On False Spirituality

There are two forms of false spirituality: spiritual materialism and spiritual bypassing. Many practitioners of religion and spirituality are engaged with these fake forms of spirituality, without being conscious of it.

Tibetan Buddhist master, Chogyam Trungpa, coined the term spiritual materialism in his book titled “Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism.” Spiritual materialism refers to the use of spiritual beliefs, practices, and experiences for one’s ego trip or to serve one’s self-interest instead of seeking genuine spiritual growth, much like people use material things to serve the same purpose.

• Spiritual consumerism: Consuming spiritual practices like commodities. Constantly seeking new workshops, retreats, gurus, etc.
• Image Building: Showcasing a perfect spiritual life persona
• Fake progress: Believing that a particular positive emotional state (like peace or joy) is a sign of spiritual progress and clinging to it.
• Bragging about one’s spiritual accomplishments or mystical experiences
• Putting down others who seem less spiritual.
• Using spirituality as a way to gain status or wealth.
• Spiritual One-Upmanship: Vying for dominance in the spiritual arena.