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.