Hi Thorin et al

Very interesting stuff, particularly the bit about rituals and how they confirm a group member's commitment to the group.  I can remember mentally checking people out to see if they made the right noises and used the correct terminology etc.  If they said they did other meditations as well, or recognised the remotest authenticity in any other guru or path, a warning bell would start flashing re that person.

The whole phenomenon of group dynamics re cults is a fascinating subject, and I'm probably doomed in my attempt to find reasons why people join them - there are probably as many diverse reasons for people succumbing as there are people.  However, a few factors could be:

The need for an authoritative father figure because of

a) Having had one already and needing to replicate it to feel secure

b) Not having had one leading to the need for one

c)  The desire to continue with the 60's dream, which in many ways appeared to free us from the need to 'make it' in a conventional sense.

d) the desire to feel part of a warm, supportive, cool group.  The allegiances that had sprung up in the 60's were falling apart as all sorts of hucksters joined the fray and the 'love and peace' message was being increasingly eroded.  In the beginning (67) you could recognise a kindred spirit by the length of his hair.  Five years on things weren't so clear.

e) Hallucinogenic experiences with LSD had left us wanting more of it but without the dangers.

f) Low self-esteem and the appearance of a strong, directed organisation one could belong to without having to expose one's weaknesses.

And on, and on, and on.

Livia