Ego is deep rooted in every person from their countless previous lives. It grows very fast in this life too, seeking sensual pleasure, possessions in plenty, applause and appreciation, authority over others, fame and fortune. It can be removed only by relentless enquiry into your true Reality. When you are awake, you experience a variety of relationships. You are interested in a multiplicity of people, possession and problems. You pass through joy and grief, praise and ridicule, insult and injury. When you are dreaming, the entire outer world fades away. When you are awake, you experience pleasure and pain; you plunge into fear and throw yourself in despair. When asleep, you are no longer alert or active. You are alone with the Divine Soul (Atma), which is your reality. The Atma is with you through all the three stages, even though you ignored it and perhaps denied it! This Atma is the truth, “That Thou Art”! (Tat-Twam-Asi).

- Divine Discourse, Jan 2, 1987.