Distinguishing ego from true self

(Quotations from The Upanishads)

There are two selves, the separate ego and the indivisible Atman. When one rises above I and me and mine, the Atman is revealed as one's real Self.
(Katha Up. Part 2, 3:13, p. 97)

Like two golden birds perched on the selfsame tree, intimate friends, the ego and the Self dwell in the same body. The former eats the sweet and sour fruits of the tree of life while the latter looks on in detachment. As long as we think we are the ego, we feel attached and fall into sorrow. But realize that you are the Self, the Lord of life, and you will be freed from sorrow. When you realize that you are the Self, supreme source of light, supreme source of love, you transcend the duality of life and enter into the unitive state.
(Mundada Up. 3:1-3, p. 115; also compare Shvetashvatara Up. 4:6, p. 225)

When identified with the ego, the Self appears other than what it is. It may appear smaller than a hair's breadth. But know the Self to be infinite.
(Shvetashvatara Up. 5:8-9, p. 229)

©1999 by Deb Platt


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