Part of Non-Duality teaching is to recognise there is an ego at play. The ego is the sense and belief of being a separate self. The ego doesn't really exist as a separate entity. It is a thought-based persona. The ego has developed in the human psyche as the mind has evolved in a harsh world, where it has needed to develop defences to survive. Attack is a form of defence, as is hiding, remaining quiet, or making a stand.

We find a range of egos in the human world, from the most humble to the most selfish. The strong ego has the strongest defence, and prides itself on maintaining its identity and borders. It accentuates its limits to maintain its identity. It may even seek to dominate others and place its own limits around them. The humbler ego gives up its defences and does not feel the need to force or push. Indeed, the humbler ego is more open and at peace with the world. It's fair to say that the human world is ruled by egos.

But in Non-Duality we recognise that this illusory ego has been dominating too long. We learn to not be taken in by it, as we have done in the past. We recognise that its selfish aims are contrary to the infinite oneness of life. We see it as a bundle of thought-energy that asserts itself as right and in charge of this body. Non-Duality practice is to depose this usurper and allow the true selfless Self to shine as the rightful Beingness in the human form. The true Self is without borders or limitations.

Our practice is in letting go of holding on. The ego holds onto things, people, beliefs, and its sense of self as different to others. Slowly we let this go. The ego becomes humbler, and recognises that it has been living with false selfish beliefs. This human is not the most important being on the planet. The ego turns to being of service to others and less dismissive. The ego opens up and lets down its barriers. If we practise Self Enquiry, as taught by Sri Ramana Maharshi, we seek to find this self. In seeking this self identity we find that it is non-existent. The ego has no real lasting substance. Once rooted out, there is no ego or sense of identity. This is Nirvana, the extinguishing of the sense of being a separate self. It allows the selfless Self to come through unhindered.

That's the process, but there are minds reading this at different levels of ego-identity. The important thing first of all is to recognise that this ego has been ruling your perception of the world. You will notice it when it asserts itself or when it seeks to hide away. This is fine. But the path to clarity and oneness is in diminishing the ego. We can start by helping others, being kind and forgiving. Being willing to put ourselves out for others without complaint. Yes, drop the complaining. That's the ego asserting itself again. There may be rightful causes to stand up for, but be cautious of getting caught up in the ego strengthening its identity as a warrior. Humility is the key.