rickywaldron wrote:However I can't seem to get my mind around the concept of having no ego and how that relates to some parts of my life.
Lots of writers of Eastern philosophy like to whip up big complicated theories etc, so you can surely be excused if it all sounds bizarre. Imho, that's the writer's problem, not yours. (Your problem is if you want it to be complicated.)
You are thought. Very simple.
By "you" I mean, that which we usually are referring to when we say "me". Your memories, your opinions, your feelings, your plans, your ego etc, all thought. That's not complicated, right?
To the degree that thought is slowed or stop, you go away. No more you, no more ego etc.
Obviously "me" can not go away permanently, because we all need thought to function in the world. However, "me" can go away for a bit, whenever you want, in part of every day perhaps.
I suggest you just forget about all the stuff you will read that is about becoming this or that. Permanently losing your ego, becoming enlightened, all of that, just chuck it, it's all rubbish.
Once you dump the future tripping, this becomes quite simple.
If you are hungry, eat.
If you are tired, rest.
If your mind is driving you nutty, turn it off, or lower the volume.
Lowering the volume of your mind is a simple straightforward process that's really no more complicated than doing situps. Simple exercises applied patiently over time will do the job.
If you're looking for something grand and glorious, a way to become something amazing, a total transformation of consciousness etc, eastern philosophies can keep you entertained chasing a future trip for decades.
But if you do pursue it for decades, you'll eventually wind up right here anyway. Eating when you're hungry, resting when you're tired, and giving your brain a break as needed.
I suggest, save yourself a long fancy talk future trip, and be serious enough to keep it simple.
Good luck!
