"There is no more clever way for the false self to hide itself than behind the mask of spirituality . . . This ego-mask takes a new form in every age. It is easy and even trendy to bash public religious roles, but it is very hard to critique the current movements of 'spirituality': specialized forms of prayer, new up-to-date postures and teachers, and especially any form of meditation or contemplation. They can all be used by the unstable ego to give itself identity, self-image, definition, and power . . . With the Western isolated self in a state of insecurity today, we are flailing about, searching for any solid identity. 'Why not see myself as an enlightened person? Why not read the appropriate authors and attend the appropriate workshops? Why not try on the 'spiritual' persona'? We can thus concoct a quick 'salvation,' without ever really growing up or 'dying' to our false selves at all. A spiritual self-image gives us status, stability, and security. There is no better way to remain unconscious than to baptize and bless mere form instead of surrendering to the deeper substance. I know this because I have done it myself. Spiritual seeking, when it is done by the false self, might be the biggest problem of all. In the name of seeking God, the ego just pads and protects itself, which is almost perfect cover for its inherent narcissism . . ."
Richard Rohr
Photo: Unidentified wildflower and The Cathedral Group, Grand Teton National Park, WY, September 7, 2015
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