In the same vein as the previous post, I repeat a post from Michaels blog. It gives a different perspective on many of the pitfalls discussed here, and may be easier to recognize for some.
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Seven Techniques Used By Gurus to Control The Masses (by Michael, from his blog Inner Circle of SRCM)
Establish High Ideals
• Establish noble, high sounding principles, such as selfless service, closeness to God, and brotherly/sisterly love.
• Insist that your teachings are free and the birthright of all.
• Demonstrate charity in a highly visible manner.
Define and Enforce Exclusivity in the Organization
• Every Guru must have an exclusive hook to differentiate themselves from others.
• The exclusive nature of the system or Guru must be re-emphasized at every opportunity.
• Disciples are trained to also extol the virtues of the system’s exclusivity in every conversation.
Exploit a Higher Authority
• Designate a “Higher Authority” that can be attributed to for literally everything.
• Higher Authority must be easily identifiable by disciples. Abstract higher authorities such as “God” are generally not as effective as a dead person.
• It is critical that the Guru can claim to be in direct communication with this Higher Authority.
• The Guru’s example of love and servitude to this Higher Authority serves as an example to disciples as to how to treat their Guru.
• Miracles, which happen naturally in an emotionally charged environment, can be attributed to this Higher Authority
• Disciples will naturally transfer all things credited to the Higher Authority to their living Guru.
Establish and Maintain an Inner Circle
• Guru creates contentious environment around themselves for people to earn their trust.
• Those who fight the hardest and most effectively for inner circle status are rewarded with positions of authority and grandeur.
• The Guru must treat inner circle members with strictness and humiliation when necessary to maintain their loyalty and subservience.
• The Hierarchy established through the Inner Circle is a critical tool for a Guru to maintain exclusive control as the organization grows.
Foster the Image of Humility
• The Guru will exploit any ailments or physical injuries to get sympathy by silently suffering.
• If no physical ailments exist, the Guru can use exhaustion from serving his disciples as an ailment.
• The Guru does not directly complain about ailments, but uses the Inner Circle to propagate stories of his humble suffering for the cause.
Establish and Maintain Total Control
• Demand total devotion and trust
• Guru uses their own total devotion and trust to their “Higher Authority” as an example
• Blame all disciples failings on not having sufficient faith in the Higher Authority or lack of dedication to the practice.
Reap the Benefits
• Establish an organization to hold and manage wealth collected.
• Exploit that wealth through the organization, not directly
• Enjoy the services of devoted disciples as their expression of devotion to the Higher Authority.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Techniques used by Gurus to control
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