Acharya Prashant explains that the feeling of being hurt arises solely from the ego. He uses a Zen metaphor, stating that a nail cannot be driven into empty space; similarly, one can only be hurt if there is a 'wall' of ego within. He asserts that every expectation is rooted in the ego, using the example of a cricket match where nationalistic identity prevents a person from being an impartial observer. When one identifies with a label, such as being an Indian, expectations and the potential for hurt naturally follow. He clarifies that the ego is the source of all expectations and that understanding its fatal nature is the first step toward its removal. Regarding forgiveness, Acharya Prashant suggests that it is often another game of the ego. He argues that if one is truly not hurt, there is no need to forgive. Forgiveness can sometimes be a way for the ego to feel superior by 'granting' pardon. He also addresses the idea of using ego as a defense mechanism, explaining that one can play a role or show anger as a situational necessity without actually becoming angry or identifying with that role. He compares this to an actor who plays a character but does not lose their true identity in the process. One can act to resolve a situation, like shooing away a dog, without being internally disturbed or hurt. Finally, he discusses the mind's resistance to letting go of the ego, noting how people often bargain to keep a 'little bit' of it. He explains that there are two centers from which a human operates: intelligence and ego. The ego's primary goal is self-preservation and proving itself because it is constantly afraid of losing something. In contrast, intelligence realizes that the true self has nothing to lose and therefore has nothing to prove. He concludes that when one asks to retain a small portion of ego, they are operating from the ego itself, as intelligence sees the ego as false and unnecessary.
