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Self confidence versus Arrogance

SeRe

Member
I was asked this question today but didn't know the answer, so I am posting here. What does Hindu philosophy say about self confidence, and how can one cultivate it without becoming arrogant?

I understand that all the members here belong to different schools of thought and subscribe to different sects/philosophies, so please answer from your point of view/understanding. Thanks :)
 

Sw. Vandana Jyothi

Truth is One, many are the Names
Premium Member
Greetings, SeRe
You always ask interesting, thought provoking questions.:) The Hindu philosophy I was taught would say succinctly--providing food for tasty reflection--that one should cultivate Self-confidence (knowledge of the Supreme will give that) and that acquiring the same will automatically provide the antidote to arrogance, which is humility. The small 's' self is denoted as ego-based and is entirely unreliable as a source of confidence, IMO and experience.
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
I was asked this question today but didn't know the answer, so I am posting here. What does Hindu philosophy say about self confidence, and how can one cultivate it without becoming arrogant?

I understand that all the members here belong to different schools of thought and subscribe to different sects/philosophies, so please answer from your point of view/understanding. Thanks :)
Wisdom is the key to solve all:
1) When you believe that all humans are "embodiment of the Divine" then there is no place for arrogance
2) When you believe that you (or your religion) are more special than others than arrogance is born
3) Believe that you are the "embodiment of the Divine" is a great start for gaining Self Confidence (capitalized to show difference with "self")
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
I was asked this question today but didn't know the answer, so I am posting here. What does Hindu philosophy say about self confidence, and how can one cultivate it without becoming arrogant?

I understand that all the members here belong to different schools of thought and subscribe to different sects/philosophies, so please answer from your point of view/understanding. Thanks :)

Self confident people just go about their business, with little need to tell anyone. It's a quiet confidence.

Arrogant people let it be known to all who will hear, use the 'I' word a ton, and speak of all things they believe as fact.

Course I'm probably wrong.
 

Sw. Vandana Jyothi

Truth is One, many are the Names
Premium Member
Self confident people just go about their business, with little need to tell anyone. It's a quiet confidence.

Arrogant people let it be known to all who will hear, use the 'I' word a ton, and speak of all things they believe as fact.

Course I'm probably wrong.

Vinayakaji, you make it hard to like your post without comment because of that last sentence! I don't want you or anyone else to think I'm upvoting your dubious claim of error. Everything you wrote is true... except that darn last sentence!
 

Vinayaka

devotee
Premium Member
Vinayakaji, you make it hard to like your post without comment because of that last sentence! I don't want you or anyone else to think I'm upvoting your dubious claim of error. Everything you wrote is true... except that darn last sentence!

Sometimes when Gurudeva was queried by devotees about certain projects, and whether or not to go ahead, he'd send a simple handwritten note (back in snail mail days so long ago). It would simply say "Proceed with confidence!" I can't imagine how many of those he sent.
 

ajay0

Well-Known Member
Self-awareness is more important than self-confidence, as per Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev.

Ravana and Hitler were very self-confident, but lacking virtues and virtuous conduct they created suffering for themselves and others.

They lacked self-awareness that they were just being the victims or playthings of their own egos and cravings, and acted unconsciously or viciously.
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
Spiritual sadhana is like building a house:
1) Self-confidence is the first step; this is the foundation
2) Self-satisfaction is the second step; this makes the walls
3) Self-sacrifice is the very important third step; this is like the roof
4) Self-realization is the fourth and final step; this is "living" in the house

Thinking “I am useless, nobody likes me, and nobody needs me” is caused by a lack Self-confidence (atma vishvasa)
Thinking "I am the body, mind, senses, emotions" will create self(ego)-confidence and it's problems
Thinking "I am an embodiment of the Divine" will create Self-confidence solving problems
(IF I die, the mind gets weak; what will happen to my self-confidence?)

Note: When I hurt others and when they are feeling sad, I should not tell them, “You are atmaswaroopa, you are the very embodiment of atma, don’t grieve over it.” Hurting others, and afterwords using such words is misusing wisdom. Teaching (telling others) is easy. Teaching it right (not hurting others) needs personal experience.
 

shivsomashekhar

Well-Known Member
I was asked this question today but didn't know the answer, so I am posting here. What does Hindu philosophy say about self confidence, and how can one cultivate it without becoming arrogant?

I understand that all the members here belong to different schools of thought and subscribe to different sects/philosophies, so please answer from your point of view/understanding. Thanks :)

Self confidence vs. Arrogance is not a philosophy topic and so there is no answer to your question.

But if you are looking for Hindu opinions, you will find a number of them.
 

Jainarayan

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Staff member
Premium Member
Vinayakaji, you make it hard to like your post without comment because of that last sentence! I don't want you or anyone else to think I'm upvoting your dubious claim of error. Everything you wrote is true... except that darn last sentence!

I agree with you. He said just what I would have said. But I could be wrong too. :D
 

Jainarayan

ॐ नमो भगवते वासुदेवाय
Staff member
Premium Member
Ravana and Hitler were very self-confident, but lacking virtues and virtuous conduct they created suffering for themselves and others.

I think their arrogance was that they felt no one could touch them, they were invincible. Their arrogance, maybe all arrogance, is self-confidence without restraint or discipline.
 

stvdv

Veteran Member: I Share (not Debate) my POV
I think their arrogance was that they felt no one could touch them, they were invincible. Their arrogance, maybe all arrogance, is self-confidence without restraint or discipline.
Exactly, this is what I also call "self-confidence", which is the opposite of "Self-confidence"
 
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