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Chapter Humbleness
The next attribute that we have to consider for being religious is humbleness. As compassion is the basis of religion, humbleness is the basis of all other attributes. One may be equipped with several attributes, but if he lacks in humbleness, his other attributes go in vain. As such, we need to teach humbleness to the children; if they are imbibed with it, they can easily cultivate the attribute of reverence. If one does not have reverence for the virtuous people, how would he gain anything from them?
Humbleness denotes modesty and courteousness. Holder of that attribute becomes worthy of knowing and grasping the religious tenets. If one is not humble, if he is immodest, he would fail to receive anything. If we pour ghee in dust, add sugar to it and make sweet balls, would they be of any use? The condition of an immodest person becomes identical to such sweet balls; he remains useless. It is therefore necessary to cultivate courteousness in life. If one is courteous in speech as well as in action, we can cite his case as an example to children and others.
One woman had no regard for her mother-in-law; she used to serve her the food with contempt in an earthen piece, which she could discard. In due course the woman's son grew up and got married. His wife was wise; she noticed how her mother-in-law was treating the
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