Is There Only One Ego?
by Greg Mackie
Question: Since there is only One Mind, then is there only One Ego, which we all share?
A: I see nothing in the Course that suggests that there is only one ego. In the Course's account of the separation, individual "parts" or "aspects" of the one Mind of God's Son (individual Sons) delude themselves into believing that they are truly separate from one another—separate egos. Indeed, the very nature of the ego is separation, the idea that I am a particular person separate from you, so sharing "One Ego" is really a contradiction in terms.
There are a number of Course passages that clearly speak of multiple egos. For example:
Everyone makes an ego or a self for himself, which is subject to enormous variation because of its instability. He also makes an ego for everyone else he perceives, which is equally variable. (T-4.II.2:1-2)
Egos can clash in any situation, but spirit cannot clash at all. (T-4.I.6:1)
This is the opposite of the ego-oriented teacher's goal. He is concerned with the effect of his ego on other egos, and therefore interprets their interaction as a means of ego preservation. (T-4.I.6:4-5)
"Giving to get" is an inescapable law of the ego, which always evaluates itself in relation to other egos. (T-4.II.6:5)
The ego believes it is completely on its own, which is merely another way of describing how it thinks it originated. This is such a fearful state that it can only turn to other egos and try to unite with them in a feeble attempt at identification, or attack them in an equally feeble show of strength. (T-4.II.8:1-2)
In sum: The Course speaks of multiple egos consistently throughout its pages, and I've never found a reference to the idea that there is only one ego. I think it is safe to say, with the Course, "The ego is legion" (T-6.II.13:2). Only the spirit is One.
Return to top | Send Reader Feedback | | Printer friendly version
Dear friend: We offer the materials on this website to you in the hope that they can serve you well on your journey home. Your continuing donations support the work of the Circle of Atonement. Thank you.
Click here to make a Donation.
This material is copyrighted by the Circle of Atonement, P.O. Box 4238, W. Sedona, AZ 86340. All rights reserved. The opinions expressed are the personal interpretation and understanding of the author(s).
Please report problems to the webmaster.
