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Entering upon this Quest is neither a pleasant nor an easy affair. The aspirant has to begin with the belief that he is a very imperfect person, that before he can penetrate into the spiritual realms he must first prepare himself for such an entrance by working hard to separate himself from these imperfections. Before he entered on the Quest, he liked himself most--now he discovers that he hates himself most. Before he entered on the Quest, he had different enemies here and there--now he has only one enemy, and that is himself. Hitherto he supported the ego by identifying himself with it--henceforth he must deny the ego, and try to affirm the higher self.

-- Perspectives > Chapter 1: Overview of the Quest > # 35