Page 16 - NAMAH-Jul-2024

Namah Vol. 32, Issue 2, 15th July 2024

behind familiar family and friend circles, Aurobindo suggests, such ‘hell’ can be a
causing discomfort for those around us. In necessary shortcut to the ‘heaven’ of our
some cultures, this can lead to accusations highest potential.
of selfishness, making the seeker a villain
in someone else’s story. Similarly, societal The ego: A hurdle on the Path
change-makers who challenge the status-quo
often face significant resistance. History is
filled with examples, like the crucifixion of
Christ, where positive change can come at a
great personal cost. Pain becomes the price
of progress, the inevitable consequence of
being a disruptor.

However, just like physical pain endured
while scaling a mountain can be seen as a
stepping-stone towards achieving a great
view, discomfort can also lead to a higher
purpose. The pain of being ostracised or
misunderstood can build perseverance,
strength and resilience. It pushes us through The biggest challenge in this process is often
resistance and ultimately helps us reach the the ego. The ego personalises all experiences,
peak, both literally and metaphorically. making us see everything as happening ‘to
me’. Remember the different perspectives
Even seemingly unbearable physical pain we explored — the deer, the tiger, the
can hold a different meaning when viewed ecosystem and so on. The ego clings to the
in the context of a larger purpose. Imagine ‘deer’ perspective, the one that sees itself as
the love and purpose Christ embodied, even the centre of the universe. It identifies with
while being crucified. He embraced the pain the body, emotions, senses, thoughts, and
not as an ordinary person would, but ideas, creating a limited container for the
from a deeper perspective. He understood immense potential within.
that he was bringing a force of love and
harmony that the world wasn’t yet ready This potential manifests itself as the
for. evolutionary impulse pushing for growth.
For those with potential, the ‘Divine’ might
The world, then, becomes a stage where intervene, metaphorically acting like the
the ‘Delight of existence’ plays out in all its tiger that devours the deer’s ego. Imagine a
various forms — war, love, pain, and joy. By lotus seed — its hard shell prevents it from
developing a wider perspective, we can learn sprouting. To facilitate growth, the shell
to embrace this drama, even the challenging needs to be thinned. Similarly, the ‘Divine’
parts. We can find the thrill in the dangerous might need to ‘grind’ at our ego, a process
encounters, the very experiences that bring that can be painful if we don’t understand
physical, emotional, and mental pain. As Sri its purpose.

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