In Kabbalah, the ego is understood as the desire to receive for oneself alone (Ratzon LeKabel Le’atzmo). It is the part of human nature that seeks personal gratification, power, and separation from others, often at the expense of spiritual growth and connection to the Divine.
The ego is not inherently “bad,” but it represents a lower, self-serving aspect of the soul that keeps us trapped in materiality and disconnected from the Light of the Creator. It manifests through:
• Selfish desires
• Pride
• Jealousy
• Reactive behavior etc
From a Kabbalistic perspective, the ultimate spiritual work is transforming the ego into a vessel for giving and sharing. This is done by shifting our desire from self-centeredness to a desire to receive in order to share with others (Ratzon LeKabel Al Menat LeHashpia). This process brings balance, harmony, and alignment with the Creator’s energy.
The ego is often seen as a necessary challenge in our spiritual journey, serving as the resistance that strengthens our spiritual muscles when we overcome it.