“The indulgence of denying is by far the worst; it forces us to believe we are doing great things, when in effect we are only fixed within ourselves.”
A Separate Reality: Conversations With Don Juan
Carlos Castaneda
The Hall of Fragments
Castaneda argues that denying oneself through force of will is an indulgence that keeps a person fixed within their own ego, rather than connecting with the world through genuine power.
The ego can wear skepticism as easily as faith. The Cloak has always valued inquiry over dogma.
The danger isn't belief or disbelief—it's becoming so identified with either that genuine reflection becomes impossible.