If our celestial soul is shrouded in the dark smoke produced by the imperious self, our soul will cease to reflect the divine light (spark) within it.

Do you ever find yourself caught between two opposing ideas when you are about to make a decision? For example, when you plan to finish your work in good time but switch your mind to watch a television program that you like, and say it is not the end of the world if you finish the work a bit later. Or, even though you don’t like to talk behind people’s back, you have an urge to speak against your colleague who did not treat you well. Or, you have cold feet when doing something good for the community, thinking that it is not up to you to fix everything although it is within your reach to help. From simple to complex decisions, this familiar voice putting forth such arguments often dictates to us what to do, as opposed to a deeper and more subtle voice which advises us to do otherwise.

The opposition between the two voices arises in the form of an inner conflict that we face in the currents of everyday life. Freud states that it is in the fabric of human nature to have conflict between the agencies of the psyche: id, ego and superego. On the one hand, there are the animal instincts, impulses, and desires of a terrestrial nature enforced by the id, and on the other hand there is the voice of conscience, willpower, and reason, opposing the pressures of the id. The main task of the human being situated between these two opposing forces is to find and restore his equilibrium in each conflicting situation, while adapting to his milieu or environment.

Ostad Elahi, the 20^th century thinker, jurist, and musician, who spent a lifetime studying and experimenting on the human psyche and soul, defines his approach as the new medicine of the soul. He proclaims that the forces opposing the id are willpower, faith, reason, and the voice of the conscience, and that they are instilled in the celestial soul of the human being, whereas the source of the animal instincts, impulses and desires lies in the terrestrial soul of the human being, and they arise from the pressures of the id and the imperious self. Ostad Elahi defines the imperious self as:

The imperious self is a powerful psychological energy that is harmful for the soul. This energy is continuously produced by the activity of our character weak points (flaws) and results in unethical and undivine impulses and desires at the level of our ego. The activation of our weak points can be triggered either from within (by our own thoughts) or from without (especially by other people). The imperious self most often expresses itself at the level of our conscious self through impulsive attacks that pressure our psyche for their immediate satisfaction. It also seeks to deceive us, however, by cunningly intruding into our reason and placing it at its own disposal to satisfy its desires. Whereas its impulsive attacks are easily detectable, the detection of its deceptive attacks requires greater development of our sound reason. The imperious self drives us to do evil to both ourselves (our soul) and to others through the various transgressions of their rights.

The whims and desires of the id-imperious self complex are executed by the ego which dominates the psyche and preoccupies our daily conscious self. In his new medicine of the soul, Ostad Elahi indicates that in the conscious level where the ego resides, there is a deeper layer where one can find inner guide. This inner guide speaks in the voice of conscience, which is the germ of sound reason and inspires us to take the correct course of thought and action in our decisions. “Correct” in the sense that it is in accord with divine and ethical principles, and in harmony with the well-being of our soul. The role of the inner guide is to fight against the imperious self in order to preserve the vitality and health of the soul, and to assure its sound development against the regressive and harmful demands of the imperious self (executed by the ego). The primary tools of the inner guide in this battle are sound reason and willpower, driven by faith in the Truth. Ostad Elahi puts forth that once we lend an ear to the inner guide, pay attention, and get accustomed to hearing and understanding its advice, only then we can reflect on them and make a plan to protect ourselves from the attacks of the id-imperious self.  Starting with small steps, one can strengthen his willpower, and resist these pressures.  Otherwise, defeat is inevitable, confronted with the strong and cunning tactics seamlessly enforced by the imperious self. But first and foremost, one has to know the imperious self, and be willing to fight against it. Through this conscious battle, the soul matures and self-mastery becomes attainable. The conflicts we face in daily life that arise either from within – from our thoughts and intentions –, or from the outside, across the various social, familial, or professional contexts of our life, provide a rich ground for pursuing the battle with our imperious self. However, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish it alone, says Ostad Elahi.  We need metacausal energy to persevere, and that energy can be found, if we pay attention, in the dialogue with our inner guide. In the rush of life, it is necessary at times to slow down and to quiet the noise in one’s head, to be able to focus inside, and to be able to maintain this unique dialogue.

The benefits of this inner work in the relationship with our inner guide would be the acquisition of self-knowledge, higher attention, and trust in the Source for guidance. Free of doubt, our self-confidence and inner peace will be enhanced. Feeling energized from within, one will be motivated in life, and find the answers to his questions. He will navigate himself more swiftly and confidently in the ups and downs of life, finding joy and happiness in his heart.

References:

www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/the-imperious-self-1-definition/
www.e-ostadelahi.com/eoe-en/spirituality-in-everday-life/