The ego exists only in the domain of the form, time and space.+

As an individual, one is unaware of the Self, which is hidden by the dualistic illusion or Maya. The dualistic illusion is present in the form of the ‘I’. 

The ‘I’ is present in the form of the mind.  The mind is present in the form of the universe. 

The universe appears as waking or dream (duality) and disappears as deep sleep (nonduality).

The Soul, the Self is unaware of itself in the dualistic illusion or Maya.  

This is your bondage that you are stuck up to the ‘I’ centric teaching.  ‘I’ centric teachings are lower knowledge meant for lower stages.

The seeker has to ignore these ‘I-centric’ teachings and search of higher knowledge. ... Such teachings are unsafe rafts for crossing the ocean of ignorance.  Doomed to shipwreck are those who try to cross the ocean of the ignorance on these poor rafts. Ignorant of their own ignorance, yet wise in their own esteem, these deluded people proud of their vain learning go round and round like the blind led by the blind.

The Soul, the Self is verily Brahman (God in truth), being equanimous, quiescent, and by nature absolute Existence, Knowledge, and Awareness.  

The Soul is not the ‘I’ which is non-existence itself.  Realization of this truth is called Self- Knowledge by the Sages of truth.

There is nothing exist prior to consciousness. The ‘I’ cease to exist without consciousness. The Soul, which is present in the form of consciousness, is the ultimate truth or Brahman.

That is why Bhagavad Gita: ~ ‘The permanent (consciousness) is always there, only the transient ‘I’ comes and goes. (2.18)

The ‘I’ hides the Soul, the Self, which is the cause of the 'I'.

Bhagvad Gita: ~ “You must first see the ‘I’ as illusory before you see others as illusory. ~ CH.2 v.16

First you must make sure the ‘I’ itself is illusory because the ‘I’ is not permanent.

The seeker has to find for himself   the truth of his true existence, and to come to a fuller and deeper understanding and realization of the truth, which is hidden by the illusory form, time and space.

The purpose quest for truth is to first find out what is the untruth? to realize the truth and discard the untruth. 

Do not try to get rid of the ego you will never succeed in getting rid of the ego. Think in a different direction.  The ego exists only in the domain of the form, time and space.

The form, time and space exist only when the mind exists.

The mind exists only when the universe exists.

The universe appears only when the waking appears.

The waking appears only when the ‘I’ appears.

Remember:~

The ‘I’ disappears in deep sleep.

There is no form, time and space when ‘I’ disappears.

There is no mind when ‘I’ disappears.

There is the universe when the ‘I’ disappears.

There is no waking when the ‘I’ disappears.

Remember:~

‘I’ appears means the duality is appears.

The duality has appeared means there is the division of form, time and space.

If there is division in the form time and space means - there is diversity in unity.

Remember ~

When ‘I’ disappears there is nonduality.

Nonduality is the fullness of the consciousness without the division of the form, time and space.

The fullness of consciousness means unity in diversity.

Unity in diversity in consciousness is Advaita.

Consciously becoming aware of the Soul in the midst of diversity (waking) is Self- awareness or Brahmic awareness.

If you desire Self-realization, but you still say "I,” and if you feel the ‘Self’ is the ‘I’, you are not a wise seeker. You are simply ignorant. : ~ Santthosh Kumaar