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What credentials does this teacher possess
that qualified him/her to give this instruction?
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How does the teacher maintain his/her
authority in the group or in relationships? Does he/she claim to be the
only teacher that gives this instruction?
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Can you challenge the teacher’s instruction?
Can you question his/her advice? What happens if you disagree with the
teacher?
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Who does your teacher report to? If you were
to complain about the teacher, to whom would you go? Is there a system of
checks and balances within his/her line of authority?
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Within this organization who makes the rules?
Who can change the rules? How often does this happen? What happens when
someone breaks the rules?
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What will you be expected to “give up” or
“sacrifice” to study with this teacher? Ask this question in advance and be
as specific as possible.
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Are students free to leave this
teacher/group? What happens to those who leave?
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When do you graduate from this instruction?
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How does the teacher talk about people who
have left the group? Is contact with them allowed, discouraged or
forbidden?
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What attitudes does the teacher have toward
maintaining relationships with friends, family, and others outside the
group?
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What is the teacher’s attitude toward people
outside the group in general? Are you encouraged to be tolerant and
understanding, or judgmental and elite?
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Are secrets being kept from you? Are doors
locked, access to telephones limited, or is information restricted in any
way?
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Does this teacher insist that the world is
coming to an end in the near future? What proof does he/she have of this?
Prophets and teachers have been predicting this for centuries, and we’re
still here. Does the teacher use this prophecy to frighten or influence
people?
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Does this teacher repeatedly remind you to
listen to your heart and not your head? If so, why must you disconnect from
rational thought to learn this teaching?
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Does the group use “mind-altering” exercises;
i.e., meditation/chanting/praying for long periods of time, sleep
deprivation, constant busyness, protein deprivation, the use of drugs? What
scientific, documented proof does this teacher have that these practices
will enable the student to reach higher states of consciousness?
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Ask the teacher what his/her attitudes are
about sex in the group. If celibacy is strongly advised for the student,
ask if the same standard applies to the teacher. If the standards are
different, ask why.
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Who pays for the leader’s expenses and
lifestyle? Is it dramatically different from the students? Will your
financial responsibility continue to increase to maintain good standing? Is
there an annual report for this group? Every bonafide church, charity, and
non-profit organization has this information available for anyone who asks
for it.
