Dissolving the Ego: Wisdom from the Bhagavad Gita and Swami Mukundananda

JKYog Team -
The ego dissolves, but He remains— Shree Krishna, ever near, ever loving

In the journey of spiritual evolution, the greatest obstacle is not the world, our circumstances, or even our desires—it is the ego (ahamkar). Subtle, stubborn, and often unnoticed, ego is the root cause of separation from the Divine.

What Is Ego in the Bhagavad Gita?

In Sanskrit, the word “ahamkar” literally means “I-maker”—the false sense of identity that arises when the soul associates with the body, mind, and actions.

It is the ego that creates the illusion of separation between us and our Supreme Lord

The Gita describes this illusion vividly:

“Prakṛtiḥ kriyamāṇāni guṇaiḥ karmāṇi sarvaśaḥ |
Ahaṅkāra-vimūḍhātmā kartāham iti manyate”
(Bhagavad Gita 3.27)

Translation:
All actions are performed by the modes of material nature, but one deluded by ego thinks, "I am the doer."

This delusion creates bondage. The soul, originally pure and divine, becomes trapped in the belief that it is acting independently. From this springs pride, anxiety, jealousy, and conflict. When the ego claims authorship of action, it also claims the rewards and consequences—leading to endless karma and suffering.

 Swami Mukundananda’s Take: Ego Is the Root of Suffering

Swamiji reinforces this Gita principle by stating:

"As long as you think you are the doer, you are bound in Maya. Realize that God is the ultimate doer."

We often believe we are self-made, that our achievements and experiences are solely our doing. But this is ignorance. Swamiji explains that this sense of doership (kartritva bhava) is a subtle form of ego. Even spiritual progress can become a source of pride—"I meditate regularly", "I am advancing"—yet the very thought “I am progressing” can stall the soul’s flight toward God.

Ego doesn't always roar—it often whispers. It can wear the masks of:

  • The need to always be right
  • Offense when criticized
  • Desire for recognition in seva
  • Pride in humility

 Swamiji shares a metaphor:

"Ego is like a drop of poison in milk. Everything else may be pure, but one drop can ruin it all."

Even in spiritual practice, ego can deceive. We might serve outwardly, but inwardly seek validation. We might chant, but also compare our devotion with others. Recognizing ego requires deep self-honesty.

The Story of Duryodhana: A Lesson in Ego

In the grand epic of the Mahabharata, the downfall of Duryodhana is one of the most striking examples of how ego blinds judgment, severs relationships, and leads to ruin. Though born into royalty and gifted with strength and charisma, Duryodhana's tragic flaw—his inflated ego—overshadowed all his virtues.

Duryodhana, the eldest of the Kauravas, saw himself as the rightful heir to the Kuru throne. His deep envy toward his cousins—the Pandavas—stemmed not from lack of wealth or power, but from a wounded ego that could not bear their popularity, virtue, or divine favor.

Despite the Pandavas’ willingness to share the kingdom and maintain peace, Duryodhana was fueled by an obsessive need to dominate, not cooperate. He repeatedly rejected offers of compromise, even refusing Shree Krishna’s final peace proposal before the war—when the Pandavas asked for only five villages.

When Shree Krishna approached Duryodhana as a divine emissary to prevent war, Duryodhana said:

"I know what is dharma (righteousness), but I cannot bring myself to practice it."

This chilling admission reveals how ego paralyzes wisdom. It wasn't ignorance that undid him—it was stubbornness and arrogance.

In a powerful scene, Shree Krishna offers both himself and his powerful army to Arjuna and Duryodhana before the war. Arjuna, full of humility, chooses Shree Krishna alone—unarmed.

Duryodhana eagerly selects Shree Krishna’s army, believing strength lies in numbers, not divine presence.

This contrast highlights the nature of ego versus surrender:

  • Duryodhana wants control and power.
  • Arjuna seeks guidance and grace.
Before Shree Krishna: Arjuna's Surrender and Duryodhana's Pride

While Arjuna bowed to Shree Krishna in devotion, Duryodhana stood proudly, arms crossed, refusing to acknowledge Shree Krishna as the Supreme Being. In doing so, he turned away from the very source of light that could have saved him.

Ego, as portrayed in Duryodhana’s life, is not just pride—it is a rejection of unity and divine will. Duryodhana's refusal to listen to wise counsel from elders like Bhishma, Vidura, and even his own father Dhritarashtra, shows how ego isolates the individual from truth and love.

He had opportunities for redemption at every stage, but each time, he chose pride over peace, vengeance over virtue. Ultimately, his ego led him to fight a war he could not win, and he perished not just in battle, but in the deeper war within—the war of the self.

In the end, Duryodhana's strength could not save him. His allies could not protect him. His ego kept him from peace, love, and even divinity.

Let his story remind us:

Ego says, “I am the doer.”
Humility says, “I am Yours, O Lord.”

 Bhakti Melts the Ego

“Manmanā bhava madbhakto madyājī māṁ namaskuru |
Mām evaiṣyasi satyaṁ te pratijāne priyo ’si me”
(Bhagavad Gita 18.65)

Translation:
Fix your mind on Me, be devoted to Me, worship Me, bow down to Me. You shall come to Me—I promise, because you are dear to Me.

Swami Mukundananda explains:

"Bhakti is not about asking God to serve us—it’s about offering ourselves to Him. We must empty ourselves of ego so we can be filled with divine love."

When we love God selflessly, ego fades. True bhakti (devotion) is not a transaction—it is surrender. As we cultivate love for Shree Krishna, we stop seeking praise, rewards, or even spiritual experiences. The only desire that remains is to please Him.

 Humility: The Antidote to Ego

Swamiji often says:

"The moment you think you are humble, you have lost your humility. True humility comes from realizing God is everything, and I am nothing but His servant."

In the Gita, humility is listed as the first quality of knowledge (jnanam):

“Amanitvam adambhitvam…” (Gita 13.8)
—Humility and absence of pride.

The ego thrives on comparison. It says, “I am better,” or “I am worse.” But the soul, in truth, is neither high nor low—it is divine. By letting go of labels and self-judgment, we come closer to God.

 Swamiji’s Daily Practices to Dissolve Ego

Swami Mukundananda offers a powerful framework called S.C.S.S. to gradually purify the mind and melt ego:

1. Sadhana – Daily spiritual discipline (meditation, prayer, chanting)

In Roop-Dhyan, lovingly meditate on the form of Shree Krishna. When we imagine placing a garland on Him or offering flowers, our heart begins to soften.

 2. Chintan – Contemplation of spiritual truths

Think about the temporariness of the body and the eternity of the soul. Reflect: “Am I acting out of ego or love?”

 3. Shravan – Listening to divine wisdom

Regularly listen to Swamiji’s lectures or read the Gita. Divine knowledge pierces the veil of ignorance.

 4. Seva – Selfless service

Offer your skills, time, and energy to God and Guru, not for name or gain, but to purify the heart.

 
When ego is dissolved, love flows freely, service becomes natural, and the soul remembers its true identity— a humble servant of the Divine.

There is no longer a need to prove, possess, or control.

Instead, the heart rests in surrender, the mind becomes still, and God’s grace begins to blossom from within. In that sacred silence, you do not disappear—you are finally seen as you truly are.

We are nothing but humble servants of the Divine

Ego in Relationships and Spiritual Community

The ego does not rest even in devotional settings. We may:

  • Feel insulted when our seva isn’t acknowledged
  • Compare our chanting or meditation with others
  • Judge others’ behavior or progress

Swamiji warns that even subtle superiority can be a stumbling block. The way forward is vigilant self-observation and remembrance that all are divine souls on their unique journeys.

Additional Gita Verses on Ego

The Bhagavad Gita offers many powerful verses that guide us to dissolve ego

🔸 Gita 18.66 – Ultimate surrender

“Sarva-dharmān parityajya mām ekaṁ śaraṇaṁ vraja”
Abandon all varieties of duties and just surrender unto Me.

This is the culmination of Shree Krishna’s teachings—let go of the ego and fall into divine arms.

🔸 Gita 5.8–9 – The detached soul

“I do nothing at all,” thinks the yogi, though seeing, hearing, touching…”
The wise understand that the Self remains untouched, even as the senses act.

 Daily Affirmations to Let Go of Ego

  • I am a soul, not this body or mind.
  • God is the doer; I am His instrument.
  • I surrender all to Shree Krishna with love.

Repeat these before meditation or while doing your daily tasks.

Final Reflection

The ego says, “I am the doer.”
The awakened soul says, “God is the doer; I am the servant.”
And the devoted heart whispers, “O Shree Krishna, I am Yours—do with me as You will.”

To dissolve the ego is not to lose ourselves. It is to rediscover who we truly are: eternal sparks of the Divine, meant to love, serve, and merge in Him.

 🙏 Call to Action: Begin Now

Take one gentle step today toward inner freedom:

  • Pause before acting and say, “I am not the doer.”
  • Serve without seeking attention.
  • Sit in Roop-Dhyan for five minutes, offering flowers to Shree Krishna in your heart.

Each moment of surrender weakens the ego and draws us closer to divine bliss.

  • Bhagavad Gita – Commentary by Swami Mukundananda
  • 7 Mindsets for Success, Happiness and Fulfillment – Swami Mukundananda
  • The Science of Mind Management – Swami Mukundananda
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 📚 Resources

Here are key resources to deepen your understanding of ego, devotion, and self-surrender based on the Bhagavad Gita and Swami Mukundananda's teachings:

1. What exactly is ego in spiritual terms?

In spiritual teachings, ego (ahamkar) is the false identity that arises from identifying with the body and mind. It creates the illusion of separateness from God and others, and leads to pride, jealousy, and suffering.

2. Can spiritual pride be a form of ego?

Yes. Spiritual pride—feeling superior because of one's sadhana, knowledge, or purity—is a subtle but dangerous form of ego. True spirituality makes one humble, not arrogant.

3. What is the fastest way to dissolve ego?

There’s no shortcut, but consistent Roop-Dhyan, Seva, scriptural study, and introspection are powerful tools. Above all, Bhakti—selfless love for God—melts the ego naturally.

4. How is ego related to Maya?

Ego is a product of Maya (illusion). It keeps the soul entangled in the world by making us think we are independent doers. By overcoming ego, we break free from Maya and move toward God.

5. Can ego ever be completely eliminated?

Yes, but only by God’s grace. As long as we retain a trace of “I am separate from God,” ego remains. When we fully surrender and see ourselves as His eternal servant, ego dissolves completely.