Drink the poison of ego and selfishness

The story goes that Lord Shiva drank the poision which came out from churning of the ocean (SAGAR MANTHAN) by the God's and the Asura's (demons). From the churning of the Ocean's came out 'Amrut' and 'Poison', the question was who will drink the Poison? So Lord Shiva for the good of humanity drank this Poison, hence he is also called 'Neelkanth Mahadev' or God with the a Blue throat. He turned Blue as a result of drinking the Posion. One can just take it as a story and leave it at that. Or take the learning and make life better....

What does this story signify in real life.

When ever we get into an argument with some one, particulary some one we care about; our ego wants us to win the argument and prove a point. This desire to prove a point and prove ourselves right brings strain in our relationships. We quarrel, say rude things to others and focus more on our own importance rather than the importance of keeping peace and harmony in our relationships.

Instead of trying to prove ourselves right all the time, if we let go of our ego and selfishness, life becomes more meaning ful. However this process of giving up our ego and self is very tough, It requires a lot of patience and control to let go....There is a feeling of burning inside and one feels as if one has drank poison to reach that stage of calmness and selflessness..

Drink the poison of ego and selfishness.....this is what the above story signies to me.....it hurts....but in the long run, it is for the good of our relationships and people around us....just like Lord Shiva did for the good of humanity...