Abstract:
Narcissism comes in two variants: Ego-inflation and the Moses complex. While the former is exhibited by pathological grandiosity, the latter is marked by excessive self-devaluation and lack of self-esteem. In group contexts, both are found in the symbiotic appearance of charismatic leaders and worshipping followers. Both are subtle forms of spiritual defense mechanisms against the true spiritual task of finding and transcending one’s “true” self. Because of its specific topic transpersonal psychology is particularly likely to attract people with narcissistic problems and one should be aware of this. Some practical implications are pointed out.
"...Ego-inflation and the Moses complex are the two poles between which the spiritual path winds. The point I wish to make in this paper is that they are two sides of one coin: narcissism. And because these two temptations are so deeply connected with the spiritual path, narcissism is the shadow of transpersonal psychology. The more we stand in the light – and who would not want to do this – the less we can see what is in the shadow. And only he who himself would be light, could rightly claim not to have a shadow. But who is entitled to do this?..."
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