Self-important people are obsessed with the idea of their own greatness in everything that they do. Their sole concern is that everybody knows and remembers how special and glorious they are. They refuse to do or resent doing things which do not establish or emphasize their sense of self-importance.

Unfortunately, however, such a sense of self-importance ends up decreasing the importance they give to their true self. Why is that? Because they often decide what gives them their sense of self-importance based on either external worldly considerations of what is considered glamorous, or internal considerations of their own mind’s notions of what is outstanding or notorious, be it in a positive or a negative sense.

When they are thus driven by superficial considerations of gaining recognition either in the world’s eyes or even in their mind’s eyes, they end up having no time or inclination for contemplation on the things that truly matter to them – the things that nourish their self, the things that can help them become who they are at their spiritual essence.

Just as a person chasing a mirage ends up going further and further away from the oasis where there is real water, similarly, a person pursuing a sense of self-importance goes further and further away from awareness or appreciation of their real self, which is the foundation of their identity and the basis of an enduring sense of security.

That’s why the Bhagavad Gita, in its thirteenth chapter when listing the items that comprise wisdom, starts with humility (13.08), which is the opposite of an exaggerated sense of self-importance. Indeed, the Gita (16.04) declares that those with an exaggerated sense of self-importance often partake of a demoniac nature.

By studying wisdom texts like the Gita and by giving ourselves time to contemplate on the things that truly matter to us, that truly nurture and transform us for the better, we all can break free from the shackles of self-importance. Thereby, we can realize and relish the importance of the self, which is a precious and glorious part of the divine (15.07). It is in such realized self-realization that there is sublime and sustainable satisfaction.

Summary:

The greater our sense of self-importance, the lesser is the importance we give to our true self.

Think it over: 

  • What is the primary concern of self-important people?
  • Why does a sense of self-importance take us away from our true self? 
  • How can you contemplate what really matters to you? 

***

16.04: Pride, arrogance, conceit, anger, harshness and ignorance – these qualities belong to those of demoniac nature, O son of Prutha.

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