THE MIND: ITS MYSTERIES AND CONTROL - 17. IGNORANCE & EGO - Sri Swami Sivananda - The Mind: Its Mysteries & Control - HQ Full Book.

In Chapter 17 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control by Sri Swami Sivananda, titled "Ignorance and Ego," the relationship between ignorance, the mind, and ego is explored in-depth. This chapter delves into the root cause of human suffering and the obstacles to spiritual awakening: ignorance. The mind, according to Swami Sivananda, is a product of ignorance, and it is through the mind that the ego develops, creating an illusion of individuality and separation from the divine.

Ignorance: The Source of the Mind
Sri Swami Sivananda emphasizes that ignorance is the fundamental cause of the mind’s existence. The mind is a creation of ignorance, and as such, it is filled with delusions and misconceptions. Ignorance, or avidya, prevents individuals from perceiving reality as it truly is. Instead of seeing the unity of existence, the mind, under the influence of ignorance, divides the world into opposites and distinctions—such as good and bad, big and small, superior and inferior. This dualistic perception is an illusion, and it is the root cause of suffering. Swami Sivananda explains that if one can eradicate ignorance by gaining true knowledge of the Supreme Self (Atman), the mind ceases to exist. Knowledge of the Self dissolves the mind, rendering it into nothingness. This knowledge is not intellectual but experiential, attained through deep meditation and spiritual practice.

The Role of Limiting Adjuncts
Ignorance operates through limiting adjuncts, or upadhis, which veil the true nature of the Self. The mind, intellect, and ego are considered limiting adjuncts of the soul. These adjuncts shape and restrict the soul’s true nature, trapping it in the illusion of individuality. The mind is not the true self but a conditioned instrument that functions under the influence of ignorance. As long as one identifies with the mind, they remain trapped in the world of duality and suffering. Swami Sivananda refers to the philosophical insights of Adi Shankaracharya, who explained that ignorance is inherent in the mental faculty and is the basis for all mistaken perceptions. According to Shankara, the dualistic experience of perceiver and perceived is the result of the mind’s objectifying tendency, which projects distinctions and differences where none exist.

The Illusion of Duality
The mind’s perception of duality—seeing the world as separate from oneself—is purely imaginary. There is no actual separation between the perceiver and the perceived; it is only the mind that creates this illusion. When the mind is destroyed, through the knowledge of the Supreme Self, the illusion of duality vanishes, and with it, the distinctions between objects, people, and events. This is the state of non-duality, or Advaita, where the experiencer and the experienced are one and the same. Swami Sivananda advises that constant and profound meditation on the Atman, the true Self, is the means to transcend the mind and realize this state of non-duality. In this state, the individual is free from the pairs of opposites—such as pleasure and pain, success and failure—that create disturbance in the mind. This is the highest state of peace and knowledge, where one is established in the Supreme Reality.

Ego: The Seed of the Mind
Ego, or Ahamkara, is the sense of individual identity, the “I” thought that arises in the mind. Swami Sivananda explains that ego is rooted in the intellect, and it is through the intellect that the sense of individuality is created. The ego is a product of the mind’s differentiation, which distinguishes “I” from “you” and “mine” from “yours.” It is the ego that binds the soul to the world and its desires, keeping it in the cycle of birth, death, and rebirth. The ego is the seed of the mind, and from it, all thoughts and desires arise. The first thought of “I” is the foundation of all other thoughts. This thought creates a sense of separation and individuality, which then gives rise to the concepts of time, space, and causality. As the ego strengthens, it becomes more entrenched in worldly attachments and desires, further entangling the individual in the illusion of the material world.

The Development of Ego
Ego begins in childhood as a faint sense of individuality. In early life, the ego is not fully developed; a child is not fully aware of itself as a separate entity. However, as a person matures and begins to experience the world through desires, relationships, and ambitions, the ego becomes more pronounced. Swami Sivananda notes that during adolescence, the ego becomes firmly rooted, especially as individuals start to identify with material possessions, social roles, and relationships. This ego-driven attachment to worldly desires creates fear, attachment, and delusion. The stronger the ego, the more real the world appears, and the individual becomes increasingly trapped in the cycle of worldly experiences. Egoism, according to Swami Sivananda, is the greatest curse, as it clouds the true nature of the Self and prevents realization of the Divine. 

The Curse of Egoism
Ego is a manifestation of Maya, the cosmic illusion. Just as a cloud obscures the sun, the ego obscures the true nature of the soul. It is through ego that one experiences suffering, attachment, and delusion. Swami Sivananda warns that the ego, though seemingly real, is nothing more than a projection of the mind’s ignorance. The ego perpetuates the illusion of separateness and reinforces the false notion of individual identity. As long as there is ego, one cannot realize the Supreme Truth, which is beyond all concepts of identity and form. Swami Sivananda further illustrates that egoism, in its various forms, is responsible for human suffering. Whether in the form of attachment to the body, pride, or material desires, the ego ties the soul to the world and creates a sense of alienation from the divine. To transcend this egoism, one must first recognize it as an illusion and then seek the path of self-realization.

How to Eradicate Ego
Swami Sivananda explains that ego cannot be eradicated overnight. It requires a sustained effort over time, through spiritual practices that purify the mind and heart. The root of ego is ignorance, and it can only be destroyed by the fire of knowledge. The knowledge that one is the Atman, the eternal, unchanging Self, is the key to dissolving the ego. There are various methods to reduce the ego, including self-surrender, self-denial, and self-inquiry. Through meditation, breath control, and association with wise and saintly individuals, one can gradually reduce the influence of the ego. Swami Sivananda advises that the ego should be minimized little by little, starting with the recognition of its influence in everyday life. By examining the source of the ego and questioning its validity, one can begin to dismantle it piece by piece. The process of ego eradication is likened to peeling an onion, where each layer of ego is removed until only the pure Self remains. Swami Sivananda asserts that the ego is not destroyed all at once, but over time, through persistent spiritual practice, it can be completely eradicated. 

Pure Ego: The Ego of Liberation
Swami Sivananda concludes by distinguishing between the impure ego, which binds the soul to the world, and the pure ego, which is a necessary aspect of spiritual awakening. The pure ego is the realization that one is not the individual self, but the Divine Self, or Brahman. This realization does not bind the soul but liberates it, allowing it to merge with the Supreme Reality. The ego of liberation is not an obstacle but a means to transcend the false identification with the body and mind, leading to the ultimate realization of oneness with the divine.

In summary, Chapter 17 of The Mind: Its Mysteries and Control reveals the profound relationship between ignorance, the mind, and ego. Swami Sivananda teaches that ignorance creates the mind and ego, which in turn create the illusion of individuality and separation. The only way to transcend this illusion is through knowledge of the true Self and the practice of spiritual disciplines that purify the mind and destroy the ego. Through dedicated practice and self-inquiry, the ego can be eradicated, leading to liberation and the realization of the Supreme Reality.  

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