The ego, the I-thought, is a reflection, in the field of mind, of Life-Consciousness. Once Life, which is Consciousness, never dies, by reflection the I-thought, which is a simulacrum of Being, doesn't want to die also. Self preservation is present in the whole manifestation, in varied degrees. This is due to the immortality of the Source of all creation.
In another video, Swami Sarvapriyananda refers to one President of the Order who said "You will not realiza God". Yes; it means that 'you', the ego, will not realize God. The ego is burnt in the fire of self investigation and then there is realization. That is what the 98 years old Swami meant.
