THE LAW OF SUBTRACTION:

CHAPTER ONE THE EGO “There is not just one ego. It is a collection of all the little “i’s.” --Libby Adams, Ph.D. Q. What is the definition of the ego? A. At the International Academy of Self-Knowledge, we do not view the ego as a single entity. Instead, we recognize that there isn’t just one little “i”—there are many fragmented parts, each in need of repair. As Swami Rama says: “Be sure that the ego has been annihilated in the ocean of consciousness. Be sure that is not lurking somewhere in the inner dark chamber of your heart. Its ways are various and its forms are numerous.”--Swami Rama We align with Swami Rama’s definition of the ego, which he describes not as a single entity but as a collection of parts, each functioning independently. He refers to the subconscious mind as the “inner dark chamber of your heart,” where these parts are stored, unknowingly operating as automatic programs that construct a flawed “reality” based on the illusion of a false identity as a “separated” self. This illusion of separation persists until all of these parts are identified and subtracted by being annihilated into the Ocean of Higher Consciousness and Oneness, dissolving the illusion of “separation.” What is the best way of accomplishing this? A. Through the Law of Subtraction. Q. What do you mean by the Law of Subtraction? A. The Law of Subtraction, as we use it, means that transformation is not about adding anything new to you but about removing—subtracting—what does not belong. YOU are already a perfected Spiritual Being, yet false beliefs have accumulated over time, creating distorted identities that obscure your connection to that true identity. A powerful analogy is barnacles clinging to a boat’s hull beneath the water, concealing its radiance. To restore the vessel’s smooth, glistening surface, scuba divers are hired to subtract—remove—the barnacles. In the same way, Transformational Meditation™ subtracts the layers of falsehood and “separation.” When these illusions are removed, you reconnect with Higher Consciousness, revealing clarity, peace, and wholeness. Freed from limitations, you unlock your true potential in every aspect of life. With this restoration, you can be guided by your Greater Power rather than being led astray by the fragmented ego Q. Remember the pilot that you read about in the opening story of the Introduction who felt like he was playing Russian Roulette every time he took his plane up? Here is his story again, including the conclusion: Student-Teacher Dialogue: “Playing Russian Roulette” Teacher: How do you imagine God to look? Student: He looks like an old man in a robe with a beard. Teacher: And how do you imagine the scared part to look? Student: It looks like me flying the plane and feeling very anxious. I feel like every time I go up in the plane, I’m playing Russian Roulette. It feels like I don’t know whether the plane is going to crash or not. Teacher: Is the part aware of God yet? Student: No. Teacher: Have it become aware and tell me when it is. Student: It is. Teacher: What’s God’s viewpoint on all of that? Student: God says that He’s flying the plane. Teacher: Did the part hear that? Student: Yes. Teacher: Would the part like to be able to actually believe that? Student: Yes. Teacher: If the part would like to be able to believe that, then let them merge. Student: Okay. (short silence) Wow! That is unbelievable. That was such a newsflash. That would have never occurred to me in a million years. God was flying the plane the whole time!! I see it. I am actually in the copilot position and He is flying the plane. I feel like a burden has lifted off my shoulders. My shoulders actually feel lighter and are moving around. In this story, the pilot knew that four planes had crashed on 9/11, and naturally, fear lingered afterward. From that day forward, he operated under an unconscious assumption that every time he flew, something bad would happen and the plane would crash. No one told him this—it was a false story he created, fueling his fear and making him feel as though he were playing Russian Roulette. Since Truth and a lie cannot occupy the same space at the same time, part of the pilot’s consciousness dropped to the level of fear, creating the illusion of “separation.” The Truth, however, was that God had always been guiding him while he flew, even if he hadn’t realized it. Once the misperception was removed, he recognized the ever-present Truth and was instantly transformed, elevating his consciousness to peace. From that moment on, he flew with confidence. This problem isn’t unique to him—it’s something everyone experiences when they believe a falsehood, especially one held unconsciously. In the stories shared in this book, you’ll see how false beliefs about yourself, others, life or situations create lower consciousness, triggering negative emotions and behaviors. Q. What area of your life triggers fear, and like the pilot, what thoughts or beliefs would you have to be holding to feel that way?