Core human nature to know the higher Self comprising of Sat i.e. truth, Chit i.e. consciousness and Ananda i.e. bliss as a perpetual cosmic explorer is generally subdued being deeply entrenched in satiating fundamental instincts, requirements for survival and extravagance too. Even while addressing fundamental instincts, thirst to attain the highest domain of universal consciousness continues to exert its influence albeit not so consciously. These internecine conflicts and contradictions lead to excursive segmentation of consciousness as well as digression from the active consciousness seeking self-fulfillment. The sense of isolation from universalism that creeps into human psyche is the foundation of scores of egoic ‘my’ and ‘mine’ that besiege human minds. Innumerable microcosms that human mind creates within itself fail to connect with the macrocosm manifesting into egoism and narcissism. And when connected consciously, blissful self-esteem in the form of self-fulfillment blended with self-contentment is the accolade.
Egoism is an aberration, narcissism happens to be extreme egoism falling under the classification of psycho-disorder. Ego under ones command is a wonderful toy to play with and enjoy. That’s the only way to handle egoism as it is imperishable otherwise. Those struggling to annihilate their narcissistic egoism may continue doing so throughout their lives while egoism shall continue growing bigger and larger because destroyer of egoism too is egoism while egoism is never self-destructive. It is also a teacher that imparts lessons of life through a plethora of experiences, failures and successes once one is conscious of ones own ego.
Narcissism is excessively self–centered personality style characterized by an excessive engagement with oneself even at the expense of others. The term ‘narcissism’ is derived from Narcissus, a Greek mythological character, an attractive young man Narcissus who spurned advances of several lovers. Then ‘God’ punished him by prodding him fall in love with his own reflection in a pool of water. When Narcissus discovered that his reflection cannot reciprocate his love, he slowly pines away in grief and dies. Responses like ‘I am the only one who can deal with you’, ‘you are imagining/overreacting too much’, ‘always about you’, ‘you are too emotional/dramatic’ or even ‘do you understand me at all’ reveal varying degrees of narcissism, their own ways of gas-lighting.
Narcissistically egoists are entrenched in characteristics like –
They are immediately judgemental as egoism does not command respect from others.
Always wish to be right, presume to be right and urge to be acknowledged so too.
Directionless discussions with them on any issue.
May turn malicious or vindictive if denied the servility they wish to be conceded.
Fear and avoid personalities unknown to them.
Zealously attached to their identity.
Attached to certain symbols, objects or personalities and zealously defend them even if unjustified.
Grossly insecure when questioned by those more accomplished and illustrious, react weirdly to others successes.
Their self-deprecating comments are targeted to elicit compliments and admiration.
Prefer one-way relationships, avoid reciprocal gestures, hardly expressive even in sentimental situations.
Wish to be centre or focus of every conversation or activity so much so that they won’t mind being the corpse in a funeral procession.
Grandiose fantasies are dubbed serious action-plans or even Mission Statements.
Hardly ever introspective to ferret out remedial measures for any eventuality.
Superiority or inferiority complex is prevalent. Egoism is often invoked to shield inferiority complex.
Ensure others discover themselves inferior to them.
Control and dominate every issue or even minute details.
No apologies if not punctual or rules of a game violated.
Obsession for one-upmanship, never to concede an upper hand to others by resorting to frivolous argumentation.
Those blessed with the high order of self-esteem are characterised by –
Always calm and quiet, humble and unruffled even in midst of a turmoil.
Command respect from others and never turn malicious or vindictive.
Dignified to the core, generally ignore recriminations and hostilities so much so that opponents may be unnerved.
Mostly live a life of minimalism, eschew extravagance and shun allurements.
Never solicit recognition, certification by others or titles.
Liberal in conceding credits of even their own attainments to others being never insecure.
Intuition, wisdom and deep understanding of objectives of life are conspicuous in their conduct.
They assimilate tenets of Dharma and adhrere to that religiously, never concede themselves digression of any variety.
All their actions and decisions fall in harmony with the quartet of Dharma, Artha, Kama and Moksa as their guiding principles. Always their first concern remains commonweal to all.
Profound peace and bliss manifests on their countenances as all their microcosms fall within the domain of universal macrocosm transcending egoic confines of narcissism.
We Hindu-s have been highly self-esteemed community till the dawn of serial invasions and brutalities that led to steady decline so much so that identifying a self-esteemed Bharatiya today is an arduous task. Best available example of an exceedingly self-esteemed Hindu these days is Prime Minister Narendra Modi himself, high on self-esteem albeit with negligible egoism.
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