Recover From Coercive Control
A note before you read on:
The information on this page may bring up difficult feelings, particularly if you have personal experience with this group. That's a completely understandable response — what many members go through is genuinely harmful.
It's also worth noting that the overall score presented here is an average. Regardless of where a group sits on the scale, a single adverse experience — like being deceived, manipulated, or pressured even once — can be genuinely traumatic and deserving of support.
If you'd like help making sense of your experience, Renée offers specialised online counselling for survivors of high-control groups. Renée's counselling is built around understanding exactly how groups like this operate.
Buddhism
Mahayana
Also known as The Great Vehicle, Bodhisattvayana, Northern Buddhism or Eastern Buddhism. Close affiliation with Zen Buddhism and Pure Land Buddhism:
Founded by Siddhartha Gautama, known as the Buddha
5th century BCE; emerged as a distinct school of Buddhism in 1st Century CE
Founded in India. Also active in Australia, America, United Kingdom, China, Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Vietnam, Philippines, Indonesia, and Malaysia.
Estimated followers: approximately 185 million worldwide.
Summary of Beliefs
Mahayana Buddhism, known as "The Great Vehicle," is characterixed by its expansive approach to spiritual practice and its inclusive aspiration to help all sentient beings achieve enlightenment. Central to Mahayana belief is the Bodhisattva path, where practitioners strive to attain Buddhahood not just for their own liberation but to assist others in overcoming suffering. This altruistic ideal is encapsulated in the Bodhisattva vow, where individuals commit to remaining in the cycle of samsara (birth, death, and rebirth) until all beings are freed from suffering. Key tenets include the practice of compassion (karuna) and wisdom (prajna), as well as the belief in the emptiness (shunyata) of all phenomena, which posits that all things lack inherent, independent existence and are interdependent.
Mahayana Buddhism also embraces a rich array of scriptures and practices. The Mahayana sutras, such as the Lotus Sutra and the Heart Sutra, provide foundational texts that explore profound philosophical concepts and offer guidance on the Bodhisattva path. Devotional practices, including the veneration of various Buddhas and Bodhisattvas like Amitabha and Avalokiteshvara, play a significant role in daily worship. Meditation practices, particularly those that cultivate mindfulness and concentration, are also central. Furthermore, Mahayana encompasses several schools of thought, including Zen, which emphasises direct, experiential insight through meditation, and Pure Land Buddhism, which focuses on devotion to Amitabha Buddha and the aspiration to be reborn in his Pure Land, a realm of perfect bliss and enlightenment.
Analysis Using Renée's Cult Ranking
1. Authoritative Leadership
Score: 1
Mahayana Buddhism in Australia operates with varying degrees of leadership depending on the specific school or community. While some groups have strong leadership figures like abbots or senior monks, they generally function more as guides rather than authoritarian leaders. The emphasis is often on personal insight and understanding.
2. Control Over Information
Score: 1
There is no evidence of Mahayana Buddhist groups in Australia restricting access to information. Teachings are widely accessible, and communities often encourage open dialogue and exploration of different sources of Buddhist and non-Buddhist knowledge.
3. Deception
Score: 0
Mahayana Buddhism is transparent about its teachings and practices. Australian Mahayana communities do not employ deceptive practices to attract or retain followers. Information about the practices and expectations is openly available.
4. Exclusive Knowledge
Score: 1
While certain Mahayana traditions, especially Zen and esoteric schools, might have advanced teachings reserved for committed practitioners, the core teachings are generally accessible to everyone. The concept of enlightenment is viewed as attainable by all, not restricted to an elite few.
5. Exploitation
Score: 1
Financial contributions and personal involvement are encouraged to support temple activities and community services, but they are usually voluntary and transparent. There is no widespread evidence of coercive financial exploitation in Australian Mahayana Buddhist groups.
6. Fear, Guilt, & Intimidation
Score: 0
The teachings of Mahayana Buddhism emphasise compassion and wisdom. There is no systematic use of fear, guilt, or intimidation within the Australian Mahayana Buddhist communities. The practice encourages overcoming such negative emotions through meditation and ethical living.
7. Isolation
Score: 0
Mahayana Buddhists in Australia are active members of the wider society and do not advocate for social isolation. They often participate in interfaith dialogues and community activities, promoting inclusivity and understanding.
8. Micro-Management of Daily Tasks
Score: 0
While daily meditation and ethical practices are encouraged, they are self-directed. Mahayana communities do not impose micro-management of personal lives. The focus is on personal discipline and development within a flexible framework.
9. Monitoring Thoughts & Behaviours
Score: 0
Mahayana Buddhism encourages self-awareness and mindfulness, but there is no external monitoring or control of thoughts and behaviours. Practitioners are encouraged to cultivate their own inner discipline and ethical conduct.
10. Punishment & Discipline
Score: 0
Discipline within Mahayana Buddhism is self-imposed and focuses on personal spiritual growth. There is no system of punitive measures imposed by the community. The approach to discipline is supportive and aimed at fostering self-improvement.
11. Thought Reform
Score: 0
Mahayana Buddhism does not employ coercive thought reform or brainwashing techniques. The transformation it seeks is through voluntary meditation, study, and ethical practice, with respect for individual autonomy and critical thinking.
12. Us vs. Them Mentality
Score: 0
Mahayana Buddhism advocates for compassion and understanding towards all beings. It does not promote an adversarial stance towards others and encourages harmonious coexistence with different faiths and cultures.
Total Score: 4/36
Overall Cult Ranking: 1. Benign Group
Overall Ranking: Mahayana Buddhism in Australia is classified as a Very Low Risk group. It is characterised by its open and inclusive practices, respect for individual autonomy, and engagement with broader society.
Further Reading
IS IT A CULT?: Response from
Mahayana
No known response.
Support available for anyone impacted by a high-control groups or relationships, and want to speak to someone who understands coercive control and the road to recovery
These assessments evaluate group dynamics, particularly patterns associated with coercive control. They are not determinations about whether any individual has or has not experienced trauma, abuse, or harm. Personal impact varies widely. Coercive control often develops through an accumulation of influences rather than a single event, though specific moments — such as discovering deception or betrayal — can themselves be deeply distressing or traumatic. If your experiences in a group have affected your wellbeing, support from a trauma-informed counsellor or therapist can be an important step toward understanding, healing, and regaining a sense of autonomy. Assessments provided here are conducted using Renée's Cult Ranking system and reflect her personal opinions, which are based on online sources and personal testimonies. Renée acknowledges that groups can change over time, for better or worse, and that individual experiences within any given group can vary. Renée is open to respectful discussions and encourages diverse perspectives to foster a better understanding of matters raised.