Real Depth of the Ego

Real Depth of the Ego

The Ego is deeply rooted in us, not just in how we speak, but also in how we think and act.

And that’s why it becomes difficult to eliminate it.

For example, we frequently say, “ I am walking.” “ I am thinking.” etc.

A careful, contemplative analysis will tell us that the process of walking starts first, and THEN we add “I” to it.

Similarly, a thought comes first, and THEN we say, “I am thinking.”

Walking just happened.
Thinking just happened.

They arose temporarily in vast formless nothingness, just the way clouds appear in the vast emptiness of the sky, and disappear.

Our body, our legs, our mind, etc., are the result of billions of years of evolution; we didn’t do them, they just happened.

Even a steady supply of energy from food extraction is only a happening, not our doing.

These are absolute miracles happening in vast existence, not our doings.

And yet, to these spontaneous events, we superimpose our imaginary “I” onto them.

We do that to satisfy the idea that “I” is doing something, and that’s how “I” feels important.

“I” is a doer and feels alive only by getting a sense of doing something.

Originally, “I” was only a first thought, “I am this body.” “ I am Shrenik.” etc., forced onto us by the Sansar.

Since then, with every action, every thought, we have been fortifying it day by day, and now it has become a big cocoon for us from which we cannot escape.

But this cocoon of Ego is only an imagination, not a reality.

Supposing you did not superimpose “I” to the walking, wouldn’t the walking still happen?

Was “I” necessary? No.

But see what happens once we add the “I” to it?

Now “I” have a point to talk to others about this: how much I am walking, how many health benefits I’m getting out of it, how fast “I” am walking vs. others, Etc.

Now, the Ego has a vast field of its own to prove itself superior to others; duality suits the Ego well.

These are the intricate workings of the Ego, a storyteller, a liar, and nothing of any substantial value, and yet, the primary source of our sufferings.

How do we remove this illusion from our heads?

By realizing that the so-called acts of the Ego are only false superimpositions; watch them as a play of consciousness.

And also realizing through meditation, that beyond them lies the pure formless existential awareness – the presence, in which the whole drama of life is being played out.

Then keep this awareness alive in daily life, all the time; neglect the Ego.

When any activity occurs, consider it as “happening” in the vast field of formless nothingness, rather than “I am doing it.” ; there is no “I”.

By neglecting the Doer, action will still happen, like ripples happening on a flowing river.

But now onwards, each action will offer you a chance to stay in touch with the formless existence and to experience freedom from the cocoon of the mind, leading you eventually to enlightenment.

Mind is only a mixture of memories, plans, desires, fantasies, expectations of the world, various beliefs, concepts, etc, anything to distract you from the present; the present is the gateway to the vast existence.

Even once, if you get a glimpse of the power of presence, the futility of running the mind becomes evident, and it starts slowing down.