helparcfun wrote:I must say that I am getting more and more worried about my wife's involvement with this group....
Dear Paul,
So, you think you need to do something about it now? She can't help herself, you know? Her belief system has co-opted by exploiting her mental defilements (esp. delusion and desire).
While we use the words "brainwashing", it's technically not the right term in this case. I also doubt if it can apply legally. However, "undue influence" is a legal term, and it's applicable in cultism. You may want to look it up.
What is called "meditation" in Dhammakaya is actually hypnotic trance. In this state, the faculty of discernment is weak, or (perhaps we can say) suspended. So, one becomes highly suggestible. That's why Dhammakaya followers are encouraged to watch DMC as much as they can—supposedly to make more merits!
FYI, in the spectrum of merits according Velama Sutta (AN 9:20), giving is the lowest. In any case, giving is still meritorious. What's more important though is
why we give. There's a big difference between giving out of desire and delusion, and giving out of generosity and discernment.
Paul, your wife needs help. Now that you've suggested that you're in UK, I suggest you go to
www.cultinformation.org.uk . They may be able to help you better. The book I suggested should help you too. Steve Hassan also has free informative videos at his site, like this one:
http://freedomofmind.com/Media/video.php?id=49
You may be reluctant, but the miracle you need is
you.