Good things you experienced with BAPS
Many of you may already know, but for the other half, I have been an avid critic of BAPS or any faith/cult where the population gets brainwashed.
However, it has been brought to my attention that this has led to an unhealthy imbalance of negativity in my thought process and lifestyle. So, for once, I am trying to consume or present a positive approach at least once a week.
I would write about some of my experiences, and I would love to invite yours. As it is universally impossible to generalize anything, feel free to point out if any of my points, or anyone else’s points, are false to a significant degree.
I had a super brief involvement with BAPS, but I have grown up with Satsangis throughout my life, and I have a hobby (or autism) of reading every tiny corner of the newspaper. So, it would be better to judge me as an observer rather than as an ex-member.
- There is little to no internal or external violence compared to any other sect or religio. It might come across as obvious to an audience from North America, but it is quite an acclimatized issue in India. Raising an issue against any sect, belief, government, or corruption almost always ends with the death of the whistleblower. If you're curious, see videos of Vadtal group fighting with each other, which I find inappropriately funny.
- Many of my BAPS Satsangi friends are from “lower” castes, and I haven’t heard that they were discriminated against inside the organization So, I believe they are friendly, at least as entry-level believers. While it is quite common nowadays for the majority of sects, regardless of what they believe internally, one will turn away a huge vote bank by being casteist.
- No hateful targeting against minorities. Their speech is regulated to a great extent. It is quite common nowadays to create a minority enemy and scapegoat them in front of an angry, blind audience.