To Go Beyond Ego

Beloved Bhakti,

Love. Search and the ego is always somewhere behind.

Search and in every act the ego is the motivation.

But if one can find it so - and can realize it so - one goes beyond it.

Because the very realization is the going beyond.

"Brother," said Mulla Nasrudin to a neighbour, "I am collecting to pay the debt of a poor man who cannot meet his obligations."

"Very laudable," said the other and gave him a coin.

"Who is this person?"

"Me," said Nasrudin as he hurried away.

A few weeks later he was at the door again.

"I suppose you are calling about a debt," said the non- cynical neighbour.

"I am."

"I suppose someone can't pay a debt, and you want a contribution?"

"That is so." "I suppose it is you who owe the money?"

"Not this time."

"Well, I am glad to hear it. Take this contribution."

Nasrudin pocketed the money.

"Just one thing, Mulla. What prompts your humanitarian sentiments in this particular case?"

"Ah, you see ... I am the creditor!"

26-5-1971