Inner Battle/Enemy

[muffler dragon]

For some time now, I have been wanting to start a thread on this topic for personal introspection as well as seeing if any one else had thoughts, comments, etc.

Within the last few months, I purchased "Revolver" which is a Guy Ritchie film that was released in the UK a couple years ago. It was just released in the US this year. One particular concept that comes out of the movie can be summed up by one of the characters:

"the greatest con that [the ego] ever pulled was making you believe that he is you."

I do realize that this is very similar to the Usual Suspects line regarding the Devil, but I'll try to keep that out of it (even though it can be tangentially related).

The battle against this "con" pulled by the ego can be summed up in two other statements:

"induce head pain to engage the enemy"
"nothing hurts more than humiliation and a little money loss"

So this discussion is essentially about battling the ego/inner enemy.

Interestingly enough, I have found traces of this concept in two other religious bases: the Judaic "yetzer" (inclination) and Buddhist "no self" considerations. I'm not attempting to say that they are all the same, but instead, touch similar points.

As I'm not versed on the Buddhist "no self" concept, I'll stick with the "inclination" approach of Judaism. In Judaism, there is the belief that each person is born with two "inclinations": one "good" and one "bad". These two "inclinations" represent the options for choices. Further deepening the philosophical implications, the "good" and "bad" inclinations can have opposite endings depending upon their use. An example would be that the "bad" inclination would give the option of a selfish choice. Selfish choices could lead to employment, shelter, sex, etc. Thus, it can get rather interesting.

Anyway... to bring this back to the initial "inner battle/enemy" thing, I have found myself concentrating on ways in which I can cause myself "discomfort" in order to make sure that I make proper choices and also to challenge myself. As inconsequential as it may appear to be related, I have been applying this concept as it pertains to personal physical well-being. I've had the desire to get in shape in the last 6 months, and now I take it upon myself to push myself beyond my comfort zone in order to make sure that I stick with it and get results. This "battle" has provided me with a different perspective in order to not get stagnant.

Oddly enough, there is circularity that comes into play as one battles their "ego/self", because this battle can give rise to benefits for the person.

Feel free to share thoughts. And I apologize for any confusion that my train of thought has made.

 

[Buckeyeskickbuttocks]

Muffler, this sentence:

Anyway... to bring this back to the initial "inner battle/enemy" thing, I have found myself concentrating on ways in which I can cause myself "discomfort" in order to make sure that I make proper choices and also to challenge myself.

is throwing me off. With respect to non-physical decisions, could you give an example of what you mean by "discomfort?" Specifically as it might relate to what your ego may be desiring. Likewise, are you referring to the Freudian concept of Ego?

As I think about my life, I'm not sure I cause myself discomfort to achieve "good" or "bad" ends. I mean, even the "bad" ones - the ones that serve my [selfish?] ends - are typically also serving more global goals. (i.e., making enough money to own a house serves also the interests of my wife and kids). Of course, I do make decisions in life which serve only me, for example choosing to go out with friends rather than stay at home on some evening, but I see even these decisions being based in some part on a more global good - at least in a limited sense (namely providing me with a "break" and a "get away" or whatnot which then makes me appreciate my time at home more).

Just some thoughts....

 

[muffler dragon]

Muffler, this sentence:

is throwing me off. With respect to non-physical decisions, could you give an example of what you mean by "discomfort?" Specifically as it might relate to what your ego may be desiring.

One example that I've been dealing with lately would be the impetus to minimize our material possessions for two reasons: 1) hope to sell in order to improve our financial standing 2) remove physical clutter (which can lead to metaphorical discussions). I was raised in a pack-rat environment. My wife is one who likes to get rid of things that aren't used for six months. I've gotten better or come closer to the middle of the pendulum; however, it still causes inner turmoil for me. My imagination will run wild with all sorts of theoreticals where I may need this or that, and how am I going to get it IF it becomes necessary or WHY pay twice for something that I have now already. The thoughts continue to abound. I believe that this entire situation has more internal elements than just the physical minimization. I don't know if this qualifies as a valid example for you, so let me know.

Likewise, are you referring to the Freudian concept of Ego?

To be honest, I have no idea what that concept entails as I've only ever had one Philosophy course in my life. I guess until stated otherwise (or I'm more educated on it) the ego is equivalent to the portion of my existence that I would call "me" or "self".

As I think about my life, I'm not sure I cause myself discomfort to achieve "good" or "bad" ends. I mean, even the "bad" ones - the ones that serve my [selfish?] ends - are typically also serving more global goals. (i.e., making enough money to own a house serves also the interests of my wife and kids). Of course, I do make decisions in life which serve only me, for example choosing to go out with friends rather than stay at home on some evening, but I see even these decisions being based in some part on a more global good - at least in a limited sense (namely providing me with a "break" and a "get away" or whatnot which then makes me appreciate my time at home more).

Just some thoughts....

I completely understand that. I don't mean to make it sound like the "discomfort" doesn't serve a benefit. Instead, it's an internal struggle in order to make myself better overall. To gain a better perspective. To establish an evening of the pendulum. You and I have discussed the whole idea of the yetzer before, and we've talked about how even the "evil" inclination can serve positive ends. Ultimately, I find the struggle to be overly positive as it stretches my physical, mental, emotional and spiritual being. The part that does get trippy (for me) is understanding that while benefitting me, I need to make sure that I don't do it solely for that reason as that would empower my "ego/self". But then again, that statement seems almost to ethereal to grasp. I could be quite wrong.

Before I vomit more ramblings, I'll stop for now.

 

[Taosman]

Don't be afraid to read about Buddhism. I recommend "Buddhism, Plain and Simple"(Steve Hagen) for all to get a feel for a very old philosophy on dealing with life. Buddhism can tie into good old fashioned values.(simplicity)(being in the present moment)(respect for the elderly)(saving)
(service to community)

 

[Buckeyeskickbuttocks]

Using your definition of Ego, then, I'm not convinced that - as you say "empowering" your ego - is a thing to be avoided. At the extreme, it probably is, of course, but I think we can better serve others when we have our own needs satisfied (first?). Sure there are true sacrifices to be made, but on the whole, as the saying goes, "You can't love anyone else if you don't love yourself."

So, in that respect, I would say a tactic of denying your ego too often could become a problem, both locally (in yourself) and globally (in your surroundings).

 

[muffler dragon]

Don't be afraid to read about Buddhism.

I've never been adverse to reading and learning about various belief systems. Truthfully, Buddhism is very intriguing to me. There are portions (from my limited learning) that I can definitely grasp and appreciate; whereas, there are also topics that are difficult for me to take as my own. Lately, another problem has been learning about the different types of Buddhism.

I work with a gentleman who is Zen Buddhist. He and I have great conversations and understanding. The largest difficulty I run into is the "no self" concept.

I recommend "Buddhism, Plain and Simple"(Steve Hagen) for all to get a feel for a very old philosophy on dealing with life.

I'll try to remember to check that out.

I have read a couple books in years past that touch the topic:

Zen & The Art of Motorcycle Maintenance
Living Buddha, Living Christ (from my previous Christian life)

Yet, I've not read anything pertaining directly to Buddhism. Thanks for the recommendation.

Buddhism can tie into good old fashioned values.(simplicity)(being in the present moment)(respect for the elderly)(saving)(service to community)

What little I have learned about Buddhism would confirm this. I do appreciate these characteristics. Interestingly enough, these pretty much tie into my present belief system as well. It seems, IMO, that there are indeed universal truths in humanity.

 

[muffler dragon]

Using your definition of Ego, then, I'm not convinced that - as you say "empowering" your ego - is a thing to be avoided. At the extreme, it probably is, of course, but I think we can better serve others when we have our own needs satisfied (first?).

Okay. I should note that this may just be a wave that I'm going through. I also realize that this could very well be my own little thing to deal with. It just resonated with Revolver.

Sure there are true sacrifices to be made, but on the whole, as the saying goes, "You can't love anyone else if you don't love yourself."

I completely understand what you're saying. Reading this comment makes me wonder if I've done a really poor job of presenting my conceptions. Reason being: I don't disagree with this statement in the slightest. Self-confidence and "love" are extremely important ideas for me personally. I'm drawing a disconnect as to how this statement needs to be divergent of what I will call a means of "growth" or "struggle".

So, in that respect, I would say a tactic of denying your ego too often could become a problem, both locally (in yourself) and globally (in your surroundings).

I assure you that I am not meaning a perpetual situation. More a periodic matter.