Skepticool,
Thanks for your comments. As much as I appreciate the effort you took to give a critique, and I do, it looks like we disagree on whether childhood trauma can create narcissism or other disorders. (Please let me know if I misunderstood you) Without agreeing on this fundamental crux of my argument, I'm afraid it would be very difficult for us to have a meaningful discussion. And yet, I'm sure you would agree that Y was a supreme narcissist who needed absolute control of himself and others in order to function normally. This character assessment can made without considering his cultural background. In other words, an asshole is an asshole the world round.
My sincere hope is that some struggling SRF member will, by reading my post, draw the same paralells that I have drawn. To be able to see the guru's teachings as having sprung from a psychological dysfunction may be enough to shake the cage of belief and maybe even open a door to freedom. To be honest, I'm not concerned with whether I am absolutely correct. I am more interested in touching those wounds in others, which when reawakened, can erode the rigid thought patterns implanted by the cult. It is in fact more of an emotional experience than one of pure reason - I'm trying to fight fire with fire.
Thanks again for giving my ideas consideration. I value your support, as always.
Thanks for your comments. As much as I appreciate the effort you took to give a critique, and I do, it looks like we disagree on whether childhood trauma can create narcissism or other disorders. (Please let me know if I misunderstood you) Without agreeing on this fundamental crux of my argument, I'm afraid it would be very difficult for us to have a meaningful discussion. And yet, I'm sure you would agree that Y was a supreme narcissist who needed absolute control of himself and others in order to function normally. This character assessment can made without considering his cultural background. In other words, an asshole is an asshole the world round.
My sincere hope is that some struggling SRF member will, by reading my post, draw the same paralells that I have drawn. To be able to see the guru's teachings as having sprung from a psychological dysfunction may be enough to shake the cage of belief and maybe even open a door to freedom. To be honest, I'm not concerned with whether I am absolutely correct. I am more interested in touching those wounds in others, which when reawakened, can erode the rigid thought patterns implanted by the cult. It is in fact more of an emotional experience than one of pure reason - I'm trying to fight fire with fire.
Thanks again for giving my ideas consideration. I value your support, as always.