Empty Yourself of EGO: A Path to Wisdom and Growth

In today's world, there are varied opinions about the youth. Some believe that they are directionless and confused, while others see them as focused and clear about their goals. Yet, there's also a sad reality where some of the most successful youth are succumbing to adversity, facing mental health challenges.

However, amidst these diverse perspectives, one thing is clear: today's youth have unparalleled access to education and exposure, and they often believe they know everything. While it's essential to be confident in oneself, considering others as ignorant is a mistake.

When youth approach a mentor with ego, thinking they know everything, they become closed off, like a stone unable to absorb new knowledge. To truly learn, they must empty themselves of ego and become like a sponge, ready to absorb all knowledge.

Let me begin with stories from ancient Indian texts of the Upanishads ?showing the importance of humbleness, absolute faith in teacher, sacrifice and patience and full devotion to learn and seek wisdom

1. The Story of Shwetketu: After mastering all the Vedas, Shwetketu arrogantly approached his father, Uddalak Aruni. But his father asked him if he knew something that cannot be taught. His father instructed him to bring the seed of banyan tree and tell what he sees in it. When Shwetketu denied, father enlightened him that there is potential in a tiny seed to become huge banyan tree, teaching him the difference between knowledge and wisdom.
2. The 101 Years of Brahmacharya: Indra and Virochan, kings of Devta and Danav respectively, approached Brahm (The God) to give the ultimate wisdom, they were asked to practice Asceticism and celibacy for 32+32+32+ 5 years (Totalling to 101 years) to seek knowledge, highlighting the importance of sacrifice and patience in learning.
3. Brahma's Message: Brahma's advocacy of the single Hindi alphabet "d" to humans, demons, and gods for (Daan) charity, (Daya) compassion, and (Daman) self-control emphasizes the significance of even single alphabet from a guru.
4. Pippalada Muni's Test: When the six sages (rishis) (Kabandhin Katyayana, Bhargava Vaidarbhi, Kausalya Asvalayana, Sauryayanin Gargya, Saibya Satyakama and Sukesan Bharadvaja) approached Pippalada Muni (Sage) seeking answers to their questions, Pippalada asked them to stay in his ashram with celibacy and tapasya for a year and then he would answer if he feels so. This again shows the importance of faith, perseverance, and sacrifice of students towards learning and mentor (teacher).

The essence of these stories is clear: one must empty oneself of ego to acquire true knowledge. Youth may be filled with worldly knowledge, but wisdom comes from humility and application of that knowledge.

Closing oneself off from learning halts personal growth. Instead, be like a sponge, absorbing wisdom from everything and everyone.

Life's ultimate objective is enlightenment, and achieving it requires patience, humility, and a willingness to sacrifice worldly pleasures for knowledge.

In Conclusion:

• Empty yourself of ego to make space for true knowledge.
• Keep your EYES and MIND always open… open to learn from anything and anybody.
• Have patience, determination, and a willingness to sacrifice for knowledge.
• Collaborate with competitors and have faith in your mentors to guide you on the path of growth.

Remember, it's the guru or mentor who can transform you from a tiny seed into a mighty tree, like the banyan tree.