How focussing on "absolute truth" can become gaslighting.

Absolute truth is the deep realisation that all phenomena are interdependent, that “everything is empty,” and that there is no fixed or separate self. Relative truth, on the other hand, is the recognition of our human reality—that we have emotions, personal histories, and individual ways of relating to the world.

When we focus only on absolute truth, we risk falling into spiritual bypassing—using spiritual concepts to deny or avoid emotional and psychological realities. If we dismiss our own or others' emotions, perspectives, and lived experiences, we deny what it truly means to be human. This denial can lead to a kind of spiritual arrogance, where vulnerability is suppressed and discomfort is explained away rather than met with compassion. We may begin to invalidate others, not recognising their suffering or uniqueness. At this point, what began as a spiritual insight can become a subtle form of gaslighting.

To genuinely grow on the spiritual path, we must hold both absolute and relative truth. True spiritual development means awakening to the profound interconnection of all things while also honouring our individuality—our emotions, wounds, histories, and gifts. Paradoxically, it is through embracing both that we become not only more spiritual, but more fully and authentically human.