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Once upon a time, China was a collection of a number of small countries. A king was ruling one of those countries. He was very good at heart and under his rule, he was supportive of patriotism of his citizens. He was smart at war and had a sharp intellect. Due to all this glory, his ego grew day by day.

The difference between others and him was that others do not realize their ego, but he did realize that his ego is growing day by day and wanted to get rid of it. So he invited many learned scholars and asked them for suggestions. They explained to him what was mentioned in the scriptures about ego, but failed to tell him about ways to destroy it. The king got tired of asking this to everyone.

Then, a Buddhist monk from India arrived into that country. The king gave him a grand reception. He made him stay in a palatial area and asked him, "Swami! my country is gifted to host you. You are free to go anywhere in this country. I shall make all the arrangements for that. Kindly preach good thoughts to the citizens. I shall be supportive in that regard. You can stay here as my guest as long as you wish".

Then the king said, "I have a problem since quite a few days. After having achieved great things in life, I feel that my ego is growing. I have established a vast kingdom by defeating many petty kings. I live in abundance of wealth and possess good wives and children. Still, I am sad that I possess ego. I convened the court many a time to enquire about this. There were people to preach me for hours together but none had a solution to destroy it. You seem to be a great Sãdhu and an experienced being. Kindly help me in this regard".

The monk replied, "Okay! It is not a big deal! I shall help you for your good nature. I shall destroy your ego tomorrow." Hearing this, the king rejoiced. He asked, "What do I need to do for this?" The monk replied, "You have to come to my hut at 3:00 am tomorrow without any royal robes, ornaments and weapons." The king thought, "he is asking me to come alone, without any weapons, royal robes and ornaments! Is he planning to take some revenge and kill me to get hold of this country?". Instantly, he thought,"We have this ego! We doubt everything. I am not able to see such features on his face. His countenance is filled with love and peace. His looks are graceful. He cannot do such a deed." When the king bade farewell, the monk said, "When you come tommorow, donot forget to bring your ego along with you". Hearing this, the king was confused again. "Is he a Sãdhu or a lunatic! He is asking me to bring my ego along! Is it something that can be carried in the hand? Or can it be locked inside a safe? Isn't ego something that is entwined within us? How is he asking me to bring it along?". Thus confused, the king returned.

Next day, the king went to the Sãdhu's place early in the morning. He went alone as instructed. The Sãdhu said that it was good that he had come alone and asked if he had brought his ego along. The king replied, "I have not kept my ego anywhere. It is well inside me. " Happily, the Sãdhu replied, "Is your ego within yourself? Then our job is simple. Close your eyes. Hunt for your ego within yourself. Once you find it, call me. I shall hit it hard with this stick in my hand." Looking at the stick, the king was initially scared. Then he closed his eyes and enquired within himself as to where his ego is. Slowly he started losing his body-consciousness. All his thoughts started to subside. He attained the highest state of Samãdhi. Many hours passed by! But he could see nothing, hear nothing!

The Sãdhu then shook him hard and asked him, "Did you find it?". The king said, "I went into myself in search of my ego. But it was not to be found inside. As I went deeper, I attained Samãdhi. I enjoyed bliss!" The Sãdhu then asked, "well, you say that the ego is neither outside nor inside. Then where is it?" The king happily replied, "Ego! That is just an imagination. It does not exist. Thank you for giving me such a wonderful experience."

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