I would like share this extract from sukhabodhananda's Book 'oh,Mind Relax Please'.He exactly depicted what ego means,how people suffer from ego.The explanation was really superb. An egoistic person expects others to listen to his point of view.”Every one should show respect to me”would be his stand and expectation.What does that mean?He would be happy if others show him respect.Simply said,in order to feel happy,he expects others to nod their heads in agreement with him.He is like a beggar indirectly begging others to show him respect.When others do not give him the aims of ‘respect’,his peace of mind is lost and happiness disappears! Hindu scriptures mention god as “Ananda” meaning ‘joy’.The word ego could be expanded thus-Edging God Out that means,moving god or joy away from us is the state of ego. In Hindu tradition ,people break coconuts in front of god to symbolize breaking of ego.While breaking the coconut,we indirectly signify to ourselves,’Oh,God!I am breaking the ego-‘I’, in front of you!’. Just as sweet water comes out of the broken coconut,so does joy emerge when ego is surrendered. Let us say that you happen to state your opinion among friends or in the work place.Your emphasis on the opinion is quite strong.Yet,somehow your idea is not accepted.If you were a person with out ego,you would not worry too much about it.Whether others praise your idea ,or make fun of it,accept it or reject it,you would not be unduly affected.
The following story is also from the book which is an excellent and marvellous example.Just have a read. This is an incident from the life of tagore.Once he was crossing the river yamuna by boat.It was night.Under candlelight,tagore tried to compose a poem.But somehow,the poetry would not flow.Finally he gave up and put off the candle.The moment the candlelight went off,moonlight filled the boat and the boat appeared beautiful!Tagore experienced a great sense of beauty.At once,poetry began to flow out of his heart…effortlessly! What is the connection here?The candlelight was capable of hiding the moonlight!In the same way,petty ego hides the vast happiness of heart.
Very good explanation about EGO and the significance of coconut breaking. Keep up the good work! sriniketan
Dear Bhargavi superb post, that's very true if we keep away from ego, we'll find mercy & knidness in ourself, ego is the biggest hurdle between us & GOD!
