Q: So the ego is foreign to our true selves. What is the definition of ego?
A: The model we’re working with here is that I am the being behind this body, that I am the soul. When I define myself as being something other than first the soul I create a false identity (ego) out of which a false pride/arrogance arises in being that something that I’m not.
We spend a lot of time chasing around establishing and maintaining our sense of self based on having certain possessions, attaining a certain status, etc. It is dangerous to do this as when, for example, we identify so strongly with our jobs what happens if to us when we lose that job or when the time to retire comes? An amazing statistical relationship has emerged between retirement and death, it has been found that proportionately more people who die within 6 months of retiring are those whose whole life has been their work. When they don’t have the job their sense of self goes, it’s fatal in that sense.
Q: What is the best way to come back in the real me?
A: To feed the real me – to go into that self contained being – rather than to feed the false ego. In this state I have a natural sense of self-respect and respect for others. It is from this stance that I them come into action and perform all the roles, jobs and responsibilities that I have. I no-longer have to prove anything, to have such and such or be so and so to attain value. I am valuable because I am.
I become free… a state of freedom based on the fact that I’m not a material being but a subtle being. As the material being my sense of self (ego) is perilous as it is dependent on acquiring and holding onto x, y and z, I am ever vulnerable. As a subtle being my sense of worth (self) is not based on x, y or z, if they go I remain stable and unchanged and as valuable as I ever was in my eyes. My sense of being is based on knowing and living my inner values and treasures. Being a true human being is to be in a loving state, unaffected by the external things that make you vulnerable and so inhibit your ability to love and to be positive, peaceful and giving.
Q: How much do we need to analyse why this has happened to me?
A: It’s too complicated to try and chase things back it their roots, the whys and wherefores. All that is needed now is for me to recognise the things I have done, see the patterns and do something about dropping them. If I’m experiencing some suffering, if I’m sensitive about something or if I’m feeling hurt about something it’s a clear indication that there is some ego there. The ‘pain’ message is there to alert me to this. To grow is to realise, and then things will take care of themselves.
The essence about this subtle law of karma is that it enables me to take responsibility rather than pointing the finger at someone else. If you’re experiencing some level of pain ask yourself, what can I do about it? Then acknowledge that message. It may take a whole lot of courage to look at the things that we have become dependent upon. If someone is hurting though it’s better to address, accept and learn the positive side of the lesson and let go and move on. If I don’t let go it’ll actually get worse. These messages are learning ones, opportunities to address the issues that are imprisoning me and to set myself free.
Q: If you did something out of negligence what would happen?
A: Ignorance of the law is no excuse, however there’s no judgmental aspect in this. If we act out of ignorance it means that we didn’t realise we were dependent, but we will still suffer the consequences. There are some very clear relationships between certain behaviours and certain karmic returns, such as, if we abuse our body our health will be effected, or if our relationships with individuals are harsh and uncaring we will find ourselves at the end of similar relationships.
Q: When you’re doing a project and you’re totally emerged in it and you know it’s the right thing why do various doubts come?
A: Well, once my sense of self-worth gets caught up in the end result I have made myself vulnerable to that external thing, then I can start to experience concerns and fears. Maybe I don’t get the praise, or get that particular piece of work recognised? I have invested my happiness and well being in the success of something external to me, making myself vulnerable. In the original sense of being I am not seeking praise or recognition as there is a natural respect and regard.
