Inner Betrayal: The Crisis of Spiritual Instability
Based on the presented materials, the following characteristics and consequences of betrayal by close ones or relatives can be identified:1. Signs of inner instability and the absence of a true spiritual center. One source notes that many people are characterized by “unfinished centeredness” – a state where the inner connection to one’s own sacred values is weak, unstable, and even prone to duality. This leads to the fact that a person may be a traitor not so much in a moral sense as on the level of deep internal qualities: "Some people exhibit unfinished centeredness—non-intensive and non-purposeful. ... It is precisely these unfortunate traits, which constitute not so much a moral as a religious deficiency in a person, that lie at the root of betrayal. Betrayal is usually understood as a social phenomenon—a breach of fidelity of one person to another or others. However, this common understanding is superficial and insufficiently broad, as it overlooks the religious nature of the phenomenon being discussed." (source: link txt)2. A deeply personal renunciation of one’s sacred values. True betrayal is seen as an internal act – a renunciation of that spiritual “Center” which supports the personality. Such an act is a measure of spiritual fidelity, and its violation indicates deep inner frailty: "A person truly commits betrayal only when he betrays God, himself, one-on-one – when, without any religious basis, he 'objectlessly' or 'against the object' shifts away from his Center, his sacred Coupine. True betrayal is an internal act, measured by the standards of spiritual faith and fidelity; and it is precisely in this deep, solitary self-betrayal, which is essentially a cowardly renunciation of one’s sanctity, that the essence, sin, and downfall of public betrayal are hidden. It is clear that, strictly speaking, only one who has achieved spiritual centering is capable of betrayal, and only insofar as he has accomplished it, having recognized by vision, accepted by love, and confessed in faith before God and himself the main sanctity of his life or, at the very least, having given others reason by his words and actions to regard him as having chosen his sanctity and rooted himself in it." (source: link txt)3. The discrepancy between external appearance and the inner essence of betrayal. Sometimes the actions or behavior of close ones may be perceived as betrayal merely on the surface, even though in reality they stem from complex internal processes far removed from true treachery: "However, this common understanding is superficial and insufficiently broad, as it overlooks the religious nature of the phenomenon under discussion. Betrayal may occur even without someone else’s trust or expectation, which I have provoked, being deceived. And conversely, it may be that those expectations (or hopes, calculations) caused by me are completely unmet, owing precisely to my behavior, and on the surface it will not be betrayal at all, but merely its public appearance.
Some will question, ‘Hasn’t he betrayed us?’ Others will affirm categorically, ‘This is outright betrayal!’ Yet in reality, the ‘betrayal’ will be illusory, seeming, for it will be justified and 'covered' by such inner processes that are far from any true betrayal." (source: link txt)4. The consequences of betrayal, especially when it comes from parents or relatives, involve not only the loss of trust but also a reflection on relationships. One text emphasizes that resignation and acceptance of betrayal without resistance potentially encourage sin, and can sometimes even lead parents to reconsider their attitude, feeling the strength in you if such behavior is met with a firmer response: "This should not be tolerated! By submitting, at the very least, we indulge sin, encourage sin, even though, as frightening as it may be to speak of it, it is not someone else’s sin but that of our own parents. Experience shows that if one adopts a tougher stance toward such parental behavior, the parents suddenly change for… the better. There are times when, upon seeing strength (previously unsuspected) in their children, parents begin to respect and take them seriously. They no longer impose their opinions, but rather listen. But these are highly personal matters. Discuss them with a spiritual advisor, with a priest you trust, or, in the extreme case, let’s meet or have a phone call." (source: link txt)Thus, betrayal by close individuals is most often linked to a violation of inner stability and the abandonment of vital spiritual markers. It manifests as a profound internal renunciation and can be misinterpreted on the level of external behavior. The consequences of such betrayal affect not only a personal crisis and loss of trust, but may sometimes serve as a starting point for rethinking relationships, provided the conflict is approached decisively and firmly.