awakening from within a cult?
Posted by:
jimthzz
()
Date: July 05, 2011 10:49AM
Anyone familiar with this Saint Germain, ascended masters group called Awakening from within?
Re: awakening from within a cult?
Posted by:
Sandman
()
Date: July 05, 2011 09:13PM
Slightly, I watched some of their videos and skimmed their website some time ago. They guy who does the "channeling" has pictures of Sai Baba and other Indian gurus behind him and talks in a strange voice. I don't know where he's from, but I think they were based in London. Have you been involved in that group?
Re: awakening from within a cult?
Posted by:
three
()
Date: July 05, 2011 09:41PM
if he hears voices must be demons
Re: awakening from within a cult?
Posted by:
corboy
()
Date: July 05, 2011 09:52PM
This Saint German material is endlessly recycled--it is old stuff in a new container. Legions of different people and a myriad of groups claim to receive channeled information from SG.
Some possible URLs
[www.meetup.com]
[awakeningfromwithin.com]
[awakeningfromwithin.com]
[helioda1.blogspot.com]
When the weather's bad, the Count likes to show up in Greece.
[wn.com]
another group
[www.thegreatwhitelodge.org]
[www.lcrawfords-manymansions.com]
There have been a lot of groups that used Saint Germain.
HP Blavatsky, who started Theosophy in the 19th Centruy, pulled together a hodgepodge of material into several huge books.
A legion of groups have used Blavatsky material for their own purposes.
[www.google.com]
But after Blavatsky, others used her material, extended it, and went on to create the concept of 'Ascended Masters'. This is not unique, groups teaching this are a dime a dozen.
Varous derivative groups
[www.redmoonrising.com]
This person wrote about how many have come to lump Satya Sai Baba in with this list of Theosophist 'ascended masters' --an example fo what sociologist Colin Campbell and others have termed 'cultic milieu.'
[satyasaibaba-manofmiracles.blogspot.com]
Some possible URLs
[www.meetup.com]
[awakeningfromwithin.com]
[awakeningfromwithin.com]
[helioda1.blogspot.com]
When the weather's bad, the Count likes to show up in Greece.
[wn.com]
another group
[www.thegreatwhitelodge.org]
[www.lcrawfords-manymansions.com]
There have been a lot of groups that used Saint Germain.
HP Blavatsky, who started Theosophy in the 19th Centruy, pulled together a hodgepodge of material into several huge books.
A legion of groups have used Blavatsky material for their own purposes.
[www.google.com]
But after Blavatsky, others used her material, extended it, and went on to create the concept of 'Ascended Masters'. This is not unique, groups teaching this are a dime a dozen.
Quote
The Great White Brotherhood
Main article: Great White Brotherhood
The Masters are collectively called the "Great White Brotherhood" in Theosophical system. The use of the term "white" refers to their advanced spirituality (i.e., that they have a white colored aura) and has nothing to do with race. Blavatsky described many of the Masters as ethnically Tibetan or Indian (Hindu), not European.[25] She did, however, describe them as being from all cultures and races, such as the "Greek gentleman" known as Hilarion.[26]
Elizabeth Claire Prophet, now deceased, and who had had to release control of her group after growing ill, once led a high demand group in America, The Church Universal and Triumphant, and invoked the Count of Saint German.
Lots of information in the archives on Rick Ross's main website.
[www.google.com]
Belief in the Brotherhood and the Masters is an essential part of the syncretistic teachings of various organizations that have taken the Theosophical philosophical concepts and added their own elements.[27] Examples of those believed to be Ascended Masters by these organizations are Jesus, Sanat Kumara, Gautama Buddha, Maitreya, Confucius, Lord Lanto (Confucius' historical mentor), Mary the Mother of Jesus, Lady Master Nada, Enoch, Kwan Yin, Saint Germain, and Kuthumi, to name but a few.[28] It is believed that all of these put aside any differences they might have had in their Earthly careers, and unite instead to advance the spiritual well-being of humanity.[29]
[webcache.googleusercontent.com]
Varous derivative groups
[www.redmoonrising.com]
This person wrote about how many have come to lump Satya Sai Baba in with this list of Theosophist 'ascended masters' --an example fo what sociologist Colin Campbell and others have termed 'cultic milieu.'
[satyasaibaba-manofmiracles.blogspot.com]
Re: awakening from within a cult?
Posted by:
corboy
()
Date: July 05, 2011 09:57PM
Now, here is information to use to decide for yourself if a group or leader has warning signs.
[www.culteducation.com]
QuoteBy Rick Ross, Expert Consultant and Intervention SpecialistQuote
Potentially unsafe groups or leaders "come off very nice at first, they go for vulnerable people who are looking for answers, lonely, what you'd call 'normal people.' They're very good at what they do and can get people to believe anything. You might think you'd never get taken in, but don't bet on it. "
-- Margaret Singer, Ph.D.
Ten warning signs of a potentially unsafe group/leader.
Absolute authoritarianism without meaningful accountability.
No tolerance for questions or critical inquiry.
No meaningful financial disclosure regarding budget, expenses such as an independently audited financial statement.
Unreasonable fear about the outside world, such as impending catastrophe, evil conspiracies and persecutions.
There is no legitimate reason to leave, former followers are always wrong in leaving, negative or even evil.
Former members often relate the same stories of abuse and reflect a similar pattern of grievances.
There are records, books, news articles, or television programs that document the abuses of the group/leader.
Followers feel they can never be "good enough".
The group/leader is always right.
The group/leader is the exclusive means of knowing "truth" or receiving validation, no other process of discovery is really acceptable or credible.
Ten warning signs regarding people involved in/with a potentially unsafe group/leader.
Extreme obsessiveness regarding the group/leader resulting in the exclusion of almost every practical consideration.
Individual identity, the group, the leader and/or God as distinct and separate categories of existence become increasingly blurred. Instead, in the follower's mind these identities become substantially and increasingly fused--as that person's involvement with the group/leader continues and deepens.
Whenever the group/leader is criticized or questioned it is characterized as "persecution".
Uncharacteristically stilted and seemingly programmed conversation and mannerisms, cloning of the group/leader in personal behavior.
Dependency upon the group/leader for problem solving, solutions, and definitions without meaningful reflective thought. A seeming inability to think independently or analyze situations without group/leader involvement.
Hyperactivity centered on the group/leader agenda, which seems to supercede any personal goals or individual interests.
A dramatic loss of spontaneity and sense of humor.
Increasing isolation from family and old friends unless they demonstrate an interest in the group/leader.
Anything the group/leader does can be justified no matter how harsh or harmful.
Former followers are at best-considered negative or worse evil and under bad influences. They can not be trusted and personal contact is avoided.
Ten signs of a safe group/leader.
A safe group/leader will answer your questions without becoming judgmental and punitive.
A safe group/leader will disclose information such as finances and often offer an independently audited financial statement regarding budget and expenses. Safe groups and leaders will tell you more than you want to know.
A safe group/leader is often democratic, sharing decision making and encouraging accountability and oversight.
A safe group/leader may have disgruntled former followers, but will not vilify, excommunicate and forbid others from associating with them.
A safe group/leader will not have a paper trail of overwhelmingly negative records, books, articles and statements about them.
A safe group/leader will encourage family communication, community interaction and existing friendships and not feel threatened.
A safe group/leader will recognize reasonable boundaries and limitations when dealing with others.
A safe group/leader will encourage critical thinking, individual autonomy and feelings of self-esteem.
A safe group/leader will admit failings and mistakes and accept constructive criticism and advice.
A safe group/leader will not be the only source of knowledge and learning excluding everyone else, but value dialogue and the free exchange of ideas.
Don't be naﶥ, develop a good BS Detector.
You can protect yourself from unsafe groups and leaders by developing a good BS detector. Check things out, know the facts and examine the evidence. A safe group will be patient with your decision making process.
If a group or leader grows angry and anxious just because you want to make an informed and careful decision before joining; beware.
Re: awakening from within a cult?
Posted by:
jimthzz
()
Date: July 06, 2011 08:00AM
My wife has been obsessively watching their videos and participating in their group phone calls. She went on a trip with them last year to Mt. Shasta.
I'm trying to find out just how alarmed I should be -- or not.
I don't want to find out that they've slurped up all our assets and she's moved off to their HQ.
I'm trying to find out just how alarmed I should be -- or not.
I don't want to find out that they've slurped up all our assets and she's moved off to their HQ.
Re: awakening from within a cult?
Posted by:
corboy
()
Date: July 06, 2011 10:27PM
Quote
I don't want to find out that they've slurped up all our assets and she's moved off to their HQ.
If you have joint accounts, for which two signatures are needed, that way no one can pull any money out unless the two of you are in it together.
And talk with your wife about money. Just start with long term financial plans, costs, and how important it is for X amount of money to be budgeted for necessary expenses and what you can or cannot afford for travelling.
Credit card debt is another one to discuss.
If she doesnt seem grounded or is evasive, go to your bank and your credit card company and talk with the managers. If she's running up debts, you may need legal advice to see if you're responsible for them, given that you did not consent. For this you need the best lawyer you can find.
This means having some difficult conversations with your wife, your banker and if necessary (and I recommend this if debts are piling up) a lawyer.
Dont delay any of this. And at the bank check and see if any sums are being withdrawn from accounts without your knowledge or consent.
Re: awakening from within a cult?
Posted by:
corboy
()
Date: July 06, 2011 10:30PM
Quote
They guy who does the "channeling" has pictures of Sai Baba and other Indian gurus behind him and talks in a strange voice.
Sai Baba (now deceased) amassed millions in assets. He was exposed as having faked his miracles, faked his history and he preyed sexually on young men.
A man who was so such a slave to greed and lust would not have been a reliable source of wisdom, living or dead.
Re: awakening from within a cult?
Posted by:
Stoic
()
Date: July 06, 2011 10:39PM
Some helpful stuff here from the 'Getting Help' button at the top of this page:
[www.culteducation.com]
[www.culteducation.com]
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