Value: Let Go the Ego - March 2025
Fourth Week: In contemplation, shift awareness from the mind to the Self
The ego is an illusion; it lacks real substance. Nevertheless, it has the power to generate emotions and thoughts that can significantly impact an individual's life and the lives of those around them. Vedanta identifies the ego as the primary obstacle to happiness.
Both children and saints share a spontaneous sense of joy. While it is clear that a saint is not a child and vice versa, the childlike happiness evident in a saint stems from the absence of ego. The ego emphasizes individuality and self-importance. Overcoming it requires significant life changes.
Not by chance, but by conscious choice and consistent effort, the saint transforms his identity from the mind, the abode of ego, to the Self, which embodies infinite bliss.
Stop expecting others to treat you as a special person in their lives.
While the ego wants everyone to treat you as special, it is unrealistic to expect that you are the only special person in everyone else's life. For example, your children may not have the same time and attention to give you as they pursue their own priorities and relationships. Be prepared for that inevitable situation. Some may even disappear from your life!
The only stable relationship you can maintain is with the deity of your heart. This relationship is special for you, and you are special to Him! Yet, you cannot own Him and the ego will die a natural death in this relationship, failing to assert individuality and possessiveness!
Daily engagement at His altar can alter the ego for good. He alone is special in your life, in fact in everyone's life.
In God's creation, everything and everyone is replaceable. You are in this world to fulfill His purpose.
No one is indispensable in this world, yet everyone has a purpose in His creation. Just as every limb of our body, both known and unknown, is necessary for our well-being, everything in His creation is essential for everyone’s survival.
You may not have seen the face or known the name of your great-grandmother's grandfather, but your existence now is a result of his existence in the past. Understanding this perspective can help you develop respect for everyone and everything in His creation.
Recognizing the purpose of our existence and striving to fulfill it before we depart is crucial. But how can we know what that purpose is? The Taittiriya Upanishad suggests, "If there is doubt about what to do at any stage of life, emulate the actions and conduct of wise individuals who have devoted their lives to liberation."
There is nothing wrong with admitting your ignorance to a Guru. In fact, surrendering the ego is the only way to gain true wisdom. When you give up your ego, you do not become weak - you will become stronger than ever before.
Wisdom is never taught, only caught. Only the dry wood can catch fire!
Play your role diligently in every relationship. Help others improve their life through your support and actions.
Every relationship in our lives is important. A mother's role is not the same as the father or a brother, just as a spouse plays a different role than friends or colleagues. Each relationship has something unique to offer us, as well as something we can contribute.
Play your role diligently in everyone's life to help them live better on their own, without much dependence on you. Dependence will drown anyone in the endless cycle of samsara causing strong likes and dislikes.
Gurudev always reminded us: 'Give maximum to the world and take minimum from it.'
March Week 4 Guidance Audio:
Q & A
Is there any material you can guide me to understand the role of attachments and how to release them?
