Hits close to home for me Sandra. I too was in a cult, perhaps not quite as toxic as Frank's cult, but a cult nonetheless. Many of the characteristics were on display in my 10 year experience- no hitting, no violence. My instincts told me something wasn't quite right before I entered the inner circle, but I pushed those away in pursuit of getting closer to the teacher. And, that said, I had a loving relationship with him, as did many. I'm grateful for what I learned, the recovery was challenging, and I have no regrets because what I was left with was a beautiful inner experience, which was independent of the cult. The teacher is still teaching, the cultish environment is long gone and I think he too has grown and moved away from some of the trappings of being the One. Thanks for writing a beautiful piece.