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Philosophy: Does being humble mean to not have self-esteem?

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  1.  
    • CommentAuthorshina
    • CommentTimeFeb 7th 2008 edited
     
    I think it's a point that is very often misunderstood amongst devotees. We confuse being humble with not loving ourselves. Is "loving ourselves" as part and parcel of Krsna wrong? Does this make us proud?
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      CommentAuthormishra
    • CommentTimeFeb 7th 2008
     
    A philosopher said that humble means common sense to the maximum exponent.
    • CommentAuthordeena
    • CommentTimeFeb 7th 2008
     
    Loving oneself means to not cheat others and not let yourself be cheated by others. This attitude reflects both respect for yourself and respect for others. I do not see this as wrong or a showing pride. I see it as a sign of wisdom and compassion and a balanced way of treating every part and parcel of Krishna, including yourself.
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      CommentAuthorrasa108
    • CommentTimeFeb 7th 2008
     
    I remember a devotee telling me that to be humble is to see everything in relation to Krsna...therefore accepting ourselves in relation to Krsna and doing the needful for His pleasure.
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      CommentAuthormishra
    • CommentTimeFeb 7th 2008
     
    rasa108:I remember a devotee telling me that to be humble is to see everything in relation to Krsna...therefore accepting ourselves in relation to Krsna and doing the needful for His pleasure.
    although philosophically correct, "in relation to Krishna" gets hazy for me, I am starting to understand Srila Prabhupada basics. :)
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      CommentAuthorrasa108
    • CommentTimeFeb 8th 2008
     
    I was thinking this myself, about the basics, and it reminded me about Arjuna's situation of seeing the fighting of Kuruksetra as being on the bodily platform (i.e., killing his family members, guru etc.) and therefore leaving the battlefield (of course we know he is taking this position for our benefit)....so to "humbly" not fight instead of seeing a situation in relation to Krsna and fighting under His instruction is a basic lesson from the Gita I think.
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      CommentAuthorccd
    • CommentTimeFeb 16th 2008
     
    In kali yuga there is no problem with low self esteem - it usually just the oposite.

    But seriously, humility means you are realistic about yourself and your ability. Low self esteem means you have a perverted perception of your ability.
  8.  
    You can be humble and maintain high self esteem simultaneously. Prabhupada used to say; " It's alright to be puffed up for Krsna." Humility and low self esteem are like comparing apples to oranges in one sense. The two are not synonymous. Prabhupada didn't have low self esteem. Nor did any of the previous Spiritual Masters. They were all very humble in their on right, but certainly did not lack self esteem. Knowing ones true self constitutes high self esteem. Knowing that your are servant of Krsna provides that self esteem. Yet, one can remain humble at the same time. Simultaneously one, yet different.
    Thankful People: mishra, VEDA, shina
  9.  
    Low self esteem is to think less of yourself
    Humility is to thing of your self less
    Thankful People: ekendra

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