Is there a correlation between spiritual knowledge and arrogance? Do spiritual people tend to become more arrogant as their knowledge grows?

No! On the contrary.

There’s absolutely no correlation between spiritual knowledge and arrogance. Spiritual people don't tend to become arrogant as their knowledge grows. On the contrary!

I have met quite a few, claiming to be enlightened (both here on Quora & IRL), and very few, who actually were.

It isn't always easy to see the difference between the truly enlightened and the charlatans, pretenders and self-deluded, at least at first, but there are tell-tale signs, if you're observant and patient.

The enlightened will very rarely say themselves, they’re enlightened.

But what is even more definate is attitude, not just in public, but especially in private.

They're are very grounded and kind, and very humble. Not that they won't acknowledge their own skills, understandings and knowledge, they just don't make a big deal about it, in a kinda selfless humorous way.

And the thing is, they're consistant! They don't have primadonna moments, they don't have to assert themselves, because they carry themselves with an unspoken quiet authority, you instinctively respect.

They are of course not superhuman in any way, and they do not claim to be either. They become stressed and make mistakes like everyone else, but they own it and stand by it.

There is always this feeling of love, kindness and compassion about them, and they would never be arrogant in any way…

I guess some people, especially those who have an inflated ego, will feel intimidated by an enlightened person, and accuse them of being arrogant, but that would be untrue. Some people can't stand the calm authority of the enlightened, and will find a way to try to put them down. But the enlightened have a way of staying above such things, but don't mistake their calm for weakness. It is true power. And let me just stress, even the enlightened can get angry, but it won't be about their ego…

Well, that's my experience, I hope it will be useful as guidance to avoid the charlatans, pretenders and self-deluded, and find the truly enlightened teachers. They are out there, just like the truth.

🙏🏻💞🙏🏻