According to a spiritual tradition among the Sikhs, ego is
like a bamboo plant which has five defects –
It thinks itself higher than everyone else, from all trees
and shrubs.
It has knots all through—robbing it of all smoothness.
It has thorns, even if someone caresses it with love, it
pricks them.
It looks very strong from outside but is empty inside
When one bamboo rubs against another bamboo, it erupts into
fire. Forests
after forests are reduced to ashes.
Likewise, an egotist person also has five defects that keep
him away from the grace of the Lord;
He thinks all others are lesser than him—no one is greater
than him.
He has knots in his hearts; he says something but has
something else in his heart. He may use good, noble words, but is full of
poison within.
Even if someone comes to him with genuine love, he pricks
them.
He displays strength outside but is full of insecurities and
weaknesses within.
When he encounters another ego, he rubs against it hard,
lighting up a fire that burns everything. It causes quarrels and conflicts and
gives rise to violence and wars.
Source - The Vedanta Kesari - September 2014 issue