How does Chapter 35 illustrate the idea that pride in one's own spiritual path is a formidable obstacle?

Chapter 35 powerfully illustrates the theme of spiritual pride by presenting it as a 'terrible forest' and a formidable obstacle. The chapter uses the example of people who are firm in their worship of the formless divine. Their pride leads them to look down upon saints in human form, like Sai Baba, and practices such as offering Dakshina. They believe their path is superior. However, the chapter shows that this pride is ultimately dissolved through a direct experience, or 'Darshan,' of Sai. Their intellectual and spiritual arrogance melts away, and they surrender, demonstrating that true spiritual progress required them to overcome this initial pride, as narrated in the chapter.