Transcending Ego

The ego associated with one's family lineage, caste, and nationality is rooted in body consciousness. From a spiritual perspective, the soul belongs to the family of God, the Supreme Soul. By this definition, all souls are brothers and sisters. The true nationality of all souls exists in Paramdham, Parlok, and Brahmalok, and their caste is incorporeal and in point form.

 

However, when individuals identify solely with their physical body, they may develop an ego stemming from their birth in a so-called "high-class" family, their origins from Rajasthan—known for its courageous Rajputs—or their caste identity as Thakur, among other identifiers. If one remembers their divine family as a point of light and embraces the peaceful world of Paramdham, alongside their soulful connections, they are less likely to cling to the egos tied to nationality, family, or caste.

Likewise, considerations of money, status, fame, and position are all associated with the body. In the role of a lawyer, doctor, or leader, individuals may take pride in their professions, yet from a spiritual standpoint, all are brothers. What relevance does ego hold in such a brotherly relationship? 

Relationships with money are also rooted in bodily existence. After death, a person does not possess money. When the soul resided in Paramdham, what need did it have for money? In Paramdham, all souls exist as points of light—what role does money have there? 

Only after entering the physical body does the need for money arise, often leading to an addiction. Therefore, a person who recognizes themselves as a "point of light" and focuses on returning to Paramdham—detaching from the addictions of money and material relationships—will find themselves free from the ego associated with wealth and status.

In summary, when a person identifies primarily as a body rather than a soul, they are more susceptible to vices. However, when they see themselves as a family member of Shiv, a resident of Paramdham, and a point of light, their conduct transforms, allowing them to embody divine virtues.

You might be thinking about those of us living a family life or working in businesses or jobs—we often encounter challenges in the practical world. People often say that a bit of ego is necessary to navigate life successfully. If we don’t maintain control over our children, society, offices, or businesses, life can become difficult.With a lack of authority, others may start to overstep their boundaries and invade our personal and professional space.Consequently, we might think that a certain degree of dominance seems necessary to maintain order, which might mean asserting our positions with power. If we present ourselves with only politeness, some may perceive us as weak or naive. 

This raises the question: is a bit of ego and authority inherently wrong?  

Conversely, we often come across people in positions of authority above us who use their power in ways that can be unsettling. This frequently lowers our self-esteem and makes us feel inferior. People naturally become resentful of those who have power over them. It can be difficult to be courteous when someone has a controlling attitude. What should we do in these situations, then?

If we find it difficult to accept egoistic behavior from others, we must recognize that our own authoritative approach may be equally unwelcome. Why then do we choose to engage others in this way? We often find ourselves in a dilemma: we proclaim that functioning without ego is impractical, yet simultaneously, we resent the egotistical actions of others. Shouldn't we either embrace ego as a necessary trait or condemn it as detrimental? 

 

In reality, true domination isn't merely about exerting control; it's about ensuring that the influence we wield is ethical and respectful. When authority is misused, it breeds irritation and ultimately diminishes the respect one commands. This is why laborers and employees have come together to form unions. If treated with arrogance, they are likely to challenge that behavior, and if it persists, they may escalate their response, garnering support from their peers in protest. Similarly, in familial dynamics, if an authority figure treats their children or relatives with disdain, they risk losing not just respect, but also love, as their words and actions breed discord and resentment

Therefore, it is incorrect to claim that life cannot exist without ego or that we must flaunt our status in order for others to follow our instructions. In actuality, respect and cooperation are frequently returned to those who exhibit humility and bend towards others. On the other hand, people who cling to their egos might feel alone because others avoid interacting with them.

An illustrative metaphor is that of trees: those that bend and provide shade—much like a generous individual—are valued by everyone, both affluent and humble alike. In contrast, the tall, proud trees, like bamboo or date palms, offer little shade and are often ignored. 

Ultimately, people tend to respect and engage with those who show humility and a willingness to bend for others.