| CATEGORY | BAD QUALITIES |
| SUB CATEGORY | EGO |
| How can we realize our inner divinity? |
| Every human being should strive to destroy the Ahamkara (ego). Unless the ego is eradicated, Divinity cannot be realized. Consider this example. Here you are, devotees who have come from distant parts of the world at great expense and trouble. Who sent you any invitation? Why have you come here? You have come to experience the love of Swami. Swami is moving amongst each of you with joy and laughter and filling you with happiness. It is because of Swami’s abundant love that you are drawn to this place. If ego prevailed here, none of you would come here. It is the total absence of ego that attracts you to Swami. This was the feeling that animated the gopis of Brindhavan. Their only desire was to be near Krishna at all times and in any condition. Divine Discourse 7 March 2021 |
| How can the presence of ego, or Ahamkara, affect a person’s understanding of their true self? |
| It is also said that if you can get rid of your ego, you can understand Brahman; but then, you have to ask yourself as to how ego can be got rid of. Today, we think that what has come with a form is Ahamkara (ego). We also equate Ahamkara to arrogance. Ahamkara is not always arrogance. It is present at all times and in all the three aspects—sathwic, rajasic and thamasic. This ego has the capacity to take man into very crooked paths. It promotes selfishness and ultimately results in making man forget who he is. Divine Discourse Summer Showers in Brindavan 1973, Chapter 20 |
| What role do external elements like beauty, riches, and social prestige play in the creation of ego? What should we be aware of in these circumstances? |
| Ego also appears because of beauty, education, wealth, position or caste. If you want to think of your beauty as the cause of your ego, you should know that beauty shines and disappears in a moment like a lightning. If you want to think of your wealth or your strength as the cause of your ego, these things are like mirages and they disappear in a moment. Divine Discourse Summer Showers in Brindavan 1973, Chapter 20 |
| What should we be proud of? |
| There is one other disease with which all are afflicted to varying degrees. It is the disease of Ahamkara (egoism). There is no basis at all-for this conceit. There is no reason at all for anyone feeling proud about one’s wealth or any other possession. The only thing about which one should feel proud is one’s goodness. People should cultivate love and cherish the feeling of oneness with all beings. Divine Discourse 10 April 1997 |
| What is the way to overcome egoism? |
| This egoism has no real basis because the individual is an insignificant speck in the vast cosmos. it is born of ignorance. This ignorance will go if man realises that the whole universe is permeated by the Divine and belongs to the Divine. Everyone should do what is good and never forget God. That is the way to overcome egoism. Divine Discourse 16 July 1997 |