In this context, "ego" refers to the spiritual concept of ego. In yoga, it is specifically "ahankara," but in general spiritual terminology, it is equivalent to "buddhi + ahankara." Therefore, ego is divided into these two components. When the "ahankara" aspect, which is the illusion of "self," disappears through studying and understanding scriptures, or is forcibly suppressed through practice or shock, only "buddhi" remains.

At that time, the mind becomes calm, thoughts become clear, and a state of tranquility is achieved.

Regarding suppressing the ego, there are various opinions in spiritual and religious circles, with some advocating for denying or affirming the ego, which can be confusing. However, it is not necessary to deny or affirm the ego; it is simply a matter of understanding its mechanism through studying scriptures, for example. By doing so, the "ahankara" aspect, the illusion of "self," disappears, leaving only "buddhi," and a state of peace is achieved.

In addition, spiritual practices can be used as supplementary methods to accelerate mental stability and purification, although it may not be necessary for everyone. If one can achieve a state of extreme focus and tranquility, such as through work, sports, or hobbies, and achieve high results without necessarily engaging in spiritual practices, that is essentially the same as spiritual practice. There are likely many people who are unknowingly undergoing spiritual practice. Many people are unknowingly progressing in mental purification.

Through practice, one eventually reaches the "higher self," which is considered the "true self."

Initially, the ego (self) was not separated from the true self; they were one. Before birth, everyone was essentially in that state. However, as one lives on this earth, self-awareness (ego) increases, and gradually, one forgets the higher self.

In reality, they are connected from the beginning, but the connection becomes less noticeable. If the separation is too severe, the connection between the ego (self) and the higher self can almost disappear.

However, through spiritual practice, or by focusing intensely on hobbies, work, or sports, and entering a state of flow, the mind gradually becomes calm, and one can connect with the true self, the higher self.

In essence, the ego (self) and the higher self were one, and they are not fundamentally separate. However, in actual experience, they become separated, making communication between them difficult.

This is similar to human relationships. Some people are close but cannot understand each other, while others have a deep connection. The ego (self) and the higher self are meant to be the most connected aspects of oneself, but they often become estranged.

The degree of connection varies from person to person, with some being very connected and others being distant. Generally, people are somewhat distant and in a state of separation. In such cases, entering a state of flow can unify the ego (self) and the higher self, leading to high achievement.

In reality, entering a state of flow, which is a temporary connection, is a very initial stage. With repeated experiences of flow, the state of flow eventually becomes stable. When the state of flow becomes stable, one can enter the state of flow with just a little concentration.

Furthermore, one can enter a state that is almost like being in a state of flow from the beginning.
With further concentration, one can enter an even deeper state of flow.

The depth of this state of flow varies from person to person. Famous athletes can enter very deep states of flow, which allows them to achieve correspondingly high results.

In the secular world, it is often said that the state of flow exists to achieve results, but from a spiritual perspective, the goal is to fuse the ego (self) and the higher self, with results being secondary.

And while this is expressed in spiritual terms, the "ego (self)" in this context is "ahankara" in yoga, and it may seem confusing when it is said that it merges with the higher self.

Regarding this point, the "ego" in general spiritual terminology corresponds to "chitta" (mind) in yoga or "jiva" (the apparent self) in Vedanta, and these merge with a higher self (Purusha in yoga, Atman in Vedanta).

Therefore, as a preliminary step, there are various practices to eliminate separation, and all of them have in common the point of purifying the mind. And, as a certain degree of purification is achieved, the separation from the Higher Self is eliminated, and gradually, unification begins.

From this perspective, there are several stages.

1. A state without separation (between the ego and the Higher Self) (infancy to early childhood)
2. The stage where awareness begins, and separation (between the ego and the Higher Self) begins (before adolescence)
3. The stage where the ego is born, and there is separation (between the ego and the Higher Self) (adolescence and beyond)
4. The stage where one learns that the ego is an illusion and tries to eliminate separation (youth)
5. The stage of eliminating the ego and the Higher Self (middle age and beyond)

It may be that some people remain in a state of unification from the beginning without becoming adults, or that the timing may be different for each person, but generally, it is likely to be something like this.

However, it is likely that if one does not learn and act intentionally, they will end up living a painful life until death in a state of separation.

Depending on the degree of separation, one may undergo a relatively mild or a more rigorous process to return to a state of unification. This is the path of spirituality.

▪️Unification of the Ego (Jiva) and the Higher Self (True Self, Purusha)

Basically, one initially connects with the Higher Self from the "back," and eventually, not only is there a connection, but the essence of the Higher Self (as an aura, a part of one's own divine consciousness with the properties of creation, destruction, and maintenance) approaches (from the back), and eventually, it unifies with the Jiva (the illusionary self in Vedanta, the ego).

Before reaching that point, a certain degree of self-purification is necessary, and only then can the Higher Self approach.

The state where the Higher Self and the ego are separated is also said to be the consciousness of many ordinary people, but it is not necessarily completely separated, and the state varies from person to person. There are cases where the aura is small and one is blind, even though the separation is not complete.

Therefore, even if the Higher Self and the ego are separated, it is common for a part of the Higher Self to be mixed with the ego. And, the part that could not be integrated into the ego is separated and floating nearby.

- The degree to which the Higher Self is integrated into the ego.
- The degree to which the Higher Self that cannot be integrated is separated.
- The amount of aura.

Connecting with the separated Higher Self is one type of channeling.

Communicating telepathically with other consciousnesses (people, spirits) is also channeling, but since it is said that connecting the ego and the Higher Self is also channeling, it may be one of the points of confusion. This is a place where the meaning is used diversely in spiritual terms.

In reality, the ego, as a separated Jiva, channels the separated Higher Self. Some people call this reading, and others may use different terms. However, in reality, that is what it is.

This channeling is based on the premise that the ego and the Higher Self are separated.

- When the Higher Self is (outside) (＝ the state where the ego and the Higher Self are separated)
- When the Higher Self is (not) (outside) (＝ the state where the ego and the Higher Self are unified)

Therefore, if the ego and the Higher Self are unified, there is no channeling, and there is only one's (unified) consciousness. Although it can be said that the conscious awareness and the higher consciousness of the Higher Self are integrated, there are limitations within the range that can be recognized by the conscious awareness, but even so, the consciousness of the Higher Self can appear as conscious awareness to a certain extent.

▪️Support (accompaniment) by a spirit from the same group soul.

Even when it appears to be unified, there may be a presence that feels like one's own spirit existing outside. In that case, it may be that before being born, one separated from oneself to act as a support and is one's own incarnation (or rather, a separate individual separated from the source). Since it is a spirit from the same group soul, it is similar to the Higher Self and can be almost indistinguishable, but even so, it is natural to consider it as something separate from the Higher Self.

▪️Part of the consciousness (aura, Higher Self) leaves (walks out), and another part enters (walks in).

On the other hand, after birth, there may be cases where the aura leaves the body, or where the aura is added to the body, as needed. In this context, the aura is a tangible entity that carries energy, and since it is also consciousness, if the aura decreases, consciousness becomes correspondingly hazy, and conversely, if the aura increases, consciousness becomes correspondingly clear.

This is similar to the concept of unification, but different. In the case of unification, the premise is that separation is severe and the higher self cannot approach the ego, so unification is pursued based on that premise. However, in this case, the aura completely leaves or enters.

There are various reasons for this.

When a part of the higher self leaves (walkout):
- When the mission in that physical body is complete, and it is sufficient to simply fulfill the remaining lifespan.
- To temporarily feed back a part of the individual's acquired knowledge to the group soul.

When a part of the higher self enters (walk-in):
- To introduce consciousness (a fragment of the group soul) for the purpose of carrying out a new mission.

This kind of phenomenon is sometimes referred to as "walk-in" or "walk-out" in the spiritual industry, but in that context, it often refers to stories of aliens borrowing the bodies of people on Earth. However, similar things seem to occur relatively rarely between individuals and their respective group souls.

In reality, it seems that there are more people whose aura remains unchanged throughout their lives. However, depending on the person's role, such things may occur if necessary.

When the aura leaves, if it is done consciously, it separates from the back of the neck, the Sahasrara chakra, and other relatively posterior areas, and leaves the body as a whole.
When the aura enters, it enters from the crown chakra (Sahasrara) and flows along the spine, through the chest and abdomen, and merges with the existing aura.

▪️Separation of the Higher Self due to Conflict

This is a similar story that can be confusing, but normally, the ego and the higher self should be unified. However, due to conflicts, traumas, or strong shocks, they may become separated. This is similar in phenomenon to the walkout mentioned above, but in this case, the separation occurs not intentionally, but because it is unavoidable.

- When the mind breaks due to a mental shock.
- When the conflict within the ego is intense, the higher self may dislike it and leave the body.

In this case, the separated part remains near the physical body (and the ego) for a while, but if the separation is too severe, it may give up and return to the group soul.
It seems that a common pattern for modern people on Earth is to remain near the physical body (and the ego) while maintaining a certain distance and continuing to guide.

Whether or not the aura is additionally added depends on the mission, so it is not necessarily the case.

On the other hand, the unification of the ego and the higher self is essential for spiritual growth (if they are currently in a separated state).