Ahankar: The greatest barrier between man and God
We should all be peaceful, ‘sukhi’ (happy), and satisfied. Unfortunately, we fail to achieve this dream state. Aren’t we small, truly helpless, and largely ignorant? We are, but we do not accept this reality due to ‘ahankar’ (false ego). What is this ‘ahankar’? It is a faculty given to us to realise that we exist and have a separate identity. In brief, ahankar means that I am; I exist. Unfortunately, we falsely believe that we are great because of whatever opulences we possess, such as wealth, power, etc. But these are temporary possessions earned through good karmaphalas (results of past pious deeds). They do not give peace, sukha, or satisfaction - what we constantly seek and miss.
It is time to seek an entity who can grant all these and is willing to accept us as well. As a matter of fact, God is willing to help all of us. His only condition is that we give up ahankar and sincerely take His shelter. God then takes charge and begins to micromanage the life of the surrendered soul. This includes reformations, especially of ‘svabhava’ (nature), which is a person’s worst enemy. Aren’t we helplessly lustful and greedy? As improvements occur, God begins to empower the willing soul in a manner that suits the individual. For example, my Lord has empowered me to write spiritual texts.
With time, one becomes capable of accomplishing great tasks, just as Arjuna did in the Mahabharata war. Prior to that, Lord Krishna had assured Arjuna about the outcome of the war; Arjuna merely had to become a ‘nimitta’ (instrument) of God, rise, and gain fame. (11.33) It was a foregone conclusion because God was the ‘karta’ (doer) in that case.
We also have Hanumanji’s example of how one should act as a ‘nimitta’. Upon his return from Lanka, having successfully accomplished his mission, Lord Ramachandra asked him, “How did you accomplish the stupendous task of burning Lanka, which was protected by Ravana?” Hanumanji replied, “O Raghunathji! It is all due to You; there is no greatness on my part.” (Shri Ramcharitmanas, Sundarkanda 32) Hanumanji understood that it became possible only because of empowerment by his Lord. Unfortunately, we are not that wise; we try to take credit despite the warning given by Lord Krishna: “Whatever you do; whatever you eat; whatever offering you make; whatever you give in charity; whatever austerities you perform, do that as an offering to Me.” (9.27)
We become puffed up with success, forgetting that everything was possible only through God’s empowerment, as Hanumanji realised. This satisfies Ahankar and distances us from God. Yet not everyone makes this mistake; some remain humble. Such souls progressively become peaceful, sukhi, and satisfied under God’s protection. Gradually, they attain the dream state of ‘jeevan mukta’ (liberated while living in a material body). Many even qualify for liberation, which God is pleased to grant.
The writer is a spiritual teacher and a popular columnist; Views presented are personal.
