As India celebrates 67 years of Independence, we should take this opportunity to achieve freedom from our internal demons as well. The worst part is that we do not realise that when we develop a big negative ego it builds over time, over experience, over situations. For example, there would have been times when people would not take us seriously and then we tried shouting at them, scolding them, etc. and they would have listened to us finally.
This would make us believe that to get things done, we should shout and make ourselves heard. Similarly, if one is praised often about his/her looks, it builds an ego within that person about their good looks. The same thing applies to wealth, health, intelligence etc.
This negative ego deludes the possessor by making him/her feel that everything he/she does is right and the world is at his/her feet. This negative ego may give temporary happiness — when people listen to us, do things the way we want, appreciate our looks etc. But it is imperative to understand that those people who listen to us and appreciate us may be doing so out of some selfish interests. And then we will feel inferior, depressed and sorrowful.
The best way to get a reality check on our negative ego is to observe our feeling when someone praises us, and when someone criticises us.
It is extremely important to note that till one does not fight and kill this inner demon, one cannot enjoy the actual freedom.
The first step towards killing this inner demon is to overcome the fear of what will happen if we let go of our negative ego. Will people stop listening to me? Will they suppress me? We need to be assured that once we kill this negative ego, we will realise our true potential, our true self, our true identity, our pristine consciousness.
Second step on this path is to gather courage and ask our near and dear ones as to what our shortcomings are. No one knows us better than our close family and friends. While asking them to point out your shortcomings, you need to make sure they feel that you will be open to their criticism. And once they point out your flaws, you should ensure that you act upon their positive criticism and make it a point to change yourself for the better by killing your negative ego.
So, like our country fought against the British rule to gain Independence, we should fight against our inner demons and attain freedom from pain and sorrow.
Sri Rameshji is a modern age spiritual guru and founder of Poorna Ananda, a centre for spiritual evolution and joyful living. Visit www.poornaananda.org
