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THE WAY OF LIFE
From the Audience: At least, decency is necessary; is it not?
WHAT IS NOBILITY ?
Maharajashri: Decency shows itself in outward conduct; and nobility is inward excellence. If you possess inward nobility and outward decency then you become a noble householder. Yes. Suppose you do not have nobility but even if you love nobility and even if you are inwardly drawn towards nobility it is much. That attraction and that love will certainly ennoble man. If you want to awaken in your heart love for nobility and if you want to maintain it, you have to admire and appreciate noble people. You have to accept the excellence of noble people and admit your own ignobility. Just as you bear in mind the necessity of being decent in your day-to-day dealings with others, keep endeavouring to develop and maintain nobility inwardly.
* What is nobility ? Understand it thoroughly. * Nobility consists in being interested in improving the
condition of those who are in distress and misery. * Nobility lies in fearing censured actions.
Nobility lies in remembering the benefactions of bene
factors. * Nobility lies in refraining from condemning others. * Nobility lies in commending noble people.
Nobility lies in retaining composure in adversities and
in not becoming despondent. * Nobility also lies in being polite in prosperity.
If you see anyone remaining calm and composed and retaining equanimity, when he is caught in adversities, you admire his composure, and equanimity. If you see anyone remaining polite in prosperity, praise him because it is really a great virtue not to be depressed in adversities and not be elated and proud in prosperity. Such a man is worthy of admiration.
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