Overcoming the need to overcome the veil of ego

(koan)

— Master Grasshopper, the want to always experience that humbling and liberating sensation of being free from all self-identity is compelling. Is it natural for me to always feel the need to overcome the veil of ego, Master? What would be the wisest way to proceed when faced with an existential dilemma of this magnitude?

— As far as I am concerned, it’s anything but natural for anyone to worry about the presence of an ego; it’s more a matter of romantic idealism and lack of understanding of the human phenomenon. And as for what the wisest way to proceed would be, it would most certainly be to overcome the need to overcome anything related to an ego. — Said Master Grasshopper.

※

Note to the reader

Giving one’s best efforts to overcome the ego-ideal would only further entrench said ideal. Is that not obvious enough? On the contrary, paying no heed to that burdensome thought… now that is a Zen-like pathless path!