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Significance of Humility

Humility is a significant virtue in various spiritual traditions, including Jainism, Vaishnavism, and others. It is defined as the quality of being modest or respectful, characterized by a low view of one's importance and a lack of arrogance. It encourages positive karmic influx and fosters spiritual growth by relinquishing pride. Humility is essential for recognizing personal limitations, submitting to higher truths, and cultivating a pure disposition. This quality facilitates a connection with the divine and embodies respect and modesty in interpersonal relationships.1
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Synonyms: Modesty, Humbleness, Meekness, Self-effacement, Diffidence

In Dutch: Bescheidenheid; In Finnish: 狈枚测谤测测迟迟盲; In Spanish: Humildad; In German: Demut; In Malay: Kerendahan hati; In Swedish: 脰诲尘箩耻办丑别迟; In French: 贬耻尘颈濒颈迟茅

The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.

Buddhist concept of 'Humility'

Buddhism Books

In Buddhism, humility embodies modesty, respect, and recognition of one鈥檚 limitations, fostering spiritual growth and social harmony. It is demonstrated through actions like bowing, reflecting compassion towards others, and accepting the Dharma.

Significance in Mahayana (major branch of Buddhism):
Mahayana Books

From: Bodhisattvacharyavatara

(1) A quality exemplified by Shantideva, particularly in how he rejects pride when writing his treatise.[1] (2) A quality that is developed through acts of respect and recognition of one's position and the significance of the teachings.[2]

From: Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva fundamental vow sutra

(1) The quality of modesty and lack of arrogance, essential in the compassionate dealings of the blessed individuals with lesser fortunate beings.[3]

Mahayana is a major branch of Buddhism focusing on the path of a Bodhisattva (spiritual aspirants/ enlightened beings). Extant literature is vast and primarely composed in the Sanskrit language. There are many sutras of which some of the earliest are the various Prajnaparamita sutras.

Significance in Theravada (major branch of Buddhism):
Theravada Books

From: Abhidhamma in Daily Life (by Ashin Janakabhivamsa)

(1) The quality of being humble, often demonstrated by bowing one's head and showing respect.[4] (2) The quality of being humble, which is emphasized as a remedy for conceit, promoting spiritual growth and social harmony.[5]

From: Jataka tales [English], Volume 1-6

(1) The virtue of being humble and modest, a characteristic embodied by Samvara which earned him respect and affection from his subjects.[6]

Theravada is a major branch of Buddhism having the the Pali canon (tipitaka) as their canonical literature, which includes the vinaya-pitaka (monastic rules), the sutta-pitaka (Buddhist sermons) and the abhidhamma-pitaka (philosophy and psychology).

Hindu concept of 'Humility'

Hinduism Books

In Hinduism, humility is portrayed as an essential quality for understanding divine greatness, characterized by modesty, respect towards others, and recognition of one's limitations. It fosters spiritual growth and harmonious relationships, exemplified by various revered figures.

Significance in Vaishnavism (Vaishava dharma):
Vaishnavism Books

From: Chaitanya Bhagavata

(1) The quality of being humble, which in this context reflects the author's acknowledgment of their limitations regarding spiritual experiences due to not being present during significant historical events.[7] (2) A quality of being humble and modest, sometimes used by duplicitous individuals to mislead others.[8] (3) The quality of being modest or respectful, which Thakura Haridasa exemplified as he cultivated an attitude of service without seeking honor.[9] (4) A quality of being modest and respectful, crucial for devotees to exhibit affection for the Lord.[10]

From: Bhajana-Rahasya

(1) The quality of being humble, which the sadhaka demonstrates in their prayer to the divine for help.[11] (2) The quality of being humble, an important aspect of the practice of surrender.[12] (3) A state of being modest and recognizing one's position in relation to the divine, essential for attracting divine mercy.[13] (4) A modest view of one's own importance, emphasized throughout the verses of the Yamuna-stotra.[14]

From: Brihad Bhagavatamrita (commentary)

(1) the quality of being humble, reflecting modesty and recognition of one's limitations in understanding divine truths.[15] (2) The quality of being modest or respectful, often depicted as a virtue in the character's demeanor.[16]

From: Tiruvaymoli (Thiruvaimozhi): English translation

(1) A quality of being humble that is depicted as integral to understanding the true nature of the Lord's greatness and grace.[17] (2) The quality of being modest and having a low view of one鈥檚 importance, which describes the Alvar's self-perception.[18]

From: Srila Gurudeva (The Supreme Treasure)

(1) A quality that allows a Vaishnava to overlook personal offenses due to their broad-minded approach.[19]

From: Sri Krishna-Chaitanya

(1) A crucial spiritual attitude characterized by recognition of personal limitations and the necessity of submission to higher truths and authorities.[20]

From: Bhakti-rasamrta-sindhu

(1) A modest or low view of one's importance, particularly expressed in the presence of the Lord.[21]

Vaishnava or vaishnavism (vaishnavism) represents a tradition of Hinduism worshipping Vishnu as the supreme Lord. Similar to the Shaktism and Shaivism traditions, Vaishnavism also developed as an individual movement, famous for its exposition of the dashavatara (鈥榯en avatars of Vishnu鈥�).

Significance in Purana and Itihasa (epic history):
Purana Books

From: Mahabharata (English)

(1) A quality of modesty and lack of arrogance, appreciated in the context of the divine representations.[22] (2) The respectful attitude Duryodhana exhibited when approaching Ganga's son for counsel.[23] (3) A modest view of one鈥檚 own importance; a quality seen in characters like Sahadeva and Nakula.[24] (4) The quality shown by Vabhruvahana when he goes out to meet Arjuna, reflecting his respectful demeanor.[25] (5) A quality of modesty and lack of arrogance that is often associated with wisdom and contentment.[26]

From: Ramayana of Valmiki (Shastri)

(1) A quality exhibited by Sugriva in addressing Lakshmana, showing respect and modesty.[27] (2) The quality that Bharata demonstrates through his actions and commands, devoid of arrogance or ego.[28] (3) The quality displayed by the gods and celestial beings as they approach Vishvamitra with respect to discuss King Trishanku's fate.[29] (4) The quality exhibited by Indra as he serves Diti during her penance.[30] (5) The respectful and modest attitude displayed by King Janaka when addressing Vishvamitra and acknowledging the greatness of Rama.[31]

From: Devi Bhagavata Purana

(1) A trait displayed by the Haihayas when they sought assistance, which was not reciprocated by the Bhargavas.[32]

The Purana refers to Sanskrit literature preserving ancient India鈥檚 vast cultural history, including historical legends, religious ceremonies, various arts and sciences. The eighteen mahapuranas total over 400,000 shlokas (metrical couplets) and date to at least several centuries BCE.

Significance in Vedanta (school of philosophy):
Vedanta Books

From: Chandogya Upanishad (english Translation)

(1) This term describes the attitude adopted by Indra and Virocana, where despite their high status as rulers, they choose to present themselves in simple clothing to honor the quest for knowledge.[33] (2) A quality that Indra and Virocana developed through their practice of brahmacarya, leading to a change in their relationship from hostility to friendship.[34] (3) Humility in this context illustrates the sense organs' realization and acknowledgment that their qualities stem from their master, the chief prana, rather than their own merit.[35]

Vedanta refers to a school of orthodox Hindu philosophy (astika), drawing its subject-matter from the Upanishads. There are a number of sub-schools of Vedanta, however all of them expound on the basic teaching of the ultimate reality (brahman) and liberation (moksha) of the individual soul (atman).

Significance in Dharmashastra (religious law):
Dharmashastra Books

From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi

(1) A quality characterized by a lack of arrogance and subjugation of the mind, especially during difficult times.[36] (2) A quality characterized by meekness and the absence of haughtiness.[37]

Dharmashastra contains the instructions (shastra) regarding religious conduct of livelihood (dharma), ceremonies, jurisprudence (study of law) and more. It is categorized as smriti, an important and authoritative selection of books dealing with the Hindu lifestyle.

Jain concept of 'Humility'

Jainism Books

Humility in Jainism is viewed as a vital virtue that encourages modesty, counters arrogance, fosters spiritual growth, and aids in controlling the mind and body, leading to positive karma and respect for the virtuous.

Significance in Jainism (general):

From: Tattvartha Sutra (with commentary)

(1) Also referred to as 'namravritti,' it is characterized by bowing before the virtuous with veneration and signifies a lowly state of pride.[38] (2) The quality of being humble, regarded as a virtue that fosters the right conditions for positive karmic influx.[39]

From: Trishashti Shalaka Purusha Caritra

(1) A virtue that counters pride and arrogance, facilitating a path towards good conduct and spiritual growth.[40] (2) A principle of dharma that emphasizes modesty and lack of arrogance.[41]

From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra

(1) A quality that helps one to relinquish pride and fosters a pure and meek disposition.[42]

From: Bhagavati-sutra (Viyaha-pannatti)

(1) A prescribed state of being that involves control over mind and body, characterized by respect and concentration when listening to a master.[43]

Jainism is an Indian religion of Dharma whose doctrine revolves around harmlessness (ahimsa) towards every living being. The two major branches (Digambara and Svetambara) of Jainism stimulate self-control (or, shramana, 鈥榮elf-reliance鈥�) and spiritual development through a path of peace for the soul to progess to the ultimate goal.

The concept of Humility in local and regional sources

History Books

Humility embodies the quality of being modest and free from ego, essential for genuine connections with others and spiritual practices. It is celebrated in figures like Gandhi, Lincoln, and others for its role in character and leadership.

Significance in India history and geography:

From: Triveni Journal

(1) A key trait of Gandhi's character, expressed through his modesty and lack of vanity, which acted as a protective shield in his interactions.[44] (2) The quality of being humble and free from ego, vital for genuine religious practice and connection with God.[45] (3) A characteristic linked with beggary that makes it bearable or comprehensible in the societal context.[46] (4) A quality emphasized by Sastri, reflecting Gokhale's modest nature and the recognition that true greatness is often linked with a humble approach.[47] (5) A quality that emerges as one comprehends the insights of past experiences and figures, leading to a sense of interconnectedness.[48]