The Tao of Dark Sages - Chapter 12, Part 1

The Tao of Dark Sages
by Scott Bradley

Good morning all. Well, Buz, this is your issue so why don’t you remind us what the issue is and tell us what you have discovered in considering it.

Morning, Sue-tzu. I want so much to be free of ego and yet it seems to be in total control of my life. I have tried to stop believing in it and have tried to let it go, but it always wins out.

Can you tell us what are some of the manifestations of ego that disturb you so much?

Anger. I’m angry at slights against me in the past. I’m angry about the situation in the world — the arrogance of the American Empire, the slaughter of innocents. That’s just one thing — anger — but there are others.

So, you are in conflict with these feelings of anger. Who is it that is in conflict? Who are the parties involved? Who is fighting whom?

I’ve given that some thought and it seems to me that it’s me fighting me. I am divided against myself, I see that. I just don’t see how to become united and have peace.

And who is it that observes all this?

You’re suggesting that there’s a more transcendent self that observes this battle? Maybe so, but I can’t say that I’m in touch with it. I’m new to this stuff.

I’m suggesting that you consider that possibility. But let me ask you: Do you really believe that this self at war with itself is you? This ego-self that you have identified, isn’t it a complete fabrication? This past, where you find cause for anger, in what sense can this be thought to exist? The whole lot, it seems to me, is just a bunch of ideas sustained by the ego in order to give itself an identity. What do you think?

I think you’re right. But that doesn’t free me from the bastard!

No, but it might give you the perspective that will help you to find your freedom. Can someone else give us some insight here?

If you're interested in reading more from this series by Scott Bradley, go here.