Who Am I?

Who Am I?

In the journey of life, we often encounter a deep, introspective question: "Who am I?" As we seek an answer, our ego frequently stands in the way, distorting our perception of reality. The ego, in essence, is an emotional veil, making us believe that we are the most important and that we are superior to others. However, when we take a step back and observe with a clear mind, we realise that there is no real 'I.' We are merely a small, yet significant, part of this vast universe.

The ego is a construct of our thoughts and emotions. It convinces us that our existence is paramount. With achievements like wealth, success, and fame, our ego grows stronger, leading us to consider ourselves superior. We start looking down upon others, often failing to see their worth. Yet, this ego is like a balloon filled with air — one small prick of failure or a life crisis is enough to burst it. In a single moment, everything we built our sense of self upon can crumble.

The great saints, like Sant Tukaram and Sant Dnyaneshwar from Maharashtra, India, lived their entire lives renouncing their ego. They consistently professed, "It is not I; it is only the Divine." For them, the 'I' was nothing; everything was the Divine presence. When we set aside our ego, we allow our inner self to connect with the divine. Through our actions, we become an instrument of a higher purpose. These saints placed immense value on humility, love, compassion, and service. They saw themselves as a medium for divine love and not as individuals seeking personal glory.

The ego is the root of many problems in relationships. It creates distance, diminishes love, and gives rise to conflicts. In any relationship, if both individuals are constantly driven by the "I" and "You" mindset, there is no room for warmth or trust. The ego becomes a barrier to understanding and empathy. True love and harmony thrive only in the absence of ego, where there is a shared sense of 'We' instead of 'I.'

If we want to experience the true beauty of life, it is essential to let go of the ego. Mahatma Gandhi once said, "I am nothing, and yet everything is me," and he lived by this philosophy throughout his life. By renouncing his ego, Gandhi dedicated himself to the service of society, fighting for justice through non-violence and truth. He understood that beyond the ego, we are all a small but vital part of the collective whole. Each of us can bring about positive change, extend a helping hand, and contribute to the well-being of others.

When we are trapped in the illusion of the ego, we chase temporary satisfaction. The ego is driven by desires, envy, and a sense of lack. It makes us believe that we are separate from the world around us, creating a constant need to prove ourselves. However, when we relinquish the ego, we can experience unity with everything around us. Our connection with every element of nature, every person we meet, and every experience we have becomes profound and meaningful.

Consider the example of a river flowing through various terrains. At some points, it is blocked by rocks, creating turbulence. The ego is like these rocks — it obstructs the natural flow of our life. But if we, like the river, allow ourselves to flow freely without clinging to our ego, we can navigate through any obstacles. We become more adaptable, resilient, and at peace with the journey.

Letting go of the ego does not mean losing self-respect. There is a clear distinction between ego and self-esteem. Self-esteem is the recognition of one's worth and respect for oneself, while the ego is a misguided sense of superiority and a constant need to be right. While self-esteem empowers us to strive for personal growth, the ego leads us towards a path of isolation and conflict.

Think of a great leader like Nelson Mandela. Despite enduring 27 years in prison, he emerged without bitterness or ego. He chose forgiveness over revenge and humility over arrogance. Mandela’s humility and self-respect helped him unify a divided nation. His life illustrates that true greatness lies in transcending the ego and embracing a higher purpose beyond personal glory.

Similarly, the story of Mother Teresa is another shining example. She dedicated her life to the poorest of the poor, never considering herself superior or above others. Despite her global recognition, she remained humble, seeing herself merely as a servant of the people and God. Her lack of ego enabled her to connect deeply with those she served, offering love, compassion, and hope.

We are all like droplets in the vast ocean of existence. Our individual identity may feel significant, but when we view ourselves as part of the whole, we see the beauty of the collective. The legacy we leave behind is not of our ego, but of our deeds, love, and the positive impact we create. Ego-driven actions are momentary and often forgotten, while actions of humility and service resonate for generations.

In conclusion, the quest to answer "Who am I?" is not about inflating our sense of self but about realising our connection to the world around us. The true self is not defined by achievements, possessions, or external recognition but by our inner essence, which is pure, compassionate, and divine.

The realisation of our insignificance in the grand scheme of things is liberating. It frees us from the constant battle of proving ourselves, allowing us to live with joy, compassion, and purpose. By transcending the ego, we can experience true fulfilment and inner peace.

So, let us strive to dissolve the illusion of 'I' and embrace the oneness with all. Let us shift our focus from "Who am I?" to "How can I serve?" In doing so, we will find the true answer to the question and live a life of greater meaning and happiness.