Ego is a significant flaw in human nature. However, people take great pride in their ego. Some have ego about their appearance, some about their body, some about their wealth, some about their education, power, or wisdom. A person with ego does not help others, does not surrender to anyone, or show humility. In reality, such people do not possess anything special, but they get trapped in their ego. Ideally, one should be aware of their own faults, but due to ego, people fail to recognize their own flaws. There are more people who praise, but very few who point out faults. To recognize faults, one must be in the company of good and superior individuals.

Our emotions arise according to our qualities. If we have virtuous qualities, we will have virtuous emotions; if we have qualities of passion and ignorance, we will have corresponding emotions. When a person starts expressing these emotions, unnecessary pride arises in their heart. This unnecessary pride hinders good behavior. Take the example of Ravana; he was a great scholar and a Brahmin with ten heads. He had obtained the grace of Lord Shiva through great penance. However, due to his ego and uncontrolled desires, he became a demon. Eventually, God, in the form of Lord Ramachandra, came and destroyed him. The same happened with Bhasmasura. He had obtained a boon from God that whoever he placed his hand on would turn to ashes. Later, due to his ego and foolishness, he tried to place his hand on God's head to turn Him to ashes. God, in the form of Mohini, made him place his hand on his own head while dancing, turning himself to ashes.

Even though Ramdas Swami was a great saint, he begged for alms with a bag in hand to reduce his ego. If great people like Ramdas Swami have to make such efforts to reduce their ego, what can be said about ordinary people?

Ordinary people do not easily develop humility due to their ego. It is difficult for common people to reduce their ego, but it is not impossible. With effort, one can succeed in reducing ego. If one has to speak to someone to reduce ego, they should speak sweetly. They should answer questions properly and avoid saying anything that might hurt others. Stiffness does not help in life.

|| shree gurudev datta ||