Radha Soami Satsang Beas & the BITE model

The following information has been provided by a former member, in accordance with Steve Hassan’s BITE Model
Description of Group:

This is a super secret organization originating in Beas, India. American and Canadian disciples are “chosen” by GOD to live a clean moral life - no drugs or sex out of wedlock; Lacto-Vegetarian diet, and two and a half hours of meditation each day - preferably starting at 3 a.m. The main theme of this organization is to attach the soul to the “sound current” which is reverbrating in each human being on planet earth. The journey begins at the third eye, which is behind the 2 physical eyes, and continues - if one’s powers of concentration are very well developed-to enter astral (psychic) causal regions. There are four levels to which one aspires. Eventually, with the help of “a perfect living master”, one will - that is, one’s soul will leave the earth plane permanently, and will lose it’s own identity to become God himself. This sounds and is creepy, mainly because if one is coerced to begin this great journey physically and mentally unprepared, one can get into deep trouble - even losing what is left of one’s mind.This cult is internal because how far you get depends on your own development, but the general consensus is that if you have been “initiated” and don’t follow the rules, for one reason or another, you will be dragged along by your guru,until “you mind,” even if it causes intense physical and emotional anguish.

All the Gurus in this cult are said to be “God Incarnate”. Followers of this group are called “Satsangis”.

Information:

Since the guru knows all your sins, past lives, and present, all that remains is obedience to His rules, and every meeting bemoans the fact that you didn’t put in the required 2.5 hrs of meditation. You have to meditate or “go through with it” (physical and mental suffering) to eradicate the “karma” of the body being attachedto a soul longing for “freedom to return to God” permanently - esoteric to the max. Who argues with God?

Thought:

No religious system is critized - just pitied for their lack of “true knowledge” in that being on planet earth is the “original sin”. If you can extricate yourself from the earth - then you have it made, as you shouldn’t be here in the first place (the Heaven’s Gate cult was a gross example). The “only solution” is following the 4 vows made at initiation - at any cost - including one’s mental and physical health.

Emotional:

The fears involved are not being able to live “up to scratch” since the guru is watching you 24 hrs a day, and there is no getting away from “the system” once you are initiated - meaning that youare now attached byyourguru to “the sound current” and there’s absolutely now way out. This is terrifying to say the least - a Pandora’s Box of misery and total guilt. Guilt is the name of the game.