PRIDE

Pride is a compensation for self-respect. The last virtue, unfortunately, that every individual develops is self-respect. He has been taught to doubt himself and his abilities, and has seen contempt in action, word and deed. How can this be a fertile ground for self-respect? You, each one of you, are also guilty of expanding this environment for others. Anger generally finds an outlet in deprecation and contempt. This translates into every ounce of self-respect being eroded. What many mistake for self-respect is an intelligent evaluation of their virtues and assets. This is not self-respect. It is only an illusion that you need to believe in, in order to carry on living. When you have self-respect, the lowliest job is not too menial for you, the highest paid job holds no significance but for the joy of doing what you enjoy. When work is evaluated in money terms it is a very good indication that self-respect is lacking. How can you judge yourself by what others are willing to pay for your work? Would crime then not lead to the greatest level of self-respect? When you truly look at your shortcomings, and respect yourself because you are still a perfect image of our dear Lord, then the respect of others, the joy of work, and the chance to be able to make a difference in the lives of others, take precedence over the money you get at the end of the day.

Why has this world become so materialistic? Because when you have no yardstick to judge yourself, you will use the most easily available yardstick. That is why richness is so well respected in your world. Is the king of thieves a man you wish to emulate? He does what he does, but is his wealth what you respect him for? If you say yes then you know how empty you are in your vessel of self-respect. How can you then fill this vessel? Step one is the most difficult and yet is the only one that can lead you there. Really look at your flaws, shortcomings and weaknesses. I said LOOK REAL. Do not look and feel bad or angry or frustrated. How can reality anger you? It is what it is. So LOOK and BE REAL. Then ask which one of these you would like to turn into strength. Do remember that a weakness used correctly is a strength.

‘You have no friends’------a weakness according to some, but what a wonderful opportunity to grow and develop independently, and grow closer to our Lord.

‘You have no money’-------a very grave flaw in your world, but what a god-given chance to see that the true gifts of life are never bought with money. If you truly believe this you will never lack in money, because he who provides for the sparrow will never forget you. He will not fill your coffers to overflowing but he will never forsake you and make you experience a lack. At times of greatest stress the money will come from sources unimaginable, but that is all possible if you turn this weakness into a strength.

‘You have anger’-------that is a grave flaw, yes, when anger is abused. But use this anger to set things right. Do not turn it into rage. Rage only brings problems, solves none. So make anger give you the strength to make this earth a better place.

‘You have pride’-------that is another grievous flaw but what an amazing blessing when pride is not ego or vanity or boastfulness or a pretence at being greater than you were meant to be. This pride can make you love yourself, your surroundings, and others because you are proud to be yourself, and to be where you are, doing what you are doing.

So, you see my dear, if you can look REAL then these are not flaws but opportunities to grow and develop into strength. What you all find difficult is to change yourself. DO NOT CHANGE. Just use all these to full advantage. Do you think you were given anger for no purpose? Do you think you lack something for no purpose? Do you think anything happens for no purpose? Once you see this, the self-respect automatically comes. You do not go looking for it by trying hard to impress others, by running after the illusion of money, by trying to grab on to love where you never find any.

My child, the world is a beautiful place, but you all do not live in it. You live in small cabins of your construction and you build these with poor tools and then you resort to looking out of this poor hovel and seeing the vista and either wishing it away or saying ‘I do not see it. It is not there. Only my hovel exists because I made it.’ And very often when the hovel leaks and crumbles you look around for others to blame and every time you blame those whom you love and who love you and who are waiting to be with you and take you to a better land. Stop digging holes---that is not the way to build mountains.


Nothing is in your power. What is is, and there is nothing you can do but change what is in your power…yourself. Your thoughts, your feelings, your reactions can be examined and reviewed again. Let others look after themselves. Everyone plays out their karmas, as you are working out yours and others theirs. That is what is happening. It was meant to take place and it must because in this several important lessons are being taught. The lack of patience and acceptance is the cause of all conflict. There is nothing in your power but the power to love. That must be used. I have learnt this in my long stay here.