I don’t know – the best mantra

Have you noticed the less a person knows objectively the more sure he is that he knows.

A friend who knows very little about science keeps talking about infallible knowledge. At the same, time those who are knowledgeable understand the limits of their knowledge and how much they don’t know.

Ram Dass  mentioned in an audio book that “I don’t know” is the best mantra you can repeat. I immediately agreed with this.

Whenever you get too arrogant and imagine that you know a lot repeat to yourself, “I don’t know.”

Many a time I have walked and kept repeating “I don’t know.” This repetition gives one humility and increases one’s curiosity.

I don’t think I have ever used it while doing Mantra Meditation.

I just practiced using “I don’t know” as a mantra during Mantra Meditation. It was wonderful.

I can clearly recommend it to everyone especially to those who think they do know.

Reminds me of a Persian saying:

“He who knows not,
and knows not that he knows not,
is a fool; shun him.

He who knows not,
and knows that he knows not,
is a student; Teach him.

He who knows,
and knows not that he knows,
is asleep; Wake him.

He who knows,
and knows that he knows,
is Wise; Follow him.”

Unfortunately too many people especially our politicians belong to the first kind.

In Tao Te Ching is written, “Those who know don’t speak and those who speak don’t know.”

Another saying is, “God gave us two ears on one mouth. Listen much more than you talk.”

I wish I would remember that.

Peace!