Over the past 20 years as a transpersonal psychotherapist, I have closely observed the relationship between personal stability and the pursuit of spirituality.

My observations reveal that individuals with a well-established life structure having achieved financial stability, a family, and social status typically seek spiritual growth as the next step in their personal development.

In contrast, those who lack a secure foundation often turn to spirituality as a means of finding stability. These individuals sometimes become what Chögyam Trungpa describes as "spiritual materialists" in his book Cutting Through Spiritual Materialism. This term refers to those who use spirituality to bolster their ego rather than to transcend it.

In recent years, I have noticed a rise in self-proclaimed gurus and spiritual leaders. Often, these are young individuals who, after a few ayahuasca journey or psychedelic experiences, believe they have gained profound insights and present themselves as enlightened beings. They claim to be “pure light” without any darkness or shadow. But, as we know, only those who are truly enlightened understand that everyone has a shadow. The lotus of enlightenment grows from muddy darkness.

Carl Jung wrote in his work Psychology and Alchemy: "One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious. The latter procedure, however, is disagreeable and therefore not popular."

* I specialize in transpersonal guidance and do not provide psychotherapy in USA.