The use of gaslighting, specifically in regard to spirituality.
Gaslighting as a tactic to further spiritual fundamentalism and doctrine, either consciously or unconsciously.
For example, the spiritual
teacher who tells you what is either right or wrong, based mostly on anecdotal
evidence and/or their own unexamined introjects, is unwittingly using the psychological tactic of gasenlightening, often due in
large part to a
gross misstep in understanding their own countertransferences and emotional wounding.
Rooted in the oft misunderstood spiritual concept of enlightenment, or the belief that there is a specific spiritual path - with a definable
end - that will lead one to some sense of greater understanding or blissful state.
- Coined by the author Zeri Wieder.
“My guru (read: spiritual
teacher) told me that I would incur ‘bad’
karma if I don’t continue studying with them...”
“That sounds like your guru is
gas enlightening you.”
