Hindu Article-Defeat ego

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Defeat ego

 

CHENNAI: The path to spiritual progress is not only arduous and long,

but also beset with obstruction. Only tremendous effort and constant

determination can help a spiritual aspirant overcome the difficulties

and temptations. The greatest hurdle is ego. It enters the

consciousness insidiously and prevents humility to be nurtured. Human

beings are tempted to think highly of themselves, take pride in their

achievements and possessions, and to readily believe that they are

responsible for their success. All this fills their hearts with ego.

 

If an individual turns inward and asks probing questions like `What

am I inside', `Who is inside me', `Who motivates me' and so on, there

is the possibility of comprehending the smallness of the `I' against

the backdrop of the infinite. This can help in deflating ego. Sri

Ramakrishna constantly emphasised that the ego in man has to be

completely annihilated if one has to enter the spiritual path, said

Swami Gautamananda in a lecture. Instead of filling one's

consciousness with thoughts about oneself that boosts this ego, it is

necessary to fill one's heart with thoughts about God. An individual

has to develop the habit of constantly contemplating on God, His

powers, and His all pervading greatness. It has to be understood that

the entire universe inclusive of animate and inanimate beings exists

only because of God. With this firm belief if one sincerely dedicates

one's thought, word and deed to Him, there is a chance of driving the

ego out of one's consciousness. It is important that the conviction

that we don't work for ourselves but work for God alone prevails, and

guides our entire way of life.

 

One should also try to discard one's love for money and worldly

pleasures, which leads to greed. Greed is the cause of ill health in

society making people desire new and novel items. With each wish

fulfilled, there is a longing for more. To counter this one should

develop contentment and not hanker after material possessions. Single-

minded devotion to God can make one see the ephemeral quality of

worldly enjoyments and turn one's mind to the quest for God

realisation.

 

Spiritual preceptors have attained a stature only through conquering

ego. They were able to inspire their devotees and influence a large

following because they understood their humility with respect to

God's infinite power and greatness.

 

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