Mind, Intellect, Ego

Author: Thom Knoles
Published: Sun 19 May 2024
Episode Link: https://thomknoles.com/podcast/mind-intellect-ego

Jai Guru Deva.

We wanted to let you know that the full schedule and registration details for Thom's upcoming Mexico tour are now online. The program includes free group meditations and knowledge sessions, opportunities to learn Vedic Meditation and receive an advanced technique directly from Thom, refresher sessions for existing meditators, a live Satsang session, and a five-day four-night rounding retreat.

This is also your opportunity to book a life-changing private one-on-one consultation with Thom while he's in Mexico City. The tour runs from September 17 to 29, and you can find out more at thomknoles.com/mexico. That's thomknoles.com/mexico.

What’s the distinction between mind, intellect and ego? And what are their functions? Unlike many modern psychological approaches, the Vedic worldview honors and celebrates the role of all three.

While they may not always function perfectly – like the 'mistaken intellect' often discussed by Thom – each of these elements plays a specific and essential role in our evolution.

Thom explains in this episode, that rather than putting our efforts into “getting rid of the ego,” we’re best served by enlisting our ego as a cooperative component in our quest for enlightenment. Ironically, it’s allowing the ego to transcend itself, that gives it the ability to truly know its ultimate, unchanging essence.

Episode Highlights:

[00:45] Vedic Psychology on Mind, Intellect, and Ego

[02:32] Manas

[03:53] What Remains Unchanged Within Us?

[05:21] Mind Stays the Same

[06:39] Two Elements of Manas

[07:49] Buddhi

[08:54] Ego in Western Psychology

[11:47] Vedic Ego (Ahaṃkar)

[13:32] Intellect's Role in Ego Formation

[14:41] The Ego Structure

[16:22] Ahaṃkar in Vedic Meditation