Yes to that.

On the other hand, they describe it as a series of "discussions." Most people are mentally fit to carry on discussions, so even those who ask their mental health professionals are likely to get a green light.

The problem i see is with all of the things that they do without telling participants in advance. These go way beyond "discussions," (in my humble opinion).

whether these are or are not "discussions" (as most people, including therapists, understand that term, needs to be the subject of legal review.

Going back to the representations regarding the nature of these "discussions", i.e., they are:

"designed to support people in being more effective in realising their own personal and societal goals. Through a series of philosophically rigorous and open discussions, voluntary sharing of your experience and short exercises, the Programme provides an opportunity to explore basic questions that have been of interest to human beings throughout time and to examine many aspects of your own life."

there is also the possibility that participants are being unduly influenced to advance Landmark's "societal goals", which have in the past taken the form of charity fraud, The Hunger Project, and the spinning off of quote, unquote executive development programs, which do seem to have been staffed in major part by 'volunteers'.

Given that Landmark technologies leverage the interests of the group against those of the individual, it is not hard to imagine the subtle coercion of volunteer time in support of both for profit enterprises, and 'charitable' goals, which have been evolved by Landmark management.

Just another level of deceit, and manipulation.

newfuture Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Just found a form that's used to sign people up
> for the forum.
>
> It's the first time I have sat down and really
> looked at their health warning. And I am further
> 100% convinced that these people know what damage
> they are inflicting on people and simply do not
> give a damn.
>
> Note they even ask you what you intend to
> accomplish and then tell you that there is no
> suggestion or guarantee that you will get those
> results! Hilarious.
>
> They even LIE in this document, saying that it's a
> programme "designed to support people in being
> more effective in realising their own personal and
> societal goals. Through a series of
> philosophically rigorous and open discussions,
> voluntary sharing of your experience and short
> exercises, the Programme provides an opportunity
> to explore basic questions that have been of
> interest to human beings throughout time and to
> examine many aspects of your own life." What crap.
> There is not one iota of philosophical rigour in
> landmark. In fact, it's factually inaccurate for
> the most part, and illogical for the other. There
> is also no 'open discussion' in any meaningful
> sense of the term. And as for 'exploring' basic
> questions - having 'life is empty and meaningless'
> shoved down your throat is not what I'd call an
> exploration.
>
> There is also manipulation in the document. e.g.
> they say that some people find it hard to confront
> life 'honestly' and suggest that this is the
> reason for why people may find the forum
> distressing. They do not tell you that they
> implant memories and tell you what you did at
> certain times in your life even though they were
> not there, nor that they try and totally distort
> your sense of reality and judgement. Is this
> confronting life honestly? These people are the
> most dishonest bunch I have ever had the
> misfortune to come across in my life.
>
> When I signed up, I didn't take that mental health
> warning seriously because I'd never had a mental
> health issue and there is no history of mental
> illness in my family. I wish I had read it now
> because I would have seen that they say that even
> in people with no previous history of mental
> illness that the forum can cause psychotic breaks,
> suicide attempts and all sorts. It's amazing that
> despite knowing all of this, they still push their
> forum as a panacea!
>
> Read for yourself.
>
>
>
> To help you to benefit fully from your
> participation in The Landmark Forum, we ask that
> you take a moment to state specifically what you
> intend to accomplish. Answering this question does
> not suggest or guarantee that you will achieve
> these specific results by the end of the
> programme. However, by being specific, you will
> facilitate your participation. Please print your
> answer in the space provided below.(You may attach
> additional pages if needed.)
> 11. What do you intend to accomplish?
>
>
> NOTICE OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND HEALTH
> WARNINGS
> You must read the section below carefully and
> completely.
>
> 1. We are pleased that you are going to
> participate in The Landmark Forum (the
> “Programme”). Many people have found the Programme
> to be an enjoyable and valuable experience.
> However, the Programme is not advisable for
> everyone. The purpose of this Notice is to ensure
> that you are not one of the people for whom this
> Programme may be inadvisable.We take our
> responsibility and your safety seriously. Please
> read each section of this Notice carefully and
> completely so you can make the right decision for
> yourself. The recommendations in this Notice have
> been made by mental health professionals who
> advise Landmark Education.Although the number of
> people who have experienced serious problems
> during or after the Programme is quite small, you
> should be certain whether the Programme is
> appropriate for you. If you have any questions,
> please contact a mental healthprofessional. We
> will assume from your participation in the
> Programme and from your declaration at the end of
> thisapplication that you have a full understanding
> of each and every paragraph which follows and that
> you understand ourrecommendations and will comply
> with our instructions.
> You and you alone are responsible for your choice
> to participate in the Programme and foryour own
> health and well-being at all times prior to,
> during and after your participation in the
> Programme.
>
> 2. The Programme is a unique course of instruction
> designed to support people in being more effective
> in realising their own personal and societal
> goals. Through a series of philosophically
> rigorous and open discussions, voluntary sharing
> of your experience and short exercises, the
> Programme provides an opportunity to explore basic
> questions that have been of interest to human
> beings throughout time and to examine many aspects
> of your own life. In the Programme, people cometo
> grips with what it means to be human — not as a
> mere classroom exercise, but as a rigorous
> enquiry. The Programmeoffers a unique technology
> through which people create new possibilities for
> their lives.
>
> 3. In the Programme, you will enquire into
> fundamental issues that have been of interest and
> concern to us as human beings. The experience of
> the Programme is unique to each individual and
> there is no way to predict in advance exactly what
> you may think or feel. It is normal for some
> people to experience unwanted or unfamiliar
> emotions from time to time, such as fear, anger,
> sadness, regret, hatred, irritation and
> impatience. For most participants, exploring
> thoughts and feelings thatthey have not fully
> explored before is a useful and positive learning
> experience. Some participants have found
> thatexploring life’s issues honestly may evoke
> uncomfortable and unpleasant feelings. For others,
> the Programme may occur asphysically, mentally and
> emotionally seriously distressing. If you are
> unwilling to encounter any of these powerful
> experiences in yourself or in others, or if you
> have any concern about your ability to deal with
> such experiences, the mental health professionals
> who advise Landmark Education (our advisers)
> strongly recommend that you do not participate in
> the programme.
>
> Some people experience temporary and not seriously
> consequential stress during and after the
> Programme. For most people, stress is a normal
> part of everyday life. However, people who have a
> history of mental illness or serious emotional
> problems personally or in their immediate family
> may be more vulnerable to stress and may
> experience additional and very severe physical,
> mental or emotional problems. In people who have
> physical, mental or emotional problems, even
> normal amounts of stress from any source may
> generate severe physical, mental or emotional
> problems. If you have any history of mental
> illness or emotional problems personally or in
> your immediate family, whether temporary,
> occasional or intermittent, and whether treated or
> not, or have concerns about your ability to handle
> stress,
> OUR ADVISORS STRONGLY RECOMMEND T HAT YOU DO NOT
> PARTICIPATE
> in the Programme. If you are uncertain
> aboutwhether this applies to you, we advise you to
> discuss this with a mental health professional
> before participating inthe Programme.5. While it
> is ultimately your choice,
> OUR ADVISORS ST RONGLY RECOMMEND T HAT YOU SHOULD
> NOTPARTICIPATE
>
>
> in the Programme if you:(a) have a personal or
> family history of bi-polar affective disorder
> (manic-depressive disorder), schizophrenia, acute
> or chronic depression or other psychotic disorder,
> whether or not you or they are being or have ever
> been treated or hospitalised;
> (b) are taking, have taken or been prescribed to
> take within the previous twelve months
> anti-anxiety drugs (such asLibrium, Ativan,
> Klonapin, Xanax, Dormicum or others);
> anti-depressants (such as Elavil, Prozac, Zoloft,
> Celexa,Cipram, Prothiaden or others);
> anti-psychotics (such as Thorazine, Haldol,
> Stelazine, Risperdal, Zyprexa, Dogmatil orothers);
> any medication to treat bi-polar disorders (such
> as Lithium, Gabapentin or Depakote); any drugs or
> medicines,whether prescription or
> non-prescription, intended to treat or affect
> mental processes or mood or to treat a
> chemicalimbalance; or anabolic steroids;
>
> (c) have an unresolved history of drug or steroid
> abuse;
>
> (d) are or have in the past year been depressed
> and/or considered or had ideas of suicide,
> self-harm or harm to another;(e) are currently in
> therapy and your therapist sees a health reason
> why you should not participate in the Programme;
> or
>
> (f) are uncertain about your physical, mental or
> emotional ability to participate in the Programme.
>
> 6. From time to time, during or shortly after
> participating in the Programme, a very small
> number of people who have no personal or family
> history of mental illness or drug abuse have
> reported experiencing brief, temporary episodes of
> emotional upset ranging from heightened activity,
> irregular or diminished sleep, to mild
> psychotic-like behavior. An even smaller number of
> people have reported more serious symptoms ranging
> from mild psychotic behavior to psychosis
> occasionally requiring medical care and
> hospitalisation. In less than 1/1000 of 1% of
> participants, there have been reports of
> unexplained suicide or other destructive behavior.
> While we know of no independent studies to suggest
> that people who are physically,emotionally and
> mentally healthy are at risk in the Programme,
> certain persons have claimed that the Programme
> has caused or triggered in them a psychosis or
> psychotic event.
>
> 7. The Programme is designed for people who
> clearly understand they are responsible for their
> own health and well-being before, during and after
> the Programme.
>
> It is not therapeutic in design, intent or
> methodology and is not to be used as a substitute
> for medical treatment, psychotherapy or health
> programme of any nature, regardless of what you
> may believe or have heard from anyone. We advise
> you that the Programme Leaders, staff and people
> who assist at theProgramme are not mental health
> professionals and there will not be any mental
> health professionals in attendance.
>
> 8. If you experience any symptoms or suggestion of
> mental distress in the Programme sessions, during
> the breaks or at the end of any session, or
> between sessions, you must immediately inform the
> Programme Leader or the Programme Supervisor.
> Insuch event, you and the Programme Leader will
> discuss the matter and you will determine what is
> the appropriate thing foryou to do. If you
> experience any symptoms or suggestions of mental
> distress outside of the Programme, we strongly
> recommend that you immediately inform a physician
> or mental health professional.
>
> 9. While there are breaks in the Programme
> approximately every 2 to 3 hours, we do not
> promise that we will always break at precisely
> that interval. You are, of course, free to leave
> the Programme room at any time. Each day there is
> one meal break in the late afternoon or early
> evening, usually lasting about an hour and a half.
> We suggest that you eat a meal beforearriving at
> the beginning of each day, and have a third meal
> or snack after you leave in the evening. You are
> welcome tobring snacks to eat during other short
> breaks in the Programme. If you have a medical
> condition requiring you to eat orcare for some
> special need more frequently than the regularly
> scheduled breaks, or need special seating or must
> stand andstretch frequently or have any other
> special needs, please notify the Programme
> Supervisor before the Programme beginsso that
> appropriate arrangements can be made for you.
> NOTICE OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND HEALTH
> WARNINGS
> (continued)(continued)
>
>
> 10. If you have not been feeling well or if you
> have been meaning to see a physician or a mental
> health professional for somecomplaint, symptom or
> concern, or if you have had difficulty sleeping
> lately, or been depressed, it is imperative that
> youconsult with a physician or mental health
> professional prior to your participating in the
> Programme. Upon request,Landmark will provide you
> with information required to enable you to make an
> informed decision about your participation.
>
> 11. Although the schedule of the Programme usually
> (but not always) accommodates sufficient time for
> sleeping, some participantshave stated that they
> did not have sufficient time to sleep or were
> unable to sleep at night before, during or after
> the Programme. Some people have entered the
> Programme without having had sufficient sleep. For
> some people, lack of sleep can become a serious
> problem and may be symptomatic of a mental or
> emotional illness. If in the past you have become
> (or think that you may become) ill or seriously
> distressed because of lack of sleep,
> OUR ADVISORS STRONGLY RECOMMENDT HAT YOU DO NOT
> PARTICIPATE
> in the Programme. If you do not have sufficient
> sleep or if you have a sleepdisorder during the
> week before the commencement of the Programme,
> OUR ADVISORS STRONGLY RECOMMENDT HAT YOU DO NOT
> PARTICIPATE
> in the Programme. If during the Programme, you
> feel that you have been unableto sleep or have not
> had sufficient sleep, you must notify your
> Programme Leader or Programme Supervisor at once.
>
> 12. If, after your consulting with your medical or
> mental or health professional, your health
> professional needs any additionalinformation about
> the Programme in order to resolve your ability to
> participate, please contact the Registration
> FulfillmentManager at the Centre delivering this
> Programme who will provide you with such
> information.
>
> The following Agreements are intended to have
> legal significance. If you have anyquestions about
> their meaning, please feel free to consult a
> licensed legal professional.
>
>
> CONFIDENTIALITY AGREEMENT
> In order to promote and respect the
> confidentiality of our participants and our
> intellectual property, please read and sign
> thefollowing:I understand that The Landmark Forum
> (the “Programme”) is limited to people who have
> registered in the Programme. Inconsideration of
> and as a condition for permitting my participation
> in the Programme, I represent, covenant, warrant
> and agree that:(a) I have registered in the
> Programme under my own name for the sole purpose
> of participating in the Programme;(b) I will not
> publish, broadcast or disclose or assist another
> person or organisation in publishing, broadcasting
> or disclosingthe identity, likeness or actual or
> paraphrased comments, of other participants in the
> Programme, Staff or people whoassist during the
> Programme; and(c) I will not film, videotape,
> audiotape or otherwise record, by electronic,
> digital or any other means, all or any portion of
> theProgramme, and I will not record or take
> pictures, or assist another person or organisation
> in recording and/or takingpictures of any kind or
> nature, of all or any portion of the Programme or
> of any participants in the Programme, Staff
> orpeople who assist in the Programme. I will not
> take into the Programme room a tape or video
> recorder, movie or still camera,or any device,
> electronic or otherwise, intended to record the
> voice or likeness of any person in the Programme
> room.I further agree that the provisions of this
> Agreement shall be enforceable under the laws of
> India and my breach of thisAgreement shall
> constitute, among other things, a breach of
> contract and trespass for which Landmark Education
> shall have theright to full legal and equitable
> recourse, including injunctive or other
> extraordinary relief and damages. Any
> unenforceableportion of this Agreement shall not
> affect the remainder.I recognise that my breach of
> this Agreement will cause Landmark Education
> and/or the participants in the
> Programmeirreparable and substantial harm even
> though it may be impossible to ascertain the full
> monetary extent of their financial loss.Nothing in
> this Confidentiality Agreement is intended to
> limit you from sharing your experience of the
> Programme with anyone.
> AGREEMENTS
> (continued)
>
>
> PROPRIETARY MATERIALS AGREEMENT
> I understand that all materials, concepts, and
> information (collectively “Materials”) presented
> by Landmark Education(“Landmark”) during this
> Programme, either orally or in writing, are the
> property of Landmark and are protected by
> copyright,trade secret, and other applicable laws.
> I acknowledge that the Materials constitute
> commercially valuable, proprietary,
> confidentialproperty of Landmark, the design and
> development of which required the investment of
> substantial effort, time, and money.All rights in
> the Programme and the Materials are expressly
> reserved by Landmark. I agree not to reproduce,
> copy, or otherwiseduplicate, and not to
> distribute, lend, or otherwise transfer, the
> Materials without the prior written permission of
> Landmark.I agree not to use the Materials in any
> way that would compromise the confidential and
> proprietary nature of the Materials.I understand
> that the Materials presented by Landmark in this
> Programme are intended solely for use in the
> Programme.I understand that while I am free to use
> the Materials for my own personal use, and free to
> tell others about the benefits I realisedfrom the
> Programme, I agree not to resell, reproduce and
> sell, modify and sell, or repackage and sell the
> Materials. I agree thatI will not use the
> Materials for any purpose other than my own
> personal use except with the prior written
> permission of Landmark. I agree not to deliver the
> Materials themselves, either reproduced or
> modified, or anything derived from theMaterials,
> either orally or in writing, as part of any
> seminar, training programme, workshop, consulting,
> or similar businessactivity which I make available
> to my clients or to others, except with the prior
> written permission of Landmark.I agree that this
> Agreement supersedes any prior agreements I may
> have regarding the use of the Materials and that,
> if necessary, I will again obtain Landmark’s
> written permission before using any materials
> which I may have obtained permissionto use in the
> past.
>
>
> INFORMED CONSENT
> I have carefully read the Notice of Important
> Information and Health Warnings and understand the
> recommendations andinstructions. I have been
> informed to my satisfaction by the person who
> introduced me to the Programme or by a
> representative of Landmark Education about the
> general content of the Programme and I have had an
> opportunity to ask questions aboutanything I do
> not know or understand.
>
> I recognise that it is not possible for Landmark
> to describe everything that may occurduring the
> Programme which generally consists of data
> presented by the Programme Leader; the voluntary
> sharing of experiences by other participants; and
> guided exercises or processes.
>
> I acknowledge and understand that the Programme
> was designed for people who clearly understand
> they are responsible for theirown health and
> well-being before, during and after the Programme
> and who wish to enhance their living skills. I
> represent thatI am not participating in the
> Programme to handle any physical, mental or
> emotional problems and I fully understand that
> noportion of the Programme is delivered or
> supervised by health professionals.I am aware and
> understand that some people have personally
> perceived the Programme to be physically, mentally
> and/oremotionally stressful to them. I have been
> informed that certain persons with no personal or
> family history of current orprevious mental or
> emotional problems and no history of use of
> psychotropic or mood altering drugs reported
> havingexperienced psychotic episodes following the
> Programme.I acknowledge and understand that I have
> been
> ST RONGLY ADVISED NOT T O PART ICIPAT E
> in the Programme if:(a) I have been diagnosed with
> an emotional or mental disorder, or if someone in
> my immediate family has a history of emotional or
> mental disorder;(b) I am using or have used
> psychotropic or mood altering drugs which are
> listed in the Notice of Important Information
> andHealth Warnings above;(c) I am or have in the
> last year been depressed, contemplated suicide,
> self-harm or harm to another;(d) I have concerns
> about my ability to handle stress;(e) I have or
> may become ill or seriously disturbed because of
> lack of sleep or less sleep than I am accustomed
> to;(f) I am unwilling or unable to experience
> powerful emotions in myself or others;(g) I am
> currently in therapy and my therapist sees a
> health reason why I should not participate; or(h)
> I am uncertain about my physical, mental or
> emotional ability to participate in the Programme
> AGREEMENTS
> (continued)(continued)
>
>
> AGREEMENTS
> (continued)
> I represent that:(a) I know of no reason that I
> should not participate in the Programme;
>
> (b) I have considered the nature of the Programme
> and have voluntarily chosen to attend and not as a
> result of coercion,pressure, a condition of
> employment or to satisfy anyone other than myself;
>
> (c) I am fully aware of what I am undertaking and
> that there may be risks associated with the
> Programme. I agree that Iam responsible for my own
> participation in the Programme and for my own
> physical, mental and emotional wellbeing, and that
> Landmark Education is responsible solely for the
> orderly presentation of the Programme; and (d) I
> willingly and knowingly assume for myself, my
> family members, executors, administrators, heirs,
> successors, legalrepresentatives and assigns all
> risks of physical and mental or emotional injuries
> which may occur during or after theProgramme.I
> agree to inform and discuss with the Programme
> Leader or Programme Supervisor immediately if at
> any time before theProgramme is completed, I
> experience any unusual physical sensation or pain
> or any mental or emotional discomfort.
>
> If, following the completion of the Programme, I
> experience any unusual physical sensation or pain
> or any mental or emotional discomfort, I agree to
> notify the Manager of the Landmark Education
> Centre which delivered the Programme.I hereby
> indemnify and hold Landmark Education, its
> officers, managers, shareholders, affiliates,
> employees, agents and/orpeople who assist,
> harmless from all loss, cost, obligation or damage
> arising out of my participation in the Programme
> or inother activities or events related to the
> Programme.The failure of Landmark Education to
> enforce any of its rights shall not be construed
> as a waiver of any of its rights at any time
> thereafter. If any part or parts of this Agreement
> shall be deemed invalid or unenforceable, then
> that part or parts shallbe deemed severed from
> this Agreement and such severance shall not have
> any effect on the remaining portions of the
> Agreement.I acknowledge that my representations
> and agreements are freely given and are true to
> the best of my knowledge and areintended to be an
> inducement to Landmark Education to approve my
> participation in the Programme.
> I ACKNOWLEDGE THAT I HAVE READ, UNDERSTAND AND
> AGREE TO COMPLY WITH THENOTICE OF IMPORTANT
> INFORMATION AND HEALTH WARNINGS,
> CONFIDENTIALITYAGREEMENT, PROPRIETARY MATERIALS
> AGREEMENT AND INFORMED CONSENT.
>
> I agree that my signature on a faxed copy of this
> document shall be deemed an original.
>
> Signature Date
> If you are under 18 years of age, your parent or
> legal guardian must read and sign below:
>
> ALL PARENTS OR LEGAL GUARDIANS WHO SHARE LEGAL
> CUSTODY OF THE ABOVE-NAMED MINOR MUST SIGN BELOW
> IN ORDER FORTHE ABOVE-NAMED MINOR TO PARTICIPATE
> IN THE LANDMARK FORUM.AS PARENTS OR LEGAL
> GUARDIANS OF THE ABOVE-NAMED MINOR:1. WE/I HAVE
> GIVEN OUR/MY PERMISSION FOR THE ABOVE-NAMED MINOR
> TO TAKE THE LANDMARK FORUM.2. WE/I AGREE TO COMPLY
> WITH THE ABOVE NOTICE OF IMPORTANT INFORMATION AND
> HEALTH WARNINGS, CONFIDENTIALITYAGREEMENT,
> PROPRIETARY MATERIALS AGREEMENT AND INFORMED
> CONSENT ON HIS/HER BEHALF.3. WE/I AGREE THAT
> OUR/MY SIGNATURE(S) ON A FAXED COPY OF THIS
> DOCUMENT SHALL BE DEEMED AN ORIGINAL.
> Parent or Legal Guardian’s Signature DateParent or
> Legal Guardian’s Signature Date
>
> SEXUAL HARASSMENT POLICY
> Landmark Education is committed to providing an
> environment free from sexual or other forms of
> harassment. Any harassment is unlawful and will
> not be tolerated by Landmark Education. If you
> believe you have been unlawfully harassed,you
> should contact the local Centre Manager, or the
> Director of Human Resources at Landmark
> Education’s WorldHeadquarters in San Francisco at
> +1 415-616-2401. If you have any questions about
> Landmark Education’s SexualHarassment Policy or
> would like a copy of the Policy, please contact
> either of these people.
> © 1991–2007 Landmark Education
> www.landmarkeducation.com
> 510-IND-607
>
> Landmark Forum


Here is a relevant resource from

[www.culteducation.com]

Death of Jack Slee
September 25, 1987

DOCUMENT NO. 27, 130, (3) pages

FILED
Sep 25 1987
9 45 AM
U.S. DISTRICT COURT
NEW HAVEN, CONN

IN THE UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT FOR THE DISTRICT OF CONNECTICUT

ALFRIEDA SLEE, Administratrix
Of the Estate of Jack Andrew Slee
Deceased,

Plaintiff,

v.

WERNER ERHARD, ET AL,

Defendants.

CIVIL ACTION NO.

N 84 497 (JAC)

AFFIDAVIT OF DR. JAMES MERIKANGAS

STATE OF CONNECTICUT

CITY OF NEW HAVEN

SS

I, James R. Merikangas, M.D., being duly sworn according to law do hereby state as follows:

I am informed by counsel for plaintiff, Gerald F. Ragland, Jr., in the case of Slee v Werner Erhard and Associates, et al., that defendants' have filed a motion based in part on my testimony in deposition to the effect that no one could have predicted, in advance, the death of Jack Slee. While this is true, this statement does not fully reflect the nature of my opinions pertaining to this case. Mr. Ragland has requested that I outline my opinions as to forseeability and causation in this affidavit.

It is my opinion that defendants had every reason to know, prior to the death of Jack Slee, that their training was likely to cause emotional distress, stress, adverse changes in the autonomic nervous system and both psychological and physiological harm.

It is further my opinion that it is a known fact that deaths from cardiac arrhythmia can and have resulted from emotional distress.

While it was not possible to predict the exact occurrence of the death of Jack Slee, his death was within the range of foreseeable harm that could likely result from the est training. Viewing the events in retrospect, it is my opinion that the death of Jack Slee was caused by the est training.

[signature]
James R. Merikangas, M.D.

Subscribed and sworn to before me the undersigned notary public this
18 day of September, 1987.

[signature]
My commission expires:

Susan J. Moffa
Notary Public
My commission expires March 31, 1990.