The purpose of all teachings is to overcome ego – this is the one point. From the perspective of foundational Buddhism (the First Turning of the Wheel), this means overcoming sloppiness with mindfulness and awareness and getting off the “me” program. Mahayana teachings (the Second Turning of the Wheel) invite us to let go of the ground of self to give to others, to cultivate compassion from groundlessness.

“Overcoming” ego is more of a process of befriending than attacking. The gateway into the path is to refrain from acting out or repressing, connecting with the inherent soft spot or Basic Goodness.