--- title: "Meaning & Key Takeaway of: This is the greatest stumbling block in…" description: "\"This is the greatest stumbling block in our spiritual discipline, which, in actuality, consists not in getting rid of the self but in realizing the fac..." image: "https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/59b/thomas-merton-231_actuality_this-is-the-greatest-stumbling-block-in_2605031.jpg" --- # This is the greatest stumbling block in our spiritual… ![“This is the greatest stumbling block in our spiritual discipline, which, in actuality, consists not in getting rid of the self but in realizing the fact that there is no such existence from the first.” quote by Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/59b/thomas-merton-231_actuality_this-is-the-greatest-stumbling-block-in_2605031.jpg) [Download](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/59b/thomas-merton-231_actuality_this-is-the-greatest-stumbling-block-in_2605031.jpg) [Open image](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/i/59b/thomas-merton-231_actuality_this-is-the-greatest-stumbling-block-in_2605031.jpg) > “This is the greatest stumbling block in our spiritual discipline, which, in actuality, consists not in getting rid of the self but in realizing the fact that there is no such existence from the first.” [Thomas Merton](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/author/thomas-merton/) ## About This Quote This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation. Spiritual growth comes from seeing the self as illusion, not from trying to eliminate it. **In simple terms:** Realizing self is an illusion fuels spiritual practice. Key Takeaway Embrace the emptiness of self. Themes spirituality self illusion growth Mood contemplative serene Type philosophical inspirational When to use this quote - meditation - retreats - therapy - daily reflection Key Concepts nondualism mindfulness ego dissolution Questions to Reflect On - How does recognizing non‑existence of self change daily behavior? - What practices help experience this insight? 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