Games we play

The following is an excerpt from a samvaad (dialogue) session with Acharya Prashant.

Acharya Prashant (AP): Whenever something is addressed to the ego, whenever a word is delivered to the ego, it is delivered with the intention to take the ego to the Truth. Remember, it is the intention to take the ego to the Truth. Whatsoever is being told to the ego, is being told so that the ego moves towards the Truth, which means, and you have to get the distinction right, that what is being told to the ego is not really the Truth.

First of all, the Truth cannot be told. Secondly, the ego is in no position to receive the Truth. So, the entire effort is to bring the ego to a point where it can disappear into the Truth. This has to be very clearly understood. So, these words are addressed to the disciple’s ego. These words are in the form of medicine. They are a tool. They are a method. And a method has to be seen just as a method, no more, no less.

Now, look at the state of the disciple’s ego. Surely, the disciple has tried out on his own, followed many paths before he came to the Upanishadic sage. And as is common, it is a belief with most seekers that if they have a lot of knowledge, or if they have been performing austerities, or if they have been making presents to the various gods and goddesses, it would help them advance in their spiritual journey.