Are you seeking enlightenment?

What is the most direct method in Buddhist practice? How important is effort on the spiritual path?

What I find shocking is that although there are hundreds of methods for the practice of Buddhism, almost all of these methods fail to recognize one central truth Buddha taught — the truth of no-self (Anatta). Because there is no self, ego is also an illusion. Throughout the ages, various spiritual methods have been developed in an attempt to subdue or destroy the ego. Yet, the more effort we exert to combat the ego, the stronger our sense of ego will grow. Such efforts are therefore counter-productive. Indian spiritual teacher, Ramana Maharshi said:

“Because the ego is no entity it will automatically vanish and reality will shine forth by itself. This is the direct method, whereas all other methods are done only retaining the ego. No sādhanās (spiritual practices) are necessary for engaging in this quest. There is no greater mystery than this: that being the reality we seek to gain reality. We think that there is something hiding our reality and that it must be destroyed before reality is gained. It is ridiculous. A day will dawn when you will yourself laugh at your past efforts.”

How can we seek to destroy or subdue the ego if the ego is a fictitious entity? How can we seek enlightenment when there is no “self” to be delivered or…