Ramana Maharshi says Ego is like a caterpillar

Talk 286.

D.: How is realisation made possible?

M.: There is the absolute Self from which a spark proceeds as from fire. The spark is called the ego. In the case of an ignorant man it identifies itself with an object simultaneously with its rise.It cannot remain independent of such association with objects.

This association is ajnana or ignorance, whose destruction is the objective of our efforts.If its objectifying tendency is killed it remains pure, and also merges into the source.The wrong identification with the body is dehatmabuddhi (‘I-am-the-body’ idea).This must go before good results follow.

D.: How to eradicate it?

M.: We exist in sushupti(deep sleep) without being associated with the body and
mind. But in the other two states we are associated with them. If one with the body, how can we exist without the body in sushupti?

We can separate ourselves from that which is external to us and not from that which is one with us. Hence the ego is not one with the body. This must be realised in the waking state.

The ego in its purity is experienced in intervals between two states or two thoughts. Ego is like that caterpillar which leaves its hold only after catching another. Its true nature can be found when it is out of contact with objects or thoughts. Realise this interval with the conviction gained by the study of avasthatraya (the three states of consciousness).

D.: How do we go to sleep and how do we wake up?

M.: Just at nightfall the hen clucks and the chicks go and hide themselves under her wings. The hen then goes to roost in the nest with the chicks in her protection. At dawn the chicks come out and so does the hen. The mother-hen stands for the ego which collects all the thoughts and goes to sleep. At sunrise the rays emerge forth and are collected again at sunset. Similarly, when the ego displays itself, it does so with all its paraphernalia. When it sinks, everything disappears with it.

Source: Talks With Ramana Maharshi Book

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