There is no evidence to suggest Papaji would support the way in which Mooji is behaving. And of course you're right, Papaji also set himself up without any sense of being legitimised. "Surely justifiably" is not based on any evidence. But there is a lot of freely available evidence into the subtle and not so subtle techniques of mind control that pray on the naive and vulnerable.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

"Papaji" denouncing his descendants
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Okay, I will quickly consider these. Really it's clear to me that Mooji is an open-ended spiritual group/New Age/new-religion, but not a cult. It’s important clearly define each word here I think. But just for starters, we have to distinguish between a cult and a destructive cult. Mooji is clearly a personality cult based around devotion to that man. And many decisions and life choices of
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks - that Captive Minds video was very interesting. There definitely seemed to be parallels between Osho and the Mooji place. There is a big picture of Osho in the church hall that Mooji uses for his meets. But no evidence of people with machine guns guarding him :) I did more research into Mooji's claims of lineage. He is descended from an Indian man called Papaji who has a few weste
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks very much for the clarification. Is Lifton saying then that thought reform is potentially positive, even within the context of a group fulfilling these 8 criteria? I'm asking because 'thought reform' sounds like a very neutral term (you could say the US army engages in thought reform during boot camp)- whereas these 8 criteria seems inherently negative as I read them.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I think when analysed in conjunction with Robert Lifton's 8 criteria to define a destructive cult, it'S the best way to decide whether it's a cult or not. Good to watch these hypnotic sessions online and any closer contact with Mr. Moo with these in mind: 1. Milieu Control. This involves the control of information and communication both within the environment and, ultimately,
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hi does anyone have any information about Mooji? There are few things on here but nothing recent. There doesn't seem to be much online. At first I thought I was getting a lot of benefit from watching his videos online. But more and more I'm starting to feel it's more of a trance effect. But all the content is free so I can't really see what the point is? Unless it's fe
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I'm in therapy after experiencing extreme trauma from time in a spiritual group. A few people have recommended this EMDR for trauma. But my therapist said for this kind of complex emotional trauma its not really effective. Does anyone have a second opinion or experience on this? Can't move most days. When I do get out of the house I return triggered and exhausted. I'm slo
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

So I've been involved with three spiritual groups, and they've all ended badly. But thousands of people in the groups are happy and flourishing. I've been drawn into these groups by a need to belong. I have a tendency to be a know-it-all and have suffered group attempts to "bring me down a peg or two". I've been accused of "resistance", and if I would
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"