It occurred to me that there are people involved in the current James Swartz cult...people who may have a close relationship with him, and those people may feel trapped in an abusive relationship. I am certain anyone who is in a close relationship with him is being abused. Swartz is a master manipulator. He can cause people to go against their own nature, better judgment, inclinations. His love bombing can feel like real love, but it is only a skill he uses to get what he wants...to control others to do his bidding.

Since I suffered for years after his trauma bonding, I thought it might be helpful for others who may be suffering to consider this concept.

Abusive relationships can be insidious and deceptive...not obvious.

Here is an article by Business Insider that I found helpful.

[www.businessinsider.com]

Trauma Bonding

People often stay in abusive relationships because of something called 'trauma bonding' — here are the signs it's happening to you.
Those who have never been in an abusive relationship struggle to understand how people remain in one for so long. If somebody was mistreating you, "why did you stick around?" they ask.

For survivors, this can be a really tough question to answer. The lucky ones escape, and stumble upon articles or books that give them the terms to be able to understand what happened to them, and thus describe their experience. Other times, though, this doesn't happen, and people might not even be aware they were in a relationship that could be classed as "abusive."

This is because we are conditioned to believe abuse is always physical. On TV and in films, we see characters who are obviously evil. They are violent to their partners, shout at them aggressively, or even murder them in a fit of rage. While this does happen, it's not a true representation of the abuse many others experience.

According to therapist Shannon Thomas, author of "Healing from Hidden Abuse," psychological abuse is insidious, and it occurs a over time like an IV drip of poison entering your veins.

It starts with an off-hand comment here, or an insult there, but often victims brush these moments off. This is because abusive people are great at pretending to be everything you're looking for in a partner, and they love bomb you with affection. Victims tend to believe this is the abuser's real self, and when the mask starts to slip more and more, they believe its "out of character" and it must be their own fault for making their partner angry.

People stay in these relationships partly because they are trying to win back the abuser's affection. However, Thomas told Business Insider that victims also become biologically attached to their abusers through something called "trauma bonding."

It's like an addictive drug.

It's a bit like becoming addicted to a drug. A psychologically abusive relationship is a rollercoaster, with punishment and then intermittent reinforcement of kindness when you "behave." This means the body is going through its own turmoil, with high levels of the stress hormone cortisol, paired with dopamine when given affection as a reward.

"You have this back and forth, and the body becomes addicted," Thomas said. "When we're looking for something that we want, that we once had, which is a connection with somebody, and they are playing cat and mouse where they are pulling it back and forth, then the body really does become dependent on having that approval."


This hormonal rollercoaster really takes its toll on someone's body. Victims might find they break out in acne, even though they've always had good skin. They might have chest pains. Thomas has said that in her practise she has even seen her clients develop autoimmune disorders.

"Their bodies start to shut down, and they start really struggling with chronic pain, migraines, and some arthritic type pains and conditions, and they just can't fight infections as well," she said. "The body really can only take so much stress."

Victims stay in these relationships despite of the stress on their bodies, because often it isn't clear to them what the problems really are. Through gaslighting, control, and intermittent love, the abuser has their partner backed into a corner of self-blame and desperation of trying to win back the affection of the person they love.

Unfortunately, for many people, when they try to leave these relationships they are so bonded to their abuser that they return. Others don't try to leave at all, and are only freed from the clutches of the abuse when they are discarded.


An abusive relationship with a narcissist or psychopath tends to follow the same pattern: idealization, devaluation, and discarding. At some point, the victim will be so broken, the abuser will no longer get any benefit from using them. They may have totally bankrupted them, or destroyed their confidence, or worse, and they move on to their next target.

However, once they are gone, the victim — or survivor as Thomas calls them at this point — can finally start coming round to the idea they were abused. They can grieve, and finally see the damage that was being done, and realise it wasn't their fault.

That's when the healing can really begin, Thomas says, and the survivor can realise that they were targeted not because they were weak, but because they had so much to give.

end.


This article says that when a narcissist can't benefit from their victim any longer...they will be discarded. I believe this is true in most cases. However in the case of Swartz I doubt he will discard anyone...he is old now...and completely dependant upon others. He will continue to manipulate as long as he can...but he will also hang on...reach out for people's sympathies.
Nonetheless, abusive relationships remain abusive no matter the age of the person.

I'm sending this out...hoping and praying that those who may be in an abusive relationship with Swartz...will one day break free.

Does anything sound LESS like James Swartz
Than the "Enlightened Person"
Described by a True Master below?

It is almost too great, the gulf between a true teacher like Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj and the slimy criminal fraud James Swartz.

Here, though, the words of truth illuminate the lies inherent to the fake so well that it seemed irresistible.

Quote
Sri Nisargadatta Maharaj
When we concentrate our attention on the origin of thought, the thought process itself comes to an end; there is a hiatus, which is pleasant, and again the process starts. Turning from the external world and enjoying the objectless bliss, the mind feels that the world of objects is not for it. Prior to this experience the un-satiating sense enjoyments constantly challenged the mind to satisfy them, but from the inward turn onwards its interest in them begins to fade.

Once the internal bliss is enjoyed, the external happiness loses its charm. One who has tasted the inward bliss is naturally loving and free from envy, contented and happy with others' prosperity, friendly and innocent and free from deceit. He is full of the mystery and wonder of the bliss. One who has realized the Self can never inflict pain on other.

Sadly, James Swartz is about nothing but his one external happiness, and he has never stopped inflicting pain on others, and enjoying it.

Based on Nisargadatta's definition, Swartz is less enlightened than a puddle of vomit. And, to me, much less attractive.

Here is an old CEI post worth looking at:

[forum.culteducation.com]

Re: Abuse in the Name of Advaita - Nisargadatta, Ramana Maharshi
Posted by: WineGuy ()
Date: January 26, 2011 11:45AM

The top two 20th Century teachers of Advaita are, almost unanimously considered...

1. Ramana Maharshi: the absolute gold standard of gurus, his rep is expanding even though he died 59 years ago. He had no organization, took no money, charged nothing, did not claim to have any students and inspired many. He never wrote a book, although some wrote down what he said and wrote them about his talks.

2. Nisargadatta Maharaj: Died 1982, inspired many, took no money, claimed no followers, charged nothing and is very well-respected. He never wrote a book but others wrote books on his talks. "I Am That" is the starting point for him.

If Advaita seems like something worth checking out, I advise David Godman's excellent book "Be As You Are" which coordinates Ramana's (and thus Advaita's) teachings in a very helpful way.

There is a downside to Advaita. Because the teachings are quite basic and simple (simple but not easy), some people are able to make quick progress..... initially. But since Advaita is a "free for all" with no lineage, no "transmission" and few rules, there are a boatload of people who think they are enlightened and set up shop as a "teacher." They drastically simplify or flat out miss the point of Advaita and start holding satsang and retreats. The true Adviata master would never charge something for simply pointing out the obvious and universally the true masters felt that making a business out of helping people see their true nature is a sign one has more to learn. For the Advaita legends, the Truth was "self evident," so why should anyone charge for it?

Yea, so why do people have to pay money for this knowledge? Why does Swartz sell books, and have people pay for seminars?

...because it's a money transaction, not a knowledge transaction.

Wake up to the con...see this man for what he is...a cheesy snake oil salesman at best...or more to the reality, a lying, cheating, malevolent, deceitful, spineless, rapist, and thief...the absolute worst.

Yes, James Swartz
Is Not the Most Evil "Guru"
out there...
Worse than even Him, sadly, Exists

The beautiful woman from the Himalayas admitted something to me recently.

"Yes, Trav. Swartz is despicable. He is a total fraud, a liar, and beyond a doubt he had sex with underage girls while using his position as a 'guru' as well as some good drugs, to get them into bed. Yes, he's killed animals, bullied hundreds, and is as enlightened as Dick Cheney or Mike Pence, but he's not the worst."

Naturally my question was, "Who is worse?"

She answered, "The murderers. The gurus in India who've killed, or caused to be killed, journalists or women who displeased them. Plus others, who didn't kill, but who raped more underage people than Swartz."

I thought about that. "Papaji, before meeting Ramana Maharshi, said that when he'd been checking out the 'holy men' of India most of what he'd found was businessmen in robes."

She sighed. "Businessmen wanting money, men wanting power, sex, fame..."

"Swartz learned that from India, anyway, didn't he?" I said.

"Yes. How to get sex and money by pretending to be spiritual. He learned that lesson well."

"Is it a compliment to Swartz to say that, as far as we know, he's not had anyone murdered?"

She concluded, "That's probably the best thing we could say about James Swartz. He's a spiritual fake, and a rapist and a felon at heart, but not a murderer."

Check out the thread: Byron Katie (the Work) and Eckhart Tolle Legit??

Be Scofield wrote another excellent article exposing a spiritual fraud. She wrote a balanced report. This is thorough and comprehensive report.

Be's article:
[gurumag.com]

What I find interesting is how so many of these fraudulent "teachers" use reverse psycho babble, NLP, mumbo jumbo to control people.

Isabelle, Swartz's unfortunate current wife, likes Byron Katie. Some years ago, when I first wrote my true account of Swartz's abuse, they emailed a friend of mine telling him that the real victim was Swartz! They quoted Byron Katie and said while pointing my finger at Swartz I should look at my hand...and see 3 fingers pointing back at myself.

This joins very nicely with the utter bullshit Swartz used to tell me...that I had bad karma, and I deserved every thing that happened to me.

Throughout history humans in position of power have used such tactics to abuse and control others.

It is my personal opinion that the idea of original sin is an obvious way for the Catholic church to keep people in line.

It is well known that the concept of karma has been used in India for hundreds of years to perpetuate the cast system of control.

Now these small potatoes...spiritual "teachers" like Katie and Swartz...they use what ever is required to keep people in their circles close and controlled.

It's sad because a lot of people who are seeking spiritual answers have been victims of abuse or unfortunate life circumstances, these folks are easy targets for predators in the spiritual world.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 10/29/2019 11:43AM by MynameisHeather.

Regarding Swartz's Present 'Status'
Plus:
The Value of Heather's Courage

Below is the text of a post just put into the "James Swartz--my original written account" thread. It has been amended only to reflect that it is now on this thread, not the other.

Before going to that post:
Regarding James Swartz's present 'Status'-- Messages have appeared that, quite gleefully, give accounts of Swartz's failing mental condition ("More and more he is losing it, unable to hold to a theme or concept, losing his train of thought, lashing out angrily at anybody, and for nothing, seemingly in frustration"), obvious physical deterioration ("He couldn't rape anyone with 200 mg of Viagra,and that much might blow up his heart--a nice thought"), and that as a result "some people are sympathizing with the old guy."

We all get old, unless we die young. Swartz has made it into his eighties. so of course he is not what he once was physically, and mentally he cannot be as sharp as he used to be. (Unfortunately, age does not dampen the weakness of his spiritual teachings.)

Regarding this, one person noted that, if James Swartz had the power and wealth, undoubtedly he would be living like the Roman Emperor Tiberius in his last years. As the end approached, that emperor almost never left his pleasure palace on the gorgeous island of Capri, doing anything he could to inflame his failing sexual system, the more perverted the better. "That is, or would be, Swartz," my friend concluded.

My only concern with the above parts were people who might hang in there with "Sunny Jim" (nicknamed this as a comment on his sarcastic with and negative way of seeing most of life) because they feel sorry for him. Such sympathetic, empathetic types might not realize that "being nice too sweet, elderly Swartz" is like being kind to an old rattlesnake or an aged, limping velociraptor. In other words, might the kind energy be better placed with someone else?

Below is the Post mentioned above:

Heather's Accounts of the
False, Foul, and Felonious
JAMES SWARTZ
Have Helped Many


These accounts, by victims, are so valuable.

Heather has saved many people from being victims, or further victimized, by a false, foul, and felonious teacher.

Recently news has come out that a French woman had been sexually assaulted by Roman Polanski before the young woman in California was. As the California victim has noted recently, it might have saved her from a very bad experience if she had heard about this.

Well, as soon as she could, Heather "came out" with the truth, and this was half a year before "Me Too" became popular. Every slam at victims for "Why so long?", "Why anonymous?" and such came her way, as well as angry messages from James Swartz aimed to and at her directly and to those supporting her. Still, she hung in there, sometimes by fingernails at a figurative cliff's edge.

Now, thanks to Heather, anyone who takes even a quick glance to check out James Swartz has this large thread and the "James Swartz--my original written account" thread to consider. Together, they have over 280 posts and going on 17000 views. Plus, of course, there is the book, totally based on Heather's accounts of her sad years with James Swartz, "Guru? The Story of Heather."

Truth is truth is truth, and in the relative world, all the evidence points to James Swartz being a fraud as a spiritual teacher, and a criminal sexually and financially.

Thanks to Heather, all who care know this now. (And anyone who doubts her, or all of the persons who posted here, well, enjoy James, and be glad he's too old to be doing what he did with Heather any more. Now he can just screw up your head and your spiritual understanding, and maybe your bank account.)

James Swartz won't rot in Hell. If there were one, he would, but as a non-dualist, that concept doesn't hold (for me). His "Hell" is to be inside his old body with his dark, twisted mind. He's already there, and he's grateful for the chance to share his darkness and hate with all who are unlucky or gullible enough to believe him to be a wise elder and to show up.

Do so if you choose, of course. But who, I wonder, besides a Masochist, would make that choice?

Thanksgiving, 2019
for
Squirts
(James Swartz)

Thanksgiving, 2019.

The truth about James Swartz in 2019, so far, has been revealed in over 245 posts on this forum. These have been viewed over 16,600 times as this post is written.

No defense has been given by James Swartz or any of his (are there any left?) followers. The questions asked here, and the assertions and accusations made, have gone unanswered. Nobody has stepped forward to assert that James Swartz is for real, honest, true, or a great guy with the glow of Enlightenment flowing from his bright, wise eyes. Instead, what has come is a long, long tale of his flaws, weaknesses, and lies, along with tales of (horrible) crimes.

With nobody having stood up for "the SOB," it seems that we can now assume, as seemed well proved, that his spiritual history is false. As many experienced and real spiritual teachers and scholars have concluded, his "teachings" are at best half-baked and at worse self-aggrandizing lies. His "translations" of spiritual texts are poor and, evidence is, deliberately distorted to fit his (false) views.

Personally, he has been exposed as a bully, an egotist, and as, according to Heather, a spiritual, psychological, and sexual rapist.

Happy Thanksgiving, James Swartz.

No, wait, I can't really say that. What I'll say instead is, "Have the Thanksgiving you deserve, Squirts."

Hello there Traveler and Heather… I just want to share some thoughts about this topic…. I didn’t read all the posts cause after some point they are repeating the same things again and again… first of all I want you to know that I am not a follower or friend of James… I know him from some videos I watched on YouTube…. I can’t say I don’t like him…. Can’t say I like him either…. Before I continue please I want you to excuse my poor English and forgive my grammar errors and syntax mistakes cause I am Greek and English is not my language…. I want to start with Heathers accusations for sexual harassment and physiological war she claim that has received from James…the thing that makes me suspicious that is all constructed or at least amplified for some reason is that she brings it up after 30 years(now that James is well known to Vedanta cycles)… why not earlier? Why she didn’t wend to authorities back then or at least after a few years pass this event?.... would it be easy for me to write a book about my sexual rape from heather that happened 30 years ago?.... no witnesses …no evidence…nothing……. It will be just my word against hers…..i can also easily say that she don’t even remember it… but the scars from my rape from her are still deep in my soul…. I hope you get the point…….Then you Traveler you said so much about him…. So many people and so many accusations….. you also hear from he’s friends that he killed the neighbor’s dog….. Well a solid accusation goes like this….. “I learn from (name of James friend) that around (date here) he poison a dog at (place here)…. I can easily say about you that some friends of yours told me that you shared one day you was drunk you have killed 9 pussycats for pleasure… no names… no places… no dates….. so convenient isn’t it? And last you trying to find where is wrong in he’s teachings that I bet you have learn Vedanta better than the greatest teachers of India….. I don’t mind and I don’t care If James or any other teacher is not clean as Himalayan water to be qualified to teach what he knows…. Shall we cancel all Jesus teachings because he fell in love with Mary Magdalene?... Anyway I see a pattern here that reminds me scammers…. It won’t sock me if I learn that you asking him money or else you won’t stop…. Or if this not the case…. Come out with your name like a man and press charges against him with heather and a good lawyer…. If you ask for truth seek for it the right way… the text above an antilog to a very long monolog …… PS I won’t post anything else I don’t have the time for it……….. Greetings from Athens Greece Panos Praftsias (you see I put my name also nothing to fear)

I haven’t read all this thread, but the little I have read rings true for me. I have downloaded the free PDF to read offline.

Note about Jesus and Mary Magadalene:

Jesus was not accused of molesting her.

One very common trope is for beleaguered gurus (and disciples of those gurus) to compare themselves to a persecuted Jesus.

If Jesus had been your typical guru, he would have lived to old age in a fancy mansion, and died in bed.

Jesus faced the police alone. He was *deserted* by his disciples.

Jesus had no lawyer with him in court. He faced the ugly consequences all by himself.

Not your typical guru.