Abstract
Summary
The HKM is but one of the many Eastern religious beliefs imported into the West. However, because of the way it is practised, it is the one which confronts North American values most directly. It is an offshoot of Hinduism and comprises a wide diversity of beliefs. It attracts many Western youths, much to the anguish of their parents and community leaders.
Those who look at the HKM from a Western cultural point of view argue passionately with those who believe in it. The authors, one of whom (I.N.K.) has cultural roots in Hinduism and Western training in child psychiatry, attempt to look at this phenomenon dispassionately and analyze some of the relevant factors which attract Western youth to this culturally alien religion.
A brief historical sketch of the HKM is given followed by an account of the significance of religion from a psychoanalytical perspective. The case history of a 15 year old adolescent male is presented and discussed in psychodynamic terms followed by an attempt to understand his attraction to the HKM. The manner in which the HKM met the needs of this adolescent may have implications for the management and understanding of similar cases, especially when professional interventions do not bring about the desired results of solving rather than just suppressing the intense and painful conflicts of development in adolescence.