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Defining the term -

The concept of a spiritual narcissist can be a little tricky to understand. In a nutshell, however, it is someone who uses their spirituality to gain control over, or admiration from, someone else.

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Superiority -

Spiritual narcissists tend to believe that they are spiritually more evolved than other people, and they use this as an excuse to justify their behavior.

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Signs -

Let's take a look at some of the tell-tale signs of a spiritual narcissist. First up is attention-seeking behavior. Spiritual narcissists are often found posting on social media during a yoga or meditation session.

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Attention-seeking behavior -

Spiritual narcissists may also be found at the head of a cult-like group, where they can exercise control over other people under the guise of spiritual leadership.

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Superiority -

Spiritual narcissists tend to have a holier-than-thou attitude and they often act superior towards those who they perceive to be less spiritually evolved than themselves.

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Superiority -

This can mean they are quick to judge others, and they have no problem looking down on people who hold different or no religious beliefs.

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Placing beliefs -

Placing beliefs about spirituality upon people who have never solicited them is another behavior that is often attributed to spiritual narcissists.

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Placing beliefs -

An example of this might be someone saying you're going to hell unless you attend church with them. It's about having a clear lack of boundaries.

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Spiritual materialism -

Spiritual narcissists also tend to use their spirituality as a means of acquiring material wealth, status, and power. This is referred to as spiritual materialism.

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Spiritual materialism -

An example of this would be someone who shows off about the expensive spiritual retreats they attend just so they can appear superior.

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Seeking validation -

Another common behavior of spiritual narcissists is that they use their beliefs and practices to seek validation and attention from others.

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Seeking validation -

For example, a spiritual narcissist may constantly talk about their spiritual awakenings or experiences just to get other people to pay them attention.

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Manipulating others -

Spiritual narcissists are often very adept at manipulating others, and they tend to use spiritual language and/or concepts to justify their actions.

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Manipulating others -

As an extension of this, spiritual narcissists may employ strategies such as guilt or shame to coerce others into conforming to their beliefs.

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Spiritual bypassing -

Spiritual bypassing is perhaps a less common behavior of spiritual narcissists, but it does happen. In a nutshell, this is about using spiritual beliefs or practices to avoid difficult topics.

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Spiritual bypassing -

Instead of facing up to their own problems and shortcomings, spiritual narcissists may use their spirituality as a way to avoid responsibility for their actions.

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Lack of empathy -

Despite saying they believe in spiritual values, such as empathy and compassion, spiritual narcissists tend to lack any real sympathy for other people.

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Lack of empathy -

Often, spiritual narcissists are dismissive of others' problems and concerns, and they tend to focus solely on their own successes and achievements.

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The psychology of spiritual narcissism -

Spiritual narcissism has certain things in common with other forms of narcissism, such as covert narcissism and communal narcissism.

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The psychology of spiritual narcissism -

However, just because someone is a spiritual narcissist, it doesn't necessarily mean that they have a narcissistic personality disorder.

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How it happens -

Indeed, spiritual narcissism can happen to anyone, and it may start perfectly innocently. For instance, sometimes people take up yoga or meditation and start to believe they are more spiritually evolved than other people they know.

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When it becomes a problem -

Spiritual narcissism only really becomes a problem when a person begins to act on those beliefs and forgets completely that no person is inherently better than another.

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Spiritual narcissism in relationships - It will come as little surprise to learn that being in a relationship with someone who is a spiritual narcissist can be very difficult.

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Spiritual narcissism in relationships -

On the one hand, spiritual narcissists tend not to treat their partners well, since they are too busy weaponizing their spirituality to appear superior.

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Spiritual narcissism in relationships - On the other hand, spiritual narcissists need constant validation and attention, which tends to mean that their partner's needs go unfulfilled.

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Long-term consequences -

If it goes on for a long time, spiritual narcissism can unfortunately lead to the breakdown of what was previously a close and positive relationship.

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Dealing with a spiritual narcissist -

If you suspect that your partner may be exhibiting signs of spiritual narcissism, it's important to be as assertive as possible about setting boundaries and maintaining your own sense of self-worth.

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Dealing with a spiritual narcissist -

You may also find it helpful to seek support from others, either from someone you know who has been through the same experience, or from an expert who understands narcissistic dynamics.

Sources: (Verywell Mind)

See also: What can we read into spiritual literacy?

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