Cult Mentality
(cult: to cultivate worship)

Everyone has the right to see ‘it’ another way. The Buddha’s teaching are perfect…people aren’t.

Sometimes it’s useful to refer to other traditions when explaining something as this can help expand our understanding; we can then look back at ourselves. Of course, staying with our main tradition gives us a firm foundation, but the terminology can become monotonous and a fresh approach is beneficial. We must not forget our ‘common sense’ – something that is common to all of us.

The Three Gunas
According to the Vedanta tradition, these three Gunas are three states of mind.
Sattva, Rajas and Tamas; the three robbers.
Sattva is serenity.
Rajas is excitement.
Tamas is dullness.

I was a student of the Vedic tradition for many years. It’s assumed that the sattvic state is most desirable, more so than the rajasic and tamasic states; after all, we do use the word bodhisattva. All activities including, for example, entertainment, food, music, art and the company we keep, can be classified as sattvic, rajasic or tamasic.

We can easily see that being either over-excited or dull robs us of serenity, but it’s more difficult to realise that the sattvic state is also a robber. If we try to hold on to our serenity, this can rob us of clarity and compassion.

The point is that we can act serenely, enjoying inner peace when we have, in fact, fallen asleep; sattva has become tamasic. So then we need a boost of energy to create dynamism which can take the form of anything that we find effective. Rajas is energy, but too much energy or excitement can make us crazy, and so we then need to slow down and reintroduce a little tamas to bring about equilibrium.

In this way we achieve a balanced Sattvic state which is ‘Not too tight and not too loose’, using all states of mind.

Assumptions can work against us
In spiritual groups, most succumb to peer pressure and want to act serenely. This is faking it. Underneath, we may have our doubts but we keep these to ourselves, as the group wants a positive atmosphere. Out of fear, we cannot be honest as many take any criticism as a personal attack, and so avoid poignant questions. However, doubt – at certain stages – is vitally important as it is part of our path. Energy arising from doubt is rajasic, as opposed to the tamasic state of conformity.

We have to stay alert, sharp and clear, and use our common sense.

Cult mentality
The pressure of the peer group gives rise to fear; we cultivate a sense of worship, believing and repeating without questioning. This can be evident when, for example, a Tibetan lama walks into the room and everyone prostrates. And so people practise together in collective rituals as if they are a magical solution. That’s a bit cultish. Individuals who don’t conform feel guilt and confusion, and the threat of separation can cause them to lose their integrity, their spirit, and even their practice.

If people become defensive or uncomfortable, then they don’t have the ability to listen. If they don’t have the ability to listen, there cannot be compassion. Then it’s time to move on.

Our time in prison
depends on us.