gnostic group - circle for investigation of gnostic anthropology CIGA
Date: December 10, 2008 11:58AM
Former member of Circle for Investigation of Gnostic Anthropology (CIGA)
(Name withheld)
As a former member of this group, i just want to alert others to what my experience was so they have a better understanding of what they might be getting into with this group. Their view is that the world is corrupt and being run by evil forces and black magic. Their group is the only ones that can help humanity.
Ex-members are referred to as failures, that they did not work on themselves (psychologically) properly. Contact with ex-members is discouraged. Once someone leaves the group, the group no longer has any contact with them or any mediation for why they left. The group is never at fault....
I also believe that the people who make up the group are very idealistic, and the problem is that there is a very subtle control going on over people, it is a gradual process, but people make big life-decisions based on this subtle influence from the group and the main instructors. Then rather than empowering the individual to make clear intelligent choices, a person may make choices based on the interest of the group and its leaders. Then there is a gradual loss of personal and inner freedom.
Below is a list of some examples that happened to me and other students. I am still interested in spirituality and meditation, but this group that I was part of for over ten years caused many problems and anxiety in my life. The psychological scares are there, but I'm a stronger person from it. I have re-married and I'm back on my feet again, I have a good job and life.
1. Their view is that the world is corrupt and being run by evil forces and black magic. Their group are the only ones that can help humanity.
2. Marriage outside the group is not encouraged. Marriage within the group is consided to be more pure.
3. Encouraged not to have too much social life outside the group, this is not spoken about openly but subtlety encouraged.
4. Their group is the purest, all others have gone off the track or are referred to as failed groups, splinter groups etc.
5. They are the keepers of the true way, or have the only direct link with the source of light and wisdom.
6. Suggested not to work too much, part time or non-professional work is preferred so as to put more time and energy into the group and its causes.
7. Academic or artistic study at university is not encouraged, better to put more time into the group than "waste time" on personal ambitions and career goals.
8. Encouraged not to have children, again so more time can go into the group to spread the teaching and help other people.
9. The group Hierarchy rewards sacrifice that members make with "promotions" more responsibilities or more involvement in the inner workings of the groups. They are seen to be more "awake" or conscious.
10. The classes are all run by donations, but there is a lot of pressure to spend money and savings on attending retreats, international congresses, publicity, advertising etc.
11. There is no openness in group meetings for constructive criticism or debate. The group and the hierarchy are never wrong, the groups decision makers cannot be criticised.
12. They feel that they are a chosen select few working for the greater good of humanity, all personal interests or feelings are then suppressed. We are reminded of the great sacrifice and commitment that the group's leaders must make, and that they know better, so we should listen to them and not question authority. Again putting aside "gut" feelings or that something's not right here, eg. "What would I know, these people are better than me, they make greater sacrifices"
13. There is no democracy in meetings, and if there is it is only at face value. Any descent or criticism is treated with indifference, coldness and silence.
14. There is influence from the superiors on where other instructors should live and move to, so as to open more groups in different parts of a city.
15. A person's own gut feelings and personal views are suppressed in favour of the group's cause.
16. Ex-members are referred to as failures, that they did not work on themselves properly, that life or their spouse/family pulled them away, that they worked too much at their job. Contact with ex-members is looked down upon. Once someone leaves the group, the group no longer has any contact with them or any mediation for why they left. The group is never at fault.
17. There are seeds of fear implanted in the minds of members that bad things may happen if they leave the group. That there is black magic working on them, or that bad karma will fall upon them.
18. Members or students are taken aside and spoken to in private by the instructors, to correct their behaviour, their lack of attendance, seriousness, or other less serious matters. The student is intimated, ambushed and sometimes subtly bullied and made to feel like they are in the wrong and that have forgotten the group and the great cause.
19. Advanced students are expected to attend a minimum of twice a week, and take part in other external activates, if they don't they can be asked to leave the group, or they are subtly ostracised from the group. There is a subtle group "shunning" that goes on when someone is not putting in like they should. This mainly comes from the instructor's not so much fellow students.
20. The teachers/instructors use techniques to raise money like saying that the more money you donate the more karma you will pay and therefore be better off and be closer to the teaching.
21. They also say if you are having personal problems with the teaching, you need to go even closer to the teaching and attend more classes. Any doubts or skepticism's are due to ones own ego or black magic. Its is never because there maybe something wrong with the group or its leaders. Even if there is something wrong with its leaders it's still your problem, as you have to get over it. The group is never at fault; the problem always lies with the individual.