Cults and Organisations

It is inevitable that an organisation will grow around a Master. Some Masters take a direct initiative to create an organisation for the promotion of their teachings, others allow one to grow up around them, while a few actively discourage any organisation to grow in their name. It is important however to understand that one mark of the true Master is an intense desire to teach. Many make it clear that their principle enjoyment in life is to reach out to others and bring them the divine, through whatever methods they have developed. In comparison, their interest in food, sex, and wealth are often greatly diminished. The Buddha's case, as best as we can understand it from the Pali Canon, is instructive. He was initially so overwhelmed by his insight that he thought that it would be impossible to impart it to others. On reflection (legend personifies his deliberations as being with a deity, but it is more likely that they simply represent the reflections of an honest and sincere man) he decided that if he even only found one individual so close to Enlightenment that his encouragement would precipitate their attainment, it would be worth becoming a teacher. His next act is consistent with a man trained to be a leader : he went back to his previous companions in the spiritual life and announced his status as teacher, telling them decisively that they were not to call him 'friend' or to call him by his name. Over the following years he attracted many disciples and organised them into a 'sangha' (religious community), issuing rules of conduct which survive to this day. Other great Masters may never assume such an elevated position for themselves, teaching informally to a group or to individuals, this being mostly a matter of temperament.

'Organisations inevitably grow around good teachers of the transcendent. Participating in such a spiritual community can bring great benefits, but it is important to be realistic about the dynamics of such organisations.'

Whatever the teacher, it is important to recognise that if an organisation does surround them, that certain dynamics inevitably come into play:

• The faster the organisation grows, the less likely that the normal democratic checks and balances can grow alongside.
• The bigger the organisation the more likely that one will be taught mainly by leading disciples. These rarely come close in understanding to the Master.
• The bigger the organisation the more likely that the Master, and possibly the leading disciples, will lose touch with ordinary life. The Master will only meet seekers, and rarely ordinary or secular people. This may not be a problem at all, but is bound to colour the Master's thinking.
• The bigger the organisation and the less the provision for democratic checks and balances, the more likely it is that abuse of power will take place. Many individuals who would not gain responsible positions in conventional society are put in charge of large budgets and large numbers of people, and they are sometimes not mature enough for it.
• As pointed out before, if the teachings of the Master have an apocalyptical element, its potential for harm can be amplified through a badly-monitored organisation.

Despite this 'health warning' many spiritual communities are wonderful and supportive places to be in. If one is concerned, then make discreet enquiries within the organisation, or contact some of the help-groups that exist to provide information on cults, spiritual communities and organisations. The 'Links' section suggest some sources of information and support.

(continue)