Respect is admiration and due regard for others. I observe it through humility in discussions or activities, by following the lead of those who are senior to me or more accomplished. The opposite is disrespect.§
Comparing the actions of one who is respectful to one who is disrespectful§ |
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|---|---|---|
Situation§ |
Respect§ |
Disrespect§ |
Invited to an interfaith meeting, you…§ |
make it a point to honor all of the religious leaders present.§ |
consider the others as inferior and treat them dismissively.§ |
In communicating with a boss, supervisor or teacher, you…§ |
observe cultural protocols and use appropriate language to show respect.§ |
treat everyone as an equal regardless of seniority.§ |
When a swami visits the family home, you…§ |
greet him with “namaste,” bowing to touch his feet in respect.§ |
feel you are just as enlightened as the next person and refuse to touch his feet.§ |
Gurudeva explained: “Love is respecting the elders. Love is also respecting yourself, because unless you have self-respect, unless you respect yourself, which means having a good self image, you will find it difficult to respect others. And unless you love and respect others, you will definitely have a hard time living in harmony with the world around you.”§
“Very large families may live in close contact with each other, and because they are so well adjusted and have such inner respect for each other, there is no contention, no feeling of being crowded. This inner respect for the moods and feelings of another is only possible because the soul qualities are awakened at an early age in the children.”§
ASSIGNMENT: During these two weeks, watch your attitudes toward others and be sure, when interacting with those who are higher or more senior, you are showing proper respect in your actions and speech.§
Date you began this assignment ____________________§
MY THOUGHTS ON THE BENEFITS OF RESPECT: 
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