Get Rid of the Bondage of Ego

Ego is a big impediment in our efforts to attain our goal of life. Differentiation between 'I' and others arises only due to ego, and this differentiation leads to unwanted emotions like desires, anger, greed, attachment, etc. These emotions are not acquired from outside; our ego creates them in our inner self by creating this differentiation and misguiding our intellect. We often blame circumstances or blame other people, but in reality the true fault lies in our own ego. Like other blemishes of character, this also misdirects our inner resources for unworthy pursuits. This is why we must try to get rid of it.

Everyone must put in concerted efforts to remove ego-centricity because it is the root cause of all forms of unhappiness. The only outcomes of ego-centered conceit are sorrows and destruction. Ravan had absolute power, Kansa's strength and valor was incomparable. Duryodhan, Shishupal, Napoleon, Hitler, etc. were all very powerful. But their egos led them to their ruin. Conceit alone is responsible for all decadence. Those who strive for excellence and success must stay away from egoism. A self-obsessed person can never attain light.

Vanity is very much like the tendency to hoard. Driven by ego, man desires to establish his control over every object of the world. He wishes to enjoy them all alone. When he sees others' interference or enjoyment, he gets jealous and tends to retaliate. Initially his well-wishers tolerate his injustices and unlawful indulgences, but eventually, when his sins cross all limits, everyone deserts him. Circumstances and resources also soon turn adverse and then he has to suffer pain, defeat and at times complete self-destruction.

Supreme Soul never accumulates. He willingly provides for others, and unconditionally showers His powers and gifts on everyone in the world for their benefit. This gives Him happiness. Greatness of a human being is also in adopting this tendency and in deploying his entire energy for the good of others. True happiness can be attained by this alone. Whenever a person's instinct to share narrows down to self-enjoyment, he has to face great obstacles.

This state is attained only when the feeling of 'I am the doer' completely subsides. Everyone performs actions, but those who demand nothing in return, and firmly believe in their heart of hearts that — 'Supreme Soul is the only doer and caretaker of this entire creation; all activities in this world are carried out by His power, resolve and inspiration; man is nothing but an instrument' — such persons experience supreme bliss only by donating their entire possessions for others' benefit.

If human thinking is not like this, then all the sentiments like love, cooperation and friendship will be lost in human beings and they will end up suffering from loneliness. Ninety-nine percent of sufferings can end in the world if egoism is removed. When there is no ego, selfishness will end too. Without selfishness there are no sorrows, and the whole world becomes joyous and pleasant, just like heaven.

After all, what is the independent existence of a soul that it can boast of? Just like the image of Sun is created on a mirror, on water or a crystal, the consciousness of an individual soul is only a reflection of the Supreme Soul. Though the light reflected from a clean surface has exactly the same qualities as that coming from the sun, those who see clearly also know that this image will exist only till the Sun is there. Similarly, the inner core of every human being is illuminated by the light of the Supreme Soul. Our scriptures say — "The portion of Supreme Soul that is instilled in the body is chitta (or the basic mental consciousness), while its complete reflection is the entire identity of the soul." This clearly means that our consciousness does not belong to us, it is a gift to us from the Supreme Soul.

Ego lives only till there is attachment towards worldly objects. The moment this attachment ends, self-conceit also ends. This does not mean that fulfillment of one's duties is not necessary. All duties have to be performed and worldly enjoyments are also not unnecessary. However, attachment to fruits of actions and attachment to worldly pleasures must be renounced. It is a great responsibility of a human being to feel contented with whatever state he is in. If he does that, he gets liberated from all conceit.

Man can stake a claim for his rights but he cannot snatch others' rights. Those who worry about their rights only and do not try to protect others' rights are not needed either by any person or the society. But when they benevolently give up their rights for the benefit of the society and ask for themselves only responsibilities, duties, compassion and inner satisfaction, then their life gets enriched with freedom and love. Thus, to ensure personal peace for a human being and creation of a beautiful society, it is imperative that ego should be erased. In this alone lie true freedom, true happiness and immortality. When a person rids himself of ego, bliss of true love envelopes his whole being. This alone can take you to your life's goal.