When a storm comes, it is the trees that get uprooted. Be as humble as the grass and nothing can touch you.
Know that humiliation does not weaken you, it strengthens you. The more egoistic you are, the more humiliation you feel. When you are childlike and have a greater sense of kinship, you do not feel humiliated. When you are steeped in love with the Existence, with the Divine, nothing whatsoever can humiliate you.
Interpretation
What this quote means
Humiliation can be a source of strength, revealing the impacts of ego and the importance of love and kinship.
This quote by Sri Sri Ravi Shankar highlights the concept that experiences of humiliation are not inherently negative; rather, they can serve to strengthen an individual. It suggests that an ego-driven perspective leads to greater feelings of humiliation, while a childlike innocence and deep love for existence can free one from such feelings. Emphasizing the importance of love, connectedness, and humility, the quote invites a reevaluation of how we perceive and react to humiliating experiences.
Themes
In practice
Example use cases
In a motivational speech about resilience, one could use this quote to emphasize how challenges can build character.
More from Sri Sri Ravi Shankar
All quotes →If you are unhappy, even the moon irritates you, sweet things nauseate, music disturbs. When you are calm and centered inside, noise is musical, clouds are magical, rain is liquid love.
When you judge others, look at yourself - You too have flaws and the divine nature has accepted you with all your flaws. It doesn't judge you. Who are you to judge?
A child does not try to know the mother, it simply has faith in her. In the same way, having faith in the Divine is the source of the greatest strength.
A Guru is there to show you what you are. You are not different from Me. Whatever I am, that is what you are.
Diwali means to be in the present, so drop the regrets of the past and the worries of the future and live in the moment. It is a time to forget the bickering and negativities that have happened through the year. It is a time when you throw light on the wisdom you have gained and welcome a new beginning.
Similar quotes
People need trouble - a little frustration to sharpen the spirit on, toughen it.
Every word that is unnecessary only pours over the side of a brimming mind.
Our idea of a real problem is someone else's idea of an ultimate dream. Put the 'problem' in perspective
How can a troubled mind Understand the way? If a man is disturbed He will never be filled with knowledge. An untroubled mind, No longer seeking to consider What is right and what is wrong, A mind beyond judgements, Watches and understands. Know that the body is a fragile jar, And make a castle of your mind. In every trial Let understanding fight for you To defend what you have won.
Silver and gold are not the only coin; virtue too passes current all over the world.
Labour may be a burden and a chastisement, but it is also an honour and a glory. Without it, nothing can be accomplished.