An expression invented by Sir Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1803–1873) in his novel Zanoni (1842) to describe a phenomenon frequently encountered by people on a spiritual path. As people spiritually progress, they meet and overcome many challenges. Perhaps the most frightening is the Dweller on the Threshold who blocks the way to further progress. Some people claim the Dweller is a manifestation of who you have been. Since most people don’t want to give up their past, this Dweller is quite a challenge to overcome. It is similar to the concept of facing up to past actions (including from past lives) and overcoming them.