HUMILITY/ਮਸਕੀਨੀ

ABSTRACT

The word humility signifies lowliness or submissiveness and it is derived from the Latin humilitas or, from humus, i.e. the earth that is beneath us and lies under our feet. Water is further humble, which rests below the earth and low lands but rises under pressure in the fountains. It is one of the foundation stone of Sikh Faith. So they who preserve a humble mind mount to God's highest pinnacle, says Bhai Gurdas in his Vaar 4, while Guru Arjan in his Sukhmani states:

ਆਪਸ ਕਉ ਜੋ ਜਾਣੈ ਨੀਚਾ ॥

ਸੋਊ ਗਨੀਐ ਸਭ ਤੇ ਊਚਾ ॥
Aapas Ka-o Jo Jaanai Neechaa, So-oo Ganee-ai Sabh Tay Oochaa.

One who sees himself as lowly shall be accounted as the highest of all.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 266-7

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ਸਰਮ ਖੰਡ ਕੀ ਬਾਣੀ ਰੂਪੁ ॥

ਘਾੜਤਿ  ਘੜੀਐ  ਬਹੁਤੁ  ਅਨੂਪੁ  ॥

Saram Khand Kee BaaNee Roop. Ŧithai gẖāṛaṯ gẖaṛī▫ai bahuṯ anūp.

In the realm of humility, the Word is beauty. Forms of incomparable beauty are fashioned there.-----Guru Nanak, Japji, AGGS, Page, 8-1

     

True humility is the low but deep and firm foundation of all virtues.

ਮਿਠਤੁ ਨੀਵੀ ਨਾਨਕਾ ਗੁਣ ਚੰਗਿਆਈਆ ਤਤੁ ॥

ਸਭੁ ਕੋ ਨਿਵੈ ਆਪ ਕਉ ਪਰ ਕਉ ਨਿਵੈ ਨ ਕੋਇ ॥
Mithat Neevee Nanaka GouN Changiaa-eeaa Tatt, Sabh ko Nivai Aap Ka-o Par Ka-o Nivai Na Ko-ay.

Sweetness and humility, O Nanak, are the essence of virtue and goodness, but arrogance and ego makes everyone bows down to himself; no one bows down to another.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-14

ਭਾਉ ਭਗਤਿ ਕਰਿ ਨੀਚੁ ਸਦਾਏ ॥

ਤਉ ਨਾਨਕ ਮੋਖੰਤਰ ਪਾਏ ॥

Bhaao Bhagat Kar Neech Sadaa-ay, Taou Nanak Mokhanter Paa-ay.

O, Nanak, salvation is attained with loving devotional worship and abiding in humility.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 470-8

Yogis of different sub-sects visited Guru Angad and wanted to win him over to their own practices and beliefs. He referred them the hymns of Guru Nanak in Raag Suhi:

ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਖਿੰਥਾ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਡੰਡੈ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਭਸਮ ਚੜਾਈਐ ॥

ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਮੁੰਦੀ ਮੂੰਡਿ ਮੁਡਾਇਐ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਸਿੰਙੀ ਵਾਈਐ ॥

ਅੰਜਨ ਮਾਹਿ ਨਿਰੰਜਨਿ ਰਹੀਐ ਜੋਗ ਜੁਗਤਿ ਇਵ ਪਾਈਐ ॥

ਗਲੀ ਜੋਗੁ ਨ ਹੋਈ ॥

ਦ੍ਰਿਸਟਿ ਕਰਿ ਸਮਸਰਿ ਜਾਣੈ ਜੋਗੀ ਕਹੀਐ ਸੋਈ ॥

Jog na kẖinthā jog na dandai jog na bẖasam cẖaṛā­ī­ai. Jog na munḏī mūnd mudā­i­ai jog na sińī vā­ī­ai. Anjan māhi niranjan rahī­ai jog jugaṯ iv pā­ī­ai. Galī jog na ho­ī. Ėk ḏarisat kar samsar jāṇai jogī kahī­ai so­ī.

Yoga is not the patched coat; Yoga is not the walking stick. Yoga is not smearing the body with ashes. Yoga is not the ear-rings, and not the shaven head. Yoga is not the blowing of the horn. Remaining unblemished in the midst of the filth of the world - this is the way to attain Yoga. By mere words, Yoga is not attained. One who looks upon all with a single eye, and knows them to be one and the same - he alone is known as a Yogi.

He further stressed that in this Dark Age it is difficult to practice Jog but by devotion it is easy to render mind pure. The superior Yogi was pleased and asked Guru to ask him for a favor. Guru Angad replied that Guru Nanak has given him everything and he wanted nothing more. Yogi again urged that let not my words be uttered in vain. Upon this Guru asked for humility. The superior Yogi replied, I have it not, nor it is with demigods in heaven. The Yogi then fixing his thoughts on God prayed for humility for himself, where upon a voice came from heaven that humility has been granted with unsparing hand to Guru Nanak and his successor Guru Angad.-----Guru Nanak, Raag Suhi, AGGS, Page 730

ਦੇਖਹੁ ਭਾਈ ਏਹੁ ਅਖਾੜਾ ਹਰਿ ਪੀ੍ਤਮ ਸਚੇ ਕਾ ਜਿਨਿ ਆਪਣੈ ਜੋਰਿ ਸਭਿ ਆਣਿ ਨਿਵਾਏ॥

ਆਪਣਿਆ ਭਗਤਾ ਕੀ ਰਖ ਕਰੇ ਹਰਿ ਸੁਆਮੀ ਨਿੰਦਕਾ ਦੁਸਟਾ ਕੇ ਮੁਹ ਕਾਲੇ ਕਰਾਏ ॥

Dekhoh Bhaa-ee Ayh Akhaarhaa Har Preetam Suchay Ka Jin AapNai Joar Sabh AaN Nivaa-ay. Āpṇi▫ā bẖagṯā kī rakẖ kare har su▫āmī ninḏkā ḏustā ke muh kāle karā▫e.

O, Siblings of Destiny; behold this Arena of the Beloved True God; It’s power brings every one bow in humility. Our God and Master, preserves and protects Its devotees; and blackens the faces of the slanderers and evil-doers.-----Guru Ram Das, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 308-2

ਕਰਉ ਬੰਦਨਾ ਅਨਿਕ ਵਾਰ ਸਰਨਿ ਪਰਉ ਹਰਿ ਰਾਇ ॥

ਭ੍ਰਮੁ ਕਟੀਐ ਨਾਨਕ ਸਾਧਸੰਗਿ ਦੁਤੀਆ ਭਾਉ ਮਿਟਾਇ ॥੨॥

Karo Bandnaa Anek Vaar Saran Paro Har Ra-ey. Bẖaram katī▫ai Nānak sāḏẖsang ḏuṯī▫ā bẖā▫o mitā▫e. 

Bow in humility to God, over and over again, and enter Its sanctuary our King. Doubt is eradicated, O Nanak, in the Company of the Holy, and the love of duality is eliminated. -----Guru Arjun, Raag Gauri, AGGS, Page, 296-17

Humility perceives one’s place in the world, not according to one’s own accomplishments but according to the intrinsic value of all individuals. Humility is an essential attitude for progress in spiritual life. Spirituality is the concern with one’s inner being and how one deal with Truth, Love and Courage. Humility is attentive patience. Humility and intellect could be compatible, provided we place humility first.

Fullness of knowledge always and necessarily means some understanding of our ignorance that is always conducive to both humility and reverence.

Plenty of people wish to become devout but no one wishes to be humble.

ਬੁਧ ਗਰੀਬੀ ਖਰਚੁ ਲੈਹ ਹਉਮੈ ਬਿਖ ਜਾਰਹੁ ॥

ਸਾਚਾ ਹਟੁ ਪੂਰਾ ਸਉਦਾ ਵਖਰੁ ਨਾਮੁ ਵਾਪਾਰਹੁ ॥
Budh Gareebee Kharch Lai-oh Haumai Bikh Jaaroh, Saachaa Hat Pooraa Sa-udaa Vakhar Naam Vaapaarahu.

Take wisdom and humility as your supplies, and burn away the poison of pride. True is that shop, and perfect the transaction; deal only in the merchandise of the Naam, the Name of God.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Asa, AGGS, Page, 399-9

Humility is the only true wisdom by which we prepare our minds for all possible changes of life.

Pride is concerned with who is right; humility is concerned with what is right.

Humility leads to strength and not to weakness. It is the highest form of self-respect to admit mistakes and to make amends for them.

Humility is the most difficult of all virtues to achieve; nothing dies harder than the desire think well of self.

You shall not treat the people with arrogance, nor shall you roam the earth proudly. God does not like the arrogant showoffs "Walk humbly and lower your voice - the ugliest voice is the donkey’s voice."----Quran 31:18-19

ਸੁਖੀ ਬਸੈ ਮਸਕੀਨੀਆ ਆਪੁ ਨਿਵਾਰ ਤਲੇ ॥

ਬਡੇ ਬਡੇ ਅਹੰਕਾਰੀਆ ਨਾਨਕ ਗਰਬ ਗਲੇ ॥
Sukhee Basai Maskeenee-aa Aap Nivaar Talay,Baday Baday AhaNkaaree-aa Nanak Garab Galay.

The humble beings abide in peace and by subduing egotism they become meek. O Nanak, the very proud and arrogant persons are consumed by their own pride.-----Guru Arjun Gauri Sukhmani, AGGS, Page, 278-5                                                                                                                                                                            

Acceptance in Sikhism has taught that there is a bit of good in the worst of us and a bit of bad in the best of us; that we are all the children of God and we each have a right to be here. Sikh thought is a group of principles, spiritual in nature, which if practiced as a way of life, can expel the obsession of ego and enable one to become “Happily and useful Whole”.

Humility therefore comes from tangible work that produces a permanent transformation of thinking and acting. Most of us have found enough humility to believe in and depend upon GOD.

Only by discussing ourselves, holding back nothing, only by willing to take advice and accept direction per AGGS, one could set foot on the road of straight thinking solid honesty and genuine humility.

Humility is not thinking less of yourself but thinking of yourself less.

ਬਿਦਰੁ ਉਧਾਰਿਓ ਦਾਸਤ ਭਾਇ॥

ਰੇ ਮਨ ਤੂ ਭੀ ਹਰਿ ਧਿਆਇ॥੩॥

Bidar Oudhaario Daasat Bhaa-ey. Re man ṯū bẖī har ḏẖi▫ā▫e. 

Bidar was saved by his attitude of humility. O my mind, you too must meditate on the God. -----Guru Arjun, Raag Basant, AGGS, Page, 1192-6

Pride is the basic breeder of most human difficulties, the chief block to progress. The satisfaction of our lower instincts (Auseri Gunas) for sex, security and a place in society becomes the primary object of our lives, which leads to pride to justify our excesses. True ambition is the profound desire to live usefully and walk humbly under the God’s Will.

                                                     

ਗਰੀਬੀ ਗਦਾ ਹਮਾਰੀ॥

ਖੰਨਾ ਸਗਲ ਰੇਨ ਛਾਰੀ॥

ਇਸੁ ਆਗੈ ਕੋ ਨ ਟਿਕੈ ਵੇਕਾਰੀ॥

ਗੁਰ ਪੂਰੇ ਏਹ ਗਲ ਸਾਰੀ॥

Gareebee Gadda Hamaree, Khanna Sagal Rayn Chaari, Iss Aagai Ko Na Tikai Vaykaaree,Gur Pooray Ayh Gal Saaree.

Humility is my mace, and being the dust of the dust of all men’s feet is my double edged sword, which no evildoer can withstand. The matter has been arranged by the perfect Guru.-----Guru Arjan, Raag Sorath, AGGS, Page, 628-13

A fault which humbles a person is of more use than a good action, which puffs him/her up.

It is vain to gather virtues with out humility, for the spirit of God delighteth to dwell in the hearts of humble.

No one will learn anything at all, unless one first learns humility.

ਨਿਵਣੁ ਸੁ ਅਖਰੁ ਖਵਣੁ ਜਿਹਬਾ ਮਣੀਆ ਮੰਤ॥

ਏ ਤ੍ਰੈ ਭੈਣੇ ਵੇਸ ਕਰਿ ਤਾਂ ਵਸਿ ਆਵੀ ਕੰਤੁ ॥
NivaN So Akhar KhavaN GouN Jehba MaNia Mant, Ay Tarai Bhainay Vays Kar TaaN Vas Aavee Kant.

Humility is the word, forgiveness the virtue, and sweet speech the magic mantra. Wear these three robes, O sister, and you will captivate your Husband God.-----Sloke Sheikh Farid # 127, AGGS, Page, 1384-15

Bhai Gurdas further stresses that earth and grass are other examples of humility, which lies under our feet and water is further humble, which rests below the earth and low lands but rises under pressure in the fountains, so they who preserve a humble mind mount to God’s highest pinnacle.

ਸਿਰੁ ਨੀਵਾ ਨੀਵਾਣਿ ਵਾਸੁ ਪਾਣੀ ਔਦਰਿ ਪਰਉਪਕਾਰਾ ॥

ਨਿਵ ਚਲੈ ਸੋ  ਗੁਰੁ  ਪਿਆਰਾ

Sir Neeva NeevaaN Vaas PaaNee Ander Paroupkaraa,Niv Chalai So Guru Piara.

Bhai Gurdas refers to humility to water, which goes towa low level and has qualities of altruism. A Sikh who walks in humility is very near to the Guru.

ਮਿਲਿਆ ਮਾਣੁ ਨਿਮਾਣਿਐ ਪਿਰਮ ਪਿਆਲਾ ਪੀਇ ਪਤੀਣੀ ॥

ਗੁਰਮੁਖਿ ਸੁਖ ਫਲੁ ਹੈ ਮਸਕੀਣੀ॥

Milia MaaN NimaNia Piram Piala Pee-a Pateenee, Gurmukh Sukh Fal Hai MaskeeNee.

Only the humble get adorned with glory quaffing the cup of the love of God gets satiated. The saintly person perceive happiness only while practicing humility.-----Bhai Gurdas, Vaar 4, Pauri, 2

Conclusion:

I am still arrogant, self-righteous, with no humility, even phony at times, but trying to make an honest attempt to become a better person and help my fellow men. I may be one person in the world, but whom I help; I may be the world for him/her. Sikh Faith instills humility in us to serve a greater cause than ourselves. It reminds us of our common humanity and our essentials of equality in it and sees us through life’s trials.

It is far more impressive when others discover your good qualities without your help. ~Author Unknown.

Guess, what I will never be a saint, but what ever I am I believe in accepting to humbly live under the Will of God considering myself lowest of the low.

ਸਾਧੂ ਧੂਰਿ ਲਾਈ ਮੁਖਿ ਮਸਤਕਿ ਕਾਮ ਕ੍ਰੋਧ ਬਿਖੁ ਜਾਰਉ ॥

ਸਭ ਤੇ ਨੀਚੁ ਆਤਮ ਕਰਿ ਮਾਨਉ ਮਨ ਮਹਿ ਇਹੁ ਸੁਖੁ ਧਾਰਉ ॥

Sāḏẖū ḏẖūr lā▫ī mukẖ masṯak kām kroḏẖ bikẖ jāra▫o. Sabẖ ṯė nīcẖ āṯam kar mān¬o man meh ih sukẖ ḏẖāra¬o.

I judge myself to be the lowest of all; in this way, I instill peace within my mind. Applying the dust of the feet of the Holy to my face and forehead, I burn away the poison of sexual desire and anger.-----Guru Arjun, Raag Devgandhari, AGGS, Page, 532-2

ਮੈ ਨਾਹੀ ਕਛੁ ਹਉ ਨਹੀ ਕਿਛੁ ਆਹਿ ਨ ਮੋਰਾ॥

ਅਉਸਰ ਲਜਾ ਰਾਖਿ ਲੇਹੁ ਸਧਨਾ ਜਨੁ ਤੇਰਾ॥

Mai Naahi Kuch How Nahee Kich Aah Na Mora, Aousar Lajaa Raakh Layh Sadhna Jan Tora.

I am nothing, I have nothing, and nothing belongs to me. Now, protect my honor; Sadhna is Your humble servant.-----Bhagat Sadhna, Raag Bilawal, AGGS, Page, 858-17