Ego death is a term used to describe a state of consciousness wherein a person perceives reality from the perspective of a full loss of subjective identity. Put in another way, it refers to the temporary suspension of one’s personal sense of self; that is, one’s normal subjective sense of separation from others, belief structures, and personal identity.
Ego death is used by many to describe the experience of an ayahuasca trip, as the plant medicine’s profound effects on consciousness can open the mind to a plasticized state wherein deeply profound states of learning and understanding take place. For some, this profound state may take the form of temporarily suspending beliefs, emotions, and personal preconceptions which are normally so strongly implanted within them that they cannot be avoided when thinking, feeling, and making decisions.
Ego death, in the context of an ayahuasca retreat, is strongly associated with life-changing realizations and changes to behavior patterns as a result of knowledge or insight gained as a result of such a profound ego-free experience. Participants often report that during their time free of their ego, they were able to think or receive information more objectively, without the normal constraints of their personal baggage. Participants often report that conclusions drawn during their time free of their ego were unusually clear or strong, and in many cases stayed with them after the ayahuasca ceremony and retreat is over. This in turn is an important part of integration, ensuring that the ayahuasca experience persists as much as possible and does not stay behind at the ceremony.
