This part about our nervous systems is very disturbing.
If I am reading this right, what is being talked about here are parts of our brains which we can't easily access to "undo" what's been done to us at will. In other words, as the effects are physical, we can't just "think our way out of it." From an ethical standpoint, even without the use of a substance, the deliberate manipulation of someone else's nervous system, without informed consent, would be the equivalent of slipping someone a "roofie."
Even a doctor needs signed, informed consent before doing anything to, or treating, someone's body. To do so without that is malpractice. And these people aren't even doctors.
The following paragraph is the ONLY place I can find in the consent form that gives any description at all of what the Landmark program IS.
As anyone who has ever signed a consent form knows, consent covers only those things, which are listed.
Since nothing else is listed, THIS is then the only thing that anyone has consented to in signing this form:
"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 come to grips with what it means to be human — not as a mere classroom exercise, but as a rigorous enquiry. The Programme offers 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 that they have not fully explored before is a useful and positive learning experience. Some participants have found that exploring life’s issues honestly may evoke uncomfortable and unpleasant feelings. For others, the Programme may occur as physically, mentally and emotionally seriously distressing."
It then goes on to say:
"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."
Even with warnings of physical discomfort, the way that the form is worded, it looks to me as if they are saying that these physical, psychological, and emotional effects are a possible result of the discussions and "rigorous enquiry" taking place in the program.
Furthermore, while they may advise us to ask our therapists or doctors, if we have doubts as to whether or not we should take these courses, the lack of disclosure as to how our bodies are targeted would also make it impossible for any doctor or therapist to give informed advice on the matter.
As far as I can see, NOWHERE does it say anything about doing anything physical to anyone. L.E. apparently does have psychologists or psychiatrists with whom they consult, BUT participants do not have a therapeutic relationship with any of these people, nor has anyone signed a form giving consent for treatment.
Here's a link back to the thread with the consent form:
[
forum.culteducation.com]
It seems to me that LGATS overstep and invalidate their own consent forms. This form may legally protect them from any harmful consequences of the discussions and "rigorous enquiries" alone, but that's ALL it would protect them from, IMHO.