Enlightenment: The Ego, what is it? How to transcend it.

[PathWalker]

Posted by greybeard (here)
A story

A man was given a gift of the perfect servant the only draw back was that he the master did no keep the servant busy it would kill him.

So at fist the master managed to keep the servant busy but he kept running out of things for him to do.
It was exhausting the master, then hit upon the idea,
He got the servant brick by brick to build a wall, when the wall was complete he go the servant to dismantle it brick by brick.

SO THATS OUR EGO. If we dont keep it busy in acquisition and separation mode it will make us very uneasy,

Thank you Graybeard that is a master piece of poetry.
I really like the ego parable.
Since I live in the middle east,it is very easy to work out the servant with useless chores (dig & fill, build & destroy).

Posted by greybeard (here)
So the ego hears of enlightenment, sounds a great idea, it becomes the spiritual ego, the seeker, it wil take you to work shops, seminars, books, cds, dvds, you name it.
The spiritual merry go round till eventually you realize you are looking in all the wrong places.

The longest journey is from head to heart.

I enjoyed the description of a spiritual ego, since I recognize mine and my addiction to information.

Never the less it is part of me and I am trying to make service from it in this thread

[truthseekerdan]

Posted by greybeard (here)
[I am not of any religion but Jesus certainly spoke of many wondrous things happening in the future, including a New Earth.

Dan and Beren and Redezra know the Bible I dont may be they would like to quote Jesus on New Earth.

Help guys!!!

Chris

Namaste

Hi Chris and dear friends,

Here is a link to a passage of Scripture where these coming things are foretold: 2 Peter 3:5-13

Sorry for my slow reply, I was away...

Love ~ Dan

[golden wonder]

I just tried to make a post. It timed out. I was too concerned with getting my words right, now I (my ego) don't care how this reads...

I am confused because I read back to front. Everything has an opposite.
No matter what a person s background, all are enlightened.
Some people don't understand how to deal with their wrestling ego, if they have time to think about it all.
I think I have too much time on my hands when I do.
When a person shows compassion it is without question.
Not everyone can empty their minds and meditate, or let go of their belief system in order to do so.
Not everyone has a duality with themselves.
We are all enlightened, no matter what walk of life.

Please forgive my ignorance if I am misunderstanding this discussion now.

[greybeard]

Posted by golden wonder (here)
I just tried to make a post. It timed out. I was too concerned with getting my words right, now I (my ego) don't care how this reads...

I am confused because I read back to front. Everything has an opposite.
No matter what a person s background, all are enlightened.
Some people don't understand how to deal with their wrestling ego, if they have time to think about it all.
I think I have too much time on my hands when I do.
When a person shows compassion it is without question.
Not everyone can empty their minds and meditate, or let go of their belief system in order to do so.
Not everyone has a duality with themselves.
We are all enlightened, no matter what walk of life.

Please forgive my ignorance if I am misunderstanding this discussion now.

Hi Golden Wonder
thanks for posting.
The seed of enlightenment is within everyone it has nothing to do with back ground or intelligence.
Compassion as you rightly pointed out is very important.
Everyone has duality within ie male and female.
Everyone can empty their minds believe me but it takes time, there was a post earlier about how to
.
TAKES TIME TO LET GO OF BELIEF SYSTEMS, but the biggest one is the belief I am the body.
2nd biggest is that I am making things happen all on my own unaided.

I would suggest that anyone new to this subject starts at page one and works through.

I wil let my ego out to play for a moment.

If this was a Charles thread you would make the time,

Honestly this thread with its diverse points of view and contributors could help you make a big shift in consciousness
the tools are here.

You raise your consciousness you are changing the world.

With love
Chris

[Belle]

Found this thread late tonight and don't have the time at this moment to start on the 1st page. Will do that tomorrow.

While I'm here I'd like to share a couple of thoughts. I have been "dealing with" the ego since I first read the Course in Miracles. It was a wonderful start and I still refer to it often. The information/counsel I need at any given moment can usually be found within those pages.

To me, the ego screams protection, must protect my individuality at any cost. Ego says there is no oneness, and I must take any thought, word or action from another as an attack...thus the need to attack back. The ego is jealous, need to be right, needs to be "special", need to constantly make comparisons to others and loves games of "one-upmanship" and showing off how smart he/she is with big words or how generous he/she is with big actions. The ego separates us, isolates us from all. It's so noisy that it's hard to hear the whispers of wisdom, or feel the nudges of the spirit.

In recognizing what ego is, the noise of its cries of "protect" "protect!" alerts me to an area of my life than needs work. To question why that person may irk me, for example. It usually turns out to be something in myself I don't like very much. And thus I grow with each noisy warning...beware, ego alert...time to learn.

There is so much wisdom in the many wonderful people here that this may be oversimplistic, but I am a simple traveler seeking enlightenment.

Love this thread, Greybeard. Thank you.

[greybeard]

Ramana Maharshi quotes here

http://www.successconsciousness.com/...shi_quotes.htm

One of my first teachers via several books.

Even David Icke was moved enough by these teachings to visit the home of the late Maharshi.

Frankly if you get the teachings all you need is one book of his the rest are redundant.

Eckhart Tolle. David Hawkins and most Western Enlightened teachers, quote both Ramana Maharshi and A Course in Miracles.

Wonder why?

Laughing

Happy reading

Chris

[Henners]

"The authentic self is the best part of a human being. It's the part of you that already cares, that is already passionate about evolution. When your authentic self miraculously awakens and becomes stronger than your ego, then you will truly begin to make a difference in this world. You will literally enter into a partnership with the creative principle."
~Andrew Cohen~

[Belle]

Posted by greybeard (here)
Ramana Maharshi quotes here

http://www.successconsciousness.com/...shi_quotes.htm

One of my first teachers via several books.

Even David Icke was moved enough by these teachings to visit the home of the late Maharshi.

Frankly if you get the teachings all you need is one book of his the rest are redundant.

Eckhart Tolle. David Hawkins and most Western Enlightened teachers, quote both Ramana Maharshi and A Course in Miracles.

Wonder why?

Laughing

Happy reading

Chris

Thank you for the link. Just briefly browsing the quoted sayings, this is going to be a wonderful visit with a master. There's no way to rush through, sounds like something that must be savored.

I don't know how I missed Marharshi. I've studied for many many years and have a habit of taking what feeds me at the moment and returning when the hunger returns. I believe I shall be gorging on his teachings!

[Ernie Nemeth]

Breakthroughs occur after breakdowns...then the cycle repeats.

I have just got my eviction notice. Starting to gather my survival pack. No more tent or camping gear, that's long gone. Piece of plastic will have to do. Now I see why I have been forced to shoulder a 50lb. pack for the last, what?...3yrs.?...4? I do not even know anymore. I guess this was always inevitable. I want out of this world. Always have. Will head north, into the wild. Then we'll see what happens. Got a buck knife...rope, no money for hatchet. Will bring a small saw. Compass, magnifying glass, one pot with lid, a plastic water bottle. Good clothes I have, and boots. No water tablets. Will have to boil water. I know I can survive, I have the knowledge. Just do not know if I want to, you know? My ego is loving this - the bastard! My lofty struggle is over. Now its back to basic survival. No more time to rant at the injustices of this world - or the eighteen merry men forming their next ego trip. Just me against mother nature - my love now my formidable adversary. Kill to live, gut and skin. No knowledge of plants, cant find that plant book... Do cells work in the wild? What good would it do me if it does? No cell phone then. Wind-up flashlight/radio, some anti-sceptic and gauze. Crazy glue for stubborn cuts. Duct tape! two rolls. Never know when I might have to pull a Red Green... What else, What else? Have I missed something important? Better pull out my survival notes... Heart racing now. Odd, no fear. Things far more vivid suddenly, more real. Lots of sadness though... No regrets, no finger pointing. Palms perspiring - thought that meant money's on its way - who cares. Can't eat money. Soap - have nine bars, a towel. Toilet paper - not much point to that really. Wish I had a dog,,, Bring my walking stick - carved with my initials and some runes. Luckily always kept my good back pack with waist strap! Bed roll, wool blanket is no good, acrilic is better. Plastic Zip lock bags, a whole box. Salt, some spices, the last of the tea. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Getting excited, heart pounding. Should I wait till they kick me out or just leave. What will my daughter think? My woman...oh no, my woman. She cannot come, she wouldn't make it more than five city blocks. She'll be okay, her and her daughter. Adrenaline rush.

These are my thoughts now. Not love, not peace, not the future, not free energy, not spirit, not meditation or incense, not transcendance, not my books, not music, not Avalon's flag, not Charles or Bill...certainly not World Peace - who cares about any of that!

I am the ego, the body. My only concern is survival and will all this stuff fit in my pack. And will I be able to heft it and how far can I get and how much will it weigh.

Luckily this isn't the first time I've thought of this. That makes it easier. I'm pretty much prepared. Wait till Val falls alsleep tonight from her multiple pain pills. Then I'll sneak out...

[greybeard]

Ernie my heart goes out to you because I have been there.
I will say no more it is not about me its a about what is right for you.
I will pray for your well being now.
Chris

[9eagle9]

I sent you PM message Ernie, I hope you respond to it .

Posted by Ernie Nemeth (here)
Breakthroughs occur after breakdowns...then the cycle repeats.

I have just got my eviction notice. Starting to gather my survival pack. No more tent or camping gear, that's long gone. Piece of plastic will have to do. Now I see why I have been forced to shoulder a 50lb. pack for the last, what?...3yrs.?...4? I do not even know anymore. I guess this was always inevitable. I want out of this world. Always have. Will head north, into the wild. Then we'll see what happens. Got a buck knife...rope, no money for hatchet. Will bring a small saw. Compass, magnifying glass, one pot with lid, a plastic water bottle. Good clothes I have, and boots. No water tablets. Will have to boil water. I know I can survive, I have the knowledge. Just do not know if I want to, you know? My ego is loving this - the bastard! My lofty struggle is over. Now its back to basic survival. No more time to rant at the injustices of this world - or the eighteen merry men forming their next ego trip. Just me against mother nature - my love now my formidable adversary. Kill to live, gut and skin. No knowledge of plants, cant find that plant book... Do cells work in the wild? What good would it do me if it does? No cell phone then. Wind-up flashlight/radio, some anti-sceptic and gauze. Crazy glue for stubborn cuts. Duct tape! two rolls. Never know when I might have to pull a Red Green... What else, What else? Have I missed something important? Better pull out my survival notes... Heart racing now. Odd, no fear. Things far more vivid suddenly, more real. Lots of sadness though... No regrets, no finger pointing. Palms perspiring - thought that meant money's on its way - who cares. Can't eat money. Soap - have nine bars, a towel. Toilet paper - not much point to that really. Wish I had a dog,,, Bring my walking stick - carved with my initials and some runes. Luckily always kept my good back pack with waist strap! Bed roll, wool blanket is no good, acrilic is better. Plastic Zip lock bags, a whole box. Salt, some spices, the last of the tea. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Getting excited, heart pounding. Should I wait till they kick me out or just leave. What will my daughter think? My woman...oh no, my woman. She cannot come, she wouldn't make it more than five city blocks. She'll be okay, her and her daughter. Adrenaline rush.

These are my thoughts now. Not love, not peace, not the future, not free energy, not spirit, not meditation or incense, not transcendance, not my books, not music, not Avalon's flag, not Charles or Bill...certainly not World Peace - who cares about any of that!

I am the ego, the body. My only concern is survival and will all this stuff fit in my pack. And will I be able to heft it and how far can I get and how much will it weigh.

Luckily this isn't the first time I've thought of this. That makes it easier. I'm pretty much prepared. Wait till Val falls alsleep tonight from her multiple pain pills. Then I'll sneak out...

[truthseekerdan]

Should I wait till they kick me out or just leave.

Dear Ernie,

Please don't despair my friend -- I know you might think that it's easy for me to say it, but am pretty much in your shoes. Just did not received my notice yet...

I know people in my subdivision that received notices more than 6 months ago, and still live in their houses because they refused to leave. Nobody came to throw them out yet.

I don't know the laws in Canada (live in US myself), but I suggest that you don't leave, just stand your ground and don't fear for your rights. Do your best to stay calm.

Remember that you'll be in my prayers, and in a little while (about a month) there will be a shift in consciousness that is predicted to bring major positive changes, so hang in there.

Meanwhile if there is anything that the Avalon community can help or assist you, please don't hesitate to ask. Most of us are heart driven folks that will be glad to assist.

Take care, love and blessings sent to you and yours ~ Dan ~ ♥

[genorose]

hi greybeard
hope you are well
have begun reading some of your stuff and find it very useful and enjoyable
have put some stuff onto the forum - a bit prematurely it might seem
for a while now i think i will just observe and learn
there are some very informed peope out there on the forum
bye for now
genorose

[Ineffable Hitchhiker]

Posted by Ernie Nemeth (here)
Breakthroughs occur after breakdowns...then the cycle repeats.

I have just got my eviction notice. Starting to gather my survival pack. No more tent or camping gear, that's long gone. Piece of plastic will have to do. Now I see why I have been forced to shoulder a 50lb. pack for the last, what?...3yrs.?...4? I do not even know anymore. I guess this was always inevitable. I want out of this world. Always have. Will head north, into the wild. Then we'll see what happens. Got a buck knife...rope, no money for hatchet. Will bring a small saw. Compass, magnifying glass, one pot with lid, a plastic water bottle. Good clothes I have, and boots. No water tablets. Will have to boil water. I know I can survive, I have the knowledge. Just do not know if I want to, you know? My ego is loving this - the bastard! My lofty struggle is over. Now its back to basic survival. No more time to rant at the injustices of this world - or the eighteen merry men forming their next ego trip. Just me against mother nature - my love now my formidable adversary. Kill to live, gut and skin. No knowledge of plants, cant find that plant book... Do cells work in the wild? What good would it do me if it does? No cell phone then. Wind-up flashlight/radio, some anti-sceptic and gauze. Crazy glue for stubborn cuts. Duct tape! two rolls. Never know when I might have to pull a Red Green... What else, What else? Have I missed something important? Better pull out my survival notes... Heart racing now. Odd, no fear. Things far more vivid suddenly, more real. Lots of sadness though... No regrets, no finger pointing. Palms perspiring - thought that meant money's on its way - who cares. Can't eat money. Soap - have nine bars, a towel. Toilet paper - not much point to that really. Wish I had a dog,,, Bring my walking stick - carved with my initials and some runes. Luckily always kept my good back pack with waist strap! Bed roll, wool blanket is no good, acrilic is better. Plastic Zip lock bags, a whole box. Salt, some spices, the last of the tea. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Getting excited, heart pounding. Should I wait till they kick me out or just leave. What will my daughter think? My woman...oh no, my woman. She cannot come, she wouldn't make it more than five city blocks. She'll be okay, her and her daughter. Adrenaline rush.

These are my thoughts now. Not love, not peace, not the future, not free energy, not spirit, not meditation or incense, not transcendance, not my books, not music, not Avalon's flag, not Charles or Bill...certainly not World Peace - who cares about any of that!

I am the ego, the body. My only concern is survival and will all this stuff fit in my pack. And will I be able to heft it and how far can I get and how much will it weigh.

Luckily this isn't the first time I've thought of this. That makes it easier. I'm pretty much prepared. Wait till Val falls alsleep tonight from her multiple pain pills. Then I'll sneak out...

This post had me in tears. Cannot transcend ego right now.
I don´t know what to say...

All I have to offer is an Irish blessing:-

"May the long time sun
Shine upon you,
All love surround you,
And the pure light within you
Guide your way on."


Ernie, go well on your journey and take care.
Hopefully you will find a way to be with your daughter and partner, one day.

[John101]

Posted by 9eagle9 (here)
I sent you PM message Ernie, I hope you respond to it .

Posted by Ernie Nemeth (here)
Breakthroughs occur after breakdowns...then the cycle repeats.

I have just got my eviction notice. Starting to gather my survival pack. No more tent or camping gear, that's long gone. Piece of plastic will have to do. Now I see why I have been forced to shoulder a 50lb. pack for the last, what?...3yrs.?...4? I do not even know anymore. I guess this was always inevitable. I want out of this world. Always have. Will head north, into the wild. Then we'll see what happens. Got a buck knife...rope, no money for hatchet. Will bring a small saw. Compass, magnifying glass, one pot with lid, a plastic water bottle. Good clothes I have, and boots. No water tablets. Will have to boil water. I know I can survive, I have the knowledge. Just do not know if I want to, you know? My ego is loving this - the bastard! My lofty struggle is over. Now its back to basic survival. No more time to rant at the injustices of this world - or the eighteen merry men forming their next ego trip. Just me against mother nature - my love now my formidable adversary. Kill to live, gut and skin. No knowledge of plants, cant find that plant book... Do cells work in the wild? What good would it do me if it does? No cell phone then. Wind-up flashlight/radio, some anti-sceptic and gauze. Crazy glue for stubborn cuts. Duct tape! two rolls. Never know when I might have to pull a Red Green... What else, What else? Have I missed something important? Better pull out my survival notes... Heart racing now. Odd, no fear. Things far more vivid suddenly, more real. Lots of sadness though... No regrets, no finger pointing. Palms perspiring - thought that meant money's on its way - who cares. Can't eat money. Soap - have nine bars, a towel. Toilet paper - not much point to that really. Wish I had a dog,,, Bring my walking stick - carved with my initials and some runes. Luckily always kept my good back pack with waist strap! Bed roll, wool blanket is no good, acrilic is better. Plastic Zip lock bags, a whole box. Salt, some spices, the last of the tea. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Getting excited, heart pounding. Should I wait till they kick me out or just leave. What will my daughter think? My woman...oh no, my woman. She cannot come, she wouldn't make it more than five city blocks. She'll be okay, her and her daughter. Adrenaline rush.

These are my thoughts now. Not love, not peace, not the future, not free energy, not spirit, not meditation or incense, not transcendance, not my books, not music, not Avalon's flag, not Charles or Bill...certainly not World Peace - who cares about any of that!

I am the ego, the body. My only concern is survival and will all this stuff fit in my pack. And will I be able to heft it and how far can I get and how much will it weigh.

Luckily this isn't the first time I've thought of this. That makes it easier. I'm pretty much prepared. Wait till Val falls alsleep tonight from her multiple pain pills. Then I'll sneak out...

Break's my heart, I feel so useless.

[greybeard]

We can help each other here, though sharing and sending prayers and good thoughts.
The ego is not easy to transcend but little by little just by putting others first it diminishes.
Ernie and Dan you are uppermost in my thoughts.
With love
Chris.

[greybeard]

Posted by John101 (here)

Posted by 9eagle9 (here)
I sent you PM message Ernie, I hope you respond to it .

Posted by Ernie Nemeth (here)
Breakthroughs occur after breakdowns...then the cycle repeats.

I have just got my eviction notice. Starting to gather my survival pack. No more tent or camping gear, that's long gone. Piece of plastic will have to do. Now I see why I have been forced to shoulder a 50lb. pack for the last, what?...3yrs.?...4? I do not even know anymore. I guess this was always inevitable. I want out of this world. Always have. Will head north, into the wild. Then we'll see what happens. Got a buck knife...rope, no money for hatchet. Will bring a small saw. Compass, magnifying glass, one pot with lid, a plastic water bottle. Good clothes I have, and boots. No water tablets. Will have to boil water. I know I can survive, I have the knowledge. Just do not know if I want to, you know? My ego is loving this - the bastard! My lofty struggle is over. Now its back to basic survival. No more time to rant at the injustices of this world - or the eighteen merry men forming their next ego trip. Just me against mother nature - my love now my formidable adversary. Kill to live, gut and skin. No knowledge of plants, cant find that plant book... Do cells work in the wild? What good would it do me if it does? No cell phone then. Wind-up flashlight/radio, some anti-sceptic and gauze. Crazy glue for stubborn cuts. Duct tape! two rolls. Never know when I might have to pull a Red Green... What else, What else? Have I missed something important? Better pull out my survival notes... Heart racing now. Odd, no fear. Things far more vivid suddenly, more real. Lots of sadness though... No regrets, no finger pointing. Palms perspiring - thought that meant money's on its way - who cares. Can't eat money. Soap - have nine bars, a towel. Toilet paper - not much point to that really. Wish I had a dog,,, Bring my walking stick - carved with my initials and some runes. Luckily always kept my good back pack with waist strap! Bed roll, wool blanket is no good, acrilic is better. Plastic Zip lock bags, a whole box. Salt, some spices, the last of the tea. Oh boy, oh boy, oh boy! Getting excited, heart pounding. Should I wait till they kick me out or just leave. What will my daughter think? My woman...oh no, my woman. She cannot come, she wouldn't make it more than five city blocks. She'll be okay, her and her daughter. Adrenaline rush.

These are my thoughts now. Not love, not peace, not the future, not free energy, not spirit, not meditation or incense, not transcendance, not my books, not music, not Avalon's flag, not Charles or Bill...certainly not World Peace - who cares about any of that!

I am the ego, the body. My only concern is survival and will all this stuff fit in my pack. And will I be able to heft it and how far can I get and how much will it weigh.

Luckily this isn't the first time I've thought of this. That makes it easier. I'm pretty much prepared. Wait till Val falls alsleep tonight from her multiple pain pills. Then I'll sneak out...

Break's my heart, I feel so useless.

John you are far from useless the moment you have enough humility to ask for help something happens and you are lifted.
You did ask.
I went through Alcoholism and was a suicidal wreck at the age of 28. After being hospitalized 3 times. I ended up being taken to AA.
That changed my life totally.
It took time and humility on my part, I had hit rock bottom my life had become un-manageable, I could not fix it unloved, unwanted.
I humbly asked my higher Power the God of m understanding, with a few slips and set backs it all came right.
I exist on benefits in a council house but I am happy and at peace with me.
I dont really like talking about me or the past but sometimes it helps.

Chris

[John101]

I appreciate that Chris, I just find it hard right now to see someone in desperate need and not have anything to offer them.
Hugs and kisses just don't seem enough right now.
Please do excuse me, I have been struggling with new emotions, tough for me to hold it together sometimes.

[greybeard]

The AA Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can.
Wisdom to know the difference.


The power of prayer is not to be confused with hugs and kisses John though that helps too.

Despair has a low energy and does not help anyone.

Part of spiritual growth are famously called "Dark nights of the soul"
During these difficult times we are being purified, everything that is not the true I comes up to be burnt off by the light of consiousness.

Regards Chris
.

[John101]

Posted by greybeard (here)
The AA Prayer

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change
Courage to change the things I can.
Wisdom to know the difference. .

Something I already knew, but had also forgot.
It does balance it out quite well.

Many Thanks for reminding me of this.

This is why it was you that I asked.
Regards John