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Distortion of pride: Intoxication of ego
Questioner: There is no problem in enjoying respect maan that comes spontaneously and naturally. But then there is a possibility of it distorting, becoming more complex vikruti and then the desire for respect arises. Is this likely to happen?
Dadashri: Something of the sort happens but there should not be any desire ichchha at all. Desire is harmful.
Questioner: What are kinds of distortion vikruti of pride and how far does it stretch?
Dadashri: There are many many kinds of distortion vikruti of pride and that is what makes one fall. There is nothing wrong in enjoying respect. If someone tells you, 'Welcome sir...welcome', then enjoy that respect. You will feel good inside, enjoy it with leisure, but do not become intoxicated keyf with it. The intoxication of pride will make it ugly. One appears ugly and unattractive when there is such an intoxicated ego pride keyf. Even a handsome face will appear ugly.
Why does pride or the need for importance exist? It exists because one sees others as inferior. Therefore do not see others as inferior and tell yourself that they are superior to you. Then that pride will disappear.
You should be indebted to the one insulting you
Questioner: Now the respects-insults are very bothersome, how can I be free from it?
Dadashri: What bothers you, is it the insult that bothers you or the respect?
Questioner: Actually, it is the insult.
Dadashri: Even respect can be very bothersome! A man will get up immediately if someone gives him too much respect. If a man gets too much respect, he will run away from there. If everyday people keep giving him a lot of respect, he will get tired and run away from there. Man can tolerate an