Spiritual isolation

[sky]

Originally Posted by Nikos1982

I think that Spiritual isolation can be processed by us alone, call it the ego if you like - while the dark night of the soul is like it happens to us.... without our volition.

Yes, one is a doing the other a happening.... An unhealthy ego wants others to respond to our ideas otherwise we feel Spiritually Isolated, with a healthy ego they give their ideas freely with no expectations of receiving anything in return.
Imo only.....

Originally Posted by Gem

Just gotta remember that your interpretation isn't better or more important that anyone else's.

I will take it under consideration……..

[Gem]

I think it (isolation) comes from breaking from the standard narrative that's essential function is to uphold the organisational institution.

It's not only an alternative reading of meanings, but a movement that subverts the institutional structure. Should one's uniquely derived viewpoint be discovered, you become othered in the paradigm of right and wrong, not only in an intellectual sense, but also morally. By 'spreading a false Gospel', so to speak, you may also be accused misleading and misguiding people. It's thus implied that it is wrong to stray from the 'mainstream consensus'.

It doesn't really matter if you make an excellent philosophical case, laying out the reason behind your meaning convincingly, because much of the spiritual narrative is merely a subtext that founds and preserves the spiritual institution. I'm a bit of a traditionalist, so I'm OK with sloganistic truisms that are devoid of reason. I don't subscribe precisely because I understand its function, but because I understand its function, I see the purpose that it serves.

Originally Posted by Gem

I think it (isolation) comes from breaking from the standard narrative that's essential function is to uphold the organisational institution.

It's not only an alternative reading of meanings, but a movement that subverts the institutional structure. Should one's uniquely derived viewpoint be discovered, you become othered in the paradigm of right and wrong, not only in an intellectual sense, but also morally. By 'spreading a false Gospel', so to speak, you may also be accused misleading and misguiding people.

Gem,

This is excellent and to the point. Oddly the institution or church that feels they are being subverted are basically broadcasting that there are weaknesses in their accepted beliefs and that they are not capable of defending a position that is shaky.

Viewing this as a threat to the social order or institution in olden days one could be pronounced a heretic with increasing levels of punishment. In modern days the common punishment is more like unofficial shunning. If you speak you will find none willing to hear.

We have to wonder: Would the modern day Church still attempt to silence Meister Eckhardt and others ?

[Miss Hepburn]

Originally Posted by Molearner

..We have to wonder:
Would the modern day Church still attempt to silence Meister Eckhardt and others ?

Not exactly silenced, but if you believe differently, radically opposite of a church's beliefs - you are asked to leave it.
Example: The Baptist Church revoked the membership of someone that believed in healing today and Speaking in Tongues;
and everyone knew it at the church ..so you would not want to go back there.
(Sp: Eckhart, btw)

[vibrations]

I think you are referring to the Hermit stage, usually around the separation or perishing of the old self, though there is a miss understanding here, its not exactly letting the old self die, its letting the old thoughts and behaviours die, for me it came after shadow work, it was a time of preparing and acceptance. Some cling on to these beliefs which is why isolation can last as long as it needs until one surrenders, some may take months or even years, these are general symptoms of dispersonisation, where you feel like you are outside yourself, observing yourself from a distance, the unhealthy part to this is feeling the world is unreal, and people around you, floating in the air above yourself, separating yourself, we combine all parts of the self, we wouldn't be where we are without the old self, it is only the negative aspects and beliefs we let perish. combing all parts off the self is the key.

[Starman]

In my opinion there is no such thing as spiritual isolation; how can I be isolated when I am bathing in divine spirit? People feel isolated when they feel disconnected from their community or other people but I am not isolated when I feel spirit in my life.

Loneliness has nothing to do with being alone. There are people in relationships who get lonely. A person can be in a crowd of people and still feel lonely. Loneliness is a feeling of disconnected regardless whether you are isolated or not.

My interpretation of a “dark night of the soul” is when you can not see beyond painful events that you may be experiencing. When you are stuck in those painful events that is what I consider a dark night of the soul. In my opinion the “hermit stage” of spirituality can be useful.

Some people join a monastery, nunnery, or ashram, to isolate themselves from the world while doing spiritual development. But most of them do not feel isolated. The human mind will tell you that you are isolated even as you expand to acknowledge your connection with the universe. Quiet your mind.

[Native spirit]

I Would agree with Starman


Namaste

[Redchic12]

Starman. I believe exactly the same, especially about “the dark night of the soul” (from my experiences tho)

[BigJohn]

Originally Posted by Miss Hepburn

Not exactly silenced, but if you believe differently, radically opposite of a church's beliefs - you are asked to leave it.

.... but isn't that true of virtually all religions?