What is an ego? In Sanskrit, it is called Anava.
- e.go (n), e.gos (Pl) is defined "The self," especially as distinct from the world and other selves.
- In psychoanalysis, the division of the psyche that is conscious, most immediately controls thought and behavior and is most in touch with external reality
- an exaggerated sense of self-importance; conceit and appropriate in oneself, self-esteem.
Gurudeva, in his book, Merging with Siva, explains ego as the conscious mind; the area of the mind we are aware off. (Part 4: COGNIZANTABILITY, THE ABILITY TO CONQUEST THE MIND).
I strongly recommend my page readers to delve into this chapter and take your time to deeply understand. You will thank me a thousand times!!
Is the ego good or bad? Its can be both, depends on the situation. Small case 'e-go" is all right, but not the capital "E-go which contains all the “I," “me” and “mine”, as Gurudeva puts it well, the personal Ego identity
As long we can identify ourselves a conscious being, thinking, feeling and able to distinguish ourselves from other selves with due care, then ego is just fine.
The moment we entangle ourselves with the capital E-go, then this can be destructive because egotism, self-importance forms its ugly tentacles and bring forth conceit behaviors.
Most of the people on this earth are on this state of mind, the path of anava or Egoity, where self-indulgence, self-interest and selfishness are a popular practice.
“Self-concern individuals who do not live a religious life, or if they do such as attending religious function, embracing religious believes, their only emotions are for themselves, their immediate family and friends but only if the later proves to be beneficial to them. Selfishness and avarice," Gurudeva
¶Emotional ups and downs are contingent to the āṇava mārga. Four steps forward, three steps backward, step to the side, six steps forward, two steps backward, step to the side, six steps backward, three steps forward, a step to the side—it is an amazing dance. Gurudeva
The Ego in us is so cunning that it can manipulate the law of dharma in fulfillment of self-interest or concern.
A person who essentially lives in the Ego world does not except positive critics, timely advice and dharmic doctrines. Their external mind teaches them to say they’re not wrong at times or not to admit mistakes done out of fear, anger and opportunism.
“Don’t disturb me," “I know what I am doing," “I can live by myself”, ”Don’t advice or lecture me," forgetting promises made when issues sprung forth, pot-pouting into reclusiveness are a subtle form of Ego reacting to external environment factors due karmic repercussion which was created by the own self.
Gurudeva further explains that the Ego path people are always in pursuing something but in never stopping pursuing fulfillment. The Ego person always the owner, get better, the consumer, not always the producer. Anger is the motivating power to fulfill a desire. He or she is a master of deceit, whether they are aware or otherwise. Suffering is no stranger to this kind of souls. The wise knows this situation well.
Anava path is full of I-ness, me-ness, mine-ness; I want, I give, I collect; I, me and mine are the key words. Vulnerable to fear and emotional upheavals.
It’s one tough nut to crack. Then how to tear down this nut?
Gurudeva says, “Surrender is the only way out."
Intense worship and bhakti (devotion), where selfless service is done without expecting any returns of rewards. Total surrender to God, Gods and living Guru along with seva (service) to religious institutions
Prapathi, the term for total surrender, performing sadhana, prayittchita (penance), temple worship, learning religious scriptures, understanding own religion intellectually and put into practice ( experiencing it). Doing charity, selfless service, karma yoga like cleaning the temple, etc.
Be in harmony with loved ones, open communication channel without condition set. Control anger, resolving conflicts amicably with all you have ill feelings. Forgive and forget.
Accept wrong doings by others to you. Respect and listen to advice given by elders who are wise. Careful with spoken words when in anger mode. Quickly revert to composed style after correcting issues and tough people. Don't mix work and family matters as one.
Learn to debate in a harmonies way. difference of opinion is bound to exist, but not a reason to be angry. There are many couples fails on this aspect so frequently, can't hold to a debate without hurting each other. It's similar as debating session, once over, let go. They may have impressive educational background, but flatter when communicating.
Knowing so well about this, I myself often dictate the external mind to mellow by performing karma yoga when time permits, like cleaning the temple, even the toilets, helping kitchen staffs during festivals, support trusted charitable organizations of my liking getting funds, etc.
Be in harmony with loved ones, open communication channel without condition set. Control anger, resolving conflicts amicably with all you have ill feelings. Forgive and forget.
Accept wrong doings by others to you. Respect and listen to advice given by elders who are wise. Careful with spoken words when in anger mode. Quickly revert to composed style after correcting issues and tough people. Don't mix work and family matters as one.
Learn to debate in a harmonies way. difference of opinion is bound to exist, but not a reason to be angry. There are many couples fails on this aspect so frequently, can't hold to a debate without hurting each other. It's similar as debating session, once over, let go. They may have impressive educational background, but flatter when communicating.
Knowing so well about this, I myself often dictate the external mind to mellow by performing karma yoga when time permits, like cleaning the temple, even the toilets, helping kitchen staffs during festivals, support trusted charitable organizations of my liking getting funds, etc.
It's not easy but not difficult either! Try and have some fun doing it with joy! You'll accrue great punya( good merit) in this process.
If you have a living Guru, seek his advice.
