CULT CHARACTERISTICS & TECHNIQUES USED TO GAIN MIND CONTROL
ISOLATION: Loss of reality induced by physical separation from society & rational references.
HYPNOSIS: State of high suggestibility induced by hypnosis, often thinly disguised as meditation.
PEER GROUP PRESSURE: Suppression of doubt and resistance to new ideas, achieved by exploiting the natural need to belong.
LOVE BOMBING: Sense of family and belonging contrived through hugging, kissing, touching and flattery.
REMOVAL OF PRIVACY: Loss of ability to evaluate logically achieved by preventing private contemplation.
CHANGE OF DIET/SLEEP DEPRIVATION and FATIGUE: Withholding adequate rest, sleep and necessary nutrients (food) leads to disorientation and vulnerability created by prolonged mental and physical activity.
METACOMMUNICATION/CONFUSING DOCTRINE: Subliminal messages implanted by stressing certain key words or phrases in long, confusing lectures. Encourages rejection of logic and blind acceptance.
NO QUESTIONS: Automatic acceptance of beliefs accomplished by discouraging questions.
DRESS: Individuality removed by demanding conformity to the group dress code.
REPLACEMENT OF RELATIONSHIPS: Pre-cult families destroyed by arranging cult marriages and "families".
GUILT: Teachings of eternal salvation reinforced by exaggerating sins of the former lifestyle.
REJECTION OF OLD VALUES: Acceptance of new lifestyle accelerated by constantly denouncing former values and beliefs.
CONFESSION: Destruction of personal egos, increased vulnerability to new teachings and recruits weaknesses revealed, through sharing innermost secrets.
FEAR: Loyalty and obedience to group maintained by threatening soul, life or limb for the slightest "negative" thought, word or deed.
CHANTING AND SINGING: Repetition of mind-narrowing chants or phrases eliminates non-cult ideas.
DISINHIBITION: Child-like obedience encouraged by orchestrating child-like behaviour.
CONTROLLED APPROVAL: Vulnerability and confusion maintained by alternately rewarding and punishing similar actions.
FLAUNTING HIERARCHY: Acceptance of cult authority produced by promising advancement, power and salvation.
FINGER POINTING: False sense of righteousness created by pointing to the shortcomings of the outside world and other cults.
FINANCIAL COMMITMENT: Increased dependence on the group achieved by "burning bridges" to past, through the donation of all assets.
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