It really is a win-win situation for cult leader these days - and there are many of them Jonx. By the way, that did come as a surprise to me, but there's hundreds of them, all over the world, especially in India. And I specifically mean 'masters' like M, in that they have devotees who believe that their particular master is the living lord of our time. And their master isn't M, but someone else (may be Sat Pal for example, M's brother). And all these masters have just as much influence, and command the same kind of devotion and power, that M does. Many premies believe that M is 'the one and only living lotu'. That's why he still does darshan lines, and premies queue up for them.But because of our own projection and desire for spiritual fulfulment, we give our trust to who we believe is the real master. And we just forget about all the other real (to others) masters in the world. Because there is only one, "one and only". And it's easier to forget about all the other "one and only's"!
And at that point we are ready to accept anything that we are told. Even if there are contradictions. Couple this with the idea that we are party to a secret and exclusive "Knowledge" and that we've come across something very special (the master's grace), and that we are so lucky to have understood all of this. Well, we could be told practically anything and we'd "gratefully" accept it. We all did this (do, as in your case Jonx). Hang on every word, however uncomfortable or lacking in substance.
Remember the Five Commandments we were given in the 70's:
1. Constantly meditate and remember the Holy Name
2. Leave no room for doubt in your mind
3. Do not put off until tomorrow what you can do today
4. Never delay in attending satsang
5. Always have faith in God
(I am amazed I just remembered all of those! Although, I can't guarantee that they're in the right order.)
If you study those 5 commandments, and at the same time feel and believe that M is the lotu, then he has you totally in his power. And I remember thinking it was strange that these 5 commandments, although if looked at with the suspension of all autonomous thought appear admirable, do in fact just give carte blanche to the 'master'.
The dictionary definition of 'carte blanche' is: Unrestricted power to act at one's own discretion; unconditional authority.
That's what I mean by it's win-win for cult leaders. Once they've got you. If you're having doubts about your master, then just check no. 2 commandment. Plus no. 5. If M. does something immoral or unacceptable, again, check no. 2 and no. 5. In fact commandment nos. 2 and 5 give M. his carte blanche. I think no. 1 is out now, with all the revisionism. You don't have to do that all the time any more.
Having said all the above, I'm on my own path Jonx, and you are on yours. If you want M&K in your life, and all that goes with it, then go for it and enjoy it. If it gives you what you want, then great. To be honest, it makes no difference to me whether you're a premie or an ex-premie, and I have no desire to dissuade you away from it.
I find it strange that you want to read and post here, as this forum is really for ex'es who are trying to come to terms with how they feel now, and work through it all. For many, like myself, this place is an oasis, after years of secrecy and lies from M and EV. A place where we can openly discuss whatever we want, and it has an important role for many of us. I'm just telling you the way I see it. And that is just as valid, and real and important to me, as your ideas and beliefs are for you.
