Self-acceptance vs Destruction of the Ego

Much has been written and talked about concerning the ego. I am relatively new to eastern traditions, but I identified strongly with the understanding that all suffering stems from the ego and our desire nature. I have struggled with my own with much pain involved. But then, my South Node is in Leo. My heart is for the greater good, but my overwhelming need for self-expression and to be heard sometimes interferes, and then it becomes a wrestling match.

I have been listening to Eckhart Tolle speak about being awareness itself so that we can see the ego for what it is. I have found his teachings helpful. I do find it interesting that he does not delve into the hereafter at all. He won't go there. It doesn't seem possible to me to do the work here without acknowledging past lives. But he does this deliberately, I believe, to maintain the focused energy of his awareness teaching, and to make his teachings palpable to a greater audience. To focus on humankind's "Awakening." Tolle has come under fire from Christian groups who don't understand the God Within principle that Jesus spoke about. They fear the empowerment of the human species through collective transformation. Fear being the operative word.

Now, this week, I came across Saniel Bonder and his teachings on "mutuality" and "waking down." Bonder stresses the need for recognizing our inherent male and female energies, and embracing the formless with form so that you can grow right where you are. That "killing the ego" is a missed opportunity, you might say. He believes we grow together through our suffering and trials, and that the mountain top experience, separating from form (ego, for instance), is not productive to the human species as a collective. I am skimming the top.

I will continue to explore. Ultimately, I believe what I experience for myself. I believe we evolve spritually not only as individuals, but as a species. Be open to new concepts. In 2006, during a heart transformation that fundamentally changed my life, I received these words: "The Great Perfection." I believe it has begun in earnest.