Problems with Anti-Cult Organsiations supported by the Austrian Government as experienced by practizing Sahaja Yogis
1. Lack of Objectivity
Despite the claims of the anti-cult-organisations there have been no attempts to communicate with official representatives of Sahaja Yoga, nor have representatives been invited to the conference "Sahaja Yoga und das Kindeswohl" in March 2005.There has been no attempt to objectively assess the situation of children and teenagers in Sahaja Yoga. Judgments are made from the sole basis of complaints made by relatives (without ever contacting the other persons involved). Other dubious sources (anonymous "ex-members" ) are not revealed.The Sektenstellen also draw heavily on obviously biased sources ( publications by Catholic publishing houses).
2. Lack of Transparency
Exact numbers and facts about so-called "cases " are never revealed. Claims about problems or conflicts with Sahaja Yoga are not verified, apparently in order to "protect the anonymity" of the complainants.3. Lack of Mediation
In cases of conflict, and contrary to the claims of the anti-cult-organisations, no attempts for mediation among involved parties are made.4. Lack of Evidence
The Sektenstellen claim that Sahaja Yoga Mediation is harmful and unsuitable for children. There is no scientific or empirical evidence that Sahaja Yoga is in any way detrimental to the development of children, on the contrary some empirical studies conclude benefits for children and families.There have been no court rulings against Sahaja Yogis. All court cases all the way up to the highest courts have been ruled in favour of Sahaja Yoga. This information is not being given, on the contrary the anti-cult-organisations continuously attempt to create the impression that Sahaja Yogis are in conflict with the law, or are abusive to children. Some of the organisations have been found to spread deliberate lies about the to the court ruling - claiming that it was against Sahaja Yoga.
5. Lack of Definition and Clarity
Essential terms like "Sekte" or “Mitglied" "Kindeswohl" are not defined. Or they provide a definition of "Sekte" which would equally apply to major religions, for example the Catholic Church. The term Sekte is used solely and deliberately, because it is a derogatory term, adressing ancient phobias about people of other beliefs.The lack of definition is als problematic, for example, since there is no membership in Sahaja Yoga, anybody can claim to be a member - or an “ex-member” for that matter.
6. Lack of Qualification
The anti-cult-organisations are run by persons, who, to a large extent, are comprised either of psychologists or theologians Some of these are publicly well known "cult-haters".Several prominent representatives are psychologists, all coming from the same school of psychology. As it is well known, in Vienna persons of very dubious persuasion are allowed to practice psychology. This includes Austrian psychiatrist Heinrich Gross accused of murdering hundreds of handicapped children under the NS regime, who became a leading forencis psychiatrist, and was never tried for his murders.
The understanding of religion is heavily biased against any non-Christian religion. There are no independent experts on cultural studies, comparative religious studies or sociology working within the anti-cult-organisations.
7. Dealings with Media
It is media practice in Austria not to report anything positive about what is perceived as a threat to Austrian society - religious minorities. The Sektenstellen should be providing appropriate information for the mostly catholic and in some parts “cultphobic” population through the media, which balances their exaggerated perception of the dangers of religious minorities with factual information. However the anti-cult-organisations instigate and support media campaigns against "cults" in general and Sahaja Yoga in particular, thus increasing the prevalent cultphobia (as in xenophobia - unreasonable and irrational fear of cults) in Austria.8. Discrimination of Religious Minorities in Schools and at Work
The current legislation in Austria heavily favours the Catholic religion (Konkordat) and greatly supports the Catholic influence in the education system. Children of religious minorities in schools, in particular new religions are actively discriminated against, with full support of the education authorities.Many cases of discrimination and mobbing on the workplace have been found. In particular people working for the civil services, in education, schools and kindergardens have to be careful as to not disclose their association with Sahaja Yoga, so they do not loose their jobs immediately. In the case of school and nursery teachers this, in effect, means "Arbeitsverbot" - they will find no more employment in their professions in this country, solely because of their religious beliefs.