Janna · Oct 22, 2026
QUESTION 27: WHAT IS THE SIGNIFICANCE OF HUMILITY IN MEDITATION PRACTICE?
ANSWER: Deep within human nature lies an instinctive desire to see oneself as important and to seek recognition. Any personal strength or notable achievement can easily give rise to pride and arrogance, which, in turn, sows the seeds of downfall.
On the path of meditation, humility is of utmost importance, it serves as the foundation for spiritual progress. If we develop a sense of self-praise or consider ourselves exceptional, our meditation practice will regress, or worse, lead to psychological disturbance and insanity. Moreover, once arrogance arises, it disrupts the mind, making it increasingly restless and impure. Therefore, maintaining humility throughout life is essential. Therefore, cultivating humility throughout life is essential!
In daily life, we should cultivate the mindset that we are still imperfect, always striving to respect and appreciate others, wishing for everyone to surpass us in talent and virtue. Additionally, we should consciously refrain from boasting about ourselves, as doing so can foster arrogance and undermine our ethical commitment to humility. If we possess any skill or knowledge, we should remind ourselves: “I may have strengths in one area, but I lack in many others. There are countless individuals in this world who are far more capable and talented than I am.”
Humility must be cultivated and upheld until the moment of full enlightenment, for only then is the subtle fetter or instinct of arrogance (Māna) completely eradicated. This becomes even more crucial when experiencing profound meditative states. Such extraordinary experiences can lead one to mistakenly believe they have attained great spiritual milestones or even sainthood. This illusion breeds self-praise, disdain for others, and a tendency to boast, which can ultimately lead to irreverence toward true enlightened beings. Such arrogance not only results in a severe loss of merit but also disrupts and obstructs one's meditation practice.
Furthermore, merely entertaining the thought of being a saint while still being an ordinary being is already a grave spiritual downfall, capable of leading one into the depths of suffering and woeful realms. Thus, the further we progress on our spiritual journey, the more we must remind ourselves of this ultimate truth: Deep within, ignorance and sin still linger. By maintaining this awareness, we safeguard humility and ensure the stability and longevity of our spiritual cultivation.
Written by:
Janna
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