Confronting the Abyss Within

Immersing oneself in the depths of one’s inner world, a person may encounter a phenomenon in which familiar images transform into alien and hostile silhouettes, sharply altering the perception of reality. At that moment, the familiar elements of the soul begin to condemn themselves to the role of uncontrollable shadows, capable of disturbing the stability of self-perception and leaving a sense of a split personality. Such changes not only distort inner representations but also break down the barriers between external activity and the true spiritual state.

Beyond the superficial appearance lies a profound conflict that demands not merely a change in external behavior but a radical re-evaluation of one’s relationship with the surrounding world and the higher principles that traditionally connect a person to the sources of inner light. Without this profound transformation, there is a risk of emotional stagnation and estrangement from oneself, undermining one’s emotional stability and the integrity of one’s personality.

In the end, the intrusion of inner darkness becomes a serious challenge, forcing one to reconsider familiar mechanisms of self-control and perception. Achieving genuine transformation requires the awareness and acceptance of the need for inner renewal – the only way to regain unity with oneself and restore the balance between the external world and the deeper aspects of being.

What inner changes can occur in a person if “darkness” takes up residence in their consciousness?

When darkness infiltrates the consciousness, deep, often destructive shifts in the perception of oneself and the world can occur. A person begins to perceive their internal images as something alien and even hostile, as if doppelgangers or shadows awaken in their soul – elements that do not obey one’s will and can evoke a sense of madness. For example, one author describes how “a shadow, sometimes lengthening and sometimes shortening, distorting and grimacing… is not perceived as an independent mysterious entity… but rather arises like the ghost of madness” (source: link ). This shows that the internal intrusion of “darkness” can not only alter images and sensations but also disrupt familiar mechanisms of self-control, giving rise to feelings of helplessness and estrangement from one’s own personality.

Furthermore, such a distortion of perception breeds a conflict between external manifestations and the deeper, more fundamental aspects of being. The realization that salvation or the positive transformation of personality does not occur automatically – “without inner change” – but requires a deep re-evaluation of one’s relationship with the surrounding world and, in a religious context, with higher powers (source: link ), emphasizes that when darkness settles in the consciousness, the absence of genuine inner transformation can lead to stagnation and a split between visible activity and true spiritual renewal.

Thus, when darkness takes root in consciousness, a person may face a disruption in the integrity of their personality, the emergence of internal conflicts, feelings of division, and even episodes of hopeless estrangement—all of which together threaten their emotional and spiritual stability.

Supporting citation(s):
"The shadow, sometimes lengthening, sometimes shortening, distorting and grimacing, at times pulling the nose or the ear – is it not perceived as an independent mysterious entity?... and therefore rising like the ghost of madness." (source: link )

"Changing a person’s attitude toward God, that is, the moral and spiritual transformation of one’s nature, becomes secondary, as salvation is initially conceived as deliverance from the punishment for sin rather than from sin itself… But if salvation takes place in the depths of Divine consciousness, how is it implanted in the soul without inner change?" (source: link )