These examples from "On Cults and Authoritarian control, the Guru Papers", are precisely how Peter Young's cult Pathgate functions:
[sustainedaction.org]
"Surrendering to a guru brings instant intimacy with all who share the same values. ... This opening consequently increases the emotional content of one’s life, bringing purpose, meaning, and hope. ... But this quick, one-dimensional bonding is based solely upon a shared ideology. No matter how intense and secure it feels, should one leave the fold, it evaporates as quickly as it formed.
... Being a disciple offers the closest approximation (outside of mental institutions) to the special configuration of infancy. ... This dependent state satisfies other longings that stem from infancy. ... disciples believe they are loved unconditionally, even though this love is conditional on continued surrender. ... Feeling totally cared for and accepted, at the universe’s center, powerful, and seemingly unafraid of the future are all achieved at the price of giving one’s power to another, thus remaining essentially a child.
... But more, that act of surrender itself can feel like giving up or at least diminishing one’s ego, which is presented as a sign of spiritual progress. ... If confused or in conflict, conforming to programming can make one feel immediately better.
... Repudiation of the guru (or even doubt and questioning) means a return to earlier conflict, confusion, and meaninglessness. ... Disciples will thus put up with a great deal of contradictory and aberrant behavior on the guru’s part, for doubting him literally means having their world fall apart. ... No deviation from the party line is allowed. Anyone who has thoughts or feelings contrary to the accepted perspective is made to feel wrong or bad for having them."
As illustrated by other posters on this thread, "feeling wrong or bad" is a very mild description of the torture-punishment PY programs into his victims for any deviation from his worldview.
The extract then summarises effectively:
"... Surrendering to those who present themselves as ... better ... perverts the true beauty and meaning of surrender. ... surrendering to another as the gateway to salvation keeps people dependent, childish, and living second-handedly.
... Surrender as an adult ... does not involve giving up one’s power or identity."
[sustainedaction.org]
"Surrendering to a guru brings instant intimacy with all who share the same values. ... This opening consequently increases the emotional content of one’s life, bringing purpose, meaning, and hope. ... But this quick, one-dimensional bonding is based solely upon a shared ideology. No matter how intense and secure it feels, should one leave the fold, it evaporates as quickly as it formed.
... Being a disciple offers the closest approximation (outside of mental institutions) to the special configuration of infancy. ... This dependent state satisfies other longings that stem from infancy. ... disciples believe they are loved unconditionally, even though this love is conditional on continued surrender. ... Feeling totally cared for and accepted, at the universe’s center, powerful, and seemingly unafraid of the future are all achieved at the price of giving one’s power to another, thus remaining essentially a child.
... But more, that act of surrender itself can feel like giving up or at least diminishing one’s ego, which is presented as a sign of spiritual progress. ... If confused or in conflict, conforming to programming can make one feel immediately better.
... Repudiation of the guru (or even doubt and questioning) means a return to earlier conflict, confusion, and meaninglessness. ... Disciples will thus put up with a great deal of contradictory and aberrant behavior on the guru’s part, for doubting him literally means having their world fall apart. ... No deviation from the party line is allowed. Anyone who has thoughts or feelings contrary to the accepted perspective is made to feel wrong or bad for having them."
As illustrated by other posters on this thread, "feeling wrong or bad" is a very mild description of the torture-punishment PY programs into his victims for any deviation from his worldview.
The extract then summarises effectively:
"... Surrendering to those who present themselves as ... better ... perverts the true beauty and meaning of surrender. ... surrendering to another as the gateway to salvation keeps people dependent, childish, and living second-handedly.
... Surrender as an adult ... does not involve giving up one’s power or identity."