Sangharakshita Had a Sex Life -- So What?
A number of us, when sharing our concerns about the implications of Sangharakshita’s sex life with those faithful to him and his teachings, have often been met with the retort, ...
Cult Psychology & Dynamics
Can adults be victims of religious organisations?
Buddhist teachings specifically forbid sexual misconduct. In Triratna, Lingwood did not deny that he was having sexual relations with young men, but he also justified what he was doing by saying that it was a temporary “experimentation” with different forms of communication. However, the abuse went on for many years and during this time, Lingwood would wear the traditional orange robes of a celibate monk.
Alexandra Stein Interview on Cults and the Trauma Bond
A fascinating in-depth conversation between Alexandra Stein and Chris Shelton on the subject of Steins academic paper, 'Love, Terror and Brainwashing'. Drawing on their personal experiences in different political or religious cults, they discuss the particular dynamics of what attracts, hoodwinks and binds people to high demand groups (or 'cults') and what can help people recover.
The Order That I Joined
Editor's note: This article was marked "open to all" when originally published, so we understand the material to be in the public domain....
Terror and Love: A Study of Brainwashing - Alexandra Stein
"But beware—it may not be what it appears. An isolating group led by a charismatic authoritarian leader . . . can cause most of us to lose our minds."
Reflections on Cultish Behaviour in Triratna
Alexandra Stein, in her “Cults and Brainwashing: The hidden - and not so hidden - epidemic”, offers a succinct list of five criteria which define a cult:
"Dangers in Devotion" by John Crook
An article by a prominent Western Buddhist, investigating the unusual emphasis placed by Triratna on Sangharakshita, with its attendant dangers.
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Is Triratna a New Religious Movement?
The term New Religious Movement (NRM) is commonly used in academic circles to describe religious groups that have arisen since the late nineteenth century and whose teachings...
Reflections on Triratna by psychologist Dr Michelle Haslam
After leaving the New Kamdampa Tradition, psychologist Dr Michelle Haslam was involved with Triratna – the Friends of the Western Buddhist Order. She shares insights into her time with both of these groups.