The Bene Gesserit is known publically as a religious order, a mystic Sisterhood, which espouses a belief in in the supernatural control of the Great Mother. However, none of the available instuctional material even refers to a transcendent force or being. In fact, in the Missionaria Protectiva material, religion is described as "the purposeful instruction of the masses." The texts describe thousands of religio-mythic variations on the theme of supreme, non-human power, but no evidence indicates the the Sisterhood believes in any power than that of its own goal, the Kwisatz Haderach.

The Sisterhood is dedicated to understanding humanity. All aspects of the concept are investigated, studied and documented by the Bene Gesserit. From Anatomy, Biology, and Genetics to Sociology, Politics, Religion and mythology.

The essence of the Bene Gesserit training philosophy seems to be that, if one can control oneself, or "know thyself," ultimately one can control the universe. its first axiom is "My mind controls my reality." The training is based on a series of progressive exercises lasting approximately ten years, which gives the student power to control herself mentally, physically, and psychologically, and to control others. Two goals of the training are: the ability to observe and understand reality with detached objectivity, and to insure that the Sister will have her self under control whatever the situation. The Bene Gesserit training allows members of the Sisterhood to be keen analysts, expert "seers," and fearsome fighters.

A two-part training program is pursued simultaneously by the candidate: the training of the mind and the training of the body. A small child spends hours learning the many languages in use in her culture, and later spend more hours sitting rock-still, lowering her body temperature or slowing her heartbeat, moving one muscle at a time as she catalogues the stimulus/response pattern of her body. The basic premise of the training is to achieve harmony and tranquility by establishing balance within the individual. Such training would reflect extensive study of the skills: Theology (Taoism), Philosophy (Zen Buddism), Meditation, Body Control, Body Language, Breath Control, Physiology, Psychology, Mental Strength and Yin-Yang Healing.

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The Sisterhood commands a powerful Duty over its members, and has many Enemies. Teachers within the terhood may have other candidates as student-Dependants.

Bene Gesserit Prana-Bindu "The Wierding Way"

The "wierding ways of battle" are based upon complete prana-bindu control. The hand-to-hand combat techniques retained from ancient Terran cultures depend upon supreme muscle control for their astounding ferocity. Not only the unarmed combat manuevers depend on this training bu the extrordinary knife and whip skills also require this command of muscles and nerves. Prana-bindu control can heal wounds and retard aging. This style combines the powerful "internal" skills with devistating "external" manuevers with an effectiveness that unrivaled. Paul Muad'Dib's Feydakin are Fremen masters of this style, brought to them by the Lady Jessica.