Information on cults, cultic groups, psychological manipulation, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, brainwashing, mind control, thought reform, abusive churches, extremism, totalistic groups, new religious movements, alternative and mainstream religions, group dynamics, exit counseling, recovery, and practical suggestions for those affected by or interested in these subjects. Information on cults, cultic groups, psychological manipulation, psychological abuse, spiritual abuse, brainwashing, mind control, thought reform, abusive churches, extremism, totalistic groups, new religious movements, alternative and mainstream religions, group dynamics, exit counseling, recovery, and practical suggestions for those affected by or interested in these subjects
articles about cults

HOMENewsMembershipConferencesWorkshopse-Library Infoe-Library Logone-Library Search

New SurveyEx-Member/others

GroupsStudy GuidesTopicsLinksPeopleOrganizationsArticlesBook Reviews

Info for:Former MembersFamiliesMental HealthResearchEducationClergyPress

CSR Journale-NewsletterBookstoreProducts

About ICSADonateContact UsHelpSearch

Site Feedback

 

 
 

Cultic Studies Review, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2004

 

Compassion Betrayed: Spiritual Abuse in an American Zen Center

 

Katherine V. Masis, M.A.


Abstract


This paper describes spiritual abuse in an American Zen center. Drawing on the author’s fifteen-year experience at this center and one of its international affiliates, elements of religious conversion, authoritarianism and thought reform are highlighted. Difficulties emerging from Western Zen students’ prior vulnerabilities, transference relationships, and idealization of Zen teachers are discussed. The rhetoric of the Zen institution’s legitimation of authority is portrayed as a significant reinforcer of the above. Finally, education about the Zen institution is proposed as a tool for preventing excesses at American Zen centers.
 

Full text available through ICSA E-Library.


Other contributions by author(s)

Masis, Katherine: "Compassion Betrayed: Spiritual Abuse in an American Zen Center" - abstract
The Great Failure: A Bartender, a Monk, and My Unlikely Path to Truth - book review by Katherine Masis

Article Index
 

 top ^

Live Search

Views expressed on our Web sites are those of the document's author(s) and are not necessarily shared, endorsed, or recommended by ICSA or any of its directors, staff, or advisors.  Copyright ©1997-2008  ICSA, Inc.