Question: Could you please talk more about the ego and action and non-action? It seems as though in everyday life even though we may be on the spiritual path, the ego can be involved in non-action as much as in action and sometimes if we decide not to do anything but to just be, then there is that risk of lethargy. There seems to be as much ego in action as in non-action.
Babaji:
Whereas spiritually every imagination is considered as an ego ultimately, however while we have to live in this world it cannot be classified like that. There can be good and bad, right and wrong so whatever comes to the imagination, whatever we think that this might be right, this might be correct - based on that only we have to act. When there are imaginations only then we will act upon.
If the brain and mind becomes dull then sometimes it might become very difficult to make a judgement or decide whether to act or not. However what you have to do is whatever you think right. Whatever you want to achieve you can live in this world a way of life that you would have adopted. You have a right to defend yourself; you have a right to think for yourself what is right. So one thing is that if you practice this meditation regularly an ability to do this will come into your mind. Ultimately it all depends on the ability to think, to judge, to understand what is right and what is wrong. Based on these things only ego and right and wrong things are always decided.
One simple understanding of ego, if there is ego, we do not want to learn things. Ignorance itself is not a curse, it is not a sin, and it is natural for everyone. Everyone will be in ignorance - then only they come to knowledge and understand. As long as one is able to learn, learn from the history, from the mythical stories, learn from our own past. The past is meant so that we can learn lessons not to repeat the same mistakes. No need to be brooding about the past. Future is meant that we can always plan. But we need not be anxious - so that is how one can avoid ego. So if we do not act, if we try to remain quiet and expect results that also is an ego. So that is why we always tell that you need to act upon - you cannot afford to keep quiet - whatever you feel right. So this will be according to your ability.
Ultimately, the mind, if it is more purified and if it is more concentrated, then you will be able to consider a larger cause always and try to act accordingly sacrificing the personal narrow-mindedness. Just like when we think that we need to have happiness and peace, if we think of the whole home, think of the whole society, if we are able to think of the world and country, as much as possible. Like even while praying to God, we should pray "Loka Samasta Sukhino Bhavantu," we don't know how many worlds the Divine would have created but let there be peace and happiness prevailing everywhere for all creatures. Like that gradually our vision, mind and consciousness expand into broadness. So the more the mind becomes broad its ego decreases, less and less ego happens so we are able to consider a larger cause. So then you would be able to avoid ego as much as possible if you always try to look for a larger cause and better education and better learning for yourself. These types of things can always help you to avoid ego in a better way.
