Survival is the first concept that a child is impressed with when he or she is born. This talk considers the formation of ego, principles of ego functioning and the search to substantiate itself, practical work with our condition of assumed separation, and the spiritual freedom pointed to in the traditions. Only the universal process that can resolve the human dilemma; yet, something is required of us to open to a deeper truth. VJ is author of Shadow on the Path and Father and Son.