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are designed not only to soften one's arrogance, but also to soften other vices that are closely linked with arrogance, such as anger, deception, lust and greed-starting from early childhood.
The following practical steps can help us to recognize arrogance and rectify our behavior:
Acknowledge the problem - The first step is the recognition and acceptance of the problem. Unless one accepts that there is a problem and is willing to do something about it, nothing can happen. If a sick person refuses to accept the fact that there is something wrong, he or she will not seek medical help. Do a reality check - One way we can deflate our ego is to see that there is always someone who is better than us no matter how inflated we feel about our wealth, power, knowledge, talent, appearance, and so forth. Karma theory (Cause & Effect) teaches us that the objects of our arrogance and good fortune are the fruits of our karmas from the past and could all disappear one
day because every thing in life is transient and cyclic. • Know that this too shall pass - Every time we go through an ego boosting
situation, we need to think that nothing is going to last forever. Remind ourselves that truth has many angles and perceptions are relative - Like the blind men describing the elephant, we must remind ourselves that ours is not the only correct viewpoint. To find the right approach, we need to be polite and receptive enough to listen to the ideas and viewpoints from people with different cultures and backgrounds. Sometimes we will discover that we were way off in our approach! Being polite does not mean a total agreement with the view points of the opponent. It only means listening to the other party consciously. Listening with a spirit of reconciliation cannot co-exist with arrogance! This is one of the main messages of ANEKANTWAD-another cardinal principle of Jainism. Recognize the equality of souls - We need to respect all life and all human beings. Jainism clearly says: All souls are equal. This means that any temporary perception of superiority should not blind us and make us arrogant. Humility produces positive results - We need to understand that humility generates respect, co-operation and pleasant vibrations while dealing with our fellow human beings. Arrogance on the other hand invites contempt, dislike and hate. Our choice should be obvious. Arrogance obstructs and humility fosters resolution of conflicts. More problems have existed throughout history because of ego clashes. If we show humility to others in resolving a conflict, even our opponents will calm down and show a way to get out of it. On the other hand, if we are perceived as arrogant, our opponents will play hard ball and devise ways to teach us a lesson, thereby lowering the chances of resolution.
