What Is Spiritual Ego, and How to Control It?

Greetings, fellow explorers of the spiritual landscape and seekers of truth! It’s time for a candid conversation about something that often lurks in the shadowy corners of our spiritual journeys: the infamous “spiritual ego.” As we delve into this topic, I’d like to share my thoughts and insights while keeping the atmosphere friendly and approachable.

Have you ever found yourself, like I have, in a moment where you thought, “I’ve got it all figured out, and I’m more spiritually advanced than others”? Or perhaps you’ve experienced a sense of pride in your spiritual practices, beliefs, or personal experiences, even to the point where you looked down on those who seemed to be on a different path?

If any of this resonates with you, it’s possible that you’ve encountered what’s often referred to as a “spiritual ego.” It’s a sneaky little companion that can impede our authentic spiritual growth and distance us from our fellow journeyers. So, let’s embark on a journey together to understand what a spiritual ego is, how it takes root, and, most importantly, how to keep it in check.

What is a spiritual ego?

To grasp the concept of a spiritual ego, let’s first get acquainted with its counterpart – the regular ego. The ego, as we all know, is that part of our psyche that creates a sense of self, identity, and individuality. It’s the source of our thoughts, feelings, desires, and opinions. It’s also the driving force behind our relentless quest for validation, security, and pleasure from the external world.

It’s important to note that the ego itself isn’t inherently bad or evil. In fact, it’s a fundamental aspect of our human experience, serving as the vessel through which we navigate life. It enables us to survive, function, and express our unique selves in the world.

However, just like anything in life, the ego can become a bit unruly. It might swell up, distort reality, or solidify into rigid patterns, leading to a range of issues like arrogance, insecurity, attachment, or aversion. And this is where the spiritual ego makes its grand entrance.

A spiritual ego is a specific breed of ego that emerges when we become overly attached to our spirituality. It’s when we start using our spiritual beliefs, practices, and experiences to inflate our self-esteem, cultivate a sense of superiority, or construct an aura of specialness around us. It’s a treacherous trap that can veer us off the path of genuine spiritual growth and, most notably, disconnect us from our fellow travelers.

The manifestations of a spiritual ego can vary, but they often include:

• Believing that you’re more enlightened, awakened, or evolved than others.
• Judging or criticizing others for their perceived lack of spirituality or different beliefs.
• Feeling superior or special because of your spiritual experiences or practices.
• Craving recognition or admiration for your spirituality.
• Clinging to your spiritual labels, roles, or identities
• Reacting defensively or intolerantly to any challenge or feedback regarding your spirituality.
• Adopting a rigid or dogmatic stance on your spiritual views or methods
• Being closed-minded or dismissive of other perspectives and possibilities.
• Acting selfishly or manipulatively in your spiritual pursuits.
• Exhibiting hypocrisy or inconsistency in your spiritual values and actions.

It’s worth mentioning that a spiritual ego can be subtle or blatant, depending on the individual and the context. It’s a pitfall that can affect anyone, regardless of their level of awareness or sincerity in their spiritual journey.

How does a spiritual ego form?

Now that we have a better understanding of what a spiritual ego is, let’s unravel the intricate process of how it takes root. Awareness of this process is the first step in keeping our own spiritual ego in check.

A spiritual ego typically begins to form when we fall into the trap of conflating our spiritual progress with our self-esteem. In this dangerous dance, we attach our self-worth to our spiritual achievements. It’s as if we’re constantly seeking external validation to prove our worthiness, and this attachment often triggers a sense of superiority. We start comparing ourselves to others on the spiritual path, believing ourselves to be more enlightened or advanced.

Another common pitfall is identifying too strongly with the roles and labels associated with our spiritual practice. Whether it’s assuming the mantle of a guru, a healer, or a highly evolved soul, this over-identification can inflate our ego and make us feel extraordinarily special.

Misinterpreting spiritual experiences can be another trap. Profound spiritual encounters can undoubtedly be transformative, but when we misinterpret them as signs of our spiritual superiority or uniqueness, we inadvertently inflate our ego.

Some of us may use spirituality as a mask, hiding our insecurities, weaknesses, or unresolved issues behind a facade of virtue and enlightenment. This superficial approach to spirituality creates a veneer of specialness that is, in reality, nothing more than a cloak.

Finally, a significant red flag for a spiritual ego is the tendency to reject or judge individuals with different beliefs or those on alternative spiritual paths. When we become intolerant or critical of others who walk a different way, we’re essentially showcasing a closed-minded and egoistic perspective.

How to keep your spiritual ego in check:

Now, let’s delve into the most crucial aspect of this journey – how to keep your spiritual ego in check and tread a path of authenticity, humility, and genuine growth. These practical steps will help you navigate the maze of the spiritual ego:

1. Self-awareness: The first and most vital step is to recognize the presence of your spiritual ego. Regular self-reflection and an honest assessment of your intentions and behaviors in your spiritual journey are essential.
2. Cultivate humility: Humility is the antidote to the ego, spiritual or otherwise. Understand that spirituality is a lifelong journey, and there’s always more to learn and experience. Let go of the need to feel superior or special.
3. Practice non-judgment: Embrace the beauty of diversity and respect different spiritual paths and beliefs. Remember that each person’s journey is unique, and judgment only creates separation.
4. Seek inner validation: Instead of seeking external validation, focus on your inner growth and self-awareness. Your spiritual journey is deeply personal and doesn’t require validation from others.
5. Let go of attachment: Release your attachment to spiritual labels, roles, and experiences. Remember, you are not defined by these external aspects of your spirituality. Your essence goes far beyond any labels.
6. Stay open-minded: Be open to different perspectives, even if they challenge your existing beliefs. Growth and transformation often stem from being open to new ideas and experiences.
7. Be consistent: Ensure that your actions align with your spiritual values and beliefs. Consistency in your behavior is a hallmark of genuine spirituality.
8. Practice self-compassion: Treat yourself with kindness and understanding. Accept that you’re a work in progress, and it’s okay to have imperfections and limitations.

In conclusion, the spiritual ego is just as important as anything else on our path and must be recognized and tamed. The goal of genuine spirituality should be the sublimation of the ego, not its expansion. When we are able to walk this path with modesty and honesty, we are able to connect more deeply with our inner selves and with others who are also seeking to find themselves.