Significance of Egoism
Egoism, as described across various spiritual traditions, refers to an excessive sense of self that impedes spiritual growth and understanding. In Buddhism and Jainism, it is identified as a self-centered attitude that monks must transcend for enlightenment. Similarly, Purana emphasizes the false sense of individuality that distracts from universal unity and spiritual realization. In Yoga, it is seen as the attachment to one's identity, which distorts perception and reinforces separation from the true self. Ultimately, overcoming egoism is critical for achieving spiritual liberation and understanding one's connection to the divine.
Synonyms: Selfishness, Self-interest, Egotism, Narcissism, Self-centeredness, Self-absorption
In Dutch: Egoïsme; In Finnish: Egoismi; In Spanish: Egoísmo
The below excerpts are indicatory and do represent direct quotations or translations. It is your responsibility to fact check each reference.
Buddhist concept of 'Egoism'
In Buddhism, egoism manifests as an excessive self-focus that hinders spiritual growth (1) and as Sakkaya Ditthi, a delusion of identity that perpetuates suffering (2), indicating the need for selflessness in cultivating virtue.
From: The Doctrine of Paticcasamuppada
(1) Referred to as Sakkaya Ditthi, the wrong view of identity that attaches to the notion of self, which leads to suffering.[1]
From: The Fo-Sho-Hing-Tsan-King (A Life of Buddha)
(1) The excessive sense of self that obstructs spiritual progress, highlighted as a hindrance to virtuous living.[2]
Hindu concept of 'Egoism'
Egoism in Hinduism represents an attachment to individual identity that obscures universal essence, fostering misconceptions of self-importance and separation from divine unity. It reinforces desires and ignorance, hindering spiritual realization and true understanding.
From: Yoga Vasistha [English], Volume 1-4
(1) The tendency to see oneself as distinct or separate from the unity of existence.[3] (2) The self-centered perspective and desires that bind an individual to worldly attachments and ignorance.[4] (3) The belief in the importance of one's ego, leading to misperception of reality.[5] (4) The sense of self-importance or individualism that can hinder a person’s ability to connect with the larger existence and suppress desires.[6] (5) The belief or attachment to the self that creates the illusion of reality, compared to clouds causing rain.[7]
From: Mahabharata (English)
(1) A state of self-importance where one performs actions with expectation, often leading to attachment and delusion.[8] (2) The cause of worldly life, linking the self to the perception of existence.[9] (3) A development that emerges from Mahat and is associated with the individual sense of self.[10]
From: Devi Bhagavata Purana
(1) The sense of individuality and separation from the greater whole, which can hinder spiritual realization.[11] (2) The consciousness of self-importance that diminishes in the presence of true devotion and love for the divine.[12]
From: Bhagavata Purana
(1) Akrura contemplates the absence of pride in the supreme being, contrasting with human limitations.[13]
From: Anugita (English translation)
(1) A state of being characterized by the awareness of self, which is acknowledged as the second creation.[14]
From: Brahma Purana
(1) A sense of self-identity that creates attachment and leads to actions driven by desires and ignorance.[15]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Bhoja’s Rajamartanda)
(1) The mistaken belief that one is both the enjoyer and the intelligent, arising from the identification with the internal organ despite its lack of true enjoyment and intelligence.[16] (2) Egoism is identified as the source where the thinking principle enters as it completes its course.[17] (3) A state of self-centeredness in perception, where the perceiver’s perspective can overshadow the actual nature of the perceivable.[18] (4) A focus on oneself that distorts perception and can lead to the identification with the body rather than the true self.[19] (5) The original cause from which thinking principles derive, acting as a fundamental aspect of the self in the context of Yogic practices.[20]
From: Yoga-sutras (with Vyasa and Vachaspati Mishra)
(1) Egoism is another affliction that arises from nescience and is described as an attachment to the self, reinforcing individual identity and separation.[21] (2) A self-centered perspective that arises from the mistaken identity of self with the unreal.[22] (3) The consciousness of being one with the self, serving as a subtle cause for instrumental powers.[23]
From: Yoga-sutras (Ancient and Modern Interpretations)
(1) Egoism (asmita) refers to an inflated sense of self or identification with one's ego.[24] (2) The sense of self-importance and individuality that leads to the creation of artificial minds.[25]
From: Vivekachudamani
(1) Characterized by a sense of self, egoism refers to the personal sense of identity attributed to Jiva.[26] (2) A state of self-centeredness or identification with the individual self, which hinders true understanding of one's divine nature.[27] (3) A modification of the Buddhi that emphasizes self-identity and individualism, impacting the agent's consciousness.[28] (4) A strong sense of self that is difficult to destroy, which even wise men cannot suddenly eliminate once it becomes powerful.[29] (5) The sense of self or individuality, which is also portrayed as unreal.[30]
From: Mandukya Upanishad (Gaudapa Karika and Shankara Bhashya)
(1) The attachment to the self or personal identity that is seen as an obstacle in the pursuit of higher truth and liberation.[31]
From: Shakti and Shakta
(1) The self-centered attachment to the self, commentated extensively in the context of the stories of Rutra.[32] (2) The self-centeredness of consciousness that drives the perception of the external world.[33] (3) A concept presented by Rabindranath Tagore indicating the personal price paid for the existence of the self, tied to the desire for being.[34]
From: Manusmriti with the Commentary of Medhatithi
(1) The sense of self-importance and ownership that must be abandoned to achieve true neutrality.[35]
Jain concept of 'Egoism'
In Jainism, Egoism is viewed as a self-centered mindset that monks must overcome to attain spiritual enlightenment, emphasizing the importance of detachment from the self for true spiritual progress.
From: Uttaradhyayana Sutra
(1) A self-centered attitude that a monk should transcend to achieve spiritual enlightenment.[36]
The concept of Egoism in local and regional sources
Egoism emphasizes prioritizing personal interests, yet Niloba exemplifies detachment from this principle, suggesting a contrast between self-interest and a broader perspective on relationships and societal engagement.
From: Bhaktavijaya: Stories of Indian Saints
(1) The practice of prioritizing oneself and one’s own interests, from which Niloba remained detached.[37]
From: Triveni Journal
(1) The significant obstacle in spiritual growth identified in the Gita, where self-centeredness hinders progress towards enlightenment.[38]