Hello ATS. In response to your question about whether there is any legal claim that might be made concerning being sucked into Rawat's cult, the California Supreme Court decided a case in 1988 called Molko v. Holy Spirit Association, 46 Cal.3d 1092. In that case, the state supreme court held that a cult could potentially be liable for fraud for misrepresenting the nature of the organization into which it was attempting to recruit members. The court said, "Although intensive religious practices are common to many religions, fraud, even though purported to be religiously motivated, is actionable conduct."

This is the law in California. It means one might be able to bring such a lawsuit. It doesn't mean one would win.

That said, I share in the sentiments expressed by you and Joe in this regard.

Marianne