When the young man was pondering how to break free from his ego, the Sun spoke up.
Sun: Last time we talked about Being, what have you realized?
Young Man: Thank you! I have come to understand many things and let go of a lot. But whenever I face an attack, I feel my pride and self-esteem hurt, and I get lost in my ego again, unable to escape the disturbance of my thoughts. What should I do?
Sun: That’s because you don’t realize that you are Being, not this illusory self.
Young Man: How can I know that I am Being?
Sun: Being and the ego are two sides of the same coin. Only when your ego dies will you know that you are Being.
Young Man: How can I make the ego die?
Sun: You can do it right now; you can choose not to listen to your thoughts, and then it will die.
Young Man: Not listening to my thoughts is so difficult!
Sun: Yes, the ego fears death. It will use every means to control you, such as pride and dignity. Death is the most terrifying thing for it, but if it dies once, subsequent deaths of the ego become easy. You’ll find there’s no death, which is also the experience of many who have had near-death experiences.
Young Man: Is there a trick to making the ego die?
Sun: Keep telling yourself: I am Being, not this illusory self. Thoughts are also illusory; don’t listen to them; burst through them.
Young Man: Thank you for your guidance! Do you have an ego?
Sun: No, only Being. Do you think I would stop shining on the earth because of someone’s insults or slanders?
Young Man: Indeed, that wouldn’t happen. If such a person exists, they would be mad, and you wouldn’t stoop to their level.
Sun: Those lost in their thoughts are indeed mad. When you see such people, feel only pity and compassion for them, and then you are Being.
Young Man: Thank you for your teachings!
Comments