The Character and His Ego
The character gives a face to the Word; the ego begins when that face demands to occupy the Throne.
The character is the identity through which we act in the world.
It has a name, a body, memory, capacities, wounds, relationships, and responsibilities.
It is not a lie that must be annihilated.
It is a necessary Form in order to incarnate.
The ego is the movement through which that Form proclaims itself the center, source, and measure of all things.
Before every reality it asks:
«What do I gain?».
«What do I lose?».
«How does this protect my identity?».
«How does it magnify my name?».
Caring for the body is not ego.
Resting, enjoying, creating, setting boundaries, and preserving one's own integrity are not selfishness.
The ego appears when every capacity becomes oriented toward the exclusive service of the character:
My security.
My wealth.
My stability,
My recognition.
My truth.
My tranquility.
My routine.My comfort.
Even service can become food for the ego.
I can help in order to feel superior.
I can speak of Truth in order to be recognized as a revealer.
I can present myself without a signature and build around anonymity an even greater greatness.
I can pronounce Unity while elevating myself above my brothers.
I can speak as a Lamb and desire the authority of the Beast.
Therefore the character must first appear before the Altar.
Not to be destroyed.
To leave the Throne.
Dying to the character means putting an end to its claim of being the totality. It does not mean harming the body, erasing the personality, denying affections, or abandoning responsibilities.
When the character returns to its place, all its capacities are restored.
The mind discerns.
The voice communicates.
The body incarnates.
The hands serve.
Uniqueness delivers to the Whole that which only it could manifest in that way.
The character does not disappear.
It ceases to govern that which it never originated.