Repeated ego deaths?

[hypertestudo]

Does ego death occur each time there is a breakthrough? Or does ego death occur only on an initial breakthrough? Or does ego death occur randomly?

Have you experienced a breakthrough without ego death?

 

[TheGreenPhantom]

I imagine that someone who strongly identifies with their thoughts, ideas, perspectives, and personal, cultural and philosophical narratives might term a breakthrough experience an "ego death." A breakthrough experience may challenge these things, if not break them down.

That thread of awareness that you call "you" remains, however.

 

[northape]

True ego death is what Buddha, Jesus, and other sages achieved. What you can expect is temporary ego dissolution. You get it every night in deep sleep, so I don't get what all the fuss is about. 5-MeO-DMT experiences seem to come closest to the real thing, but you inevitably come down anyway. That's why many pioneers from the LSD era went into spirituality. You want to stay in that state, not just visit for a time. I'd say fascination with ego death and breakthroughs is a phase in working with these medicines. After some time, you see other benefits or just move on. It's better to enjoy the ride than constantly think about your goal.