Originally posted by BigDoggProblem
This is something I don't see often discussed in this forum.
If there is one enemy of Spiritual Advancement, it is the ego. Ego makes us focus on being 'right' in an online debate instead of becoming enlightened. Ego makes us return any slight in kind instead of understanding that anger and malice is often suffering. Ego makes us focus only on our own needs in lieu of the greater community.
Good post, BDP. I agree that this subject is seldom discussed.
Thomas Merton called the ego the False Self. Note: not the SINFUL self, or the BAD self, just not the True Self.
The apostle Paul referred to the ego as the Flesh, which was really unfortunate, because this is one of the reasons why Christianity, by and large, has equated Holiness with denouncing, and getting rid of, normal desires and cravings. But the True Self is that part of us which is in tune with god, in whatever form you imagine him or her to be.
All mature religions have at their core the concept of compassion, care for the Other and love. Spirutual seekers everywhere are (if anything) identified by a profound humility.
Unfortunately, this goes totally against the grain of Internet chat rooms and forums. Winning, scoring points, and humiliating the Other is at the order of the day, that is, alas, why you will not find many true seekers after spirituality on this thread!