Religion directs people's attention away from self, towards selflessness, by way of practices that conflict with self-focus. "No-self" awareness (realization) is the end result of proper religious practice(s). This type of awareness is particularly difficult for self, which wants to support and enhancing itself through self-improvement. Ignorance plays an important role in the support of self, as self would rather create 'believable' stories (or perhaps more willfully desired, than believable), in order to keep self central and in control and powerful, thus making no-self seem impossible/implausible.
"How wonderful, how wonderful, all things are perfect as they are." Buddha