Date: 11/02/2024 11/03/2024
Location: Star River Meditation Center
Teacher: Yunquan Huang
Sitting Meditation
Observing the Arising of Ego-Clinging
Ego-clinging is not a single emotion but a subtle, continuous mental habit—the belief that “I” and “mine” truly exist. When we learn to observe how ego-clinging arises, we gain the ability to dissolve it, allowing the mind to become spacious, calm, and free.
1.What Is Ego-Clinging?
There are two types:
1.Self-Clinging
Believing there is a fixed, solid “me.”
Examples:
“I cannot be wrong.”
“People must respect me.”
“I have to succeed.”
2.Phenomenal Clinging
Believing feelings, thoughts, emotions belong to “me.”
Examples:
“My anger”
“My idea”
“My way”
These beliefs create contraction and suffering.
2.How Does Ego-Clinging Arise?
It is a rapid process:
1.A sensation or stimulus appears
A harsh tone, physical discomfort, unexpected change.
2.The mind reacts instantly
“I don’t like this.”
“This shouldn’t happen to me.”
3.Thought forms revolve around “I”
“I am being treated unfairly.”
“I can’t lose.”
“Why me?”
4.Emotional surge
Anger, fear, insecurity, pride.
5.Behavioral reaction
Defending, attacking, withdrawing, proving, blaming.
All of this happens within moments.
3.How to Observe Ego-Clinging?
1.Observe the body first
Ego arises in the body before the mind:
Tight chest
Shallow breath
Clenched jaw
Contracted stomach
Recognizing these signals reveals the start of ego-clinging.
2.Observe the “I am offended” voice
When criticized or ignored, a voice appears:
“He can’t treat me like that.”
“I deserve better.”
This voice is the root of ego.
3.Notice thoughts revolving around “I”
Thoughts repeat themes of:
“I must win.”
“I feel disrespected.”
“I need recognition.”
Seeing the “I-structure” weakens it immediately.
4.Observe the emotional fuel
Ego and emotion arise together:
Anger → “I should not be treated this way.”
Fear → “I may lose what I want.”
Shame → “I am not good enough.”
Emotion amplifies ego-clinging.
5.Observe the gripping sensation
Ego always involves clinging:
Holding onto views
Holding onto identity
Holding onto outcomes
Seeing the gripping is already loosening it.
4.How to Let Ego-Clinging Naturally Loosen
1.Do not fight ego—observe it
Resistance strengthens ego; observation dissolves it.
2.Shift the subject
From: “I am angry.”
To: “Anger is present.”
This single shift changes everything.
3.Recognize emotions as phenomena
They happen in awareness,
not to a solid self.
4.Practice letting go of control
Understanding:
I cannot control people
I cannot control outcomes
I cannot control the world
Freedom begins where control ends.
5.Return to breath and awareness
Breath dissolves the illusion of a solid “I.”
Awareness is larger than ego.
Conclusion
Ego-clinging is not an enemy—it is a teacher.It shows us where we are still holding, fearing, grasping.When you can:Notice the body’s contraction,Hear the “I” voice,See thoughts circling identity,Feel emotions intensifying ego,Recognize the impulse to cling,you are witnessing ego directly.To see is to loosen.To loosen is to free.Freedom is the beginning of awakening.
