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Are the inferiority complex and depression also based on ego-like negative ego?

[A question by Ms. Saatvika]

Swami replied:- You are correct. When the basic ego goes down, the resulting under-confidence leads to inferiority complex and depression like sub-normal temperature. As first aid, you must use the heater in the room, which is praising yourself in your mind (Aatma Stuti). When the basic ego grows more due to the growth of its wrong modification called over-confidence or pride, the first aid is condemning yourself in your mind (Aatma Ninda) like the first aid for the super-normal temperature (fever) is air cooler. For permanent cure of both these conditions, you must approach a good doctor for medical treatment, which is approaching the Sadguru to learn the true and complete spiritual knowledge from Him.

Q. Can ego be conquered only by surrender? or only if we conquer ego completely, can we surrender? Which comes first?

Swami replied:- As ego starts coming down, simultaneously the level of the surrender increases partially step by step. It is not like that you can take meals after the fever has left completely. The surrender itself means absence of ego and ego itself means absence of surrender. As the effort is progressing, the fruit also is entering side by side. As heat reduces, coolness increases.

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