Giving Up the Pride of Doership: Goal for Inner Transformation

From the Editor’s Desk

When people experience success in life, even those on the spiritual path experience the pride of doership. They tend to attribute the cause of accomplishment to themselves. However, to become truly detached from false pride, the desire for recognition, praise, and pleasures of the material mind, we must practice humility. We know that the biggest enemy of devotion is pride. We also know that one can only progress on the spiritual path by eliminating pride and proprietorship. Yet this is the most challenging trait to eradicate. 

Inspired by the Vedic Wisdom (i.e., tattva jnana) taught by Shree Swami Mukundananda ji, we focus on understanding more about the pride of doership and ways to overcome it in this issue of JKYog’s monthly newsletter Samarpan. 

Vedic Wisdom & Application

Challenge of the Month

Giving Up the Pride of Doership: Goal for Inner Transformation

Reflection Questions

• What is the Source of the Pride of Doership?
• How is the Pride of Doership Related to the Ego?
• How can We Give Up the Pride of Doership?

On the spiritual path, there are few concepts as profound and challenging as giving up the pride of doership. This subtle yet powerful aspect seems to be the last element to be vanquished and that too, only through the divine grace of a true Guru. What is the mystery behind the pride of doership? Let us delve into the depths of this concept, drawing inspiration from Swami Mukundananda ji’s illuminating scriptural wisdom.

What is the Source of the Pride of Doership?

Psychologists suggest that the pride of doership arises from several sources rooted in psychological, social, and philosophical factors. Understanding its origins can help us to understand why we develop this sense of ownership over actions and outcomes.

1. A False Sense of Identity: 

The pride of doership is closely tied to the ego, or the sense of self, which is shaped over time by various factors, such as upbringing, societal influences, and personal experiences. From a young age, individuals are taught to identify with their actions, for example, “You did well on your exam. Keep studying hard!” or “You are an excellent athlete. Continue with your practice routine.” This constant reinforcement of actions that result in achievement or success as part of one's identity leads to a growing attachment to the belief that "I am the doer." The sense of individuality is created by the ego, which is distinct from others and the environment. This individuality requires validation and recognition, which is why we tend to take credit for our actions and successes. The more we are praised for our achievements, the more the ego grows in strength.

2. Cultural and Societal Conditioning:

Society and culture place a significant value on individual achievements. Success is often perceived as a result of personal effort, skill, and intelligence. From a young age, we are taught that if we want to be successful, we must be in control of our actions and take full responsibility for them. Social constructs like career status, wealth, education, and fame often promote the idea that we must own our success. As a result, the pride of doership becomes a way to maintain one's social standing and reinforce one's identity. In competitive environments, individuals are encouraged to take pride in their ability to perform and excel. This external pressure to “do” and achieve can make people feel that their self-worth is tied to what they accomplish.

3. Desire for Control and Security:

The pride of doership can stem from a deep-seated desire for control. Human beings have an innate need to control their environment to feel secure. If we believe we are the ones responsible for our actions and outcomes, it gives us a sense of power over our lives. This sense of control provides psychological comfort, as it reduces feelings of helplessness or uncertainty. By attributing outcomes to our own efforts, we believe we can influence future events, which boosts our confidence and self-assurance.

4. Attachment to Outcomes:

The pride of doership also comes from attachment to the outcomes of our actions. When we invest a lot of energy and effort into something, we value the results. Success makes us feel competent and validated, while failure may evoke feelings of inadequacy or shame. This attachment to results creates a deeper identification with the self as the doer because the mind believes that "I" am responsible for these outcomes. In this way, the pride of doership becomes a mechanism to bolster self-esteem.

5. The Need for Recognition and Validation:

The pride of doership often arises from the human need for recognition and validation. People are social beings, and part of our emotional well-being is tied to how others perceive us. The pride of doership is a way to seek validation from others by taking credit for accomplishments and feeling that one's actions are meaningful in the eyes of others. This need for approval and admiration can reinforce the idea that we are the ones behind everything that happens in our lives, further strengthening the ego.

6. Spiritual Ignorance (Avidya):

The spiritual perspective suggests that the pride of doership arises from avidya (i.e., ignorance) where we identify with the body, mind, and intellect instead of the divine soul. The false identification nurtures the ego and the sense of individuality distorts our true nature. When we mistakenly believe that we are the sole doers, we create an attachment to the self and its desires, leading to the pride of doership. 

How is the Pride of Doership Related to the Ego?

The ego is the mental construct of "I" or the self-image, which is often tied to one's identity, desires, and attachments. The pride of doership is an aspect of the ego, and the ego (i.e., ahankar) is a part of the mind that organizes and interprets experiences and maintains a sense of individuality.  

Among all the attachments that bind us to the material plane, the ego – our sense of “I” and “mine” – proves to be the most unyielding. Many spiritual seekers find it relatively easier to renounce material possessions or worldly relationships than the ego. In fact, up to Brahmalok, all souls are filled with the pride of doership. Even the celestial gods learn the hard lessons when their ego is knocked down by God. Swamiji eloquently explains that “The hardest attachment to renounce is the attachment to our own ego. It subtly influences our thoughts, actions, and beliefs, making us identify with our accomplishments and failures alike.” How does the ego influence the mind?

1. Identification with Actions: The ego often claims credit for achievements ("I did this"), creating a sense of pride and self-importance when things go well. This pride reinforces the ego's dominance, making the person feel more separate and individualistic from the world and others.

2. Attachment to Results: Because of the ego’s desire for control and validation, it leads to attachment to the results of one's actions. This attachment can cause suffering when things do not go as expected, fueling negative emotions like frustration, anger, or despair. The pride of doership in this sense fuels the ego's desire for success and recognition, constantly reinforcing the false sense of self.
3. Sense of Separation: The ego thrives on a sense of separation and distinction, and the pride of doership contributes to this by fostering a belief that "I am the one who is responsible for what happens." In contrast, many spiritual philosophies teach that we are not merely individuals acting in isolation, but part of a larger, interconnected flow of existence. The pride of doership emphasizes individuality and separateness, increasing the ego’s influence.

This ego-driven attachment creates an intricate web of illusions that convince people that are the sole architects of our achievements and the victims of our failures. Breaking free from this deeply ingrained belief requires a profound shift in perspective – a realization that we are merely instruments of the divine will.

The great bhakti saint, Sant Kabir Das, captured this wisdom beautifully in his doha: 

“Jab mai tha, tab Hari nahi; ab Hari hai, mai nahi.” (“When “I” existed, there was no God; now that God exists, “I” am no more.”)

Kabirdas ji’s words serve as a poignant reminder of the valued goal – to dissolve the ego completely such that only the divine presence remains.

How can We Give Up the Pride of Doership?

Swamiji teaches us that “Pride arises when we identify with our achievements as personal triumphs. However, the truth is that our talents, resources, and circumstances are gifts from God. When we recognize this, humility naturally blossoms, and the ego dissolves.”

Giving up the pride of doership is a profound process that requires shifting one's perspective on action, responsibility, and identity. It involves moving from a mindset of individual ownership to one of humility, surrender, and understanding the interdependence of all things. Such thoughts cannot be nurtured with independent practice but under the able guidance of a true Guru. Several issues of Samarpan have focused on how the Guru guides disciples on the spiritual journey. Therefore, here we focus on other ways to work on giving up the pride of doership:

1. Cultivate Self-Awareness: 

In The Power of Thoughts, Swamiji suggested the practice of observing our thoughts (i.e., sakshi bhav) and related actions. When you feel proud of an accomplishment, notice how the mind links the success to you as the individual doer. We can practice self-inquiry (e.g., "Who am I?") and question the very notion of the "I" that claims ownership of actions. One can practice meditation and chintan or contemplation to recognize the impermanence and fluidity of the "self," thus reducing attachment to the ego and the pride of doership.

2. Practice Detachment from Results: 

The timeless wisdom of the Bhagavad Gita, Verse 2.47, teaches us the core principle of Karmyog in that one should perform duties without attachment to the fruits of our actions. Shift the focus from achieving success or avoiding failure to doing your best in the present moment, regardless of the outcome. Recognize that while effort is required, the outcomes are influenced by countless factors, many of which are beyond personal control. This understanding helps reduce the inflated pride of doership.

Swamiji has shared a simple yet powerful practice to internalize this teaching. We could begin each day with a prayer of surrender, dedicating all our actions to a higher purpose. This mental shift allows us to perform our duties with diligence while remaining detached from the fruits of our actions.

3. Embrace Humility and Surrender:

Humility is the antidote to pride. The pride of doership arises when the ego claims sole credit for actions, forgetting the divine contribution. We must internalize the knowledge that we are not the source of our abilities, talents, or circumstances. These are divine gifts that we are meant to use responsibly. Understanding this dissolves the ego and fosters humility. Recognizing that we are instruments of God allows us to perform our duties without arrogance while remaining grounded in humility. 

Surrendering to the divine will help dissolve the ego’s need to claim sole ownership over actions. Shree Chaitanya Mahaprabhu, the proponent of the philosophy of Divine Love, taught the practice of chanting the holy names with utmost humility. The third verse of His Shikshashtakam captured this essence:

तृणादपि सुनीचेन, तरोरपि सहिष्णुना, अमानिना मानदेना, कीर्तनीय सदा हरिः 

Trinadapi Sunichena, Tarorapi Sahishnuna, Amanina Maanadena, Kirtaniya sada Harih

Make me humbler than a blade of grass, more forbearing than a tree that gives due honor to others without desiring honor for itself is qualified to always chant the Holy Name of Krishna.

The path of Bhakti encourages us to shift the perspective from viewing oneself as the "doer" to serving as the "instrument" through which action takes place. Swamiji offers sound practical advice on implementing this principle: “When we work with the intention of pleasing God and aligning with His will, we automatically let go of expectations tied to the results. This attitude transforms our actions into acts of devotion.” 

4. Practice Seva (i.e., Selfless Service):

Another way to give up the pride of doership is to engage in acts of selfless seva in the Guru’s mission without any expectation of recognition, reward, or acknowledgment. The act of serving the Guru without the desire for personal gain reduces the attachment to the "I" and "me" that feeds the pride of doership. Additionally, we experience the joy of giving while detaching from the ego's need for validation.

5. Cultivating Equanimity: 

We are perpetually swayed by dualities – joy and sorrow, success and failure, praise and criticism. Convincing the intellect to remain indifferent to these experiences requires cultivating equanimity, a state where the mind remains balanced regardless of external circumstances (Bhagavad Gita 2.14). 

As Swamiji explains, "Equanimity arises when we understand that life's experiences are fleeting and that everything is orchestrated for our spiritual growth. By perceiving situations as lessons from the divine, we can transcend the emotional highs and lows."

In summary, the biggest enemy of devotion is pride, and one can only progress on the spiritual path by eliminating pride and proprietorship. Devotees naturally become humble if they eliminate false identification with the body. As devotees, we must recognize our constitutional nature and like Hanuman ji, redirect our pride to being profitable servants of God. Similarly, we must believe that renouncing the pride of doership is the responsibility of the soul (Bhagavad Gita 5.14). 

Tools for Your Personal Growth

Do you perceive yourself as a humble soul or one with the pride of doership? Use this tool to assess yourself.  

If you would like to speak about this topic or your practice, please feel free to contact us at [email protected]. Please also give us some time to respond. Thank you.

Love to Hear from You (Discussion Forum – Delete if Discussion not possible)

1. How did you apply the Vedic Wisdom?  
2. What challenges did you experience in the process? Please share below.

Gems of Wisdom from Swamiji

Here are a few YouTube video titles with related links and books where Swamiji has described the delusions of the ego that lead to the pride of doership.

• God vs Ego – Who’s Really Controlling you? Breaking Free from Karma and Pride | Swami Mukundananda 
• If God is the Doer - Why Do we Face the Law of Karma? | Swami Mukundananda  
• 3 Mindsets to Do your Best Work Everyday | Swami Mukundananda
• Mukundananda, S. (2023). The Art & Science of Happiness, Penguin Random House India: GuruGram, India.  
• Mukundananda, S. (2022). The Power of Thoughts, Penguin Random House: Gurugram, India. 
• Mukundananda, S. (2022). Bhagavad Gita – The Song of God, Westland Publications: Chennai, India. 

 

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Jagadguru Shree Kripaluji Maharaj, the 5^th original Jagadguru in Indian history, descended on the beautiful Sharad Poornima night in October 1922, in the village of Mangarh in North India. Even as a child, Maharajji displayed signs of divinity as recounted by His family members and close associates. In 1957, at the very young age of 34 years, Shree Maharajji was venerated with the title of Jagadguruttam by the Kashi Vidvat Parishat. Since then, January 14^th has been celebrated as Jagadguruttam Diwas. Shree Maharajji, the personification of the nectar of divine love, has inspired millions toward bhakti marg.  

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