ONE – The Ego

01
We hold within our minds a model encompassing all things.
A reflection of reality created by our perception.
A universe within the universe. The inner plane.

02
Within this inner plane is our perception of ourselves.
This concept we call our ego.
Within this inner plane is our perception of what relates to us.
These concepts we call our perceived reality.

03
We cannot define what is without what isn’t.
We cannot define our ego without defining our perceived reality.
Therefore, our ego defines our perceived reality and our perceived reality defines our ego.
When either are not in line with true reality, neither are in line with true reality.

04
Can we say our ego is an accurate reflection of our true state?
Can we say our perceived reality is reality?
Thus, this is the barrier to self realisation.

05
Day to day, we interact with reality, changing and being changed.
This inner plane we rely on to navigate reality.
When we encounter any situation, it is this inner plane that dictates our actions.
It is our greatest asset. It is our greatest burden.
The greatest tool in the hands of an unskilled craftsman results in tragedy.
We have had little instruction.

06
When coming across a situation, if we know how to decide then there is no decision.
A problem with an answer is not a problem.
Therefore, not all situations are problems, but all problems are situations.
When then, is a situation a problem?

07
When the outcomes do not matter, it is not a problem.
When we are unable to influence the outcome, it is not a problem.
When we can influence the outcome and know how, it is not a problem.
Only when the outcome matters, we can influence the outcome, but do not know how, does a situation become a problem.

08
But to assume we may influence an outcome when we do not know how is certainly a problem!
Though logically invalid, we still consider it a valid state of affairs.
This is the problem of problems.

09
From where does it arise? From the inner plane.
Our inner plane consists of our perception of our self and our perception of reality.
It is this perception of our self we call the ego.
This inner plane is not grounded by the laws of reality.
Because of this, our minds are capable of creativity.
Because of this, our minds are capable of delusion.

10
When the ego desires more than it can attain, the ego cares about outcomes it should not.
When the ego feels more in control than it is, the ego tries to influence situations it cannot.
Our situations quickly turn into problems.
Therefore, the source of the problem of problems lies in the ego.

11
An animal is not inherently bad. It becomes bad because of mishandling.
Our ego is not inherently bad. It becomes bad because of mishandling.
Through proper instruction, an animal can be tamed to serve a purpose.
Through proper instruction, our ego can be tamed to serve its purpose.

12
When we are attached to an animal, we cannot bring ourselves to discipline it.
When we are attached to our ego, we cannot bring ourselves to discipline it.
Therefore, before sublimating the ego, we must detach from it.

13
Before disciplining a dog, we must learn its nature.
Before disciplining our ego, we must learn its nature.
Therefore, before sublimating the ego, we must learn how it acts.

14
Within our reality, we have our senses to guide us.
Within our inner plane, we have the ego to guide us.
Our senses act to detect changes in our immediate reality.
Our ego acts to detect changes in our inner plane.

15
Our ears do not hear silence, only sound.
We are not aware of our ears until sound is present.
Our eyes do not see darkness, only light.
We are not aware of our eyes until light is present.
Our ego is not revealed when the inner plane is constant, only when change occurs.
We are not aware of our ego until change is present.

16
Therefore, the ego is to the inner plane what the senses are to our body.
When the inner plane is perturbed by the allure of gain,
When the inner plane is perturbed by the threat of loss,
The ego is known.
Therefore, the function of the ego is to maintain the image of itself.

17
Because we utilise this function of our mind to guide us,
Because we persist in the maintenance of this image,
Because we listen to our ego,
We make the mistake of taking this image of ourselves our real self.
Because of this we feed the ego.
Because of this we lose control over the ego.
Because of this we suffer.

18
When we take ourselves to be only the ego, we suffer.
When the ego acts to sustain itself, we suffer.
When the finite mind begins to scheme upon the infinite reality, we suffer.
Situations quickly turn into problems.
With problems arise the problem of problems.
Thus, we arrive at states of anxiety, frustration, depression.

19
When we take the ego as an instrument for our mental processes,
When the ego acts to benefit our being,
When the finite mind only contemplates what is realistically necessary,
Situations are situations and problems are few.
Thus, we arrive at states of peace, freedom, tranquillity.

20
To sublimate the ego is not to ignore the ego.
A person cannot function correctly without their sense organs.
To sublimate the ego is not to be without the ego.
A person cannot function correctly without their sense organs.
To sublimate the ego is merely to recognise it as a process of our mind and not the totality of our being.
We would not assume our heart is the entirety of our being. How much more so with a concept?

21
We however, are unable to accept this state.
Because we are so long habituated,
Because it is an effective process,
Because there are no alternatives,
We take the ego to be our real self.
To see through this illusion is to be free.

22
The ego is a construct.
It was not present when you were born. Yet it is here now.
Therefore, the ego must have been made later.
You were present from the moment of your birth.
How is it that you may only be the ego?

23
The ego is a construct.
Much like how the concept of fire does not raise the temperature of a room, the ego does not cause our existence.
Therefore, the ego is a concept.
You exist within reality, therefore you cannot be only a concept.
How is it that you may only be the ego?

24
The ego is a construct.
Utilising it is dependent on recollections of thoughts. Yet humans only experience time in the present.
Therefore, the ego is a memory.
You experience time only in the present.
How is it that you may only be the ego?

25
Examples are merely examples.
It is ultimately up to each individual to accept this truth.
Having laid out the arguments for why,
Having laid out the reasoning for how,
Having laid out the rationale for what is,
It is ultimately up to you to accept this truth.

26
To persist in this delusion is no folly.
Just as not achieving self-realisation is no folly.
We may take as long as we need.
However, knowing there is no compulsion, the ego is naturally sublimated.

De-identifying with the ego, the journey can begin in earnest.