Angels & Demons

In my quest to eliminate my own agony, I have come to recognize that ego is the root of all suffering. The ego in us is the illusionary identity which draws its strengths from others’ weaknesses and is threatened by their superiority. Every time we try to show off, it boosts our ego. However, when someone seems far better than us, we feel inadequate and it saddens us – hence contributes to our ‘suffering’. The intensity of our suffering depends on how the ego is hurt. And oftentimes, it retaliates, especially if it has been wounded terribly. “Wait till I get my hands on him!”, perhaps, this is one of the most common statements we hear.

We have given birth to our ego when we started to identify the things around us as ‘ours’, or ‘mine’. When we begin to refer to ourself as ‘I’ or ‘me’. We start to envy the things that ‘he’ or ‘they’ may have. And we strive to get more to be better than ‘them’. As we make every effort to stand out from the rest, we struggle - a usually painful undertaking. And if we fail, our ego is devastated. Disappointment and frustration will set in. Thus, suffering begins. However, if we have achieved what we have been longing for, we are contented just only for few moments for there will always be someone or something better, your ego will again begin its pursuit in attaining a similar goal, but a much superior one than what you have now. Thus, the cycle never ends exposing you to more suffering and pain.

It is very easy to identify your ego for it is the only  ‘thing’ that gets hurt. However, keep in mind that the ego is just an illusion. It is not the real you. The Divinity in you is the real you. It is called the Awareness. The Consciousness. It speaks through you in pure goodness and love. Thus, when someone ‘hurts’ you, it is not your true self who has been wounded but your ego. When ‘someone’ attacks you, it is not his Divinity in him that harasses you but his ego. Thus, the bible passage,

"Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots."

Luke 23:34

Put down your guard for freeing yourself from ego releases you from your own torment. Live, love, laugh, and never hesitate to let go. Namaste.