EGO vs. SPIRIT

(This is Part II in a three-part series, taking a look at how the seven principles of Theosophy apply to everyday life.)

"Create in me a clean heart,O God, and renew a right spirit within me."

Psalm 51:10


Quickly think of a project that you found extremely pleasing and exciting.


Think of the results of that project.

Quickly also think of a project that you found to be a "bore" and dull and time-consuming and an overall unpleasant experience.


Think of the results of that project.

Yep.

You got it!


The "spirit" that you take to a project is what determines its success or failure.

Like attitude, having the right "spirit" is the key to achieving ALL goals.

This is no joke.

You can tell the "spirit" of a project, a person, place or thing just by standing back and observing from the outside.


When you "settle" back, you begin to feel the emanation of "spirit" radiating from the room, the person, or thing. You then intuitively know WHAT you know about it, because you "feel" it in your "spirit."

The reason is that the creative "spirit" of the Universe...is the same "spirit" that pervades both animate and inanimate objects.

This "spirit," too, is that which pervades our Soul as we approach a task. But when we are "blocked" by negativity that "spirit" cannot shine through.


As strong as Spirit is in providing a filter to our responses to life, the EGO also is a filter to our emotions about being negative or positive about things, experiences and people we encounter. The difference is that EGO comes from our humanity and of the world, while Spirit is our GOD connection.


Here's a direct quote from Theosophy about the EGO vs. Spirit. The Manas, the "Fifth" Principle in Theosophy,
"

operates independently of Buddhi (the sixth principle) and a more evolved spiritual entity. The Mind-Principle that comes from Manas is only the Spiritual Ego when merged into one with Buddhi, "and no materialist (aspect #4) being is supposed to have in him such an EGO, however great his intellectual capacities. It is the permanent Individuality or the 'Re-incarnating Ego,'" according to Theosophy.

According to Theosophy, the fifth aspect of our manifestation here on Earth is to conquer this struggle between what it calls our Spiritual EGO (Soul) and Personal Ego.This fifth aspect of Theosophy is about this struggle between Spiritual EGO and Personal EGO. When we reach this aspect, we are in a battle to transcend the issues of EGO concerns to reach a place where we are conscious of our Spirit in everything that we say, think or do.


Spiritual EGO, as related in Theosophy, relates to the Soul. But EGO as more commonly used is that of Personality and all steeped in the ways of the world. This is the part of us that fights any spiritual leanings and tendencies, believing that we lose "face" when we are spiritual vs. following the ways of the world. This is the aspect of ourselves that keeps us doubtful of walking in the ways of God.


The Spiritual Walk then is not easy because of dominance of the "personal" EGO.


For most people operating at the fifth aspect of Theosophy, the struggle with Spiritual EGO (Soul) and the Personal Ego could last a full lifetime. Just think that some people do not remember their Spirit selves for several decades after birth, and often it takes a traumatic experience to make that happen. After that, the "awakening" to the Spiritual Self, Spiritual EGO or Soul, or whatever you wish to call it, takes decades more.
Even then, the struggle with EGO continues and remains for a lifetime for those unable to transcend this challenge with this small self.


Next week, we'll look at the Final Part (III) of Theosophy by focusing on the sixth aspect: the Buddhi.

In the meantime, step back, listen and pay attention to when your personal EGO would rule your Soul (Spiritual EGO). If you're "awake" enough, you'll see and know!

Namaste',

Che'