Soul Sustenance

Understanding The True Self And The False Self (cont.) 

The illusory (false) self is made up of desires that, even when fulfilled, fail to add value, or a sense of worth to the self. In fact, quite the opposite process happens. 

Let us examine some of these illusions and how they give us a mistaken sense of value. 

Illusion (False emotion): Ego 
Thought: I know, I am 
Result: Arrogance, inflexibility, controlling others 

Illusion (False emotion): Anger 
Thought: I expect 
Result: Force, aggression 

Illusion (False emotion): Attachment 
Thought: I own, It's mine 
Result: Insecurity, possessiveness, jealousy 

Illusion (False emotion): Greed 
Thought: I want, I need 
Result: Emptiness, wanting, dissatisfaction 

Illusion (False emotion): Lust 
Thought: I desire 
Result: Exploitation, misuse, emotional dependence 

These are the five fires that burn away the quality of human life: uncontrolled emotions that once, in their original pure state, gave happiness and peace to the individual but now create only emptiness and sorrow.