Ego death is a change in one’s sense of self-control. The practice of ego death as a deliberately sought “mystical experience” in some ways overlaps, but is nevertheless distinct from, traditional teachings concerning enlightenment/”Nirvana” (in Buddhism) or “Moksha” (in Jainism), which might perhaps be better understood as transcendence of the notion that one even has any actual, non-illusory “ego” with which to experience “death” in the first place.
Perhaps the most direct means of accomplishing the mystical experience of ego death is through ingestion of entheogenic drugs such as LSD, salvia divinorum, DXM, ketamine, psilocybin, mescaline, or DMT.
Many other methods, practices, or experiences may also induce this state, including prayer, sleep deprivation, fasting, meditation practice, or through the use of an isolation tank. Less frequently, it might also come about spontaneously or “of its own accord” (as a symptom of certain mental illnesses, or in response to severe trauma).
