According to Chapter 35, why is pride considered a significant obstacle on the spiritual path?

Chapter 35 of the Sai Satcharitra identifies pride as a major impediment on the spiritual journey. The chapter begins by stating that when one seeks the supreme truth, "pride in one's own path becomes a terrible forest," and that "there is no obstacle more difficult and formidable than this pride." It illustrates this through the example of people who are proud of their belief in a formless God and look down upon the worship of saints in physical form, like Sai Baba. They consider themselves spiritually superior and refuse to bow or offer Dakshina. However, the chapter's core message is that Sai Baba's divine presence has the power to dissolve this very pride. As Chapter 35 narrates, even those with firm, prideful resolves would find their convictions melting away upon receiving Sai's Darshan, ultimately surrendering at His feet.