Mooji, drawing from the Advaita Vedanta tradition, articulates the ego as an illusory identity—a mental construct composed of thoughts, memories, beliefs, and fleeting sensations. This sense of a separate self, he teaches, arises from habitual identification with the transient contents of the mind and body. Rather than being a concrete or enduring entity, the ego is a collection of conditioned patterns and ideas mistakenly assumed to be the true self.

Central to Mooji’s approach is the practice of self-inquiry, particularly the question “Who am I?” Through this inquiry, individuals are guided to look for the ego or personal self and discover that it cannot be found as a solid or independent existence. The process reveals that what is commonly taken as “me” is, in fact, a series of passing thoughts, emotions, and experiences, none of which constitute the true essence of being.

Mooji emphasizes the importance of recognizing oneself as the witnessing awareness—the pure consciousness that observes all mental activity, including the movements of the ego. He encourages a detachment from the contents of the mind, inviting students to rest as the unchanging presence in which all phenomena arise and subside. This shift from identification with the ego to abiding as awareness itself is seen as the key to spiritual freedom.

Rather than advocating a struggle against the ego or attempting to forcibly eliminate it, Mooji suggests a gentle observation and understanding of its illusory nature. As one abides as the witness, the grip of the ego naturally loosens, and its influence diminishes. In this way, the realization of the true Self—beyond the ego—becomes a spontaneous recognition, not the result of effort or striving, but of clear seeing and authentic inquiry.