#journeywithin

💫 Embrace the journey of self-discovery and be kind to yourself along the way.

Life is all about choices, and today is a new chance to make yours count! 🤎🌸

Don’t be hard on yourself. Understand that sometimes that you ended up exactly where you are because of the blots you left on the canvas of the past. You may have lost your way in the wastelands of chaos but you found your way out, and you stand here today, wiser and stronger with a renewed sense of hope. Yes, scarred and bruised, but not beaten instead you have trekked through trails of jagged…

In Sant Paltu's profound teachings, the ego is seen as the greatest barrier to spiritual liberation. The ego, with its constant need for validation, self-glorification, and superiority, creates an invisible wall that separates the soul from the Divine. Paltu emphasizes that by surrendering this ego, an individual opens themselves to divine grace, allowing spiritual transformation to unfold.

Understanding the Ego as a Barrier

Ego often blinds us, encouraging us to perceive ourselves as separate and distinct from others. This perception distances us not only from other people but also from the Divine. The ego functions like a lens, distorting our view of reality, and feeds on material attachments, achievements, and identities. According to Sant Paltu, as long as we identify with the ego, our journey to true wisdom and unity with the Divine remains hindered.

The surrender of ego doesn’t mean the obliteration of self-worth but rather a transcendence of limited identities. When we are guided by our ego, we tend to react from a place of fear, pride, or selfishness. In contrast, surrendering the ego opens us to a state of humility, acceptance, and unconditional love. Sant Paltu teaches that only by relinquishing this attachment to the self, can the soul embrace Divine grace, allowing wisdom and compassion to flow naturally.

The Divine Path: Shifting from “I” to “We”

In the journey of spirituality, Sant Paltu speaks of the shift from a self-centered life to one that sees unity in all beings. When the soul recognizes that the same divine essence flows through everyone, the need to prove superiority fades. This transformation helps dissolve the barriers of separation, bridging one’s inner world with universal consciousness.

As we relinquish the ego’s grip, we become vessels of divine grace, experiencing a newfound clarity, connection, and compassion. This selflessness, Paltu explains, allows us to perceive the world through the eyes of the Divine, cultivating empathy, and reverence for all.

Practical Toolkit for Overcoming the Ego: Daily Practices

Meditative Reflection

Morning Self-Inquiry: Begin the day by sitting in quiet reflection. Close your eyes, take deep breaths, and ask yourself, “Who am I beyond my name, titles, or possessions?” Visualize yourself as a being of light, free from any labels.

Evening Reflection: At the end of the day, reflect on moments where the ego may have influenced your thoughts or actions. Recognize these instances without judgment and consider how you might respond from a place of humility in the future.

Gratitude Practice

Ego often thrives on feeling entitled or superior. Practicing gratitude can ground us in humility and appreciation for life’s simple blessings. Each day, note down three things for which you are grateful. Reflect on how these blessings connect you with others and the Divine. This practice gradually transforms our mindset from "What do I deserve?" to "How am I connected to everything around me?"

Selfless Service (Seva)

Engage in acts of kindness or service without expecting recognition or reward. This could be helping a neighbour, volunteering for a community cause, or supporting someone in need. Regular acts of selfless service remind us of our interconnectedness, bringing us closer to a life of humility and compassion.

Breath Awareness and Mindfulness

Ego-driven reactions often stem from impulsive thoughts. Cultivating awareness through mindful breathing creates a pause between thought and action. During stressful or confrontational moments, take a few deep breaths before reacting. This simple practice allows you to respond from a place of calm rather than from the ego.

Affirmations to Surrender the Ego

Use positive affirmations to reinforce humility. Examples include:

“I am a vessel of divine grace.”

“I release the need for control and allow divine guidance.”

“I see the Divine in myself and others.” Repeat these affirmations each morning and evening to foster a mindset of surrender and openness to higher wisdom.

Seek Spiritual Company (Satsang)

Associating with spiritually inclined individuals provides valuable reminders to remain humble and focused on the divine path. Through shared wisdom and collective experiences, you reinforce the value of selflessness and become inspired to rise above ego-driven behaviours.

Reflective Journaling

Journaling allows you to identify patterns in your behaviour influenced by the ego. Regularly write about experiences or interactions where you felt defensive, prideful, or judgmental. Ask yourself what fear or insecurity might be fuelling these reactions, and consider how you could respond differently.

Looking Ahead