Frank de Graaf is a charismatic individual who claims to be a direct descendant of Jesus Christ, a perception he actively encourages among his followers. He refers to his group as a ‘tribe’ and often asserts that they are in the process of birthing a new Christ through him. This belief fosters a sense of exclusivity among his disciples, making them feel like ‘chosen ones.’ Frank presents himself as possessing the highest consciousness of all humanity and claims to selflessly guide others toward self-realisation. However, he exhibits traits of severe narcissism and strict controlling behaviour towards some of his followers.
He always rejects any reflections: Frank de Graaf, referred to as “the guru,” is here on earth to help others reflect upon themselves. He demands complete transparency from his disciples, compelling them to unveil their most profound vulnerabilities. He uniquely possesses knowledge of everything, and nothing can be disclosed to him by others. He constantly persuades his cult members that they are insufficient or unworthy on their own, and that the only way to gain worth is to confess their failures to the group and/or him. By acting as the gatekeeper of their self-esteem, Frank de Graaf establishes himself as indispensable to their sense of worth.
He exercises manipulation in a very smart way. During his lectures and individual sessions, it is all about persuading his disciples that he is the only one who sees and knows the truth. His disciples believe this and have given him numerous gifts, money, and a big house with a plot of land. They are also paying all expenses of the cult. The female followers lack any income, leaving them entirely dependent on him. He is declared the sole saviour and our only hope for liberation from the samsaric ego mind. He dismisses the teachings of others, positioning himself as the sole source of truth.
He is an expert in mind control. He makes people believe they are very special and chosen ones while simultaneously persuading them that they are very unworthy and in dire need of his guidance to become One with him (and thus God) again. He tells his disciples what they wish to hear, while also telling them they are very unworthy and lonely. This makes the disciples feel very special about themselves and very dependent on Frank’s guidance; he is the only one who can make them feel good about themselves. Frank is hereby exploiting the vulnerable parts of these people, since they have completely given away their own autonomy.
While he advocates celibacy as a spiritual ideal, he has engaged in lots of sexual activities with several female followers. He claims that only he can purify their ‘impure sexual energies’ and redirect them to God, positioning himself as the sole intermediary for their spiritual transformation.