Ego Traps on the Mystical Path

On the sufi/irfan path of self Realisation, the seeker is never safe from the egoistic self which wants to preserve itself and its needs and desires. During the first stage of conquering nafs-e-ammara(the commanding self) there is a intense struggle against the egoistic worldly desires and the seeker finds some success with self control and self discipline.

The ego then eases this journey and helps the seeker see some more success in terms of good behavior and more self control. This is a essentially a trap by the ego. And as the seeker prematurely proceeds towards the second stage of conquering the nafs-e-lawama(the blaming self).

The ego self here waits with another trap and injects hypocrisy, arrogance and anger into the mind of the seeker against the teacher/master: “It says You are now as good as your master; not only do you know as much as he does, the way you behave is better. If he were able to apply what he teaches in his own lives he wouldn’t be half of what you are. You don’t need his preaching or his advice anymore. Now let people see your wisdom and your deeds so that you will be an example to them.

This leads to arrogance and taking the path of the ego and becomes a major diversion from the path of self realisation.