# 411 on the Cult of Desteni? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [February 25, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/411-on-the-cult-of-desteni/572621 "2011-02-25T20:51:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 8\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Little\_Edie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/50afbb/32.png) [@Little\_Edie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Edie)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2011, 8:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/411-on-the-cult-of-desteni/572621/1 "2011-02-25T20:51:51Z")
So a friend I haven’t spoken to in a while seems to be into the Cult of Desteni (thanks for the update, Facebook). We’re not very close so I’m not as concerned as I might be, otherwise. I’m also having trouble figuring out exactly how harmful they are (or even what they stand for). [This video](http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JO8jenVQKOg) gives a good idea of how members seem to drone on without actually saying anything (reminds me a bit of some NarcAnon text I’ve read). [This video](http://vodpod.com/watch/5284837-the-cult-of-desteni-beliefs-practices-part-1)is supposed to outline their beliefs, but I can barely get through the first three minutes. It’s loud and boring, but is it dangerous? Anyone have any first-hand information with this group, before I slog through all the conflicting information online? ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2011, 9:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/411-on-the-cult-of-desteni/572621/2 "2011-02-25T21:05:40Z")
Major discussion with mucho info [here.](http://forum.rickross.com/read.php?12,62042) ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Edie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/50afbb/32.png) [@Little\_Edie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Edie)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2011, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/411-on-the-cult-of-desteni/572621/3 "2011-02-25T21:55:34Z")
Thanks! I also realised they have an official website [here](http://www.desteni.co.za/). can’t wait to read about demonology! ---
**Author:** ![Czarcasm](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/czarcasm/32/4050_2.png) [@Czarcasm](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Czarcasm)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2011, 10:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/411-on-the-cult-of-desteni/572621/4 "2011-02-25T22:11:36Z")
I like the fact that they don’t believe in our evil demon-based monetary system…but they will accept Visa and Mastercard. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Edie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/50afbb/32.png) [@Little\_Edie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Edie)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2011, 10:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/411-on-the-cult-of-desteni/572621/5 "2011-02-25T22:28:45Z")
I am waiting patiently for some kind-hearted reporter to unearth the leader’s tax records/receipts for luxury products and apartments/string of underage exes/criminal record. ---
**Author:** ![Big\_Norse](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/big_norse/32/9954_2.png) [@Big\_Norse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Big_Norse)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2011, 10:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/411-on-the-cult-of-desteni/572621/6 "2011-02-25T22:43:28Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > I like the fact that they don’t believe in our evil demon-based monetary system…but they will accept Visa and Mastercard. It looks like a wacked out [pyramid scheme](http://www.desteni.co.za/income-plan-recruiters): > [@](#): > > The Desteni ‘I’ Process is a training program beginning with the Introduction to Desteni course and following with the extensive Structural Resonance Alignment Training. With this comes the opportunity to build yourself an income. This is possible through you sharing your journey of self-discovery and self-realization through blogging and vlogging and inspiring others to join the Desteni ‘I’ Process. Each of your recruits then provides part of your income. ---
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2011, 10:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/411-on-the-cult-of-desteni/572621/7 "2011-02-25T22:57:50Z")
> [@Czarcasm](#): > > Major discussion with mucho info [here.](http://forum.rickross.com/read.php?12,62042) Mama Mia, that’s-a lotta jargon. By the way, I’m holding the OP responsible if these people start showing up at the SDMB. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Edie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/50afbb/32.png) [@Little\_Edie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Edie)\ **Post date:** [February 25, 2011, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/411-on-the-cult-of-desteni/572621/8 "2011-02-25T23:19:22Z")
> [@Marley23](#): > > By the way, I’m holding the OP responsible if these people start showing up at the SDMB. 😛 Holding me responsible… or thanking me after they channel all your favourite celebs, like Steve Irwin, Marilyn Monroe and [Heath Ledger](http://www.desteni.co.za/a/why-i-would-not-want-to-be-god-part-one-by-heath-ledger)? I am through the looking glass here, people.