is the act of pursuing or even producing something just ego-driven? is, for example, painting, playing music.. or having a romantic relationship and interest in studying math something that the buddhist philosophy sees as "futile" to a meaningful life?

should one just be still and observe to a degree that it is closed to activity and interaction? something like a hermit?

any thoughts?

I think it depends on the intent. If you paint because you love to, and because it is meditative, it serves the same purposes as Buddhist activities. If you're painting because you know you can sell them, then perhaps not so much.

Balance also plays a part.

Would your other activities keep you from spiritual progression each day? If so, then they stand in the way.

Not exactly, no. The art of creating is naturally present. As is awareness within that. To be passionate can be ego-driven. As long as ego isn't dominating over everything else. Ego can be a tool for life experiences and learning. Utilize your heart and the mind will, in time, allow fresh space and spontaneous new energy.

As Adjhart has said with balance, this is what I refer to as the mind and heart connection. Though, already so, can be realized to a deeper, more silent state of awareness and freedom. Enhance your abilities within the entheogenic realms, too.

Be patient or learn patience. Trying to have a meaningful life is too much sometimes. You do not have a life. Life is. Once life is left alone, all work is done. bLife is already that. Being alive is enough. These are all thoughts from which I speak of. This could be interpreted as buddhist formulations but I don't come from that, just pure heart and recognition.

Observe. Be still. Watch. This is very good work for anyone to begin true inner reflections/inquires. Allow self-awareness to unfold naturally. This sober realization is very comforting in the entheogenic realm. Sometimes the reward is significantly present.

to seek out your desire is attachment.
to avoid seeking out your desire is attachment to non-attachment.

do you desire to paint?
do you desire not to desire to paint?

you have fallen into the trap either way.
so just do.

Everything is ego driven, Buddhists are kind and good for others, but when you think about it, it is totally in their own benefit, they want to escape the cycle of life, (Samsara).

There are in fact a few Buddhist scientists, so i don't think this is that much of an issue.

Personally i see the Dalai Lama as a great psychologist, surely ego is involved in EVERYTHING, there is no YOU without ego.

Also i think it depends on what kind of Buddhism you are looking at.
Everything goes to extremes, there are (where) Buddhists who perform(ed) self mummification (Sokushinbutsu), there is so much Buddhist art as well, ego is always involved.

Our ego (Atman) is what defines us as human beings.

I study the Soto flavor of Zen, which is all about pointing others in the direct way of enlightenment.

When it comes to doing anything we are usually in concurrence that as long as you are just doing your activities without the judgement and over-analysis that comes with selfish action then you are doing everything "right"; that is to say correct not morally right.

If it was meant to do nothing all the time in the Buddhist thought-line then monks would die rather quickly as it would mean ceasing from all activities.

I'd like to share with you the 16 Bodhisattva precepts, which are a list of behaviours that a Bodhisattva engages in without needing to think about them first; they are just naturally compelled to these actions.

The Three Treasures:
Taking refuge in the Buddha
Taking refuge in the Dharma
Taking refuge in the Sangha
[I personally, and my sangha also, takes refuges to be more of an action of fully-embodying the ways of the Buddha, Dharma, and Sangha rather than just using them to end your own suffering. As you can only truly end your own suffering if you help to end others' suffering because we are completely interdependent to everyone and everything around us.

The Three Pure Precepts:
Do not create Evil
Practice Good
Actualize Good For Others
These are fairly self-explanatory, but very subjective to individual circumstances.

The Ten Grave Precepts:
Affirm life – Do not kill
Be giving – Do not steal
Honor the body – Do not misuse sexuality
Manifest truth – Do not lie
Proceed clearly – Do not cloud the mind
See the perfection – Do not speak of others errors and faults
Realize self and other as one – Do not elevate the self and blame others
Give generously – Do not be withholding
Actualize harmony – Do not be angry
Experience the intimacy of things – Do not defile the Three Treasures

Please feel free to ask me any questions!

Love and Light!

thank you all for your insights.
i'm quite interested in oriental philosophy and buddhism - at a glance - made me question activities and interactions like they were just a consequence of the ego and necessity. that it is all a product of the samsara and mostly nothing is worth doing. it reminded me kind of the west's nihilistic approach to this reality without the quest for self-awareness and kindness.

i read and hear about the realization of impermanence, continuity.. the constant dynamical changes in reality that can hold us firmly if one's imprisioned by our attachment to things, situations or people. from my understanding it is not the mastering of the mind but rather the perception that one is separated from it, and so, from fears, anxiety, greed etc.

please keep sharing and adding up, i'm really happy with your answers!