15 signs of spiritual ego in new-age communities

[@JustinBrownVids]

Hey all! Thanks for stopping by. So great to read all the comments and I really appreciate it! If you want to follow me on my journey, please consider downloading Ideapod's digital magazine, Tribe. It's free to download and read the latest issue and supports us a lot! ideapod.com/tribe/#1 And join our free masterclass critiquing modern-day spirituality: ideapod.com/personal-power-masterclass/#1&data1=newagespiritualnarcissism

[@tara3870]

1 Over intellectualizing 2 Judging others 3 Dogmatic beliefs 4 Messiah complex 5 Always thinking positively 6 Trying to be a guru 7 Spiritual debating 8 Lack general curiosity 9 Lacking compassion 10 Lacking humility 11 Seeking spiritual enlightenment solely 12 A narcissist is what you’ve become

[@maythemysticmuse4071]

another one is avoiding shadow work, i had fallen into the spiritual ego trap myself

[@NickyM_0]

@@maythemysticmuse4071 ​ Most people in the new age are highly narcissistic because the movement teaches narcissism ie love & focus on SELF. And they do literally nothing for others unless it benefits and shines a light on them SELF. At this stage it's very hard for them to go deep and be introspective and do shadow work. The people I know, ironically, RUN from them SELVES and avoid their SELFS like the plague. How can they ever do shadow work? They are too frightened to.

[@jerbear6365]

@@NickyM_0 shadow work is new age practice

[@cemo1740]

Sounds just like Sadhguru

[@aaronmann9442]

Most narcissistic people are quick to lable others narcissistic. Projection is a common manifestation . A lack of compassion and empathy toward those they deem narcs is another common sign. Feeling morally superior to them . People with NPD are sick with a serious mental illness and suffer greatly from it.

[@iidentifyasayoutubertoday7025]

I used to work at an ayahuasca retreat. I eventually had to leave because everyone there were narcissists and in competition with who was more "woke" and don't get me started on the yoga stuff. They thought anyone who didn't do yoga was automatically not worth having a conversation with. I grew to hate being around spiritual people.

[@aaronmann9442]

The people you describe don't sound like spiritual people to me

[@FortniteOG420]

Those aren't spiritual people, those are just narcissistic, spiritually dead people wanting to act spiritual, most are probably atheists anyway

[@Heyoka-gq4wl]

They're not spiritual at all, they are narcissists hiding under the guise of spirituality, sneaky buggers, look at their actions not their words

[@ExtraordinaryLiving]

@@aaronmann9442 IKR!?! Sounds like they are *PRETENDING* to be spiritual people.

[@taoyoka]

Some of the most humble and selfless people I know are full of ego about being humble and selfless…in other words they have an ego about having no ego. ❤

[@emoke150]

You've nailed it. I have been through all of that but life gave me a big slap in my face over and over again until I got out of it. I can see this in so many "spiritual coaches" right now, especially in privileged upper middle class white girls trying to teach people how to "manifest" and "raising your vibration".

[@stephbinos7789]

me too, also became one of those privileged upper middle class white girls but i got slapped in the face a million times lol

[@god5535]

While boundaries are extremely important, necessary and healthy some even justify using it to forsake their dying mother of cancer patient because she was a horrible human being all her life. Possibly that is one example of selfishness. I know many "influencers" preach cutting of toxic people in life, but the thing is once you become judgemental and start finding faults in everyone, then technically everyone is toxic. So does it mean you will cut off the whole world just cuz they are a 'cancerous tumor'? Selfishness par excellence. (Maybe Sri pointed it out as in Asian culture sometimes many people put others need over theirs first.)

[@stephbinos7789]

@@god5535 i agree, thanks for this

[@Karina_Engr]

exactly

[@adakadak1012]

@god, you ARE NOT GOD. Another lie from the fake spirituals. You are a human being on this earth. You are not god.

[@dannystanley_]

I humbly disagree with not removing that type of energy from our orbit, especially if it is harmful. We are all on a journey, and not one of us are superior or inferior to one another. We continue to have compassion for the being moving through spiritual narcissism and continue on with our journey. Great video.

[@ShivaliRose]

Yes I agree. Thank you Danny. Beautifully worded

[@JustinBrownVids]

Fair point, thanks for watching.

[@mefandudeguy........shepar1233]

My last relationship of 5 years ended because she was going down a path I could not follow. Was heartbreaking seeing here lose herself to this spiritual ego. Nothing I could say or explain could bring her back to reality.

[@sixthsense11100]

Shit man that’s sad. Off to better things

[@kellydowell4944]

I think for me the 'identity' part of it played a big part. Needing to wear spiritual clothes, have spiritual interests and hang out at spiritual places with spiritual people. It came from this need to feel and be viewed as 'special'. I think in western society, we're constantly bombarded with ideas about striving for uniqueness (pretty much how every product is sold to us) so when we get spiritual insights and touch upon some truth, our ego then places this 'special'-ness narrative on top of it and essentially hijacks the original purity of the insight or shift that we had

[@maritdeweerd3639]

For some reason i always feel highly attracted to people who feel superior, also spiritually. You said there is no need to cut them out of your life, but in my case it was better to do so. Because these people didnt allow me to speak my truth or to become more independent. I felt really dissapointed about this, but as long as they dont see whats happening staying in touch is too painful. Keeping my distance made me feel stronger and i gained selfrespect.

[@JustinBrownVids]

It makes sense to cut some people out of your life if this makes you stronger. That's interesting about being attracted to people who feel superior. A very honest insight about yourself.

[@aaronmann9442]

Codependency. I believe that’s the reasob

[@worldpilgrim4638]

Empaths tend to attract narcissists. You're doing the right thing by stepping away.

[@AS-bp7mn]

You just blew up my spiritual identity now I have to start over! Glad I came across this great content.

[@JustinBrownVids]

Thanks for the feedback! Glad it was helpful :-)

[@lisaperkins7807]

Bless your heart pray you found Jesus only way

[@562mjohnson]

Find Jesus.

[@careforjusticealways]

stop forcing ur religion onto others

[@nicholasashley2490]

It’s not about chasing anything or having any type of special experiences, much less talking about them or even talking about how you no longer have a spiritual ego, because all of that, including the last part, is once again more of the same. It is also spiritually egotistical, but more subtlety clothed in a pretentious intention to once again stand out as a wise expert on the subject, someone who has made mistakes but who now truly “understands”. The only truly spiritual person is he or she who doesn’t need to talk about any aspect of it, and who comes about their enlightenment precisely by not trying to. Simple.

[@aaronmann9442]

Lol and you achieved this right? I didn’t get the vibe that this dude is trying to act superior. He is bringing up a topic because it is an epidemic with spiritual followers especially in the west. The whole I’m more enlightened than you attitude. They really are some of the most selfish and clueless people I have ever met. Anyone can have a profound experience with a hit of dmt. Don’t make you enlightened

[@xaraha4884]

I get your point, but communication, dialogue and speaking to things make way for more awareness and wisdom on topics that hold relevance to life. There's a fine-tunement of when communication happens out of self-gratification or because clarity (fresh air of accuracy and nuanced awareness, wisdom) is wishing to be delivered and occupy space

[@NickyM_0]

@@aaronmann9442 What is dmt?

[@aaronmann9442]

@@NickyM_0 it's a very powerful psychedelic

[@JDoggNation]

Mr. Miyagi is a great example. He shared his wisdom only when asked. I'm sure he wouldn't have a KZbin channel to promote his wisdom. Lol I'm sure this dude means well but great insight about how things can be two sides of the same coin.

[@theasianwitch]

This was incredibly grounding...I've been developing my spiritual ego for sure this past year, as it has helped a lot in my healing from C-PTSD and narcissistic abuse. However, I can see just how easy it is to fall into the trap of attaching myself to spirituality as another crutch for myself. I really loved hearing and seeing your friend's perspective on the simple practicality of spirituality in a way that is community-oriented. Thank you for making this video!

[@mariaeichner9125]

I just also watched the video about loneliness, where you say, it also comes from hanging around people who don't really understand you. And somehow I thought, that maybe in those spiritual communities we are looking for a group of like-minded people, because we want to be understood and don't want to face any diversity, so that we don't expirience the feeling of not understanding each other and don't have to put effort in negotiating realities with others. It creates fear to negotiate, because we want to feel save in a stable unshakable view and don't want it to be questioned, so that we don't loose orientation. Because we are so much attached to ideas of "right" and "wrong". An we want to be right and do right. But when loosing orientation often, we will never be sure if it is objectively right, what we are believing and doing. To avoid this pain and insecurity, we build closed communities that are not allowing diversity.

[@selenem3384]

people who really had a true spiritual awakening or kundalini awakening will never brag about it... since it has the potential to ruin the seeker's life and can be quite traumatic.

[@Pacificat]

Exactly

[@LucaAnamaria]

I think I might have gone through one of these awakenings (I guess it's ongoing for as long as I'm alive, but the initiation was extremely rough). For the first ten years I had no idea what the heck happened to me and the terror and trauma that accompanied it was a huge source of shame. Total lack of control over my life, like watching threads unravel. What are we supposed to be proud of--being a total mess?! 😂😂😂 Since then, I've been surprised by the folks who say they love spirituality because it is such a comforting and positive experience with endless light and sunbeams and rainbows coming out of your butt. Where can I sign up for that?! 😂 Meanwhile, I get peace from grounding myself in my body and in the present moment--not necessarily from "spiritual practice" as something separate from my life. For me at least, wisdom and "enlightenment" come from fully embracing myself as a human being--with all my fragility and resilience. And the practice never ends for as long as I'm alive.

[@selenem3384]

@@LucaAnamaria love this.❤❤❤❤

[@LucaAnamaria]

@@selenem3384 ❤️❤️❤️❤️

[@REIGHNOFFICIAL]

Yes exactly

[@suzannel215]

Thank you for your observations, Justin. Spirituality has definitely left the realm of the personal to become a more commercialized commodity. One also that seems to espouse that they are above general and global welfare edicts as is the case for COVID 19 protective measures. It seemed to me that your wonderful Thai friend/guide may have found some of your comments about deconstructing pseudo and genuine spirituality somewhat of a North American preoccupation. The look she gave you when you qualified her picking up the litter on the beach as a form of genuine spirituality was priceless as was her comment back that "its normal".

[@JoeMoss83]

The need to make this video stems from spiritual ego just like when I feel compelled to call out someone's new age non-sense stems from my ego.

[@williamchristopher4022]

I have personally experienced many of this before through my experiences and can totally relate. Thank you for putting this out there so people can ground themselves and don't berate themselves for 'doing something wrong' when they've gone too far and are trying to come back

[@JustinBrownVids]

I've been there too. You're welcome!

[@laura5479]

I realized I've gone thru most of these stages, and still bounce back and forth thru some of them. I can see how I was more focused on me and my needs then those around me. Looking forward to seeing more on this.

[@JustinBrownVids]

Same with me!

[@bm5_5_5]

Same here it’s good to have that self awareness

[@bm5_5_5]

@jrfaried131992 This is a wonderful statement. You’ve transmuted all your wounds into wings. Good for you. Go forth and fly 👍

[@gatheringsunshine1219]

My goodness. This was a hard one for me to watch/write. I'm just starting to come out of this and had a massive ego death experience after around 12 or 13 years of being stuck in a "spiritual quest". I grew up in Christianity and then left, thinking if I kept seeking I'd eventually find THE answer. I stopped living life. I really feel like I became $hit person in the process. Thanks for being so candid about yourself....

[@juliannoel5715]

Great video Justin. Well covered. I have definitely been through all of those phases! Spiritual ego/narcissism is a necessary phase for us to all traverse... it's great that you are normalising it... it is like the 'shadow' side of spirituality which few people talk about, spirituality is commonly characterised by all things bright and beautiful... however whilst that is definitely part of the journey, i have also seen the blackest sides to me, which i have had to wrestle with in order to understand myself at a deeper level. The 'selfishness' mentioned in the video is also part of the journey... you can't fake generosity or selflessness, and do 'good works'. There comes a time when you realise the fullness within you and all you want to do is serve. I was 'spiritually selfish' for decades... until a moment of epiphane when i realised the true nature of the heart... and realised we are indeed all one, and to let love flow wherever it wants to flow... and doing good just came naturally... until then... well, you're a pain in the butt to others!!! One of the dangers i see is the 'teachers' who become lost in their spiritual narcissism and impact the lives of the seekers who follow them... perhaps you can create guide for "How To Spot A narcissistic Teacher"...

[@JustinBrownVids]

Hi Jules, thanks for taking the time to leave a comment! I can certainly see in your work that you're acting in service to so many people. It would be interesting to explore the spiritual narcissist teachers. It's such a danger - often the people that see themselves as gurus are highly intelligent. It's a shame they see themselves as superior to others and take themselves so seriously. They can do a lot of damage to the people who follow them. As an example, here's a disturbing video of Mooji. He's a popular spiritual teacher. But you can see in this video that he creates adoring fans who subordinate themselves by kissing his feet. I can't see that these people are on a path of spiritual enlightenment. Perhaps they experience moments of catharsis but they're trapped by their admiration of the guru: videos.files.wordpress.com/aFcfDEu4/dev_dvd.mp4?_=1

[@laurenmonroe27]

I know one of these.. and honestly sometimes I feel like her “preachings” can be borderline dangerous. She finds herself to be more intellectual than anyone on the planet, more intune, and to be pure energy and pure light and claims to be a reiki master after her teacher “broke up” with her as her teacher because she claimed to be more “powerful” than her when they started the lessons. She has a channel on here... I worry about her. We went to high school together and well... you’d just have to see her stuff... Also, those are all her words. Most of her videos are her just bragging about her powers and gifts and judging others. Even being racist and downright cruel and nasty to other people. Thank you for making this video. I’m no better for saying these things about her. But I know that.

[@adakadak1012]

Run like hell.

[@mariaeichner9125]

Thank you so much! It just put into words, what made me feel so uncomfortable in the "councious community" at Koh Phangan.

[@meadfestmary]

There’s a balance between the excitement of having your own ah-ha moments and feeling a need to push your ideas on others. I think that’s where people can fall into some of the spiritual ego traps. “Spiritual insights,” and the creativity and joy they bring, fill people up. Maybe you can suggest ways to tap into those positive feelings for the greater good.

[@JustinBrownVids]

Great suggestion. I'll explore this in one of my next videos.

[@usernameisjonah]

Right

[@multi_verse8636]

Thanks man I started crying , I feel like I can be open to love people again I think it’s so hard out here

[@nataliekay286]

Absolutely love this video. I appreciated the honesty in relaying your experience. I know someone who is deeply entangled in the yogi stage, and in the process of building a center of some sorts where he can invite those who by his words, "have the ears to hear," to join in an experience that directly reflects his own way of spirituality. One thing that stands out over and over in my interactions with him, is that whenever I have asked for his thoughts on a spiritual path kind of subject or idea, if he isnt familiar with it, or if he has heard of it and it is in any way non validating or contrary of the way he sees himself, his message, he will reply, "such and such does not exist," or "that is an attempt to describe the undiscribable" Yesterday I ask this 54yr old man r if he had any thoughts on the concept of spiritual materialism. The man covered from head to toe in symbolic looking tattoos that mean nothing to him, wearing a sarong, 2lbs of ethnic looking copper and crystal jewelry, with a long unkempt beard full of beads, and a top hat full of flowers and feathers replied, "spiritual materialism does not exist." Thank you for your perspective, I replied.

[@JustinBrownVids]

Thanks for sharing this, Natalie. Very interesting story! Spiritual materialism would be another interesting topic to explore in an upcoming video!

[@gisele2808]

That's hilarious! I guess he was too into it to have any perspective.

[@selenem3384]

@@gisele2808 they get carried away with the act and the attention they get from it...

[@stevelibby3]

Other signs: when any bit of personal development insight is from aliens, and overuse of metaphysical space jargon to describe simple concepts... oh and total experts on quantum physics🤦🏻‍♂️

[@hockinghillsalive3624]

I love that you're describing yourself. We're seeing so much of this mentality. I want to take this journey without ego and without it turning me into something trendy.

[@theharvestpodcast]

Spiritual bypassing on mental health

[@Moonlight.Melon.Mounter]

those people that are being completely selfish i think completely misunderstand yoga

[@shebakali6]

Exactly. If one studies the 8 limbs of yoga, as you progress in yoga, narcissism is supposed to reduce.

[@StompyJones]

Very, very good video. I think it gets to a point that it's reasonable to assume that 'those who speak do not know' especially the ones who like to talk about feeling someone's energy. It's much easier - and rewarding - to get along with people who don't think they're spiritual.

[@kristenporter3349]

The reason Engaged Buddhism was created, which is so important. This kind of narcissism can lead to real world violence.

[@JustinBrownVids]

For sure.

[@adakadak1012]

You've got that right.

[@Nectarine333]

Facts! I know someone who is in Koh Panghan right now and they have become this type of person

[@RanmaRanmaBou]

1. Over-intellectualizing spirituality 2. Judging others as more or less advanced than you 3. Having dogmatic beliefs 4. Having a massiah complex 5. Stuck in the trap of always trying to think positivitly 6. Trying to be a guru to other people 7. Believing you figured it all out 8. Spiritual rightousness 9. Lacking genuine curiosity about the world around you 10. Lacking humility 11. Lacking compassion 12. Stop living your life in order ti porsue spirituality 13. Become a narcissitic 14. Losing interest in others and only caring about yourself

[@rebeccabriggs2982]

A couple of things missed.... (from my own recent experiences!) They rephrase and reshape what you share with them into their spiritual jargon. If you speak up for yourself or confront them with any issue they claim you are damaged, unhealed etc

[@Palaecro]

Found a lot of these people in Bali. Some were so deep into doing psychadelics every week and would talk about how they have a direct connection to God and how they're going to change the world. It was so much talk though and the irony is so many of these people had JUST gone on this path with histories of partying with alcohol/drugs/sex. Although it just seems like they swapped up their addictions and ego desires. Just the switch towards a spiritual path immediately seems to make them think they're a guru. Just bizarre.

[@JustinBrownVids]

I've had a similar experience

[@aventis93]

I think spiritual ego is a step. I observe it in myself a lot. But it is about being human and a step that we must take :)

[@dreamrideflorida]

Unfortunately I’m dealing with a girlfriend who has become this way and it’s very difficult to navigate especially when I’m made to feel I’m doing something wrong. Everyone is on their own journey of awakening and we all have different perceptions and life experiences.

[@rhaudmacdonald4610]

Your video is so pertinent to many of my experiences travelling to different locales. My one rather ‘gut’ reaction was you constantly using the word... should, when could might have been more applicable to the spiritual journey.. deeply appreciate your videos and Ideapod...

[@JustinBrownVids]

Thanks Rhaud. That's a great point. I think "could" is indeed a better word than "should" in many instances in this video.

[@rhaudmacdonald4610]

@@JustinBrownVids Respect.... I appreciate and respect the open inquiry’s door reflection of the human experience. The compassion, vulnerability and honesty you offer to people on their human journey...

[@JustinBrownVids]

@@rhaudmacdonald4610 thanks!

[@eddieandre-theraven5008]

Narcissism is probably the most over used word in Spiritual use.Some people are just awfully arrogant and consider themselves gifted and chosen by a higher source. Narcissism is being used for somebody who just gets on your nerves a bit to full blown mental abuse. I don't need to go to Thailand to be Spiritual. I can just decide to treat people in a better way. What is missing is realism. Some people are just annoying and you won't get along.. It's more 'spiritual to also admit I too can be an asswhole at times.

[@sarahholland9201]

Hi, I found this video really helpful as when covid-19 started I became drawn towards spirituality. I joined a group online and follow pages that share enlightened quotes etc.. Well I will admit that I sometimes have and do fall into couple off the signs and I feel annoyed at myself I think for that where I have had to take a step back and reevaluate etc... Well i guess I'm naive perhaps but I have been shocked by how mean and condescending other 'enlightened' persons have been not just to me but to others. I often see persons identifying with their spiritual labels or identification too. Eg: Many have put themselves as Empath, lightworkers, starchild or very old soul.. I appreciate how fascinating it is to discover things about your soul. I myself even had a Akashic Record soul purpose reading last year which was interesting.. But I do not see the need to create a 'job title' or telling total strangers about who I am at soul level. Because it's not important to my daily life as a human being and its only interesting too me. I've been feeling like I do not fit in with groups of spiritually enlightened persons as when I have attempted to ask a question, express my own perceptive or just seem to have a different view point that I have sometimes had persons just say, there's so much wrong with everything I said and they can't break it down as it would take to long or something like goodluck with the beginning of my spiritual journey. I have tried to express and say that I feel everyone is valid in their own way and there's no right or wrong that what resonates with one doesn't have to with the next and that we are equal. But even saying that I've been talked down too etc.. Am I getting things wrong or is my view egotistical? Or am I too naive? I honestly feel like many in this spiritual community tend to behave like schoolyard children and as was said in ur video selfish and I think judgemental.. Apologies for the long rambling comment but not sure who to express this too.. Thank u for ur video.. From Sarah. 😊🌈

[@tigermedz]

Not everyone can be right, but everyone could be wrong!

[@sarahholland9201]

@@tigermedz Well said! From my own perspective it seems that many believe they are right and others are wrong though.. I mean isn't everyone unique in their own journey and understanding? Whatever happened to learning to put down our swords so to speak? Just seems like there's to much conflict and arrogance.. How does belittling someone help?

[@fairytale4204]

I absolutly find it helpful and this video you sent me really arrived at the right moment as I was talking to a friend about some schools of sprituality and we both had com to this undrestanding that yes there is nobody superior to others interms of their inner power and that he also after a long journy through these people and their schools of thoughts wanted to persue his inner itself. I'm really thankful for what you do Justin you go to the dipper levels and layers and still you know there are alot to dig dipper through and appriciate this getting us more to think about the things that we may take for granted. This really makes myself to ask more about the things that previously I assumed as the normal way it should be. 🙏🙏🌼🌼☘

[@Thewolfshehowls]

You've articulated this so well

[@RedRanger1]

love is the answer well done !!!

[@violettiplady3113]

the one thing on here that is did a lot was think when I got to a certain point in spirituality that was it, but truth be told, life has plans to through us backwards and forwards, sometimes we are consciously being and other times we are just doing beings almost robotic. And then when we reach a part out of that robotic state we think " oh wow i forgot" and its a back and forth play with energy. so I have given up on thinking something was the be all and end all. because essentially we close ourselves off to new experiences an understandings so why say one way is the only way. And i love that your friend demonstated the true essence of spirituality by picking up the rubbish, and there is a certain level of self resect and respect for others that go into compassion. I like many others have falling into rabbit holes but then their are times when you fall back out, and its in those moments where we should take what we learnt and apply it to the world around us finding the balance between man and nature. i type all this now thinking im being to intellectual about it all XD funny thing we humans do.

[@stuntastic5948]

Good video, Justin. My ex-girlfriend had an abortion of the baby we both wanted until one day she found out she wanted to focus on her pursuit on becoming a life coach instead. People like her/spiritual narcissist are just the worst.

[@hotlkone]

I feel for your pain, hope you meet better human beings as your girlfriends in the future.

[@Filip-je5lr]

This was humbling . Thank You.

[@JustinBrownVids]

Thanks!

[@PurpleHazel]

I so much enjoyed this video! Thank you! Your friend was very humble and nice too!

[@mariacanavan3305]

I met a work colleague who I had a mad crush on. We had a bit of a fling. In the beginning he told me he was a Reiki healer and liked using crystals, ect.. But I had never encountered or come accros a narciscist before. Over time as we went out. He would come to my house & practise Reiki on me. In the beginning I didn't see anything wrong with that as I also like working with Crystals. He told me he was a spiritual person & that he could heal me. I asked him heal me how I don't need any healing... He said I needed to find Spirituality inside myself. I have my own beliefs and I follow my own path. This guy insisted I go to church with him. I said SORRY I don't do Church. He said how can you be spiritual if you don't have spirituality? Anyway I went with him to keep him happy. Anyway being in the church with him wasn't unpleasant but it wasn't comfortable either. What he didn't know that I Studied & practiced Buddhism for over 20 years. I feel I am quite a genuine & humble decent person. Narcism or Spiritual narcism seems all the same to me. Because they are just fake hypocrites. Pretending to be someone they are not. Protesting to be holier than though. When they are most evil people on the planet.

[@beverlypetersen2370]

Thank you. I practice yoga for health purposes. The way that works for me spiritually is to meditate on my own personal faith. So if I were to call myself a yogi, in would be in relation to others who practice yoga and we share the same faith. I am focused on staying healthy , using age old moves and my breath that are beneficial. I really appreciated your presentation. It can be applied to anything that brings us to a place of unbalance.

[@JustinBrownVids]

Sounds like a healthy approach to practicing yoga. Thanks!

[@ptycat]

I practice Yoga as well and have for about a decade. It’s changed my life and has improved my physical and mental health incredibly. Naturally I want to share that with others who suffer similar ailments. Though not everyone is interested and I have learned to understand it’s not the method for everyone and would never push it onto people. I try to relate with others through Yoga philosophy because a lot of the ideas and techniques are shared in many other practices, philosophies, and lifestyles amongst all kinds of people. I personally prefer to refer to myself as a Yoga practitioner. I’ve learned through my Yoga study that a true Yogi is a “master” of Yoga, and it is a title to be earned and given through years of self discipline and self study. The west has diluted the term and white washed the practice as a whole. I used to want to be a Yoga teacher but now I believe it would be disrespectful to make money off of a cultural and spiritual practice. Instead I share what I know about Yoga philosophy and the physical practice with those who ask or are interested.

[@confusedsoul1313]

Thank you Justin for awesome video. I feel that it's great for looking at ourselves in the mirror and root of our spirituality. For me, I've only a few spiritual peak experiences. While they were great to show how people were not really living life but going through the motions, I also more or less got back into motions myself as well. While I am glad of the experience, by no means I became a better human than others. I do wish those experiences to others as well but only to the extend that they can come back to live life in more way without identifying with those experiences. It's tricky, but whenever I feel like I lose track of myself, I'll come back to re-watch this.

[@hinduismwithpremananddasbhagat]

I know an "enlightened" guru who exhibits most of these traits. According to him he's on such a high vibration and we're so low, so much like dirt, that we can't see that these aren't ego trips but the voice of god. Its good to know someone thinks their farts smell good.

[@beverleywaugh6824]

Justin - thank you - over the years I've loved following your journey and your self realization. We are all unique individuals - some more literal than others and as we learn about ourselves we have to discard many of the beliefs we've held since childhood. The beginning always starts with rules and skill development either imposed from the outside as in some family and school learning or later from a desire to learn something new. I think these 3 stages are possibly stages of all new learning be it spiritual ( a change from an externally imposed to an internally driven), learning a new musical instrument or language or dance ... everyone starts somewhere and in their own way. And all ways are fine as long as they do no intentional harm.. and you can't be all things to all people. If harm is caused then dealing with it responsibly is paramount and bottom line is unless you care for yourself by living a wise healthy life you are not going to be able to care for others. So each stage of the spiritual journey is how it is and it's all ok and as we're all different we move through and on or back or whatever, whenever the time is right. We can only change/ manage ourselves and hold space for others.

[@JustinBrownVids]

Thanks for the thoughtful comment! Hope you're well Beverley.

[@msoolongtea]

A real arrogant person would easily call someone he just met arrogant. Whereas a humble person would never call anyone arrogant in his face even if he's truly arrogant. Because a humble person cares about other people's feelings. He knows calling an arrogant person arrogant does not really help the arrogant to become less arrogant. And he knows calling someone arrogant just makes the arrogant angry. When an arrogant person watches this video, he would not think this videos is about him. He would think this video is all about other people or even this KZbinr is arrogant himself! There's no focus on Humility in New Age at all. Many insecured New Age people want to feel they are special so they learn a few New Age ideas and then think they are above everyone. Sadly, they don't even know their arrogance that drives them to become a New Age believer actually makes them less spiritual. Also arrogant New Age people finds their arrogance "highly vibrational". New age members wear New Age clothes, talk New Age talks and do New Age activities like Yoga among themselves. They make each other think they are superior to any non New Age people.

[@drewh44]

I have a hint of all of this, I’m very young in my search for truth (a few months). I feel like My ego is trying to make something bigger out of whatever I’ve experienced, almost to the point where I think I’m going insane. I keep looking and asking for answers in other people when that’s not where I should be looking.

[@1ReikiFloW]

indeed, true that. It's certainly not easy being around it but what a good lesson on how we can all be 😄

[@arpananautiyal1243]

This js an eye opener. I tried to connect to yoga for a year but have a hard time to connect to it unless I force myself. I have been expressing this ego in me lately. It's a mixed feeling, not all bad and not all good.

[@JustinBrownVids]

Thanks Arpana, glad the message resonates

[@sublime_encounters]

I do believe we flow between these strong ego states of feeling superior and back to being bigger than just an ego. Under stress that snarky ego comes out. The other thing you didn't mention about those who feel like gurus is they tend to cancel the individual experiences and make you dependent on their validation of your experience. This has been shown be with some of the gurus. They discourage your sovereign experience. We are our own gurus and if we ignore that, we be come externally co-dependent. Many gurus encourage this. It is rarely I see a teacher who encourages us to trust ourselves and to explore the individual experience. I find this to be the most disturbing about the New Age gurus. The other is narcissists can be teachers to you. Everyone is a teacher basically. We are not here to be love and light, but also learn from the dark and establish boundaries. Many from the love and light have their heads in the sand about true evil in this world. New Age certainly discourages any knowledge and silences and censors this knowledge actively.

[@kkst3552]

The idea that a bodhisattva is superior to arhat seems like it might be tied into spiritual ego. If everything is perfect, the way it is, and the suffering is only an illusion then helping others is not possible. I was playing around with kundalini and my chakras when bliss and a feeling of no-self overtook me. But I had a disabled wife to take care of, and I was afraid that where kundalini was taking me, would make me in capable of taking care of my wife so I ran away from kundalini. My wife is dead now, so I am free to go back to kundalini to see where it leads. But it seems I am still attached to the idea of helping people. When the kundalini was playing it’s games with me I thought I might be about to become enlightened. Now I fear enlightenment because I am probably going to die soon and I want my enlightenment to be a help to others, but as far as I know, enlightenment is no help the others if you just immediately die after enlightenment. So that has me thinking that maybe I should avoid that could possibly lead to enlightenment until I have a younger, healthier body. I have no desire to be special or superior so I’m not your classical spiritual ego. Desire to help seems too close to spiritual ego. The Grateful Dead wrote a song called Estimated Prophet about youthful manic delusional spiritual ego.

[@abel8725]

100 percent true bro !!!!! Your right alot of them on instagram

[@kenanwhyle7039]

Nice video. Just in time too. I'm about to change the world drastically an invention so this video will help me not get too ahead of myself.

[@geetamathews7142]

Thank you Justin Brown for your informative videos. God bless.

[@sallymccutchion]

This is a great video, thank you. My thoughts and feelings about the subject of spiritual ego are that, in a very real way, the development of spiritual ego can be an important part of a healing journey. My spiritual ego enabled me to create the bubble I needed to keep myself 'safe' through a self-discovery and healing process that was challenging, emotional and difficult. In the same way that a western ego has both light and shadow/good and not so good aspects to it, spiritual ego also has its place in time. I recognise that my spiritual ego was a required part of my experience and I think that falling down the rabbit hole of such experiences are, for many people, part of their evolutionary journey. I feel that when spiritual ego becomes spiritual narcissism, it risks and almost seeks (albeit subconsciously), to harm others and this is definitely something to be avoided (understatement!). But the reality we face is that we are all in need of healing and connection and sometimes, we can't find that connection until we've delved into ourselves so deeply that the spiritual ego is necessary to keep us protected while we do so. The narrative of spirituality being a place of abundant joy and positivity is a nuanced one. The goal should not be to only ever experience positivity as our mind (and ego) defines it. Instead, the path is to create a joyful acceptance of all our experiences, no matter whether our mind perceives them to be 'good' or 'bad'. Having said this, there is also a need to recognise when we are ourselves in harm's way and in these situations, like when we might be experiencing direct harm from a spiritual narcissist (or any kind of narcissist), it's important to remove ourselves from that situation, with love and acceptance of our own right to be protected. I feel that it's important to talk about spiritual ego for its benefits as much as we need to talk about its potential pitfalls. Spiritual ego in itself is not fundamentally 'bad'. Thank you, again for this video. I appreciate you.

[@cilantrolimex]

This video helped me so much to figure out exactly what I was dealing with with a now ex friend of mine! She told me she was God in human form and that she was on Earth to show people how to be God. And that she remembered being Jesus. Yikes.

[@selenem3384]

LOL I tried to do yoga teacher training where the teacher was a young woman in her 20s with next to no serious life experience and extremely emotionally immature, telling her students that she regards herself a guru and if you finish your yoga teacher training there is nothing wrong with calling yourself a guru as people cannot be left in the dark, we are supposed to lead the "sheep"

[@adakadak1012]

@doveemoji, run like hell!!! Away from her! She is a liar and a fraud. Don't associate with people like that, they have their consequences coming for lying and claiming to be things that they are not. I'm so happy to hear that she is your ex- friend, keep it that way!!! She is not God!

[@adakadak1012]

Does this person have a KZbin channel?

[@Terra_Divina]

Thank you, great video! Would be even much more pleasant listening to without the disturbing distracting music!!! 🙏

[@taylorh5982]

My dad is a lot like this and there’s really no getting through, and I’m finding it so damaging to maintain even at a distance. He’ll send me texts on how to wrangle my ego until I agree with him and id love to break the loop, but if you say that he ignores it or pretends to acknowledge it while it still goes on and feels to greatly diminish myself. I veer towards ‘narcissists still deserve love’ but I don’t want to be taken advantage of. I’m seeing how it has drawn me to similar scenarios, so past trauma is meeting current trauma and Ive no idea how to proceed. Ive certainly acquired some ill physical effects and seek to address that trauma first, but that fact keeps getting gaslit into ‘go wrangle your own ego and come back to me when you get a clue and agree/submit again’ Ive spent much of my twenties trying to be there for my dad while he drives people away because I can see where it comes from, but it’s difficult not to become the personal punching bag when you want to help. So I feel cheated and hindered. He’ll end disagreements with ‘you’re headed towards DISASTER if you don’t SEE YOUR ISSUE REPEATING’ which accomplishes instilling fear of being without the one I fear to be with.

[@JustinBrownVids]

Thanks for sharing your experience, Taylor. I really feel for you - sounds super challenging to be dealing with an authority figure who is going through all this. I really don't know the best way to handle these situations but it sounds like you're approaching it with a lot of awareness, care and empathy.

[@alisonfriedman5288]

My dad used to use that same phrase when talking to me after I graduated college! He wasn’t spiritual at all actually, in fact he was always against anything spiritual but he passed away almost 4 years ago. I think that there should be a healthy balance between being a spiritual narcissist and wanting nothing to do with spirituality at all. I’ve always done yoga because I like stretching, not to reach enlightenment and say “Namaste” all the time. I live each day in gratitude and that’s enough for me. ☺️

[@nofood1]

Share the shit out of this people!! ☕️

[@madgun2537]

Such a spiritual place..have prayed to "The Big Bhudda" at Koh Samui, I'm due to return. Exactly right, everyone has their own individual spiritual journey, its not right to impose beliefs probably in any form, but let them discover for themselves. It is only an acknowledgement that we are one, that is where karma comes in. Continue to give back, you will never have 'nothing'. Safe travels over Xmas (blessings from Adelaide mate 😊)

[@mariakylanpaa9795]

Omg this just might be why I always resisted meditation and yoga. I do stretching as part of my health care, usually just to avoid stiff muscles after workout or to help reduce lower back pain 😅 exercises like yoga poses aren't meant to be filmed and constantly shared on social media, the part of feeding soul turned into feeding ego as soon as you needed to make a number of it is how I see this..

[@filfrancisiverivers799]

Great video, you sure came to the right place!

[@JustinBrownVids]

Thanks!

[@zzkkkrjjeeeii]

This is something I had fallen into for months…

[@mariannevangen]

Hi, great video and I like what you’re pointing out☺️ But I actually would question why you judge yogis on their spiritual path? I’m not a yogi myself, so I’m not offended in any sort. Im just concerned that pointing fingers create division between a group of people. No one is better than the other. Everyone on their spiritual path are at the right time and are exactly where they should be on their journey. Seems to me like the people you are describing search outwards instead of inwards. One day they’ll get it. But one should respect that people are on different paths, and if they are offending anyone, just simply smile and walk away.

[@Angelclairvoyant144]

Good talk I lead simple life studied lotsa stuff but find it fun u r travelling to fab place like u r looking for no retreat yet searching 4 stunning areas is escapism. I haven't even bus fare so only walk local town we can learn from how we observe world.

[@croissantlover1]

I was looking through reddit and there were many saying "dreams arent real, only APs" and it lead me fast to your video haha. Like the comments triggered my narcissism spotter of my soul. If you decide one thing isnt but the other is, then you are being limited.

[@frenchmike]

I agree with you. the way I look at it spiritual seekers hold different belts. White and blue belts may still need to prove, show, convince and so forth. At purple belt and above you may not have this need anymore, the thing is not everyone gets to purple belt for some reason I do not know, maybe ego. Hey man I am curious, so you now moved to thailand, are u making a living from youtube exclusively ? if not would u mind sharing how u set up you life financially. thank you

[@Wolfie99]

Your summary gave me fresh perspective. If we see someone who portrays themselves as a 'spiritual narcissist', and we become somewhat self-righteous over our opinions of them, then our own spiritual narcissistic ego is also then revealing itself? Whether I've misinterpreted this or not, either way, I've learned a fresh perspective and valuable lesson in being more forgiving and more self aware. Thank you.

[@Queenishtar777]

Thanks to both of you! Beautiful and useful content. x

[@JustinBrownVids]

You're welcome :-)

[@bluedragonstruth1532]

BLUE DRAGONS TRUTH Twenty years ago I opened the door 🚪 To the other side This is something None of you should ever do You see when you open it up The light comes through as does the darkness Don’t let people entice you or allure This will not save you Or make your life better THATS AN ILLUSION It would actually get twice as hard Sometimes 10 time’s harder This opening is called Pandora’s box. You will all develop on your own By being aware Every day wake up For three months And this should be easy And some will try And some of you already do it Wake up wake up wake up In the morning and live your Life as if you are being tested Start right away Why not Watch everything you do all day And then you know yourself . I’m only telling you all to protect you all. FROM THE DEVIL 👿 DO NOT BE VULNERABLE TO SPIRITUALITY QUESTIONS STAY GROUNDED In this realm of spirituality The arena of the beast The truth is yes you will find light of god but you will also find the dark of the beast the devil 👿 Long ago the devil was named King by god King of the earth 🌎 ITS REALLY A TRUE STORY ON THIS PLANET I HAVE WORKED WITH MANY SPIRITUALISTS ON MY PATH AND THERE WAS ONE THING THE SAME WITH EVERY ONE OF THEM IN EVERYONE OF THEM THEY ALL LOST THERE GROUNDINGS THIS WAS THE DEVIL MISLEADING THEM OH YES IT WAS FOLLOWING THINGS ALL FOR NOTHING THEY SPENT THE PAST 25 years Being mislead Darkness misleads watch out everyone watch out 95 percent watch out don’t be grabbed New age third eye galactic federation Angels and demons Elves. Fairies spirits Evil boards TAROT Cards. Spiritual paraphernalia ROCKS CRYSTALS MASKS ESPECIALLY THESE MATERIAL ATTACHMENTS THEY GIVE POWER TO THE DEVIL All a true story WATCH OUT Don’t step into a life that you don’t want and consumes you your thoughts your truth your life The devil is going to die Very soon So many people will will awaken And walk away from the occult

[@Lagger-HD]

I know this video is older now, but I'm trying to make sure I don't over do any of the stages of spirituality, Im only 23 and I realize that young people are going to be running retreat centers and becoming shamans as the older folks step down or pass away, and I want to understand. If i become certified as a Breathwork Facilitator, and I want to help people, but I charge them so I can make a living. Is that a form of spiritual ego? I understand helping people should be free, but If I don't help myself how do I help others. I need to have the recorces to provide breathwork sessions. Should I be giving away the work for free when possible. Or is the main point just don't convince myself, and then long-term other new spiritual egos, that I am an extension of them and that they should shill for me specifically because of who I am. What im saying is that it should be okay if you sell a spiritual practice as a piece of a larger pie, but its not very honest or good to tell people they are on the path, and that they should keep coming back to my specific thing?

[@JustinBrownVids]

I think it's okay to sell your time and expertise just so long as you don't get wrapped up in spiritual ego. You need to find a way to live and prosper while empowering others in the process.

[@yashchirka4060]

yup, most spiritual people are the most egocentric people in the world, they take themselves way to seriously...the latest trend: microtrauma's, we all have a big trauma now, build up by a lot off microtrauma's...offcourse nothing is really your fault..sigh..

[@traceydelandelles7722]

I think the people participating in retreats have been unfairly judged here. We don't know what is happening in anyone's life that's prompted them to need to unplug from life temporarily. Good points to reflect on though. I see myself in some of these, particularly in the sharing of what I've learnt. How do you help someone in hard times without sharing insights that have been picked up on your own journey?

[@Contribute_TakeCare_Learn_Play]

But .. people like Thich Nhat Hanh a zen master, is he then a narcissistic guru? Is mindfulness , his teaching then a thing he shouldn't have shared? So it shouldn't have been embraced by science? Is every teacher a narcissist then ?

[@Lagger-HD]

The term narcissism surely is a difficult one for us to use when explaining others, because we are a creature designed to satisfy ourselves, and us being glass half full is fine, but pouring that half glass into someone else with half glass empty is what their example of true anti narcissism is.The problem with comparing Narcisim with altruism is that they don't appear to be mutually exclusive, at least not by this dudes account. He claimed in the article he posted that brought me to this video that people that don't feel comfortable or particularly want to be seen as the guru are viewed as the guru because altruism is a desirable and honorable trait, but what he claims is that people who are altruistic only do it for narcisistic purposes. Which literally spins a never ending web of not being able to be who you are. If you really are finding new things, helping people, and feel genuine accomplishment from helping other people repair so they can go onto live a normal life of robotic function or go on helping others until we all are in the same frequency, then who but your own account can say that you are being disingenuous? He takes a lot of personal account into his statement about others which in its root is what egoic thought is. Its the idea you are of something other than the person/fence/tree sitting in front of you. That is a lie. How then can we accept Altruistic and selfless behavior as such if we always project or own doubt of authenticity onto others? I also don't think its fair to say you are a spiritual narcists if you intellectualize things. Who is one man to say how the thoughts go through another mans head? Those are some of the most egoic projections possible. I want to be a spiritual student of life, but how would I go about pleasing the never ending checklist of people on the internet? How can someone else speak to my experience with 100% certainty that he isn't still talking about his own? The main thing I learned from watching this video is he is making content for himself from himself, but speaking to other people, while denouncing the act of others being. The yoga people are this, and this is true spirituality (picking up a piece of garbage). The dangerous line he is walking is called generalization, and its more often than not a lazy interpretation of ones personal experience. Collecting data on what is true and beautiful is not something you can do because you noticed you were a womanizer or you saw that in the past. People who only talk about problems and not solutions are part of the problem. its cool to pick up trash, but generalizing all yoga people as selfish and then videoing yourself picking up garbage is exactly what the article states is part of spiritual ego. He is currently totally wrapped up in the spiritual ego, and picking apart other people to feel special, like he claims is awful. There has to be a point where you accept that you help people who ask for it, speak passionately yet not authoritatively and you dialogue with other smart people to see what the general consensus is, and then you keep on looking for more answers because evolution is a life long process, and there is almost no reason to be shaming others for the path they take in life to say someone running a retreat center is "leaving normal life" is generalizing what "normality" is and you as one human man have no ultimate say in that so its better you don't take a route that leaves so many holes in it. Focus on YOU, because its the most authentic expression of your own reality that you coexist in with other godly creatures. This whole video was a total ego stroke joke. Some good info some useless, mostly pointless though.

[@Contribute_TakeCare_Learn_Play]

So monks are spiritual narcissists?

[@mgn1621]

So much spiritual bypassing going on these days

[@alessandraaversa3989]

Omg amazing vid

[@sweetgirl3901]

And these spiritual gurus are the ones who earn the most

[@nodiggity8497]

You described Teal Swan, lol

[@Gullsz]

We all know them, and they are so lacking in insight they can't see it themselves.

[@jtt5277]

Thanks, i felt hit with most of these things.

[@JustinBrownVids]

You're welcome

[@justdvl]

Great video, thanks

[@JustinBrownVids]

Glad you liked it!

[@god5535]

This is so me!! I read the article by Lachlan Brown on hackspirit and watched this video and can relate on every level. Funny thing is before my "Awakening" I wasn't like this. I was very timid, meek, passive, shy and what not relying on substance. Once I stopped using substance and got a taste of spirituality, I became extremely narcissistic, judgemental of others with full of condemnation and resentment. Is it natural to go through this process at this stage and it will pass before I reach the stage of integration? Thanks!

[@god5535]

On the flip side to it I become very honest, authentic and 'fair' and expect people to do so the same. And when they don't I become triggered and judgmental. I become extremely kind and compassionate to kind and compassionate people, but ruthless and wrathful to the unkind ones. I intellectually understand I need to transcend the duality and reach a stage of alignment and integrate the polarity. But difficult to 'feel' the Christ consciousness or Buddha-mind experientally.

[@adakadak1012]

Ok faux spiritual narc with the profile name "God." Which you aren't by the way.

[@dmana3172]

@@god5535 You need to learn to respect other people as much as you respect yourself. Most of the New age people are spiritual narcissistic and they are toxic people.

[@harleydavidsonstreetbob1322]

Still god?😝

[@sandradiaz6915]

I have two more in my humble experience: Lacking rationality to explain stuff or going against rational thought (for example: the COVID-19 plandemic stuff) and sprititual people that can´t hold jobs or relationships for too long and are always in need of money from other "less evolved" people...

[@pcimbalova]

great video!

[@JustinBrownVids]

Thanks!

[@KoenBlom]

awesome video! thankyou

[@angel772921]

Thank you Justin. ..blessings..💜

[@JustinBrownVids]

Hey all! Thanks for stopping by. So great to read all the comments and I really appreciate it! If you want to follow me on my journey, please consider downloading Ideapod's digital magazine, Tribe. It's free to download and read the latest issue and supports us a lot! ideapod.com/tribe/#1

[@tyroneharris2790]

Hi there, I'm NOT keen on the idea of "manifestation" seems so many people are hooked on performing this sort of thing, I find it worrying how deep people are getting involved, wondering what your thoughts are on that? sorry I'm a bit late on this video.

[@slickboipimp]

thank you for this!!!

[@joebobbiggins5046]

I tried to communicate with them and I was shut out

[@Zookhaarh]

Great content !

[@ana_vita_anastasia_speshilova]

Thank you for this great theme and explanation! 💓To my vew there cannot be a spiritual ego as cannot be light darkeness or the sleeping wakening. we probably speak of the darkeness masking as light using spiritual quotes. Ego illusion is an illusion, the falce identity. Spirituality, thevwakening of tge soul is wakening of the EMPATHY, THE FEELING OF ONENESS, THE GREAT 'WE ARE' with everething around... the changing local little 'I' into the unbelievable everconnected WE ARE, and it is not via physical 'I', but the HUGE ANGELIC SELF, REALINED WITH ALL ANGELIC SELVES , THE PENETRATING CONSCIOUSNESS... for this type of consciousness the separation and other plays of little egos are not interesting. No interest... The moment there is a feeling of the separation - we are in illusion. And illusion is sleeping of the awareness.

[@Watchmaty]

Nice speech,I will ben Kh phangan for new year

[@JustinBrownVids]

Enjoy!

[@Watchmaty]

@@JustinBrownVids Thanks bro