Why does ego death have to be so theatrical?

To let go of your ego is a big step into the unknown. I would be lying if I didn't tell you that you will face fear. Of course I am hoping that it is just me and that the majority of spiritual path travelers doesn't have to face this fear when you are shaking in your boots, but my hunch is that we all have to make this step sooner or later. Joseph Campbell identified this theme in the hero with a thousand faces; somehow every hero has to venture out into the wilderness despite herself and after a long time of soul searching has to slay the dragon and only then has earned the right to live happily ever after. It is always the same theme.

Do you remember how Luke Skywalker received his Jedi training? He had to reflect incoming laser light blindfolded. In the same way Jean-Claude Van Damme had to face his opponent in Bloodsport. Do you remember the fear in his face when this apparently invincible opponent had managed to blind him temporarily? But then you will also remember the calmness that overcame him when he remembered his old teacher and suddenly realized that he had always been prepared to handle this moment.

Being a Tao master is a psychological shift. It is letting go of the old world and whole hardly graduating to the next spiritual level. There has to be a sudden 'attack' when life throws you into this scene that only a hero can handle. Unless you take this step you would be stuck between the two worlds for a long time, which is painful as well. I think of this initiation like a band-aide, you rip it off and be done with it. Rejoice, after this staged exercise you will suddenly understand this security that our spiritual path travelers have experienced for millennia: 

The LORD is my shepherd, I lack nothing. 
 He makes me lie down in green pastures, 
he leads me beside quiet waters, 
 he refreshes my soul. 
He guides me along the right paths 
   for his name’s sake. 
Even though I walk 
   through the darkest valley,
I will fear no evil, 
   for you are with me; 
your rod and your staff, 
   they comfort me.

 You prepare a table before me 
   in the presence of my enemies. 
You anoint my head with oil; 
   my cup overflows. 
Surely your goodness and love will follow me 
   all the days of my life, 
and I will dwell in the house of the LORD 
   forever.

Psalm 23