Courtesy means being refined, cultured and well-mannered. I practice it by being polite, respectful and considerate of the needs and feelings of others. The opposite is rudeness.§
Comparing the behavior of one who is courteous to one who is rude§ |
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|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Courtesy§ |
Rudeness§ |
Upon receiving an unexpected gift, you…§ |
express your gratitude with a sincere “thank you.”§ |
belittle the gift and giver by your silent acceptance.§ |
Riding on a bus, noticing that an elderly person is standing, you…§ |
immediately rise to your feet and offer your seat.§ |
keep your seat, happy that you don’t have to stand.§ |
When passing through a room of elders, you…§ |
show respect through your body language.§ |
charge through the room without acknowledging those present.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “Thus, each strives to be considerate and kindly in thought, word and deed, to unfold the beautiful, giving qualities of the soul, to utter only that which is true, kind, helpful and necessary.”§
“The wise parent teaches the culture and etiquette of the household and the community at large, ever endeavoring to bring forth the inner knowledge within the child as to the wise use of his willpower…”§
“…we have etiquette books to teach people to be considerate of other people’s feelings…”§
ASSIGNMENT: For two weeks watch for and take every opportunity to show refinements of culture and respect in your attitude and interactions with others.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF COURTESY: 
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