Narcissistic Personality Disorder: damage and impairment to Manipura Chakra
Pathological narcissism is a pattern of traits and behaviors which signify infatuation and obsession with the self often to the exclusion of all others, and the ruthless pursuit of self gratification, dominance and ambition. It is also what we see when there is significant damage or lack of development in Manipura or the Navel chakra.
Even in the spiritual and religious paths the concept of a spiritual narcissism applies to any view of reality that is self-serving and obsessed with a particular (and biased) point of view to the exclusion of others. We often find charismatic spiritual teachers struggling with a narcissistic personality which they often do not understand.
Sadly, many people struggle with the severe symptoms of pathological narcissism, while the rest of us experience Manipura problems of less intensity. The healthy functioning of this chakra and it’s corresponding stage of development are essential in our ability to both become aware of the Infant mind (child consciousness) and begin the journey towards dealing with others in the world.
Recent developments in psychology point towards the acceptance within us all of some degree of unhealed narcissism, where we act without taking others into account. Religion and social conditioning attempt to contain or control narcissistic behavior through rules and commandments, but often this simply drives it into unconscious actions and splitting an individual’s integrity towards others. One aspect of Relational Energy Healing is to examine the effect upon you by a narcissistic individual, as well as your own ability to have a healthy manipura chakra.
Examples of damage to manipura chakra can be seen almost everyday, from our workplace, our politicians, and – of course- our family and friends. Similarly, those who know us are subject to our own unhealed narcissism, and it is important to be willing to face our unconsciousness, and compassionately bring it towards healing.
DSM Diagnostic Criteria
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) of American psychology has defined Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) as indicating someone who demonstrates a pervasive pattern of grandiosity (in fantasy or behavior), a need for admiration, and a lack of empathy, beginning by early adulthood and present in a variety of contexts, as indicated by five (or more) of the following:
1. Has a grandiose sense of self-importance (e.g., exaggerates achievements and talents, expects to be recognized as superior without commensurate achievements).
2. Is preoccupied with fantasies of unlimited success, power, brilliance, beauty, or ideal love.
3. Believes that he or she is “special” and unique and can only be understood by, or should associate with, other special or high-status people (or institutions).
4. Requires excessive admiration known as “narcissistic supply”, such as excessive attention, adulation, applause, a craving for fame, celebrity or notoriety.
5. Has a sense of entitlement, i.e., unreasonable expectations of especially favorable treatment or automatic compliance with his or her expectations.
6. Is interpersonally exploitative (i.e., takes advantage of others to achieve his or her own ends).
7. Lacks empathy: is unwilling to recognize or identify with the feelings and needs of others.
8. Is often envious of others or believes that others are envious of him or her.
9. Shows arrogant, haughty behaviors or attitudes.
If a partner, friend or family member demonstrates several of these attributes, then that person may be damaged in a narcissistic manner.
Tortured relationships and the Narcissist
Individuals afflicted with NPD often form relationships with Co-dependent or masochistic individuals (Narcissistic Supply Sources) who have had childhoods in which their own needs and boundaries were ignored and/or invaded by a parent. This may make the Co-dependent partner (or associate) of a NPD vulnerable not only to the replication of childhood emotional deficit but to the sweet seduction of the NPD when a supply source attempts to escape their soul-sucking clutches. The Narcissist may then choose to push the envelope of the limits of his or her potency by drawing the supply source back again and again. The more tortured the relationship the sweeter the recurrent “victory” (reconciliation). In short, the Narcissist keeps coming back and remains fixated on you because he or she has no free libido (life force) to employ in the pursuit of alternate supply sources. And because you keep accepting him – or her – back.
(Further reading: Malignant Self-Love, by Dr. Sam Vaknin, 2003)
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