How do you transcend the ego?

Answer 1

Clearly the phrasing of this question is a reference to Eastern philosophy, and not to the Ego (and its baggage) talked about by Freud.

Since your question is Eastern in origin, I will give an answer that is compatible with that philosophy even though I am not a Buddhist or Hindu.

Ironically, several of the people who have answered you have given you time-honored methods of transcending the ego, and I'm not even sure they knew what you were talking about. When Jane and A_Phantom told you to help out your fellow (hu)man in selfless devotion (such as volunteering in a very poor country like mother theresa did) most philosophers consider that one powerful method to transcend the ego.

However, it must be combined with the practice of meditation. Meditation - in case you don't know - doesn't mean sitting around thinking about a topic that you are interested in. In the Eastern philosophical context, it means you sit down and concentrate on a certain phemonenon (such as your breath, or a candle) and your mind begins to calm down. Neurological changes, such as changes in hormonal balances, and brainwave patterns) begin to emerge - and when the meditative practice is followed for many years you begin to feel a sense of detachment from your ego. There is a sense that the real "you" is pure 'awareness' and that your ego is a false you that cause you suffering because it clings to people and objects and tries to make them permanent. Even though nothing is permanent.

this is the eastern philosophical view. I do not believe in Eastern Philosophy, but I will say that the neurological and psychological changes from meditation are very real - and they can in a real sense disconnect your consciousness from your ego.

Answer 2

Can you be less cryptic? What do you mean by "transcend" and are you talking about the ego as Freud did (id, ego, and superego) or as the modern dictionary defines it. Ego is the self...so you're asking how do you transcend or rise above yourself? How to be a better person? Then, the answer is help other people and be less self absorbed.

Answer 3

Perhaps you mean "die to your self", in which case, it is as follows: make a list of your duties, and under all circumstances, make sure that your duties are fulfilled. For instance, if you are tired or ill, and have set for yourself the duty of cleaning up your room, exercising your body, praying a certain prayer, but have not done it, you must do it, even though you do not feel like doing it. It is the same with all your endeavors. Be of a single mind, and do not waver from that course. Decide what is right and do that thing that must be done, without thought as to how hungry or thirsty or tired you become.

Not that I do any of those things. I'm a despot. Ask anyone who knows me. But I am also a collector of truths. I have just shared one with you. Treasure it, since I have not. Perhaps you will do better by it than I ever have.

Answer 4

There is a theory that if you cease to exist physically, you can ascend to another dimension and exist as a ball of energy. I suppose that is transcending the ego.

Answer 5

I'm not sure anyone would want to transcend their ego entirely.If you mean learning to love your neighbor as yourself, then that is cultivated and requires effort.

Answer 6

you will have to specify the question a little more.