Excerpts from Prabuddha Bharata Magazine Nov 2013.
The phrase “We Carry The Whole World Around With Us, Not On Our Shoulders But On Our Egos” is a powerful reflection of human psychology and ego, particularly in the context of Hindu wisdom. It suggests that the burdens we carry are often not physical but are tied to our egos, attachments, and inflated sense of self. The ego, or ‘Ahamkara’ in Sanskrit, is a central concept in Hindu philosophy, representing the "I-making" or identification with the self that leads to pride, attachment, and suffering.
Symbolism of Ego in Hinduism
In Hinduism, the ego is often depicted as the root cause of many of the problems and struggles we face. The ego creates a false sense of identity, leading us to believe that we are separate from others and the divine. This illusion causes us to carry the weight of the world—our fears, desires, and insecurities—around with us, not physically, but emotionally and mentally.
The Story of Arjuna’s Ego – Bhagavad Gita
A famous story from the Bhagavad Gita illustrates the burden of the ego. Arjuna, a great warrior, is paralyzed by fear and confusion on the battlefield of Kurukshetra. Overwhelmed by the weight of his responsibility, he refuses to fight, burdened by his personal emotions, ethical dilemmas, and his sense of self. In his conversation with Lord Krishna, Arjuna realizes that his attachments—his identification with his role as a warrior, his relationships, and his ideas of right and wrong—are all rooted in his ego. Krishna explains that the true self is beyond the ego, and only by surrendering the ego can Arjuna perform his duties with clarity and purpose.
Krishna tells Arjuna:
"You have the right to work, but never to the fruit of work. You should never engage in action for the sake of reward, nor should you long for inaction." – Bhagavad Gita, Chapter 2, Verse 47
This verse highlights the importance of acting without attachment, which helps lighten the burden of ego and allows for selfless action. Arjuna’s dilemma symbolizes the conflict many of us face in our daily lives—where the ego drives our decisions and actions, leading to unnecessary stress and suffering.
Modern-Day Relevance
In today’s world, this wisdom holds even more relevance. Modern society often celebrates individualism, competition, and material success, which can inflate our egos. We become attached to our achievements, titles, possessions, and social status, and when these are threatened, we feel burdened or even devastated. Social media, for instance, amplifies this tendency by constantly reinforcing the idea that our worth is tied to external validation.
By carrying these ego-driven concerns, we lose sight of the bigger picture and become trapped in a cycle of comparison, dissatisfaction, and anxiety. We carry the "world" on our egos, not in terms of physical weight, but in the emotional and mental stress it creates. Learning to detach from the ego, as Hindu wisdom suggests, frees us from this burden.
A Simple Story – The Sage and the Bowl of Water
A simple yet profound story from Hinduism illustrates how the ego distorts our perception: There was once a sage who instructed a disciple to fill a bowl with water and look into it. The disciple did so and saw his reflection in the still water. The sage then instructed him to disturb the water by shaking the bowl. When the water was disturbed, the disciple’s reflection became distorted. The sage explained, “When your mind is still, you see your true self clearly. But when it is disturbed by ego, desires, and attachments, your perception of reality becomes distorted.”
This story highlights how the ego clouds our understanding, leading to confusion and suffering. By calming the ego and detaching from it, we gain clarity and peace of mind.
The Symbolism of Lord Shiva and Ego
In Hinduism, Lord Shiva is often seen as the destroyer of ego. The act of Shiva’s Tandava (cosmic dance) symbolizes the destruction of ignorance and the dissolution of the ego. Shiva's third eye represents the eye of wisdom that sees beyond the illusions of the ego.
Shiva teaches us that the destruction of the ego is necessary for spiritual growth and the realization of the self. In a more practical sense, by letting go of the ego, we can live more harmoniously, both with ourselves and with others.
Practicality in Daily Life
- Self-awareness: By being aware of when our ego is controlling our actions, we can consciously choose to act from a place of compassion and wisdom rather than pride or insecurity.
- Mindfulness: Regular practices like meditation help us detach from the ego. In mindfulness, we learn to observe our thoughts and emotions without identifying with them, helping us to lighten the "burden" of the world that the ego carries.
- Service (Seva): In Hinduism, the concept of Seva (selfless service) is a way to transcend the ego. When we serve others without expecting anything in return, we shift the focus from ourselves to the collective good. This helps diminish the influence of the ego.
A Relevant Example – The Corporate World
In a modern corporate setting, ego can often dictate behavior. Employees may feel compelled to compete for recognition, promotions, or validation, which leads to stress and burnout. However, when leaders and team members act from a place of humility and collective responsibility, focusing on the bigger picture rather than individual achievements, the workplace becomes more productive and harmonious.
For example, many modern companies are encouraging servant leadership, where the leader's primary goal is to serve the team and help others grow. This is a direct application of Hindu principles of diminishing the ego for the greater good.
Additional Thoughts
Hindu wisdom repeatedly emphasizes that moksha (liberation) comes from transcending the ego. By reducing our identification with the material world and the self, we open the door to Atman (the true self) and experience unity with the divine. Non-attachment, as preached in the Bhagavad Gita, teaches us to perform our duties without being weighed down by the ego’s expectations.
In today’s fast-paced, individualistic world, this teaching helps us to navigate challenges without losing our sense of peace. By lightening the emotional and mental load we carry through ego, we can live more fulfilling, balanced lives.
The wisdom of “We Carry The Whole World Around With Us, Not On Our Shoulders But On Our Egos” reminds us that much of the burden we experience is self-imposed. Hindu teachings offer timeless guidance on how to let go of the ego, whether through stories, practices like meditation and Seva, or the study of scripture. In modern times, these lessons help us live more peacefully, reminding us to carry the world lightly—not with pride or attachment, but with wisdom and grace.
Opinion of Blog WriterThe only solution to the problem is to stop chasing the unreal and to merge in the real. The real is within us and in all animate and inanimate. The unreal is an illusion or Maya but it is that which drives us into unpleasant situations in everyday life.