Destroying the mental 'self?'

[☆AwaitingEntropy☆]

This is something I've been mulling over for a few months now, but I don't have the language to properly explain the idea so sorry this is confusing.

I've been wondering if there's a way to destroy my consciousness, while keeping my body alive and active - essentially permanently running on autopilot. I guess more of a metaphysical death or something.

I wish I could. Then my family and friends could still have 'me' in their lives, and the body wouldn't have to die, but 'I' would be gone. A bit like disassociation, maybe? But more extreme, and permanent.

I know it's highly unlikely, but, does anyone think that could be possible?

 

[Pluto]

What you are describing is variously known as ego death, samadhi, enlightenment, realising the Self, spiritual awakening, etc.. Despite what the layperson may believe, it is an extremely desirable state but very few people achieve it in one lifetime, though temporary experiences are common among sincere seekers.

It is what all spiritual seekers are striving for; normal people are subconsciously seeking it, too, but Western culture is so far off track that speaking at this level would feel like a foreign language.

A brief summary of the basics, explained by someone who spontaneously went through a permanent ego death at the age of 16, can be found here. His main technique is known as self-inquiry and requires a bit of theoretical understanding.

But the end result of functioning on autopilot is exactly what you describe. Moreover, people in that state describe that this is happening anyway (i.e. the entire universe is doing its own thing and the individual ego was never real in the first place) and yet it seems a lot of effort and practice is needed for the rest of us to actually realise this for ourselves.

I wrote more extensively on this topic on another thread.

https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/advaita-vedanta.84508/

 

[Huntfish34]

I understand what you guys are talking about and I think it's Damn interesting. Main problem is ..achieving that state. And holding onto it. Fml. =\

 

[Lost Magic]

ego death and letting go of worldly and bodily attachments would be desirable.

 

[☆AwaitingEntropy☆]

What you are describing is variously known as ego death, samadhi, enlightenment, realising the Self, spiritual awakening, etc.. Despite what the layperson may believe, it is an extremely desirable state but very few people achieve it in one lifetime, though temporary experiences are common among sincere seekers.

It is what all spiritual seekers are striving for; normal people are subconsciously seeking it, too, but Western culture is so far off track that speaking at this level would feel like a foreign language.

A brief summary of the basics, explained by someone who spontaneously went through a permanent ego death at the age of 16, can be found here. His main technique is known as self-inquiry and requires a bit of theoretical understanding.

But the end result of functioning on autopilot is exactly what you describe. Moreover, people in that state describe that this is happening anyway (i.e. the entire universe is doing its own thing and the individual ego was never real in the first place) and yet it seems a lot of effort and practice is needed for the rest of us to actually realise this for ourselves.

I wrote more extensively on this topic on another thread.

https://sanctioned-suicide.net/threads/advaita-vedanta.84508/

Very interesting, and thank you for sharing the information. I'll have to look into this more, as it does seem similar to what I was envisioning.

It's a bit sad that it sounds so difficult to achieve, even though I understand the reasons behind that difficulty. But, thank you for your help!

 

[lunarflower]

We are all dreaming in an endless flow of music.

 

[brnggundottxt]

I hoped a psychiatrist would prescribe me something that would at least have me zombified much less happy, I'm too deranged to try meditation at this point.
But sometimes I really disassociate and feel detached from everything. Sometimes nothing feels real -- like a game almost. I wish I can find a way to stay there.

 

[Pluto]

It's a bit sad that it sounds so difficult to achieve, even though I understand the reasons behind that difficulty. But, thank you for your help!

You're very welcome. This topic is the only reason I'm still here. The fact that you came up with this idea yourself is very encouraging!

When I say it is difficult, I should clarify. It is difficult to attain the state of permanent ego death (such a one is known as a jnani), but the various methods of meditation, time with a teacher (be it Zen Buddhist or any sort of respected nondual teacher), self-surrender or self-inquiry do bring the side benefits of a vastly improved inner state, including rather immediate results. It's also quite common to temporarily experience the state of oneness, improved intuition, more happiness in daily life, etc..

It's also worth noting that sometimes people with no spiritual background have mystical experiences in the midst of near-death experiences, or advanced psychedelic trips, or even during situations of extreme stress that cause the ego to suddenly implode. It is inevitable that everyone will get there at some point; in fact, from the jnani's perspective we already are there but just haven't realised it yet due to being distracted by the body and mind. This Self-realisation is the ultimate purpose in life - it's like an intense game we are playing on ourselves that is as hard or as easy as we make it.

For anyone interested in delving properly into this topic, I can highly recommend starting with the book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Tolle is a German American who had a permanent ego death happen suddenly during an intense suicidal episode when he was in his late 20s. His teachings are very accessible and have reached many millions of people.

 

[AnestheticVoid]

Ego death is BS. I've experienced it. Once the experience is over your ego comes back.

 

[KlMeNw]

This is something I've been mulling over for a few months now, but I don't have the language to properly explain the idea so sorry this is confusing.

I've been wondering if there's a way to destroy my consciousness, while keeping my body alive and active - essentially permanently running on autopilot. I guess more of a metaphysical death or something.

I wish I could. Then my family and friends could still have 'me' in their lives, and the body wouldn't have to die, but 'I' would be gone. A bit like disassociation, maybe? But more extreme, and permanent.

I know it's highly unlikely, but, does anyone think that could be possible?

"Fear is the mind killer."

 

[lunarflower]

You're very welcome. This topic is the only reason I'm still here. The fact that you came up with this idea yourself is very encouraging!

When I say it is difficult, I should clarify. It is difficult to attain the state of permanent ego death (such a one is known as a jnani), but the various methods of meditation, time with a teacher (be it Zen Buddhist or any sort of respected nondual teacher), self-surrender or self-inquiry do bring the side benefits of a vastly improved inner state, including rather immediate results. It's also quite common to temporarily experience the state of oneness, improved intuition, more happiness in daily life, etc..

It's also worth noting that sometimes people with no spiritual background have mystical experiences in the midst of near-death experiences, or advanced psychedelic trips, or even during situations of extreme stress that cause the ego to suddenly implode. It is inevitable that everyone will get there at some point; in fact, from the jnani's perspective we already are there but just haven't realised it yet due to being distracted by the body and mind. This Self-realisation is the ultimate purpose in life - it's like an intense game we are playing on ourselves that is as hard or as easy as we make it.

For anyone interested in delving properly into this topic, I can highly recommend starting with the book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Tolle is a German American who had a permanent ego death happen suddenly during an intense suicidal episode when he was in his late 20s. His teachings are very accessible and have reached many millions of people.

Just thought of something, If you want to see a cool representation of an awakening watch the music video for TOOL - Parabola

 

[Lost Magic]

You're very welcome. This topic is the only reason I'm still here. The fact that you came up with this idea yourself is very encouraging!

When I say it is difficult, I should clarify. It is difficult to attain the state of permanent ego death (such a one is known as a jnani), but the various methods of meditation, time with a teacher (be it Zen Buddhist or any sort of respected nondual teacher), self-surrender or self-inquiry do bring the side benefits of a vastly improved inner state, including rather immediate results. It's also quite common to temporarily experience the state of oneness, improved intuition, more happiness in daily life, etc..

It's also worth noting that sometimes people with no spiritual background have mystical experiences in the midst of near-death experiences, or advanced psychedelic trips, or even during situations of extreme stress that cause the ego to suddenly implode. It is inevitable that everyone will get there at some point; in fact, from the jnani's perspective we already are there but just haven't realised it yet due to being distracted by the body and mind. This Self-realisation is the ultimate purpose in life - it's like an intense game we are playing on ourselves that is as hard or as easy as we make it.

For anyone interested in delving properly into this topic, I can highly recommend starting with the book The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle. Tolle is a German American who had a permanent ego death happen suddenly during an intense suicidal episode when he was in his late 20s. His teachings are very accessible and have reached many millions of people.

My mother was a big fan of Eckhart Tolle (may she rest in peace). She loved The Power of Now and every time I think of his teachings and that book I think of her. Wherever you are ma, I hope you found eternal peace because you needlessly suffered in this world. I would like to join you soon. Love ya X

Thanks for sharing!

 

[aludnelac]

i'm not sure if that's really a life that is worth living, if you have to entirely dissociate just to see it through.. i mean, i think i do this to a large extent just to cope with reality, but from what i understand, a lot of medications essentially have this effect, where they allow people to continue living their lives to be "functional", while most of what made them 'them' is suppressed and not what it used to be.. it's a bit tragic to see really, but it does help them function.. i think things like mood stabilizers or even anti-psychotics can do this to some.. it's a dangerous path to go down, trying to lose yourself for the sake of functioning as a dead husk of a person.