In history and contemporary society, religious groups sometimes use psychological tactics to persuade their members to believe that the purification and ascension of the soul can be obtained through physical pain. This kind of belief and behavior is usually closely related to a particular religious doctrine, cultural background, or group's ideology. The following are some common psychological tactics and mechanisms that may be used to strengthen this belief： ### 1. **Doctrinal indoctrination and sanctification of pain** -**Doctrine indoctrination**: Through repeated preaching of doctrine, the group emphasizes that pain is the only way to sacredness or spiritual ascension. For example, some religions may regard suffering as a test of faith or an atonement for sin. -**Sanctify pain**: Associate physical pain with a sacred mission or lofty goal, so that members believe that by enduring pain, they can get closer to divinity or reach a higher spiritual state. ### 2. **Group pressure and sense of identity** -**Group pressure**: In a group, members may feel pressure from other members, especially when most people are participating in some form of ascetic practice or self-punishment. In order to gain the recognition and acceptance of the group, individuals may voluntarily or be forced to participate in these behaviors. -**Sense of identity**: Through common painful experiences, members may form a stronger bond and sense of belonging. This sense of identity will further strengthen their belief in the teachings of the group. ### 3. **Fear and punishment** -**Fear**: Groups may use their members' fear of negative consequences such as spiritual depravity or hell to prompt them to accept physical pain as a means to avoid these consequences. -**Punishment**: For those members who are unwilling to participate in ascetic practices or question doctrine, the group may impose social punishments, such as exclusion, humiliation, or deprivation of their status in the group. ### 4. **Role model effect and authoritative guidance** -**Role model effect**: Leaders or senior members of the group may be shaped as role models for spiritual improvement through pain. Their experiences and words will be used to motivate other members to follow suit. -**Authoritative guidance**: Religious leaders or mentors may use their position of authority to lead members to believe that pain is necessary and that their guidance is the only way to salvation. ### 5. **Psychological suggestion and self-suggestion** -**Psychological cues**: Through rituals, meditation, prayer, etc., the group may give psychological cues to its members to make them believe that pain can bring inner peace and soul purification. -**Self-suggestion**: After receiving this information for a long time, members may self-suggestion, regard pain as a positive experience, and even actively seek pain to prove their piety. ### 6. **Isolation and information control** -**Isolation**: The group may reduce its members' contact with the outside world through physical or psychological isolation, making it easier for them to accept the teachings of the group. -**Information control**: By controlling the flow of information, the group can ensure that members are only exposed to content that supports its teachings, thereby strengthening their belief in suffering. ### 7. **Progressive guidance** -**Progressive guidance**: The group may start with a slight ascetic exercise and gradually increase the intensity and frequency of pain. This kind of gradual guidance can help members gradually adapt and accept more extreme painful behaviors. ### 8. **Reward and spiritual satisfaction** -**Rewards**: For those members who are actively involved in ascetic practice, the group may give spiritual rewards, such as praise, recognition or higher status. -**Spiritual satisfaction**: Through pain, members may experience a sense of spiritual satisfaction or accomplishment, and this sense of inner satisfaction will further strengthen their beliefs. ### Conclusion Although these psychological tactics are used in some religious groups to persuade members to believe that soul purification and ascension can be obtained through physical pain, it should be noted that this behavior may have a serious negative impact on the individual's physical and mental health. Negative impact. Understanding and identifying these psychological mechanisms helps people better protect the mental and physical health of themselves and others.