– Kalpna Singh-Chitnis
As much we want to, we are not meant to change the world, which lies perfectly in imperfections. We, for that, must look deeply into the nature of the universe and carefully watch our actions that are often guided by our ego and emotions that aren’t wholesome.
The industries I work in, I often find people dealing with immense ego. Writers, poets, actors, filmmakers, leaders, and business professionals usually identify themselves with their achievements and contributions to others, boosting their ego further, instead of seeing how the world has contributed to their success and continues to sustain them. They hold a high ground and great opinion about themselves and can’t help seeing others smaller in their comparison. Their ego challenges the much-needed humility in them. They are often blindsided, when they look at others’ capabilities and contributions. As a result, the members of our creative community often feel isolated and cut off from the existential reality that does not distinguish between them and the rest of the world.
Being heedful toward one’s ego is essential to practicing mindfulness, which is reflected in our speech and actions. Sincerity in our interactions is necessary to generate positive energy that we share in our sphere.
Many of us might have experienced difficulties in the company of those who struggle with these challenges. As a creative individual, mindfulness practitioner, and a professional, I have found myself incapable of responding in the same manner, when challenged by the unmanageable ego and superiority complex of my counterparts seeking attention. As a woman, I find it twice hard dealing with the male egos in my business. We encounter misogyny and patriarchy everywhere. Even women are known for discriminating against women. It is not just the gender issue; it is also a psychological issue. To deal with this concern, I have pondered over the reasons that give rise to our ego, and how one can handle this worry creatively. I have set some guidelines for myself, that some others also may find them beneficial.
Being heedful toward one’s ego is essential to practicing mindfulness, which is reflected in our speech and actions. Sincerity in our interactions is necessary to generate positive energy that we share in our sphere. Our words and actions as rational beings are meant to be creative, uplifting, and meaningful. It beats the purpose of coming together to do anything if we dismiss one another in the process, causing sufferings to those we like to ignore, and also ourselves.
The Good ego enables us to understand the difference between right and wrong and helps in developing the sublime attitude. The Good ego is essential to our existence. In contrast, the bad ego suppresses our good qualities, which becomes a hindrance in gaining the right view… *The Buddha says it, and so do the modern psychologists.
In spite of that, as much we want to, we are not meant to change the world, which lies perfectly in imperfections. We are only meant to transform ourselves that may bring the changes we want to see in the world. We, for that, must look deeply into the nature of the universe and carefully watch our actions that are often guided by our ego and emotions that aren’t wholesome. This meditation is worth analyzing the wrong views and correcting the mistakes we often make knowingly and unknowingly. Tending to the toxic emotions and ego is not creative. It becomes counterproductive if we gravitate toward this mind game often played.
We can’t eliminate the Bad ego, as the Good and Bad coexist, but…
However, there is no one born without an ego. Here we need to understand that there are two sides to an ego, pure and tainted. To learn about the complexity of how both sides of the ego come to play, we need to understand one simple thing, that the Good ego enables us to understand the difference between right and wrong and helps in developing the sublime attitude. It is essential to our existence.
In contrast, the tainted ego suppresses our good qualities, which becomes a hindrance in gaining the right view and generating the sublime attitude. We can’t eliminate the Bad ego, as the Good and Bad coexist, but we can discipline it by being mindful; and for the sake of cultivating goodwill. The Buddha says it, and so do the modern psychologists.
*Recommended read: Thanissaro Bhikku discusses Ego, according to Buddhist Teaching of Anatta, (which resonates with the Modern Psychology), in Access to Insight at -https://www.accesstoinsight.org/lib/authors/thanissaro/selvesnotself.html
© Kalpna Singh-Chitnis @AccessKalpna
