Self and Ego

[Guest guest]

Some list members who have been following the talk by Swami

Vivekananda on the 'Self' may be under the misunderstanding that

when he talks about the 'Self' he means the 'Ego'.

 

That is precisely what he is not talking about.

Spirituality that underlies all religions always begins with the

idea of 'leaving behind the ego'. The teachings of Vedanta

are doing the same but are now giving a reason for it.

 

You do not give up the 'ego' because some 'God' sitting in the

heavens ordered that. Not because some one sat down and wrote

up such and such rules for the good of mankind or society;

but because your very nature is not the 'ego' but the Self that

you give up the ego.

 

The more we understand the nature of this 'Self' the more we

realise our identity with all living things. The little 'ego' that we

nourished so well becomes a non-entity.

The basis of all moral teachings, all rules of ethics,

all the compassion that the prophets have been exhibiting;

now for the first time begin to make sense.

 

If it is the same 'Self' that permeates all living things and appears

as the 'I' in all. -- How can 'I' be egoistic?

Who else is there to show off to?

How can I hurt anything? It is me alone who is present in all living things.

 

And when 'I' extend a hand offering help to others - that is nothing

special;

I am really helping myself. These are the grand findings of this school

of philosophy called Advaita Vedanta.

 

jay