Humility is the starting point in all faiths, spiritual paths and techniques. Why? If we are humble, we will grow and progress. So whenever something is troubling us, we should just humbly relax. Do not get agitated or react. In any testing situation where we feel confused and do not know what to do, be humble. The solution will come.

When we are relaxed and humble, wisdom opens within us automatically. If someone reviles us, opposes us or is bad to us in any way, just love them. Anyone can fight with us, but no one can fight with our love. Those who are genuinely loving and humble are the winners eventually. 

Forgiveness is not a weakness. Only the bold can forgive. Supposing we are stubbornly holding onto something and not forgiving. As long as we are occupied with revenge, retaliation, reaction, jealousy, competition or simply non-forgiving, that means our mind is occupied with baser thoughts.

By forgiving, we renounce those thoughts, which means we are being purified. Therefore, we are not doing any act of obligation—forgiveness is for our own purification. But we cannot forgive another person by pitying them or feeling holier than thou. If we do, we are creating another impurity: arrogance.

We must go on loving that person and things will change. Even if they do not change, we will be free.

The spiritual message of Swami Amar Jyoti (1928-2001) is based on the unity and truth underlying all traditions and faiths. For more information, call 520-743-0384, visit TruthConsciousness.org or contact Desert Ashram, 3403 W. Sweetwater Dr., Tucson.