when competence is accompanied by kindness, we get not only success, but also genuine respect and love.

By: B.K. Sheilu  
Source: The Daily Guardian https://epaper.thedailyguardian.com/2026/06/26/e-paper-today-delhi-27-june-2026/  
Dated: June 27th, 2026

We live in a world where competence, professionalism, and efficiency are highly valued. In workplaces and institutions, people are expected to perform their duties accurately, follow procedures carefully, and complete tasks on time. Employers seek workers who are disciplined, skilled, and productive. Those who consistently meet these standards are often praised and held up as examples for others to follow.

There is undeniable value in efficiency. It helps organisations function smoothly and contributes to progress and success. In many professions, precision and reliability are essential. People naturally take pride in being capable and effective in their work, and rightly so.

While these qualities are important in professional life, human relationships operate on a deeper and more spiritual level. In our personal lives, people are not remembered or loved merely because they were efficient. We do not cherish our friends because they were highly productive, nor do children hold warm memories of their mother simply because she managed every task perfectly. What truly touches hearts is something far more profound — love, kindness, care, understanding, and goodwill.

These are the original qualities of the soul.

A person may be exceptionally talented and admired for their achievements, but if they lack warmth and compassion, they may struggle to form meaningful relationships. People may respect their abilities, but they may not feel emotionally connected to them. Such individuals often experience loneliness despite their success, because admiration alone cannot replace genuine human connection.

On the other hand, there are people who may not possess extraordinary skills or impressive accomplishments, yet they are deeply loved and appreciated. Their sincerity, kindness, and caring nature create comfort and joy for those around them. They listen with empathy, speak with respect, and act with honesty. Such souls naturally receive blessings because they make others feel valued and uplifted.

The reason for this is that we are not merely physical beings performing our roles in society. We are eternal souls expressing our qualities through our roles. Skills, talents, and professional abilities are acquired over time and may change according to circumstances. But the qualities of the soul — love, peace, purity, compassion, humility, and honesty — are our original treasures. These qualities define who we truly are.

When soul-consciousness becomes strong, our interactions become more meaningful. We no longer see people merely in terms of their usefulness or achievements. Instead, we recognise the dignity and beauty within every soul. Relationships then become based not on expectation and performance, but on mutual respect and genuine care.

This does not mean that efficiency and professionalism are unimportant. Excellence in work is admirable and should certainly be cultivated. However, outer efficiency should be balanced with inner virtues. A person who combines competence with kindness becomes not only successful, but also deeply respected and loved.

Lasting happiness cannot come from achievement alone. Human hearts long for connection, understanding, and affection. A kind word, a patient response, or a compassionate gesture often leaves a greater impression than even the most efficient performance.

Therefore, as we strive to become better workers, professionals, or leaders, we can also pay equal attention to becoming good souls. Along with developing our talents, we can nurture peace in our minds, love in our hearts, and honesty in our actions. These spiritual qualities enrich every relationship and create harmony both within ourselves and around us.

The benefits of cultivating the soul’s virtues extend beyond the present moment. The soul continues its eternal journey carrying the impressions it has created. Wealth, status, and achievements remain behind, but the qualities we develop become part of our spiritual inheritance.

In the end, it is not merely what we accomplished that people remember. It is how we made them feel. The warmth of love and the strength of genuine goodness leave an indelible mark on people’s hearts. These are the treasures that truly matter, both in this life and in the soul’s journey through eternity.

B.K. Sheilu is a Rajyoga teacher at the Brahma Kumaris headquarters in Mount Abu, Rajasthan.