The ego and Self
The Mundaka Upanishad repeats an image that we saw in the Katha Up. (see p. 80) that intends to illustrate the difference between the ego and the Self (Atman).
On page 192, we read the following:
“Like two golden birds perched on the selfsame tree,
Intimate friends, the ego and the Self
Dwell in the same body. The former eats
The sweet and sour fruits of the tree of life
While the latter looks on in detachment”
Earlier, on page 190, the Self is described as “detached work.”
Given what you’ve learned about the ego and Self, please try to describe the difference between the two, specifically in terms of their “work”: “attached work” (the ego) vs. “detached work” (the Self). Give an example to illustrate the difference.
Please write at least one full page of text.
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01-The_Upanishads_Introduced___Translated_By_Easwaran-Eknath.pdf