Premanand Maharaj Ji
Why does my ego grow even as my sadhana improves?
Practices alone feed ego
Whatever we do on our own, ego only grows stronger. It is destroyed by taking shelter at the guru's feet and following his instruction.
If you fast, you will say, 'I have lived on fruit for so many years, kept silence for so many years, lived on Gangajal for so many years.' That ego is being strengthened.