13.1 Self-restraint

 13.1 Self-restraint

 Question:

Should everyone be humble?

 Answer:

Self-restraint will place one among the gods. Lack of it will plunge

him into hell.                                                                                                              (Couplet – 121)

 அடக்கம் அமரருள் உய்க்கும் அடங்காமை

ஆரிருள் உய்த்து விடும்.                                                                                 (குறள் – 121)

 Humility is certainly good for all. It is an added asset to the wealthy.                      (Couplet – 125)

எல்லார்க்கும் நன்றாம் பணிதல் அவருள்ளும்

செல்வர்க்கே செல்வம் தகைத்து.                                                                (குறள் – 125)

 Explanation:

The words 'humble' and 'humility' have the same meaning. The term 'humble' is an adjective, whereas the term 'humility' is a noun. Some people may have humility as an inborn quality, whereas others may develop humility through their upbringing. Even if one does not have humility, one can develop it on their own through their own self-restraint. It is always good to be humble. Just like kindness and compassion, humility is a great virtue to possess. Valluvar says that those who have humility will be among the gods, and those who do not have humility will go to hell. We do not have to take these statements literally. Kural (Couplet) 121 means that those who have humility will be benefited from it, and those who do not have humility will meet with unpleasant consequences.

 Though everyone should have humility, humility is an added asset to those who are rich (Couplet – 125). If a rich man is arrogant, he will lose respect and cooperation from others. That will have an adverse effect on his wealth. On the other hand, if he is humble, he will gain affection and admiration from his employees, associates, and acquaintances. This is not only true for the rich but also for people in high positions.

Dr. A. P. J. Abdul Kalam, former President of India, was a man of extreme humility. His humility gained him enormous respect and admiration from everyone. Once I had the opportunity to meet him in his office. When I entered his office, he stood up and greeted me. He was very humble in his demeanor. He paid keen attention to what I was saying, and he listened very patiently. When the meeting was over and I took leave of him, he got up and walked along with me to the front of Rashtrapathi Bhavan (the official residence of the President of India) and bid me goodbye. His demeanor touched me, and the incident has increased my admiration for Dr. A.P. J. Abdul Kalam.