In class we looked at identifying with the Ego, another Klesha, and how it can be a cause of suffering.
When we identify with how we look and the roles we take (a teacher, a mother, a son etc) we mistakingly take this to be our true selves, but this is false identification. We can become unhappy when we see ourselves this way. Why? Because how we look, the body that we have and the roles that we take are always changing. When these things change we can become unsettled, which can cause suffering.
However, when we look within, we can begin to connect with our true self. The unchanging self that was there when we were born, that is there right now and will be there until the day we die. This self is unchanging and steady. Our true self.
By connecting with our true self we can free ourselves of the worry when things change. That is not to say that we should not take care of our body or take pride in our roles, but we should remember that we are not defined by this. We are much more.
I’d like to thank Rob, one of my students, for sharing an interesting video which reflects some of the same teachings/ideas. The video is below if you would like to take a look.
If you have any thoughts, I’d love to hear them.
