From a Buddhist perspective, "clinging to your ego" is the source of all pain.

L
ama Tsultrim Allione developed a methodology based on a Tibetan Buddhist practic
e, Chod, to feed that which haunts us rather than to kill it, ignore it, or deny
it. How does this practice resonate with you?
"Do not be fooled by the idea that demons are external to us. We are seeing our
own mind projected in living color all around us. Train yourself to see things t
his way. Generate love and compassion toward whatever demon appears--without or
within. When you finally understand from your own experience that there is no ne
ed to cater to the concerns of the ego, you will no longer cling to hopes and fe
ars, or gods and demons. You will see that the source of your pain is clinging t
o your ego. You will rest in the limitless expanse of awareness--your true home.
And you will be free"
~ Lama Tsultrim Allione