A story on Self-Confidence

There was once a guru living in a place, and he was communicating wisdom to people who used to come for his darshan.

Those people who were coming to have his darshan used to bring some flowers and fruits in accordance with Indian traditions. One day, as the offerings were plenty in the form of fruit, he called a disciple and asked him to cut the fruit and arrange for its distribution as prasad. 

The disciple cut the fruit and reported to the guru that all was ready for distribution and asked him as to whom should be given the first fruit. The guru asked him to start with the person in whom he has the greatest faith and the highest confidence. All the people assembled there thought that the disciple would first give the fruit to the teacher and then distribute to the others. But the disciple did not do so. He took the first fruit himself. When the surprised onlookers asked for an explanation, he said that since he had the greatest confidence and affection for himself, he took the first fruit. 

This demonstrates that he had indeed, confidence in himself and that he truly loved himself. When we look at this story outwardly, it may look as if the disciple had no faith in the guru, but we should realise that he acted in this manner because of supreme confidence in himself. Therefore, if one does not touch the feet of God, does not go to a temple or does not go on a pilgrimage, we should not conclude that he has no faith in himself. Confidence in one’s self is something which can only be experienced and cannot be exhibited. What is important is that one should have faith in himself. 

- May 22, 1973