Under the model where self-realization is pursued through gradual steps, the first requirement is knowing that I am a spirit soul, or aham brahmasmi. This understanding is crucial, because without knowing who we are, we can’t take the proper steps in finding happiness. This should be a simple concept to grasp, as in virtually every field of activity the knowledge of one’s proper identity drives the activities. If a baseball player on a certain team incorrectly identifies with the opposing team, they will take the wrong actions in the game. They will work to further the chances of victory for the opposing side. Similarly, if we don’t understand the soul, we won’t know how to act. After learning about the soul, the next issue is ego, with mind and intelligence playing an integral role in determining whether further maturation is achieved. When ego is properly situated, everything else falls into place.
“Some look on the soul as amazing, some describe him as amazing, and some hear of him as amazing, while others, even after hearing about him, cannot understand him at all.” (Lord Krishna, Bhagavad-gita, 2.29)
The Vedas kindly reveal that this entity is the spirit soul, or atma. We can try to study the soul and its properties using blunt instruments, but this route will be very cumbersome. To use an example, we can never actually see the wind, but we know it is present because of its effects on external objects. If a flag is waving violently outside or if when we step out the door we feel a sudden burst of air hitting our face, we understand that wind is present. Similarly, through the autonomous workings of individual living beings – actions that are undertaken by choice and also those functions which operate involuntarily, like breathing and the beating of the heart – we know that the spirit soul is present. When these functions are absent, the living being is considered dead. The same elements remain visually manifest, but the difference is that the life spark has exited the residence. An abandoned home and one that is currently occupied are not the same. Based on the symptoms found within the dwelling, we can properly decipher which is which. In a similar manner, based on the visible functions of the gross body, we can understand whether or not spirit is present.
After understanding that we are spirit soul and aloof to the changes of the body, we have to understand why we have a body in the first place. Why are we subject to the influences of matter, when in fact it is determined that spirit is superior to matter? This is where ego comes into play. While the gross elements make up the body that is visible, the subtle elements of mind, intelligence and ego drive the activities that the individual living being takes up while residing within a particular body. When the mind and intelligence identify solely with the body, the ego is considered false. Understanding that we are a pure spirit soul is only the beginning, for if we still have a false identification that is indicated in the activities we adopt, our knowledge of spirit is only theoretical.
“One should engage oneself in the practice of yoga with undeviating determination and faith. One should abandon, without exception, all material desires born of false ego and thus control all the senses on all sides by the mind.” (Lord Krishna, Bg. 6.24)
When a little more intelligence is acquired, shreyas, or long-term interest, is sought after. The animals and immature children are unable to seek out long term gains. A typical example of a future benefit is a degree from a school or university. You can’t just will yourself to get an education, and neither can you just demand that others give you the respect that comes from being educated. Rather, hard work, through many years of schooling and studying, is required to earn a degree or diploma. Since studying is not typically done with enthusiasm, there is no instant satisfaction in the activity. The ultimate goal, shreyas, is what keeps the student disciplined and adherent to their studies.
When the identification turns away from matter and shifts towards spirit, the real benefit of human life can be found. Under the false identification with matter and the body that is ever changing, the human being behaves similarly to an animal. In fact, in many respects the grossly foolish human being is inferior to an animal, for the fears are increased in the human form. The animal doesn’t lament over losing its childhood, not seeing friends for so many years, having to go to the office every day, or its impending death. These fears are introduced in the human species because of the advanced level of intelligence. We know that our time on earth is short and that in the past we had many good times that seem so distant now. We also know that death will one day come and remove us from our current environment.
But the intelligence given to the human being is not meant to be a punishment or a tool that further increases fears and worries. Rather, the intelligence is intended to be used to adopt a purified ego, wherein one identifies as a spirit soul that is part and parcel of God. The individual spirit residing within the body is knowledgeable, blissful and eternal. The gross elements the soul is falsely identifying with are just the opposite in character. If there is full association with something that has undesirable attributes, the resulting consciousness will be inferior. On the other hand, when the soul identifies with something that is knowledgeable and blissful, the results are topmost.
But when it comes time for the election, the forces of love typically triumph over hate. If people have something tangible to support, a candidate who provides hope for a better day, the opposing forces who can only rely on their dislike will be defeated. This speaks to the nature of the soul, as it is endowed with a strong loving propensity. Under the false ego, the individual associates with matter and the ability to increase the level of sense gratification in areas such as intoxication, sex, gambling, and meat eating. Thus when the loving propensity needs to be released, it targets other entities who are similarly driven by a false ego. If people should happen to be good at acting, playing sports, or making a lot of money, they get some of the praise and adulation that others are so desperate to give.
When under the purified ego, the soul constantly engages in kirtana, or glorification of God. The best and most practical way to glorify Krishna is to chant His names found in the sacred maha-mantra, “Hare Krishna Hare Krishna, Krishna Krishna, Hare Hare, Hare Rama Hare Rama, Rama Rama, Hare Hare”. Those who recite this sacred formula are letting themselves and the higher authorities know that they are sick and tired of identifying with the gross body. The maha-mantra is the call to the Supreme Lord to allow the individual to love Him with full gusto, without any qualms or reservations. In every area of life not tied to devotional service, the loving propensity is checked. For starters, the objects of worship who are deluded by false ego immediately are limited in their ability to accept love and reciprocate properly. As soon as there is interruption or motivation involved in the worship, the mood of the devotee loses its purity.
As long as the desire for steady kirtana does not surface, the influence of the false ego will continue. Whatever identification we adopt is what we will keep going forward. The soul exists eternally, but the ego determines where the soul will reside in the future. At the time of death, the desires of the living entity are measured by the higher authorities and a commensurate future body is crafted. When going by the identifications of man, woman, Indian, American, priest, worker, fighter, etc., the desires at the forefront of consciousness will remain impure. Purity is only found in Krishna and anything directly related to Him.
If we have difficulty believing that Krishna is God, we can stay focused on the path of study, wherein one starts at the mental plane and gradually works up towards the spiritual plane. Under the abstract conception of God, it remains difficult to keep the false ego from resurfacing. We may know that we are spirit soul and that our body is ever changing, but unless we have an active engagement that reinforces these thoughts, the tendency towards animal behavior can return.
Krishna’s wealth can be remembered and honored by understanding that all the opulence we see in the world has God as its source. The Lord owns everything, so no one is richer than Him. Krishna’s renunciation can be marveled at by hearing of how He separated from the gopis. The cowherd girls of Vrindavana have the most beautiful external features, and their inner beauty marked by their devotion to Krishna stands out even more. If we had such wonderful devotees always thinking of us, we’d have a difficult time giving up their company. We would likely abandon our occupational duties and instead enjoy their association at all times. But Krishna had business to take care of in the neighboring town of Mathura some five thousand years ago when He roamed this earth. Thus He had to leave the gopis behind, showing that He is always fully renounced.
But most of all we can appreciate Krishna’s kindness. He comes to this earth and shows the exalted devotees His transcendental form so that they can remain forever devoted to Him. Since the celebrated saints are the kindest welfare workers, they share their knowledge with others. By learning of Krishna’s features, the differences between matter and spirit, and the proper identification, the purification of ego can come very soon. For one who is fully confident of Krishna’s position as God and His ability to deliver the fallen souls, the ego quickly becomes the best friend, leading to the proper identification of “I am a spirit soul, who is eternally devoted to God.”