Book Recommendations on the Ego?

[zenmaster]

I have always scoffed at Tolle as yet another teacher saying what has already been said, but I suppose every so often someone has to catch the attention of the public. For the beginner, he seems effectively simple. I am mainly looking for a book that does deal with the ground of being, mindful thinking etc., because it should be a book for those who haven't yet learned how to use the mind.

Tolle is great for a beginner because it's simple and people can relate. Krishnamurti tends to identify 'thought' as the problem and does have some insightful ideas. His 1974 PBS interview (18 parts) with Allan Anderson was fantastic. There is no way you could get away with that depth of consideration on TV today.

Is that book by Johnson vague? I've read half of Inner Gold and it is disappointing so far.

Never read "Inner Gold". Johnson has a lot of insight into 'living' mythology, however. I read 'Owning the shadow' quite I while ago, and I am only suggesting it because it's one of the only I know that is for a beginner.

I'm looking for something that you can hand to an absolute beginner though, who may not even be open to the idea of blockages or chakras.

Usually, the desire for balance is what leads one to 'inner work'. But to actually know that one is not in balance, and further, to appreciate the nature of subjective experience - which is reflecting one's condition - is not something which tends to be grasped immediately. A lot of people only begin that type of search (or realize that it's possible) in the 'second half of life'. That is, after they're satisfied with something they wanted and now, perhaps, are not satisfied because they are honest enough to realize it was not enough.