The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood is an Internet-based group inspired by the fictional sisterhood of the same name in Frank Herbert’s Dune series. In the novels, the Bene Gesserit is a centuries-old religious sisterhood with immense political power. Its members go through years of mental and physical training starting in adolescence in order to move into a monastic-style community that is intended to direct the course of human affairs.
The online sisterhood is of unknown provenance. A 217-page “Bene Gesserit Training Manual” appeared online around 2010 with the author listed as “Daniel Fletcher.” In addition to training exercises inspired by the Dune books, it also contains chapters on how to publicize the group and spread its message. The Training Manual describes the group as follows:
“The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood is a charitable organization dedicated to the empowerment of women. Our sole purpose is the improvement of living standards and education of children worldwide. This manual is will [sic] assist those who would become Bene Gesserit. We consider this a noble endeavor. The good works of one Bene Gesserit may inspire and improve countless lives. Our decisions go out from us like threads into the lives of others, thus a dedication of one’s life to good works cannot be but a good work in itself, and of benefit to all humanity.”
The Bene Gesserit Sisterhood at one time maintained a Facebook page, but it is no longer available.
Key Source:
Fletcher, D. The Bene Gesserit Training Manual.
Encyclopedia of Cults, Sects, and New Religious Movements 