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The ego does not give itself up without undergoing extreme pain and extreme suffering. It is placed upon a cross whence it can never be resurrected again, if it is truly to be merged in the Overself. Inner crucifixion is therefore a terrible and tremendous actuality in the life of every attained mystic. His destiny may not call for outer martyrdom but it cannot prevent his inner martyrdom. Hence the Christ-self speaking through Jesus told his disciples, "If any man will come after me let him deny himself and take up his cross daily and follow me."

-- Notebooks Category 18: The Reverential Life > Chapter 4 : Surrender > # 5