A Journey Through Psychology, Spirituality, and Science to Explore the Ego’s Purpose and Transformation
Original Publication: May 24, 2025 | Revised: February 17, 2026
Prepared by: Gerald A. Daquila, PhD. Candidate
Author’s Reflection (2026 Integration Note)
This essay reflects an early phase of the Living Codex exploration of ego development and spiritual growth. Since its original publication, the Codex has evolved toward a more governance-oriented framing of awakening.
In this architecture, the ego is not something to transcend permanently nor something to dissolve entirely. It is a developmental structure that must mature, decentralize, and integrate within a larger field of awareness.
Awakening does not eliminate individuality; it reorganizes authority. The ego becomes a steward rather than a sovereign center.
This updated edition preserves the multidisciplinary foundation while clarifying that integration, embodiment, and psychological stability remain essential throughout spiritual development.
ABSTRACT
The ego is a complex and often misunderstood part of human consciousness, shaping how individuals perceive themselves and interact with the world. This dissertation explores the ego’s nature, purpose, and evolution through a blend of psychological, spiritual, and scientific perspectives. Drawing on disciplines like Freudian and Jungian psychology, Buddhist and Hindu teachings, and modern neuroscience, it addresses key questions: What is the ego, and why does it exist? What happens without it? How does it change during spiritual awakening, and why might it hold people back afterward? How does it contribute to the soul’s growth, and how can it be embraced for balance? The study argues that the ego is essential for navigating life but must be integrated consciously after awakening to support personal and spiritual growth.
Table of Contents
- Introduction
- What Is the Ego? A Multifaceted View
- Psychology’s Take on the Ego
- Spiritual and Esoteric Perspectives
- The Brain Behind the Ego
- Why Does the Ego Exist?
- Building Identity and Surviving
- Connecting the Physical and Spiritual
- Life Without an Ego
- What Happens When the Ego Is Weak or Gone?
- Spiritual Views on Egolessness
- The Ego During Spiritual Awakening
- What Is Awakening?
- Does the Ego Dissolve or Transform?
- When the Ego Holds You Back
- Sticking to Old Habits
- Blocking Deeper Awareness
- The Ego’s Role in Soul Growth
- Sparking Personal Growth
- Evolving Toward Higher Consciousness
- Embracing the Ego After Awakening
- Practical Ways to Work With the Ego
- Balancing Individuality and Oneness
- A Balanced Ego: What It Looks Like
- Signs of a Healthy Ego
- Impact on Personal and Global Growth
- Conclusion
- Glossary
- References
1. Introduction
The ego often gets a bad reputation, labeled as the source of selfishness or a barrier to spiritual freedom. Yet, it’s also the part of us that helps us navigate daily life, form identities, and pursue goals. Far from being just a problem to overcome, the ego plays a vital role in personal and spiritual growth.
This dissertation explores the ego’s purpose, its transformation during spiritual awakening, and how it can be harnessed for a balanced, meaningful life. By weaving together insights from psychology, spiritual traditions like Buddhism and Hinduism, and cutting-edge neuroscience, this work offers a fresh perspective on the ego’s place in the journey of the soul—the process of expanding consciousness toward greater purpose and connection.
Key questions guide this exploration: What is the ego, and what does it do? What happens if it’s absent? How does it change when someone experiences a spiritual awakening, and why might it become a challenge afterward? How does it contribute to the soul’s evolution, and how can it be embraced to find balance?
Written in clear, approachable language, this dissertation speaks to a global audience, blending academic rigor with practical insights to help readers understand and work with their ego in everyday life.
Glyph of the Bridgewalker
The one who holds both shores
2. What Is the Ego? A Multifaceted View
Psychology’s Take on the Ego
In psychology, the ego is the conscious part of the mind that shapes a sense of self. Sigmund Freud (1923/1960) described it as the mediator between primal desires (the id), moral standards (the superego), and the outside world. It’s the voice that helps people make decisions, solve problems, and maintain a stable identity. Carl Jung (1964) saw the ego as the center of conscious awareness, separate from the deeper “Self,” which includes the unconscious mind and connects to universal truths.
Modern psychology, especially transpersonal psychology, views the ego as a tool that evolves over time. Abraham Maslow (1968) argued that a strong ego is necessary for self-actualization—reaching one’s full potential—before moving toward higher states like compassion or spiritual connection. Research shows that a healthy ego supports resilience and emotional stability (Hanfstingl, 2013).
Spiritual and Esoteric Perspectives
Spiritual traditions often view the ego as a limited or false self that keeps people tied to suffering. In Hinduism, texts like the Upanishads describe the ego (jiva) as the temporary self, distinct from the eternal soul (atman) (Radhakrishnan, 1953). Buddhism teaches that the ego is an illusion—an ever-changing mix of thoughts and desires that causes suffering by fostering attachment (Rahula, 1974). In Sufism, the ego is a veil that hides the soul’s true essence, or divine spark (Almaas, 2004).
Esoteric traditions, like Advaita Vedanta, suggest the ego emerges from identifying with the body and mind, creating a sense of separation from the universal consciousness (Brahman) (Shankara, 8th century/1975). These perspectives see the ego as something to transcend to realize unity with all existence.
The Brain Behind the Ego
Neuroscience links the ego to the brain’s default mode network (DMN), which handles self-referential thoughts—like reflecting on personal experiences or planning for the future (Raichle et al., 2001). Studies on meditation and psychedelics show that when DMN activity decreases, people often experience “ego dissolution,” feeling connected to everything and losing their sense of separate self (Carhart-Harris et al., 2016). This suggests the ego is rooted in brain processes but can shift or dissolve under certain conditions, aligning with spiritual accounts of transcendence.
3. Why Does the Ego Exist?
Building Identity and Surviving
The ego’s core job is to create a sense of “me” that helps people function in the world. It organizes experiences, builds confidence, and drives personal goals, like pursuing a career or forming relationships (Erikson, 1968). From an evolutionary perspective, the ego helps survival by processing sensory information, spotting dangers, and making quick decisions (Kellert & Wilson, 1993). Without it, humans might struggle to act decisively or maintain social bonds.
Connecting the Physical and Spiritual
The ego also acts as a bridge between the physical world and deeper spiritual realities. In Jungian psychology, it connects everyday awareness with the unconscious, where universal archetypes reside (Jung, 1964). In spiritual traditions, the ego is a temporary tool for the soul to experience the material world’s challenges, like joy and pain, before returning to a state of unity (Radhakrishnan, 1953). This makes the ego essential for early soul growth, as it allows learning through contrast and struggle.
4. Life Without an Ego
What Happens When the Ego Is Weak or Gone?
A weak ego can lead to psychological issues, like difficulty making decisions or feeling disconnected from reality. Conditions like dissociative identity disorder (DID) show how trauma can fragment the ego, making it hard to maintain a stable sense of self (Ross, 2003). Without a functional ego, people may struggle to cope with emotions or social expectations, leading to confusion or withdrawal.
Spiritual Views on Egolessness
In spiritual traditions, losing the ego is often seen as a path to freedom. Buddhism aims for anatman (no-self), where letting go of the ego ends suffering by dissolving attachment (Rahula, 1974). However, trying to skip the ego’s development too soon can cause problems. “Spiritual bypassing”—using spiritual practices to avoid emotional pain—can leave people ungrounded or disconnected from reality (Welwood, 2000).
5. The Ego During Spiritual Awakening
What Is Awakening?
Spiritual awakening is a shift from seeing oneself as a separate ego to recognizing a deeper, interconnected consciousness. In Hinduism, it’s realizing the atman’s unity with Brahman (Radhakrishnan, 1953). In Buddhism, it’s understanding the ego’s impermanence to find peace (Rahula, 1974). Transpersonal psychology describes it as moving from a personal identity to a universal Self (Grof & Grof, 1989).
Does the Ego Dissolve or Transform?
Awakening can involve ego dissolution, where the sense of self temporarily fades, often during meditation or psychedelic experiences (Carhart-Harris et al., 2016). Some traditions describe complete ego dissolution as an experiential state; however, long-term development typically involves restructuring rather than permanent erasure of identity. Others, like Sri Aurobindo’s (1970) teachings, suggest the ego transforms into a tool that serves higher consciousness, channeling divine purpose into everyday actions.
6. When the Ego Holds You Back
Sticking to Old Habits
After awakening, the ego may cling to old ways, like seeking control or validation. This can lead to “spiritual narcissism,” where people use their awakening to feel superior rather than connected (Lutkajtis, 2019). These habits block the ability to live out the insights gained from awakening.
Blocking Deeper Awareness
The ego’s need to stay separate can resist the surrender needed for deeper spiritual growth. In Sufism, this is seen as the ego hiding the soul’s true essence (Almaas, 2004). This resistance can cause emotional turmoil, sometimes called the “dark night of the soul” in Christian mysticism, where old beliefs unravel painfully (Peasgood, 2007).
7. The Ego’s Role in Soul Growth
Sparking Personal Growth
The ego drives soul growth by creating challenges that push people to reflect and grow. In Jungian psychology, facing the ego’s limits leads to individuation—integrating all parts of the psyche for wholeness (Jung, 1964). In Hinduism, the ego’s attachments fuel karma, teaching the soul through life’s ups and downs (Radhakrishnan, 1953).
Evolving Toward Higher Consciousness
As the soul grows, the ego shifts from being in charge to serving a higher purpose. Sri Aurobindo (1970) saw this as the ego aligning with divine will, acting as a tool for universal good. Transpersonal psychology agrees, suggesting a mature ego steps aside to let the deeper Self guide actions (Washburn, 1995).
8. Embracing the Ego After Awakening
Practical Ways to Work With the Ego
To harmonize the ego after awakening, try these practices:
- Mindfulness and Meditation: These quiet the ego’s chatter, helping you connect with your deeper self (Rahula, 1974).
- Self-Inquiry: Asking “Who am I?” separates the ego from the soul, as taught in Advaita Vedanta (Shankara, 8th century/1975).
- Service to Others: Practices like Sikhism’s seva (selfless service) channel the ego into compassionate action (Singh, 2011).
Balancing Individuality and Oneness
A balanced ego keeps a sense of individuality while embracing connection to all. This means honoring personal strengths—like creativity or leadership—while acting from a place of unity and compassion, ensuring the ego serves the soul’s higher purpose.
9. A Balanced Ego: What It Looks Like
Signs of a Healthy Ego
A balanced ego is flexible, grounded, and aligned with the soul. It shows up as:
- Confidence without arrogance.
- The ability to act decisively while staying open to others’ perspectives.
- Using personal gifts to uplift others, not just oneself.
Impact on Personal and Global Growth
A balanced ego fosters authentic relationships and purposeful action. On a global scale, people with balanced egos contribute to collective healing by modeling compassion and cooperation, helping humanity move toward greater unity and understanding.
10. Conclusion
The ego is neither a villain nor a hero but a vital part of the human journey. It helps people survive, grow, and navigate the world while setting the stage for spiritual awakening. Through awakening, the ego may temporarily soften or dissolve, but sustainable growth involves transformation, integration, and maturation.
By embracing the ego consciously—through mindfulness, self-inquiry, and service—it becomes a partner in soul growth, balancing individuality with connection to the whole. This dissertation invites readers to see the ego as a dynamic tool, one that, when understood and integrated, lights the way to a more awakened, compassionate life.
Crosslinks
What Is Ego Death? The Hidden Gateway to Spiritual Transformation — Explores dissolution states and the necessity of shadow integration.
Shadow Work and the Dark Night of the Soul — The descent phase where ego defenses are refined rather than destroyed.
Resonance Metrics as a Spiritual Compass in Times of Uncertainty — Practical calibration for pacing ego transformation safely.
The Theater of the Self: Unmasking Identity and the Eternal Soul — Identity layers without psychological fragmentation.
Breathwork for Multidimensional Integration — Embodied regulation practices that stabilize ego restructuring.
From I to We: The Ego’s Journey into Oneness — Expansion of identity through relational maturity.
The Integrity Barometer: Reading Fields in Real Time — How to assess when ego is defensive vs aligned.
11. Glossary
- Atman: In Hinduism, the eternal soul or true self, distinct from the ego (Radhakrishnan, 1953).
- Anatman: Buddhist concept of “no-self,” denying a permanent ego (Rahula, 1974).
- Default Mode Network (DMN): Brain network linked to self-referential thoughts and the ego (Raichle et al., 2001).
- Ego: The conscious self that shapes identity and mediates reality, varying by discipline (Freud, 1923/1960).
- Individuation: Jungian process of integrating conscious and unconscious aspects of the psyche (Jung, 1964).
- Spiritual Bypassing: Using spiritual practices to avoid unresolved emotional issues (Welwood, 2000).
- Soul Evolution: The process of consciousness expanding toward greater awareness and unity.
12. References
Almaas, A. H. (2004). The inner journey home: Soul’s realization of the unity of reality. Shambhala.
Aurobindo, S. (1970). The life divine. Sri Aurobindo Ashram Press.
Carhart-Harris, R. L., Erritzoe, D., Williams, T., Stone, J. M., Reed, L. J., Colasanti, A., … & Nutt, D. J. (2016). Neural correlates of the LSD experience revealed by multimodal neuroimaging. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 113(17), 4853–4858. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1518377113
Erikson, E. H. (1968). Identity: Youth and crisis. W. W. Norton & Company.
Freud, S. (1960). The ego and the id (J. Strachey, Trans.). W. W. Norton & Company. (Original work published 1923)
Grof, S., & Grof, C. (1989). Spiritual emergency: When personal transformation becomes a crisis. TarcherPerigee.
Hanfstingl, B. (2013). Ego development and the experience of meaningfulness in life. Psychological Reports, 113(2), 664–680. https://doi.org/10.2466/09.10.PR0.113x22z4
Jung, C. G. (1964). Man and his symbols. Doubleday.
Kellert, S. R., & Wilson, E. O. (Eds.). (1993). The biophilia hypothesis. Island Press.
Lutkajtis, A. (2019). The dark side of spiritual awakening: Spiritual narcissism and the misuse of spiritual concepts. Journal of Spirituality in Mental Health, 21(4), 275–294. https://doi.org/10.1080/19349637.2018.1509078
Maslow, A. H. (1968). Toward a psychology of being (2nd ed.). Van Nostrand.
Peasgood, J. (2007). The relevance of John of the Cross for contemporary spirituality. The Way, 46(3), 7–22.
Radhakrishnan, S. (1953). The principal Upanishads. Harper & Brothers.
Rahula, W. (1974). What the Buddha taught (Rev. ed.). Grove Press.
Raichle, M. E., MacLeod, A. M., Snyder, A. Z., Powers, W. J., Gusnard, D. A., & Shulman, G. L. (2001). A default mode of brain function. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 98(2), 676–682. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.98.2.676
Ross, C. A. (2003). Schizophrenia: Innovations in diagnosis and treatment. Haworth Press.
Shankara. (1975). Brahma Sutra Bhasya (G. Thibaut, Trans.). Motilal Banarsidass. (Original work 8th century)
Singh, G. (2011). Sikhism: Its philosophy and history. Singh Brothers.
Washburn, M. (1995). The ego and the dynamic ground: A transpersonal theory of human development (2nd ed.). State University of New York Press.
Welwood, J. (2000). Toward a psychology of awakening: Buddhism, psychotherapy, and the path of personal and spiritual transformation. Shambhala.
Attribution
This work forms part of the Living Codex exploration of ego development, awakening, and integration. It is offered for reflection and discernment.
May it serve as a bridge between psychological understanding and embodied spiritual growth.
© 2025–2026 Gerald Alba Daquila
All rights reserved.
Life.Understood. 