Can you locate, diminish, and ultimately eliminate the persistent thought of “me”? This is no simple task. The very mechanism that perpetuates the notion of a separate self— the mind—reacts defensively to any perceived threat of annihilation. It immediately shifts into self-preservation mode, employing every conceivable tactic to protect the illusion and prevent its unraveling.
Fortunately, we have tools to dismantle the mind’s grip and succeed in this “me”-dismantling mission. The first is a simple yet profound realization: the mission is already accomplished. The idea of an individual “me” is nothing more than a construct of thought. There is no separate entity outside the mind’s narrative. This realization alone can loosen the mind’s grip, although it often provokes a stubborn response: “Oh, yeah? Prove it!” And that’s where inquiry becomes our most effective tool.
Inquiry—the deliberate questioning of the self—is a practice found in spiritual traditions worldwide. It allows us to disassemble the thought of “me” by using the mind’s own mechanisms against it. This approach is both effective and oddly amusing, like disarming a bully with their own strength. By questioning the mind’s assertions, we expose the fragility of its claims.
Let’s start with the task of determining whether the mind’s story is true: “I am a separate and complete entity in this universe. I have my own body, thoughts, life, and existence, distinct from every other being.” This narrative has shaped our sense of self for as long as we can remember, but now we challenge it, using the mind itself as our tool.
One of the simplest questions to begin with is: “Am I my name?” The mind typically concedes this point quickly. We are not our name—it was given to us at birth, perhaps chosen by parents, guardians, or even friends. It’s a label, a descriptor, but it is not who we are. No matter how attached we may feel to our name, we remain something distinct from it. Ready to surrender yet, mind? No? Let’s continue.
Next, we examine the body. Is it “me”? Start with something simple, like hair or nails. These are undeniably part of the body, yet we lose or cut them regularly without losing our sense of self. If they are “mine” rather than “me,” does that apply to the rest of the body as well?
Consider this: the body is constantly shedding skin, regenerating cells, and replacing itself over time. Some say the entire body regenerates every seven years. Blood transfusions, organ transplants, and loss of limbs further challenge the idea of the body as a singular, unchanging “me.” If the body is in a constant state of flux, where is this unchanging self? To answer, try locating “me” within the body. Go inch by inch. Ultimately, the mind will have to admit: “The body is not me.”
Now turn the inquiry inward: “Am I my mind?” This is often more challenging, as the mind believes it is the ultimate authority. But consider how your thoughts have evolved over time. Do you think the same way you did as a child? Likely not. Your beliefs, opinions, and perspectives shift as you grow.
Thoughts arise spontaneously, pop into our heads, and often resist control. We even speak of “changing our minds” or struggling to “quiet our thoughts.” Does this sound like the stable, unchanging essence of “me”? Or does it reveal something fleeting and unpredictable? If the mind is so impermanent, how can it claim to house a permanent “me”?
As you let your mind wrestle with these questions, something profound begins to happen. The thought of “me” starts to dissolve. This moment—often described as the annihilation of the ego—is a gateway to enlightenment. It reveals an ultimate truth: for much of our lives, we have lived under the influence of a thought. The idea that we are a separate, distinct entity—something like a god in our own universe—is a fragile construct that cannot withstand even the simplest inquiry.
But don’t stop here. Inquiry is not a one-time exercise; it’s an ongoing journey. Keep asking, keep uncovering. There is so much more to explore beyond the illusions your mind has built. Observe what remains when the thought of “me” falls away. What is real? What is eternal? That is where the true discovery begins
