Chapter 1: The Nature of Death

Are you anxious about the end of life? You shouldn't be. Death, by its very nature, is an experience that cannot be felt. Therefore, it will not happen to you personally!

Your mind might be somewhat accurate when it reassures you while passing by a cemetery, “Don't fret, death is an occurrence for others, not for you. You’ll find a way to live forever!”

Indeed, death does “occur,” and it is undeniably final. However, you will not experience it, so there’s that silver lining. It marks the conclusion for your ego—the identity you associate with yourself. This physical vessel that you think defines you will eventually deteriorate and fade into nothingness.

For eternity.

On and on in nothingness, devoid of experience or sensation. Yet, as I mentioned earlier, there is nothing to dread. Here’s why.

Many religious beliefs have emerged from a simple misunderstanding of language. Individuals create religions to convince themselves of an “afterlife,” thinking that death isn't so terrible after all. They fail to grasp the meaning of “experience.”

To experience something signifies an event that living beings encounter moment by moment. Therefore, your final experience is inherently your last moment of life.

If experience concludes there, we can reasonably infer that death is not “experienced” in the way a living person perceives events.

There’s no need for a savior to return and die for our sins, nor for anyone to be “admitted” into an afterlife to escape the fear of death.

The truth is: nobody truly dies. A body may perish, but the essence of who you are remains untouched.

What purpose does religion serve if not to soothe our fears of dying?

Much!

This is precisely why I initiated the post-ego movement—there’s so much for us to accomplish in a spiritual context.

Here on Earth, we have the responsibility to liberate ourselves from delusions, to shed our labels, and to embrace freedom.

The essence of the post-ego movement is to achieve liberation from the ego. But how do we attain this freedom?

First and foremost, we must recognize the confines of our imprisonment. The self is an intricately layered construct. We don’t just possess one “self.” This complexity makes it challenging to break free from the self—there are countless prisons of identity that confine us.

In the “Scientists” series, we’ve delved into various aspects of the self. If you’re interested, perusing through the series will provide a great starting point.

However, if you’re short on time and seek a quick escape from the ego, here’s a concise guide.

There are two forms of existence: ego-driven existence and pure being.

In ego-driven existence, life, perception, and everything else are processed through a “me” filter. Consequently, you are somewhat distanced from genuine existence. You are merely playing a role—does that make sense?

You’ve been assigned a part: you are a son, a daughter; your name is Bill or Jane.

Thus, everything that occurs is viewed through the lens of Bill/son or Jane/daughter.

As this role-playing individual, you can certainly become quite “ill” in a positive sense.

But you cannot attain the “illmatic” state that rapper Nas refers to.

Let’s turn to Heidegger and explore the “illmatic.”

Martin Heidegger, though controversial in his beliefs, offered profound insights into existence.

He pointed out that while we coexist with various “beings”—the existence of animals, plants, planets—humans are the only beings who actively seek to understand what existence entails.

In essence, our humanity lies in our curiosity about being itself.

Other beings are indifferent to this question.

A deer may wonder where the tastiest leaves are, but it is not concerned with its identity or purpose.

Being is akin to a magic trick.

Heidegger compared being to an ongoing revelation, where every moment brings new insights.

Each revelation is like a magician continually pulling rabbits from a hat.

Have you ever witnessed the wonder on a newborn’s face as it experiences the world for the first time?

There are elements that dull the wonder of existence.

Heidegger believed that capitalism adversely affects our perception of being, compelling us to evaluate our existence as we would a financial portfolio. We fall under the misconception that our being is enhanced or diminished by certain life events.

Young individuals often believe that their essence will be fulfilled by achieving success, finding love, and so on.

This notion is misguided.

Regardless of our circumstances, the sheer miracle of existence remains astonishing. How is it possible for something to exist when nothing could easily prevail? Heidegger challenges us to ponder this question and recognize the wonder in each revelation.

This perspective touches on mysticism, yet through the post-ego lens, we can demystify it.

Ego does not embody being.

In fact, there is no true being within your ego—the fictitious identity you associate with yourself.

Being is tangible and real.

Things “are.” Our ego “isn’t.”

Being exists outside of our “selves.” It permeates our interactions, surrounding us, and enveloping us. Every time we engage with another person, their being is revealed to us, and ours to them.

This human experience is quite magical.

However, numerous factors, including capitalism, dull our appreciation for this magic and for one another.

Living in the light of being.

Many individuals hesitate when they first encounter post-ego concepts. “If I abandon my identity, who will navigate this life?”

Being will guide this life. The singular essence of being—dasein—will flow through you.

This is truly living “in the light.”

Being carries an “illmatic” quality, remaining steadfast in its brilliance.

It is our tendency to shut down and blind ourselves to the ongoing revelations of being that diminishes this experience.

Why do we not revel in awe and wonder at the magnificence of existence?

Because of our minuscule ego.

In comparison to the vastness of being, our ego is insignificant. It can never encompass all that is.

It’s a positive sign if, at any moment, your essence overflows. That being spills beyond your identity, cascading into the world and connecting with the core of humanity.

This is our goal within the post-ego framework—astonishment.

Find something to be amazed by today. Let that astonishment transform you, as you become a vessel for the extraordinary flow of being.

Here is our anthem to wonder. When we listen, we become excited and filled with joy for being, for the post-ego movement, for life itself. If you attend a post-ego gathering, you will witness members celebrating joyously to this melody, and it’s an exhilarating experience.

Enjoy! And always remember, fear not death. Instead, dance with abandon and celebrate every fleeting moment of this remarkable journey of existence.