Question: How do we discern if a self-improvement program is reliable or not, in line with the Dharma or not?
Answer: It’s not always easy to discern if a self-improvement system is reliable or not – but looking at the available materials helps – provided they are detailed and accurate enough in reflecting it. However, materials of most paid systems are usually not totally disclosed. Cult-like groups always keep their real ‘doctrines’ secret too, which makes venturing into them dangerous for the weak-minded and unwise, who might be brainwashed. Note that brainwashing techniques need not use religious terms.
Any method that plays with emotional highs and lows are dangerous. These emotional upheavals can be self-induced too, with a lot of subtle direction by charismatic leaders. It is worth noting that Buddhism is taught and learnt in a calm and rational reflective manner – which is very contrasting in nature. The power of subtle group peer pressure created by insiders can be overwhelming too. Studies have shown that it is very easy for a group to influence individuals to conform unmindfully, thus winning them over. My usual advice is to avoid any self-improvement programs when in doubt. It is safer to read about them from third parties to find out more, than to participate in them.