[OceanofDharma] Quotes of the Week: What Happened to Ego?

Ocean of Dharma Quotes of the Week

July 10, 2008

WHAT HAPPENED TO EGO?

Student: How can you distinguish between ego-based self-confidence and trust in oneself?

Chogyam Trungpa: Ego doesn't cut its own ground. Ego nurses its ground. An egoless experience like prajna, or discriminating awareness, cuts its own ground. That's where the irritation and resentment come from. Within the realm of resentment, a soft heart begins to develop, softness toward oneself. The softer you become toward yourself, the more you want to cut your ground. Somehow the question of ego doesn't apply at that point. Ego is already dissipating and has given up its hold on you. This is an organic thing that happens slowly in your practice. Somebody might ask you later, "What happened to your ego?" And you might say, "Oh, I never thought about that."

From "Giving Birth to Intellect," in ILLUSION'S GAME: The Life and Teaching of Naropa. Page 83.
 
All material by Chogyam Trungpa is copyright Diana J. Mukpo and used by permission.

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Ocean of Dharma Quotes of the Week: teachings by Chogyam Trungpa Rinpoche.
Taken from works published by Shambhala Publications,  the Archive of his unpublished work in the Shambhala Archives, plus other published sources.
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