ABSTRACT
Ego-bound existence becomes prevalent. Entering the ego is the last stage of transition. The baby, that is, the toddler, becomes “present.” The baby smiles at its mother, the toddler shows that it is a little person in its own right: it fights for its place and one day refers to itself as “I.” Not to mention the older child. The increasing presence in the ego breaks the environment down into its components: mother, colors, and toys; later the street outside the house. Impressions become realistic, while the world of atmosphere and vibration fades. This relativizes both our sense of containment and our impression of archaic fear. Primordial fear gives way to tangible fears (e.g., of a thunderstorm). Basic trust also concretizes itself in real persons. Although the Whole is no longer perceived by the ego, it continues to take effect. How does non-duality influence the increasingly “self-conscious ego”? In addition to these questions, this chapter considers the process of phylogenetic development, during which we progressively enter our ego. It presents symbols, experiences of music, and images of God/the divine that are typical of experiencing our entrance into the ego.
