Assessment of Potential Harm in Eastern Religions: The Influence Continuum and the BITE Model of Authoritarian Control

In the twenty-first century, there has been an explosion of interest in Eastern religions and spirituality. This chapter references numerous interesting historical traditions and meditation approaches and highlights a number which can be harmful. A significant aspect of this is the confusion between supernatural and physiological responses to spiritual practices. We offer practical ways to discriminate between helpful and potentially harmful Eastern spiritual groups and teachings. Dr. Hassan’s Influence Continuum and BITE Model of Authoritarian Control gives a framework that applies to any relationship and can be used to evaluate organizations. Jon Atack shares characteristics of a human predator, which should be used when considering the leader of any spiritual group. The authors describe practical methods for assessing teachers, beliefs, and practices. We can learn healthy skepticism to safeguard ourselves and others from spiritual counterfeits.