There is a connection between ego and free will. Humans are bound, by circumstance, to sets of defined parameters. Yet, some free will must be exercised for everyday functioning to be possible. To be completely egoless, according to several sources, is not, if ever, a feat that is easily achieved. What is the line between egoic aggrandizement and indulgent (self-)promotion? Choices must, and will always need to, be made.
The ego is a critical aspect of navigating the 3D matrix. The ego creates distinctions that give rise to the perception of duality. Sometimes it is taken to be a negative in that it is seen as the causal root of suffering. Ego is the sense of “I” that establishes separation from everything else. It emphasizes separateness and individuality which, particularly from a spiritual perspective, is a limited and limiting sense of self. On the other hand, it is viewed as something that helps with functioning in the world. It is instrumental in the choice to establish boundaries that preclude any undesirable or harmful event from occurring.
What is choice?? It is defined as an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities. It is linked to free will, by proxy. Defined parameters do not overshadow the need to exercise freedom of choice. As the bible highlights the choice-making option that was given to Adam and Eve by the LORD of Hosts, ‘normal humans’ have that same option. To make choices is ego based. A sense of self is required for making decisions. Is it in the best interests of the decision maker, or not, to make a decision, to choose. The ego can cloud objective analysis by influencing choices that give priority to personal needs, desires, and self-worth.
Egolessness . . . . is a concept rooted in the proper placement of (the) ego function. Developing egolessness involves a fluid approach that allows for navigating the world while keeping recurrent habits, based on past experiences, in a balanced, monitored state. The fervent assertion, in Hinduistic and Buddhistic canon, is that no separately existing self can be found. To continue to believe that there is will only elicit and prolong the experience of suffering. Psychiatry posits, that egolessness can be a state of being that highlights awareness of ‘non-self-universe’ connection. This facilitates a compassion for and acceptance of all things (as) being impermanent. Choices still remain, even in this state.
To choose egoic expression is to exercise free will. Even those who deny the validity of free will have moments wherein it is demonstrated. Choices must be made. A confined set of options still leads to the necessity of choosing. Proponents of free will typically will see no incongruence between ego and choosing. Those who think otherwise may have difficulty in seeing that the option to choose is expressive of free will. They may indulge in self-centered behavior. Self-aggrandizement is a at its core an exaggerated sense of one’s importance, achievements, or capabilities, often expressed through boastful or pretentious behavior. This is a choice.
To make a choice is to express ego-self. This is not an abhorrent situation. Without free will, ego is not needed. Without ego, free will cannot be exercised. When a person wants to present that they are above average within the context of a job, a hobby, or what have you. They may choose to make a big deal of the matter; perhaps bigger than need be made. Yet, this expression of ego is . . . . a choice. It is a choice that is facilitated through the employing of free will. If one subscribes to the absence of free will due to there being circumstantial constraints, then make those decisions in that absence.. If free will is a given, then exercise it by all means. Guide the ego, always.
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