Acharya Prashant explains that spirituality becomes dangerous when it only prunes the ego rather than uprooting it. Using the analogy of rose bushes in winter, he notes that cutting them back often causes them to grow back even greener and stronger. Similarly, if spiritual practices only touch the surface and leave the root of the ego intact, the ego returns with more vigor. He warns that 'happy thoughts' and superficial changes often act as a shield for the 'thinker' or the ego, preventing true transformation. One must go to the very root and end the ego entirely rather than merely teasing or irritating it, as half-hearted attempts at spirituality can lead to a stronger backlash from one's illusions.