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What is Humility?

Thursday, 25 April, 2013 - 9:21 pm

 The rabbi explores why this quality is important for all of us.

 

They tell a story about a Rabbi who was always trying to impress his “humility” on those around him. It was in the middle of the synagogue service, the rabbi suddenly cried out, "Oh dear G-d, I am but nothing in your eyes!" Not wanting to be outshone, Joseph, the synagogue cantor cried out, "Oh G-d, I am also but nothing in your eyes!” When George, the synagogue's president, heard the cries from the Rabbi and the cantor, he followed and cried out, "I, too, Oh G-d, am nothing in your eyes!"

On hearing this,the Rabbi turned to the cantor and said, "Ha! look who thinks he's a nothing!"

In continuation with the past weeks' columns, (http://malibu.patch.com/articles/are-you-compassionate) this week we examine the attribute of humility, or in Hebrew "Hod" (http://www.jewishmalibu.com/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380802/jewish/Netzach-Hod-Yesod.htm) literally:  acknowledgement  -- the part of us that that is expressed in humility.

Humility is often confused with weakness and lack of self-esteem. Humility is modesty; it is acknowledgment, it is clearly recognizing our qualities and strengths and acknowledging that they are not our own; they were given to us as a gift for a purpose higher than just satisfying our own selfish needs. Recognizing how small we are allows us to realize how large our potential is. This is what makes humility so formidable.

True humility is silent it but not a void. It is a dynamic expression of life that includes all seven qualities (http://www.jewishmalibu.com/kabbalah/article_cdo/aid/380812/jewish/Emanations-Interact.htm) of love, discipline, compassion, endurance, humility, bonding and sovereignty.

Loving kindness in Humility

Healthy humility brings love and joy not fear. Often, humility is confused with low self-esteem, which would cause it to be unloving. Humility brings love because it gives us the ability to rise above ourselves and love another. When we examine this point within we ask ourselves; does my humility cause me to be more loving and giving? More expansive? Or does my "humility" inhibit and constrain me in other ways?

Discipline in Humility

Humility must be disciplined and focused. At times humility calls for us to compromise and at times not. When we remain silent and neutral in the face of outright evil, it is humility without discipline. In addition, humility must include respect and awe for the person or experience before whom we stand humble.

Compassion in Humility

An important aspect of the humility quality, is that it be compassionate. A false sense of humility can cause one to be self-contained and anti-social. True humility expresses itself in empathy for others. Thus when we examine this aspect of self we ask; Is my humility balanced and beautiful? Or is it a cause for awkward behavior?

Endurance in Humility 

Walking the path of humility requires strength and endurance. A humility that cannot withstand challenges, lacks the true experience of humility. Humility and modesty should not cause one to feel weak and insecure. Endurance in humility underscores the fact that true humility does not make you into a "doormat" for others to step on; on the contrary, humility gives you enduring strength.

Humility in Humility

Everyone has humility and modesty in their hearts, the question is the measure and manner in which one consciously feels it. Am I afraid to be too humble? Humility must also be examined for its genuineness. Is my humility humble? Or is it yet another expression of arrogance? Do I take too much pride in my humility? Do I flaunt it? Is it self-serving? Is my humility part of a crusade or is it genuine? True humility is when we are humble just for its own sake.

Bonding in Humility

Humility ought to result in deep bonding and commitment. There is no stronger bond than one that comes out of humility. Does my humility separate me from others or bring us closer? Does my humility produce results? Long term results? Does it create an everlasting foundation upon which I and others can rely and build. The ultimate expression of humility is when it makes us available to build something lasting.

Nobility in Humility

Walking humbly is walking tall. Dignity is the essence of humility and modesty. The splendor of humility is majestic and aristocratic. Humility that suppresses the human spirit and denies individual sovereignty is not humility at all. Thus, when we examine nobility in humility we ask ourselves; does my humility make me feel dignified? Do I feel alive and vibrant?

When we take the time to deeply explore our attributes, we are assured to come away from the experience a more truly fulfilled and compassionate person.

Adopted from “A Spiritual Guide to the Counting of the Omer -- Forty-Nine Steps to Personal Refinement” by Rabbi Simon Jacobson.


Shabbat Shalom!

 

 

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