distinctions between high and low. Instead, you will treat others with humility and modesty, grounded in compassion and Wisdom. If you can do this, you will surely become a person of gentle, straightforward, and honest character.

If a teacher assigns you a duty or responsibility, you should accept it directly. Be grateful for the opportunity to learn and grow, rather than making excuses or trying to avoid the task. This is not the time for false modesty; rather, you should use your Wisdom to judge what will contribute to the growth of your spiritual achievements.

The Practical Application of Humility

How does one truly practise humility and modesty? It is a way of living that reflects the light of the true self in every interaction:

• When receiving praise: You should feel humble and aware of your own shortcomings. Attribute all success to the compassionate blessings and teachings of the Buddha, rather than claiming the glory for yourself.
• When achieving success: If your diligent practice leads to accomplishments, attribute the honour to the grace of your teachers and the collective support of the community, rather than believing you could have achieved it alone.
• When receiving care: When others show you respect or care for you, keep a heart of gratitude and offer thanks, rather than accepting it as something you are entitled to.
• In daily interactions: Invite others to go first, while you are content to follow. Do not fight to be the leader; even when you are in the background, you can still share in the light of the collective effort.
• In sharing resources: Offer the best food and the most comfortable items to others first, rather than taking them for yourself before considering others.
• In service: Be willing to do good and serve others. If there is a task that others are unwilling to do, as long as it benefits the community, pick it up and do it with a joyful and willing heart.

To suffer a loss is actually to gain an advantage. In reality, you have not lost anything. The humble and modest actions radiating from your compassionate heart are far more valuable than the time and energy you have expended. This brings you much closer to Awakening.

The Wisdom of Yielding

Adopt the mindset of "You are right, I am wrong." When you have this capacity of mind, you gain far more than you would through a verbal argument. You gain the opportunity for purification, for changing your ways, for self-reflection, and for subduing the habit of arrogance. The facts of any situation will naturally be determined by the laws of karma and cause and effect; they are not decided by who shouts the loudest in an argument. By taking a step back, you actually create more space for progress.

People often hope that the good deeds they do will be known by everyone. In truth, good deeds naturally bring good rewards. When you perform good deeds silently and without seeking recognition, this is true humility. This is known as hidden merit. The benefits and good rewards from such actions are immeasurable and endless. However, if everyone knows about your good deeds, the merit is transformed into blessings, which are finite and will eventually be exhausted.

The Infinite Merit of Hidden Goodness

Do not speak harsh words, do not look at others with angry eyes, and do not be loud and forceful just because you think you are right. Do not cling to your own views and force others to admit they are wrong. Even if the other person is truly at fault, do not hold onto it tightly. Leaving room for others is, in fact, leaving room for yourself, for you must know that you also have your own faults and may offend others without realising it. Everything in this world is an illusion. Do not create karma and karmic creditors because of attachment and an inability to let go. Taking a step back opens up a vast sky; turning a major issue into a minor one, and a minor one into nothing at all, is a manifestation of a compassionate heart, respect for others, and true humility.

In any group or bodhimanda, those with clear eyes can see and understand the depth of a person's inner substance and the maturity of their practice. The light and warmth radiated by one's beautiful virtues and humble heart are truly infinite and immeasurable.

A Call to Diligent Practice

Practitioner Su, the students of Hsiang Kuang Pure Land Buddhist Centre, and all those connected by karmic affinity: in your work of saving the world and rescuing beings, you have the powerful backing of Namo Amituofo to rely upon. You should strive forward with courage. No matter how many obstacles you face, continue to move straight ahead. There will surely come a time when the bright light appears, and you will find a new path through the darkness.

Recorded by the Buddha's disciple, Venerable HaiZe.

Namo Amituofo