HI AVS,
YOU HAVE once again motivated us in a different way, this time a motivation to be cautious with others. This beautifully captures the essence of human behaviour who are unpredictable and can change any time. The ancient wisdom contained in this quotation aptly cautions us to be a little away from others. We should be just like a water drop on a lotus leaf. All great people, gurus follow this. They will help the deserving people and give all help and assistance but will never be attached. In fact Lord Krishna tells Arjuna not to have any attachment to his grand father and guru who are on the side of "adharma"and fight the war even though Bhishma and Drona are in the opposite camp!!
Sometimes we believe someone who will be pretending our friend but in front of us they will be digging a grave for us! The quotation says trust no one but yourself Be a friend and give all support and help to those who seek from you or whom you think are highly deserving. But don't have any attachment and depend on them for anything. If you get their help when you need it, take it or otherwise don't bother about it; go ahead.
I feel Mahatma Gandhi was a living example of this. He was never dependent on any one; he used to do his own chores daily. That is why people like Nehru, Tilak, Rajaji, Patel followed him. That is true leadership!! Gandhi preached what he practised.
M.J. SUBRAMANYAM, BANGALORE