On the surface, Ramana Maharshi states that the sense of 'I' or 'me' that we identify with is not a genuine, independent existence. It's like a ghost, appearing real but lacking substance. This 'ego' is described as something the mind fabricates, a product of thought processes rather than an intrinsic part of your being.

Within the Advaita Vedanta tradition, to which Ramana Maharshi belonged, this concept aligns with the understanding of Maya, the cosmic illusion. The ego is seen as a primary manifestation of this illusion, a false superimposition (adhyasa) onto the true Self, which is Brahman – pure consciousness. The mind, with its constant stream of thoughts and identifications, creates and sustains this phantom ego. Ramana's teaching, particularly the practice of self-enquiry ('Who am I?'), aims to trace the root of the ego back to its source in the mind and, ultimately, to dissolve it by recognizing the underlying reality of the Self. The ego's perceived solidity is a trick of perception, a veil obscuring the ever-present, unchanging Self.

In your life: When you feel a strong sense of personal offense or pride, pause and ask yourself, 'Who is feeling this?' Trace the thought back, recognizing it as a mental event rather than an unshakeable truth about yourself.