UNRIPE AND RIPE EGOS

The word ego in Vedanta refers to “I”-consciousness, an individuality separate from Atman, or God.  Sri Ramakrishna distinguished between two kinds of egos, “unripe” and “ripe.”

The unripe ego is arrogant, self-centered, and world-oriented, whereas the ripe ego is a servant, or devotee of God, who can never harm anyone.
 
Ripe egos are illumined souls who, after they come down from the transcendental to the ordinary plane of consciousness, teach spirituality to others. 

The ripe ego is also known as the ego of knowledge or devotion.