10. Two Great Enemies

Two great enemies reside within the human mind: Ahamkara (ego) and Mamakara (attachment). Ahamkara manifests as the constant assertion of “I, I, I.” Mamakara creates the possessiveness “This is mine.”

Whenever one accomplishes something, the feeling of “I did this” arises from Ahamkara. Likewise, the attachment to objects and relationships stems from Mamakara.

An instructive incident took place when Jagadguru Sri Abhinava Vidyatirtha Mahaswamiji, the 35th Acharya of Sri Sringeri Sharada Peetham, as part of His tour, visited a sacred site which, despite its spiritual significance, had long remained unnoticed due to a lack of facilities for pilgrims. Recognizing this, a dedicated officer took it upon himself to develop the area, introducing various improvements. His efforts soon bore fruit, and pilgrims began visiting the site in large numbers. When the Acharya arrived, the officer eagerly pointed out his accomplishments, repeatedly stating, “This was done by me,” and “That was arranged by me.” Acharyal wholeheartedly praised the man’s accomplishments but subtly imparted a moral lesson that would serve him well in the long run. As they approached the grand entrance of the temple, He stopped and turned towards the towering Gopuram (temple tower).

Acharyal: Do you behold this Gopuram?

Officer: Yes, I do.

A: How high is it?

O: Very high.

A: Where are we when compared to it?

O: On a very low level.

Acharyal continued:

“Do you know why such Gopurams were built? It is to remind us of our insignificance before the Divine. The grandeur of the temple tower is meant to diminish our Ahamkara. When we reflect on Ishwara, the Creator of the vast universe, and compare His work to our own, we realize how minuscule our achievements truly are. Thus, one would do well to renounce the thought, “I did this,” and instead humbly acknowledge all accomplishments as the result of divine grace. ❃❃❃❃