EGO: DR. SHRINIWAS KASHALIKAR

Isn’t it stressful to find that we are helpless against the evils seen on TV? Aren’t we disturbed when we read about barbaric, criminal activities in print media?

Often we are!

But; are we STRESSED because we are against evils?

Would we be equally interested and motivated to fight against the “evils” if they are not some else’s; but our own creation?

Do we feel relaxed or elevated or elated; if we see some good activity?

Often we feel happy to see noble acts on electronic media and read in print media.

But are we happy because we are protagonists of the virtues? Are we on the side of divinity?

Even as we may think we are protagonists of the welfare of world; don’t we feel jealous when we see; “our” dreams, being high jacked and accomplished by others? Aren’t we hurt; if we don’t get projected on TV in spite of our desire? Don’t we feel dejected if we don’t get the credit and accolades (which we think we deserve)?

It appears then; that the opposition to the evil and the support to the virtue or divinity; is only if we are not at risk; and if we get credit for the virtue or divinity; respectively.

Is it not true that our opposition or support clearly conditional? Such conditional opposition or support however NEVER gives the satisfaction that can reach the depths of our hearts! Hence we call this behavior HYPOCRISY!

If we do not see the evil within us; when see it on electronic media or read it in print media; we are bound to be “disturbed” but only superficially and impotently.

Conversely; if we cannot see our invisible connection with the virtuous achievements by someone else; then we cannot get the boost; even if we actually deserve! In both cases STRESS remains unaffected and keeps eroding us.

Thus we remain in STRESS irrespective of whether we see evil or virtue on the media!

The second point is; if we keep trying to ignore or escape from our deficiencies; then we become cynical and keep “seeing” faults in virtuous achievements of the others and inevitability and normalcy in crimes and perversions.

The third point is; we remain cold, neutral and depressed; even if we are honored and felicitated thinking that it is false (as we harbor deep lowliness for self and others). We are cold, neutral and depressed also because of the philosophical intoxication that everything is ephemeral, temporary, impermanent, passing and hence nothing to celebrate for!

We are pathetic, unresponsive and melancholic; if we are neglected or humiliated; as we expect such “villainous behavior only” from others; about whom we harbor contempt and hopelessness about any appreciation!

Thus we remain perennially in STRESS; unconditionally; irrespective of whether we are honored or and felicitated or we are neglected, dejected or humiliated!

What is the reason?

The reason is; our separation from the reality and our true selves; and our identification with our body, our look, our monetary condition, our skill, our intelligence, our religion, our race, our caste, our place and our ideology. The success of our identity gives mere superficial and temporary boasting; and the failure gives degenerating and disabling depression!

This separation from the true self; is ego and causes; STRESS and dissatisfaction; in every circumstance.

More over; if our ego is rigid, we get more STRESS and give more STRESS to others; by becoming, arrogant, depressed, violent, suicidal, exploitative, exploited, criminals, victims, cheaters, cheated and terrorists and innocents! But in every case; we are sufferers!

Hence it is generally said that get rid of ego and you would be free of pains and pleasures. But this is neither simple nor appropriate.

The arguments in favor of ego are:

Is it not true that when we identify ourselves with our family, society, nation and world that we perform our duty towards them?

Is it not true that our ego (identity) as doctor, lawyer, minister, and farmer make it possible to function smoothly; in complementarity and harmony in the society?

Is it not true that our identity is crucial for our commitment in our work, even though that implies getting pains or pleasures?

Ego per se; has its role; and as it keeps blossoming into true self; we begin to excel as daughter, wife, mother, father, doctor, lawyer, scientist, employer, leader etc; and also as a member of our family, village, region, nation, religion, and universe!

However; this cannot be experienced by mere communication, reading, discussion, conjecture, intellectual analysis or contemplation! Total Stress Management (the core of which is NAMASMARAN) can be experienced only through ongoing study, interaction, practice, and sharing on priority basis!