Understanding Cults: What Feels Like a Cult and Is Actually One

Recently, I found myself in a situation that felt like a cult, but in fact was one. My apartment, after a new tenant, transformed into something that seemed otherworldly and ominous. I'm not sure if the new neighbors are part of a covert operation or a grass-roots mafia clinic, but I do know that what feels like a cult and is in fact a cult can be a danger to the emotional and mental well-being of its members.

What Is a Cult?

A cult is a group of people or an environment that influences your emotional state on a daily basis, not for good. Cults are often delusional and can be a sign of mental illness. They brainwash or manipulate individuals to believe or act in ways that cause harm or pain.

Signs of a Cult

One of the most common signs of a cult is a strong sense of togetherness among its members. In many cases, these groups believe or act in a way that is considered evil or manipulative. Additionally, if a group consistently brainwashes your mind to behave or believe anything, it could be a red flag.

Religion as a Cult

It's easy to link cults to religious groups, but the reality is that all religious beliefs can be seen as cults. Any group that sticks together, worshipping a figure or belief system, can be considered a cult. Even though it might not feel like a cult to be someone who follows certain political ideologies or consumption patterns, they can be viewed as cults. The term "cult" is broad and can apply to anyone or any belief system we are devoted to.

Bad Cults: The Warning Signs

When a leader practices mind-control and tries to control the thoughts of their followers, it can become a bad cult. This is not just limited to religious groups. Grounds for identifying such cults include:

Separation of individuals from their families and from society Sexual power over helpless others Promotion of a common cause that enriches leaders at the expense of others

These are behaviors that undermine trust and autonomy. Leaders who engage in such activities are mind-controlling and should be avoided.

Healthy Cults: An Example

Not all groups that label themselves as cults are bad. There are healthy cults that exist, such as the Transcendental Meditation movement under Maharishi Mahesh Yogi. His advice can be applied to anyone: if you are in doubt, follow your own scriptures or consult your elders for their experience.

Choosing between a leader who says "Do this my way" and one who encourages you to expand your consciousness to better find your own path, the latter is more conducive to personal growth and societal progress.

How to Identify a Cult

The most crucial question is whether a cult is life-supporting. Does following this path bring greater health, happiness, and progress for the individual and for society, or does it make the individual smaller and take away their power?

By examining the outcomes of different groups, we can determine which ones are harmful and which are beneficial. Understanding the nature of cults is essential for recognizing and avoiding them.

It is essential to remain aware and do your research to understand the true nature of the groups and beliefs you align with. Whether it's a political ideology, a religious practice, or consumer behavior, the key is to ensure that it brings positive change and not just conformity to a harmful agenda.