The Source of Ego
Ramana Maharishi of Arunachalam said that one should search for Self-identity by asking, “Who am I?“ In meditation, one should ask the question and with gradual evolution find calmness and peace. The question really means, what is the source or origin of ego?
To find the answers, you need to be free of attitude. Give up the bhavana that you are the body related to name, profession, region, language and other such acquired identities.There is no need to have an attitude about your real nature.It exists as it always has.

But Self-enquiry is not done in vain. The very purpose is to focus the entire mind at its source. The state of self-awareness is termed as sat-chitanand, or total bliss.

Be what you are. Lose your ego. Self-enquiry leads to knowledge of Self. One is aware of the Self even though the Self is not objectified. When you say you do not know the Self, it means absence of related knowledge because we are so accustomed to relative knowledge that we look for same.

Because of this, the goal of Self-realisation appears to be distant. Feel yourself dismantling the false i that is ego and establish yourself in the real I and the answer to the query “Who am I?“ becomes evident.

To gauge progress on the journey of Self-realisation, see the degree of absence of thoughts. Self-realisation itself does not admit to progress.The obstacles are thoughts.Progress is measured by the degree of removal of these obstacles. All that we need to do is to keep quiet.