The jiva, or individual being, expressing itself as “I” is called the ego, or ahamkara. Jiva is that being which identifies its existence with that of life in the physical body.
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Eklingji Temple Kailashpuri - Udaipur |
Understanding Ego or Ahamkara According to Ramana Maharshi
Ramana Maharshi, a revered Indian sage, provides profound insight into the nature of the ego or ahamkara. He emphasizes that the ego is not an inherent or essential part of our being but a construct that arises mysteriously between pure consciousness (the Self) and the inert physical body. By understanding and transcending the ego, one can achieve liberation or moksha, a state of blissful freedom and true self-awareness.
The Concept of Ego or Ahamkara
In the teachings of Ramana Maharshi, the ego, or ahamkara (a term derived from Sanskrit where 'aham' means 'I' and 'kara' means 'maker' or 'doer'), represents the false self, which identifies with the body and mind. This ego is the individual self, or jiva, which experiences itself as separate from the universal consciousness or Brahman.
Maharshi explains:
Jiva and Ego: The jiva is the individual soul that identifies itself with the physical body. When it expresses itself as “I,” this identification becomes the ego, or ahamkara.
The Hybrid Nature of Ego: The ego is described as a "hybrid" because it is neither the pure consciousness nor the physical body. It is a mysterious combination that arises due to ignorance (avidya) and perpetuates the illusion of individuality and separation from the divine Self.
Root of Suffering: According to Maharshi, the ego is the root cause of all futility and undesirable experiences in life. It leads to a sense of separation, fear, desire, and suffering. The destruction or dissolution of the ego, therefore, leads to liberation, where the Self is realized as the only reality.
Importance of Understanding Ego in Spiritual Practice
Understanding the nature of the ego is crucial in spiritual practice because it is the primary barrier to realizing one’s true nature as pure consciousness or Atman. Here’s why this understanding is important:
Path to Liberation: Maharshi insists that realizing the Self (pure consciousness) is impossible without transcending the ego. The ego’s dissolution leads to the experience of non-duality (Advaita), where the individual self merges with the universal self, Brahman.
Practical Implications: By recognizing the ego’s role in perpetuating suffering and delusion, one can engage in practices that diminish its influence, such as self-inquiry (Atma Vichara), meditation, and surrender (Ishvara Pranidhana).
Inner Peace and Bliss: Understanding and overcoming the ego opens up the path to inner peace and bliss. Without the constant identification with transient thoughts and emotions, one can experience a stable state of contentment and joy.
Similar Teachings in Hindu Scriptures
The concept of ahamkara and its implications are deeply rooted in Hindu scriptures and philosophies:
Bhagavad Gita: The Bhagavad Gita speaks extensively about the ego as the source of attachment and ignorance. Lord Krishna advises Arjuna to transcend the ego by seeing the self as distinct from the physical body and mind:
"One who has subdued the mind, body, and senses and is free from desire and anger, is called a sage of steady wisdom." (Bhagavad Gita 2.56)
Upanishads: The Upanishads, particularly the Katha Upanishad and the Mandukya Upanishad, discuss the nature of the Self and the illusion of individuality caused by the ego. They emphasize the need for self-realization to transcend the ego and attain unity with Brahman.
Ashtavakra Gita: This ancient text provides an uncompromising view on the non-existence of the ego. It teaches that the idea of individuality is merely a projection of the mind and urges the practitioner to recognize their true, limitless Self beyond the ego.
Stories and Quotes from Hindu Scriptures
The Story of Ashtavakra and Janaka: King Janaka, a seeker of truth, asks sage Ashtavakra for liberation. Ashtavakra explains that Janaka's identification with the body and mind (ego) is the barrier to his freedom. Janaka realizes that he is not the body or mind, but the pure consciousness that witnesses all, leading to his enlightenment.
Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi: In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad, Yajnavalkya, a great sage, explains to his wife Maitreyi that immortality and eternal bliss cannot be attained through wealth or material possessions, but only by realizing the Self, which is beyond the ego:
“It is the Self that must be seen, heard, thought of, and meditated upon. When the Self is seen, heard, thought of, and known, everything is known.” (Brihadaranyaka Upanishad 2.4.5)
Modern-Day Relevance
In the modern world, the teachings of Ramana Maharshi and the concept of ahamkara hold significant relevance:
Psychological Well-being: Understanding the ego helps in psychological practices like mindfulness and self-awareness, reducing stress, anxiety, and emotional reactivity by fostering a sense of detachment and inner calm.
Interpersonal Relationships: By recognizing how the ego operates—often as a source of pride, conflict, and misunderstanding—individuals can cultivate more harmonious and empathetic relationships.
Spiritual Growth: Many contemporary spiritual practices draw from the teachings of non-duality and ego transcendence, promoting a path of self-realization that aligns with the ancient wisdom of Ramana Maharshi and Advaita Vedanta.
Conclusion
Ramana Maharshi’s teachings on ego or ahamkara provide a clear path to understanding the illusion of the self and achieving spiritual liberation. By recognizing and transcending the ego, individuals can experience true peace, freedom, and unity with the divine Self. These teachings are corroborated by ancient Hindu scriptures and continue to offer profound insights for spiritual seekers and those looking for psychological and emotional balance in the modern world.