Politeness and egolessness

All divine virtues bring individuals closer to God and guide the soul along a path to success. Those who embody these virtues will find happiness within themselves and bring joy to others. Conversely, negative traits distance a person from God, lead to downfall, torment the mind, and cause suffering to others. Among these detrimental traits, ego and body consciousness create significant obstacles to the full development of the soul. Of all the divine virtues, politeness and egolessness are particularly important as they aid in absorbing divine knowledge and help individuals climb the ladder of success without falling. Therefore, a wise person should prioritize cultivating politeness.

 

In our previous discussions, we explored how introversion and seriousness can be seen as treasures of divine virtues. We also recognized the importance of tolerance and patience in achieving substantial goals. Furthermore, we learned that gentleness, sweetness, and cheerfulness endear individuals to others, themselves, and God. Cheerfulness and sweetness are highly beneficial virtues. 

To assess whether someone practices these habits in daily life, we can observe their tone. If it is polite, then they likely lack ego. On the other hand, if their tone is driven by ego, it indicates a deficiency in introversion and seriousness, as ego pulls individuals toward the external world.

An egoistic person is often devoid of virtues. They constantly seek to prove themselves right and desire attention and praise.

He often feels the need to express his opinions, primarily about minor issues, as a way to highlight his intelligence. His tendency to interrupt others reflects a desire for validation, as well as a lack of patience. This need for affirmation drives him to break his silence, raising questions about the value others place on his insights and whether they truly seek his advice. Despite his efforts to assert his worth, he may feel unheard and disregarded. 

By stepping away from a serious and introspective mindset—one that befits a leader—he becomes trapped by his ego, indulging in distractions and external validation. His lack of civility frequently results from an underlying ego that makes it difficult for him to be tolerant and patient. Such a person is unable to watch others succeed without feeling intimidated. This jealousy can manifest in negative expressions when he feels slighted or unacknowledged. As a result, he may abandon his patience and become indifferent to others, fixated on his need for recognition.

Obsession with self-importance can suffocate important qualities like tolerance and patience. An ego-driven person tends to share his opinions excessively, finding it challenging to embrace moments of silence. This raises the question: can someone with such an inflated ego truly experience joy? Much like a chaotic monkey that stirs trouble after indulging in too much drink and facing consequences, an ego-driven individual's emotional strife can lead to erratic behavior and conflict with others. Even in kind interactions, he may respond defensively, resisting advice and demanding autonomy in his actions.

It's vital to understand that those who genuinely understand higher virtues, like those rooted in Rajyoga and divine principles, often exhibit humility, politeness, and simplicity. They don't seek to broadcast their accomplishments or claim the spotlight. Instead, they view the concept of ego with disdain since it often leads to undesirable traits that alienate them from others. 

So, we must consider why the ego enters our lives and recognise its influence on our interactions and self-perception.