Q: How can the agitation that arises during spiritual work, such as self-analysis, be reduced?

A: Follow the rule learned in classical psychoanalysis: 'A patient's problems should first be addressed from the aspect of the superego (conscience). Do not set out to elucidate the realm of the unconscious from the beginning.' This means softening a rigid conscience (judgment of good and evil), stopping the value judgments that want to label everything as black or white, good or bad, and trying to introduce flexibility. If not tamed, the superego and conscience can become terribly cruel and ferocious. From this realm of the ego, self-hatred (consciousness level 20) and suicide occur due to guilt (consciousness level 30).

Inflexible people who tend to fall into black-and-white value judgments must learn to view things within the context that they themselves are also human. They must cultivate a more gentle, tolerant, and compassionate attitude. A rational ego needs to learn to be more relaxed and receptive. This is because in the deepest layers of the unconscious, there are forbidden impulses originating from the animal mind. The deepest part of the unconscious, the 'id,' thinks in extremes and performs extreme symbolization. To put it bluntly, in that realm, one does not just hate an enemy, one wants to kill them.

Similarly, in spiritual work, by learning the innate nature of the ego, its structure, and its evolution, one understands that it is an inherited, impersonal function that needs to be softened.The seeker must firmly recognize that the human mind cannot distinguish truth from falsehood.Before digging into the depths, one must be willing to cultivate thoughts of forgiveness, love, and compassion.

Ignorance is something humans inherit at birth. Also, most of humanity is still very immature. For example, in Western society, people are completely unaware of their own unconscious (karmic) inheritance and its profound influence. They think there is just a personal 'I' (ego) making choices and decisions in this life. Similarly, the ignorance of not being able to distinguish between religion and spirituality is rampant.

By understanding that the mind works using positions, one can prevent guilt (consciousness level 30) and self-attack. Also, spiritual seekers must reduce self-blame (consciousness level 50) by recognizing that human consciousness is susceptible to the influence of the collective consciousness and energy fields.

By its very nature, the path to God (the true self) is not easy. It requires considerable courage (consciousness level 200), indomitable mental strength, willingness (consciousness level 310), and patience, but these traits can be strengthened by having humility and a gentle conscience.

A: Yes. You can simply measure your own superego. If you cannot do that, or if it is unacceptable, you can judge it quite accurately by examining what kind of punishment you think evildoers or society deserve. In other words, your conscience is there to pass the exact same judgment on you. If you think evildoers deserve to die, you have already passed the exact same sentence on yourself.

The 'shadow side' of human history has a life of its own and is hidden within the unconscious (karma). Therefore, you must recognize early on that you may discover upsetting negativity while doing self-inquiry. To soften the reaction at that time, you need to recognize that it is not the true you, but that it must be brought into the light of day to be extinguished. Examining the roots of the ego reveals that it is extremely self-centered and completely lacks ethical principles.

As in the famous Zen Ten Oxherding Pictures, to safely ride a wild ox, you must first tame it. Always remember that the real you is not the ego. Never identify with the ego. To cultivate this awareness, try practicing while watching TV, reading the newspaper, or watching a movie.Observe society as nothing more than a stage for the performance of the ego, which everyone can see. This educational perspective leads to detachment. You do not necessarily need to suppress the ego. You just need to stop identifying with it.Even if there is a desire to kill an enemy deep within the ego, it is not the real you, but an inherited animal nature (a thinking mind based on fear) that remains in the human brain and collective consciousness.