[greybeard]

As alluded to on the thread.
Transcending the ego or at least taming it is of crucial importance if we wish to move on from the current state of this world.

The level of spiritual awareness/intention is like an auto pilot on a ship.
You can set it to a certain direction say North turn the steering wheel and head East but the moment you let go the wheel the auto pilot will take you North again.
Similarly if you do some work on training the ego it will serve you for a while then the moment you let go of the training you will find that the selfish aspects that we all have will arise automatically and friction will occur in all relationships.
The ideal relationship is one where there is alignment of will.

In this world the ego is in control (the original meaning of the word ego is sin)
Im not religious and not fond of the idea of being judged for our sins and its not true.
(Explanation some pages back on what happens when we die.)
Jesus said "God forgive them for they know not what they do" in other words spiritually unconscious, asleep, the ego in control.

We have tried to force the world into peace for countless years, that hasn't worked and cant because its an egoic action.
If you look at the history of Nelson Mandella, Ghandi and others of the same spiritual vibration it speaks loud and clear for alignment, not force. look at how much these two achieved against all odds.
So if we want a peaceful world the we need to do what we can to personally raise our spiritual vibration. Be the change that we want to see. Others change through your example by what we do not what we say.

Meditation and all spiritual practices are good and worthwhile but when you come out of meditation and that beautiful peace then what? Does the peace remain?
If you get frustrated and angry because others dont see it your way, (of course your right arent you?) the ego is back full force.

Unless the workings of the ego are understood and surrendered to God, then spiritual progress will be slow. Eckhart Tolle said the same about understanding "The Pain Body". another name for aspects of the ego.
The mind does not have the power to transcend the ego you need Divine intervention,
if you ask for help you will get it.
The ego cant survive if the focus is kept in the Now, the Eternal moment.

Chris