Cults and why do people join them?

The Watercooler
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Interesting definition of cult is provided in this video.

It is indeed a blessing that, as one of the first formal contemplative traditions to be established with conduct roles and codes, Buddhism fails to tick most of the boxes of the provided definition.

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What is the most prominent feature of a cult?
I think it is not allowing to question the leader.
If I take this as the main criteria, I feel there are some Buddhist sects fitting to the definition of a cult.

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Thanks for posting this. A good friend of mine from High School got caught up in Jim Jones group and died at Jonestown. She was a very kind and intelligent young woman that I think was just too naive and trusting.
I think Buddhism has some built in mechanisms that - if followed - makes it fairly cult safe. But of course, it all depends on the sangha and the lay community to follow through with their responsibilities.

I agree. I think if you find yourself in a situation where the leader is beyond reproach - it’s time to get out.

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