Part of what has made the ego such a dominant factor in our individual and collective lives is fear and pain. When we are disconnected from God and our own souls, we are unable to cope effectively with life’s challenges, especially when it comes to suffering. When we suffer the ego takes over, creating elaborate defenses to protect us from pain. While these defenses temporarily protect us from life’s hurts, they only create more suffering in the long run. Once the ego has taken on its role as our protector, it is very hesitant to let go of it. The ego will only release its hold on our hearts, minds, and imaginations when it encounters great love or great truth. For this reason it is imperative to expose ourselves to God’s light and the guru’s grace, to natural and man-made beauty, to the words of great saints, to great literature, to uplifting music, to virtuous people, to noble causes, and always to love. In the energetic fields of truth, beauty, and goodness, the ego’s machinations cannot exist.
Great love
And great truth
Will break through
My elaborate defenses.
