________________
dejection and misery is in the hands of man. Such a man may differ in opinion from others, but his own mind will always be in a state of serenity.
You will have understood now the true nature of the ego. To be free from the clutches of the ego you must firmly resolve to reach the stage of “I am not”, that is, “I am not the body”, which implies the distinction of the true self from the body. In the barren desert, no matter how fast you run, you will never get water to slake your thirst if your eye is fixed on the mirage. If you want water you must turn your steps towards the oasis. There you may not find a lake, but surely you will get a glass of water.
With the cultivation of “I am not”, comes meekness and through meekness you attain perfection. Everyone loves an infant because it is so meek. Divinity lies in true humility. It is the arrogance of “I AM” which is so misleading and which will make you spend all your time and energy in the pursuit of a mirage. It is the state of “I am not” which is elevating and which will ultimately lead to "i am HE”.
Mankind is suffering from agonies of unhappiness not because it is in want of material comforts, but
39