SPIRITUAL QUOTIENT
In a song sung by Vani Jayaram for the Hindi film Guddi, beginning with Hum ko man ki sakti dena, the second line conveys a powerful message for all aspiring humanity - Doosron ki jai se pehle khud ko jai karen , meaning, "Before attempting to improve others, may we improve ourselves."
Indeed there are many who reel out prescriptions for others when their own ills have not been resolved! In this context, the Bible conceives of the concept, "Physician heal thyself" (Luke IV, 23).
It is common knowledge that only when one has evolved into clarity and authenticity by resolving the conflicts, confusion, self-doubt and various kindred afflictions, is he accepted and listened to. The virtue of practising what one preaches is the primary requisite to becoming a leader of men. In this context an anecdote concerning the life of Gandhiji is relevant.
The parents of an indulgent boy requested him to advise the boy to eat only limited sweets. Gandhiji asked them to visit him again after ten days. During this visit, he gave this advice to the boy. When asked why he didn't tell him so even in the first meeting, Gandhiji replied to say that first he wanted to impose upon himself this self-discipline and having observed that he had succeeded, he became convinced that he was qualified enough to impart the needed advice.
No wonder this great man, who wrought many changes through the power of example, had the courage of conviction to declare, when asked to convey his message to mankind, "My life is my message." This is authenticity and credibility obtaining for the person concerned a vast following and respect from all over. This credibility obtained through living a worthwhile and authentic life obtains its source from the evolved self within, radiating thus peace and goodwill and invariably obtaining this instinctive following and respect.
The other end of the spectrum involves those who volunteer to advise, criticise and suggest when they are far from being qualified to do so — as in the case of an obese offering panacea for slimness or one who treats his family harshly waxing eloquent on love, goodness and tolerance. In this regard, the observation of Eric Hoffer is noteworthy, "It is easier to love humanity as a whole than to love one's neighbour." Indeed charity begins at home! "
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