Egotism –Dr. Ravindra Kumar

Egotism is a state of being excessively self-absorbed in oneself. It inflates a favourable opinion about oneself and compels one to violence and aggression. A man can be physically strong or capable enough. He may claim to be wealthy or a learned one, but it has to be understood that egotism is inversely proportion to knowledge, and what one deems knowledge is only a pseudo one. Real knowledge and reason lead one to persevere and live in harmony. Without co-operation and co-ordination with others, or in the absence of others’ support how far can we move on in life? If one comprehends this with sincerity, he will immediately understand the reality of life and the consequences of egotism. He will, then, make conscious efforts to overcome the state of egotism –Ahamkara, and will step forward to the pathway leading to make his life meaningful in a state of harmony, further leading to satisfaction, inner peace and bliss.     

It is egotism that leads one to the state of self-acquired isolation. An egotist falls away from the inevitabilities like co-operation and co-ordination, which are necessary for the real growth of life. Any development made on the basis of mere physical strength or power, wealth or pseudo knowledge can only be external –just to flaunt satiating individual self-interest and not the internal one; thus, not fulfilling and real. In such a situation one cannot realize Ananda by heart and soul. Overcoming the state of egotism is the first and essential condition of bliss and making life worthy and meaningful for oneself as well as for others! It is a macrocosmic approach extending from a microcosm.