In this video, I explain why I left the Prem Rawat Cult and the psychological process I went through as I disengaged from him after more than 10 years of working for his organization as an instructor and President of Elan Vital. I also share key pieces of information from people who were closest to him from 1972 to 1990, which illustrate his true, corrupt character.

In this deeply personal conversation, former Prem Rawat instructor and President of Elan Vital, Don Johnson, speaks with Sarito Carol, author of In the Shadow of Enlightenment, about their experiences inside two different cults: one led by Prem Rawat movement and the other by Osho/Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. Although their paths were very different, the themes are strikingly similar: spiritual idealism, devotion to charismatic leaders, institutional silence around abuse, psychological conditioning, trauma, shame, and the long process of reclaiming personal truth after leaving high-control groups. Sarito shares her experience growing up inside the Osho commune as a child and the backlash she faced after publicly speaking out about abuse within the community. Don reflects on his decade inside the Prem Rawat cult, his eventual disillusionment, and the courage it took to begin speaking publicly after years of silence. Together, they explore: Why do people stay in cults for so long The emotional cost of speaking out Spiritual bypassing and institutional protection PTSD and delayed healing Reclaiming autonomy and inner authority Separating genuine spirituality from guru worship and manipulation This is not simply a conversation about Osho or Prem Rawat. It is a broader conversation about power, belief, trauma, awakening, and what it means to reclaim your life after surrendering it to a system or leader. Sarito Carol’s book In the Shadow of Enlightenment is available on Amazon. More about her work: saritocarol.com #CultRecovery #Osho #PremRawat

Why do intelligent people stay in cults for decades? In this episode of Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum, Dr. Steven Hassan speaks with Dr. Michael Finch—former high-ranking devotee of Guru Prem Rawat (formerly Guru Maharaj Ji)—who shares his 30-year journey through devotion, disillusionment, and recovery. Mike exposes the mind control tactics Rawat used to keep followers loyal, from "thought-stopping" language to create doubt and authoritarian teachings masked as spiritual wisdom. With a PhD in math and physics, Mike's firsthand insights challenge the myth that only the weak-minded fall for cults. Dr. Steve and Dr. Mike dive deep into: - Thought control, spiritual deception, and the psychology of indoctrination - What it really feels like to wake up from a spiritual delusion - The role of meditation in both cultic control—and in personal healing - Why critical thinking isn’t enough without emotional self-awareness Whether you're recovering from a high-control group, questioning a “guru,” or fascinated by how undue influence works—this conversation will stick with you. 📘 Read “Without the Guru: How I Took My Life Back After 30 Years”: https://amzn.to/4eUjeCf 🔗 More resources: FreedomOfMind.com ⏱️ Chapters 00:00 – Hooked by a Guru: How a Math PhD Got Trapped in a Cult 03:15 – The Promise of Instant Enlightenment: How Prem Rawat Seduced the West 06:02 – “The Doubt Maker”: Weaponized Language & Thought Control 09:20 – Smart, Educated—and Brainwashed? The Truth About Cult Victims 12:45 – God in a Bod: Falling in Love with a False Prophet 16:10 – Cracks in the Faith: The Moment Everything Unraveled 20:05 – Was It My Fault? The Cult Survivor’s Guilt Dilemma 24:20 – Undue Influence 101: Why the Law Blames the Leader 28:40 – Living a Double Life: Earning a PhD While Worshipping a Guru 32:05 – How to Wake Up: The Psychology Behind Cult Deprogramming 36:45 – The Cult of Trump: Red Flags, Brainwashing & Blind Devotion 40:55 – Post-Cult Power: Building Your Inner Bullsh*t Detector 45:50 – Meditation After Mind Control: Reclaiming a Spiritual Practice 48:00 – No Guru, No Goal: A New Relationship with Self 📌 Subscribe for more on cult recovery, authoritarian influence & spiritual abuse. 👇 COMMENT: What tactics does your red flag radar pick up now? #PremRawat #CultSurvivor #MindControl #StevenHassan #UndueInfluence #Deprogramming #GuruCult #SpiritualAbuse #Cults #Meditation #SpiritualJourney #ReligiousTrauma #ExCult #CriticalThinking #FreedomOfMind #InfluenceContinuum #drstevenhassan #brainwashing ******************************************* Subscribe to The Influence Continuum podcast: https://freedomofmind.com/podcast-3/ Enroll in my courses - https://courses.freedomofmind.com/collections Download a .pdf of the BITE model here! https://freedomofmind.com/cult-mind-control/bite-model/ Subscribe to the Freedom of Mind newsletter: https://freedomofmind.com/subscribe/ Read or listen to Dr. Hassan's books: https://freedomofmind.com/books/

On this podcast I discuss my response to the intimidation letter sent to a podcast host by a law firm hired by Prem Rawat. The letter warned her of possible litigation if she allowed me to spread defamatory statements about Prem Rawat on her show. I also discuss several other related topics.

Don Johnson interviews Paul Drescher, an ex-follower of Prem Rawat. We discuss our experiences as young men in what we now know was and still is a cult.

In this episode of the Cult Vault podcast, host Kacey speaks with Don Johnson, who shares his journey from being a follower of Prem Rawat to becoming an instructor within the cult. Don discusses his initial attraction to the teachings, the experiences that led him deeper into the organisation, and the cognitive dissonance he faced as he began to question the integrity of his leader. He reflects on his eventual disengagement from the cult, the healing process, and the importance of critical thinking. Don also offers advice for others who may be navigating similar experiences and emphasises the need for support and resources.Get in Touch or Support: Patreon - patreon.com/thecultvaultCrimecon UK 2025 https://www.crimecon.co.uk - use code CULT for 10% off tickets!Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cultvaultpod/Twitter: https://twitter.com/CultVaultPodReddit: https://www.reddit.com/user/Cult-VaultGmail: cultvaultpodcast@gmail.com

Ep. #46 Escaping the Guru: Amy’s Journey Through the Divine Light Mission Please consider buying us a cup of coffee or two by clicking here. Your support helps fund our out of pocket expenses In this episode of the Cultimatum Podcast, host Anonymous Andrew and co-host Melody interview a former member of the Divine Light Mission, referred to as Amy. She shares her harrowing journey from childhood in the cult, the controlling dynamics of the organization, and the impact of separation from her mother. Amy discusses her struggles after leaving the cult, including vulnerability to predatory relationships and mental health challenges. The conversation highlights the manipulative nature of cults and the long-lasting effects on individuals who escape them. In this conversation, Jennifer shares her harrowing journey of returning to a cult she once escaped, the impact it had on her family, and her path to self-discovery and healing. She discusses the manipulative tactics of cult leaders, the vulnerability of individuals they target, and the disturbing normalization of cult practices in society. Through therapy and support from others with similar experiences, Jennifer emphasizes the importance of awareness and caution against joining cults, ultimately advocating for healing and personal growth. takeaways Amy was introduced to the Divine Light Mission at a young age.The cult emphasized the importance of the guru over family bonds.Separation from her mother was a common practice in the cult.Amy felt vulnerable and lost after leaving the cult.The cult's teachings led to unhealthy relationships in Amy's life.Amy's childhood was filled with indoctrination and rituals.The cult's influence extended into public schools and prisons. Link to the story of Guru Maharaj Ji's son: https://resourcesforthetruthaboutpremrawat.com/2024/04/05/hans-rawat-son-of-prem-rawat-reveals-the-truth-about-his-father/ Cultimatum Podcast Contact Info: Email: cultimatumpodcast@gmail.com Cultimatum Facebook Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/1910498486077283 Cultimatum Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/cultimatumpodcast?igsh=MXBnNXllYjBtc2hwcg== Cultimatum TikTok account : https://www.tiktok.com/@cultimatumpodcast?_t=8nLKfZ8ShnW&_r=1 Cultimatum Pinterest account : https://pin.it/YdcAW0Oiq Cult Escape & Recovery Support Group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2575419069406501 A Productions of the Anonymous Andrew Podcast Studios anonymousandrewpodcast@gmail.com or visit www.anonymousandrewpodcast.com

Professor Stephen A. Kent researches new and alternative religions, combining perspectives from sociology with religious studies. He has published research on Scientology, the Children of God/The Family, fundamentalist Mormon polygamy, and other new and alternative religions operating in Canada, the United States, and around the world. Professor Kent teaches undergraduate and graduate courses that explore religion and deviance. He also conducts numerous reading courses with both undergraduates and graduate students, including students from other disciplines. He is the author of From Slogans to Mantras: Social Protest and Religious Conversion in the Late Vietnam War Era (Religion and Politics). https://www.amazon.com/Slogans-Mantras-Religious-Conversion-Religion/dp/0815629486