The ex-participant of the "Ashram of Shambhala" spoke about the methods of recruitment to the sect

On April 1, a former member of the Ashram of Shambhala sect (banned in the Russian Federation) shared with Izvestia about the recruitment methods that were used several years ago and now.

She said that she first encountered the sect in 2006. At that time, she was organizing events and invited an oriental dance group to perform. It later turned out that all the participants were members of the Shambhala Ashram sect. The woman was invited to a trial seminar, and for six years she regularly attended such meetings. Gradually, her connection with the outside world weakened, and then stopped altogether.

"After six years of attending seminars, I became an organizer, helped in the organization, and then gradually severed all ties with the social world. I was led to this," she shared.

According to her, recruitment methods have changed today. Now it happens through social media: in advertising posts, women are promised financial well-being, happiness and harmony in their personal lives after undergoing special "women's practices." Sometimes they invite you to tarot readings.

"And then they start praising her. And intimidate, and praise. You're damaged, you have this, that, that, but you shouldn't live in such conditions as you do now, you should live, it's written in your family that you're rich, happy, and live abroad. And the woman, after listening to these scares and praises, comes to the organizer's class," explained the ex-member of the sect.

Then everything depends on the engagement: if a woman regularly pays for participation in seminars and does not ask unnecessary questions, she is invited to private events. Mentors gather there, offering supposedly "advanced" practices and encouraging them to participate in group rituals and rituals.

On the same day, the ex-participant of the "Ashram of Shambhala" told about the way of life of the sect. According to her, members of the sect go through daily so-called warm-ups, workouts, penances and practices of karma yoga. At the same time, every action of a sectarian requires an account to the elder — right up to going to the bathroom. The girl explained that a variety of people can get into the sect: those who are obsessed with esotericism or the spiritual path, vulnerable people and those who find themselves in a difficult life situation.

Earlier, on March 31, Argentina reported the detention of Konstantin Rudnev, the founder of the Ashram of Shambhala sect. It is noted that he was trying to fly from the Argentine city of Bariloche to Brazil, accompanied by five Russians and one Mexican woman. During the arrest, according to the portal, Rudnev attempted suicide.