livingtime: That website is put together by former OSG members that were part of the Horn/Gans/Klein group for 19-20 years some of whom I know personally. The information is as reliable as it gets. sar: You may want to contact the folks at www.esotericfreedom.com (see contact info link) to talk to someone.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hi CIB, I was a member of OSG in Boston until about 2 years ago. There were two sub-groups; "younger class" and "older class". So, between myself and other former members that I keep in touch with from both sub-groups, I'm sure we can determine whether your partner was involved with OSG or not. Don't hesitate to contact me directly at finn&
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

No, he is not from Arizona. It is possible that he might actually know a few people from Arizona, since he went to rallies across the country. However, the destructive side of dahn yoga is not an isolated occurrence, happening only in certain parts of the country. This group's practices are applied wherever they are. Think of it as a nationwide fast-food chain. Just like the fast-food ch
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

azgirl15, If you do a search with the keyword "dahn" in this forum, you'll find a great deal of information on dahn yoga. Also, I know a teenager who started taking classes which then quickly escalated into spending more money and time (not only going to classes, but also to rallies across the country, doing volunteer work for many hours a week, and late night sessions induci
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Although, this particular group doesn't appear to ask for money, that doesn't mean they will not when you're more committed to the group later on. At which point such requests to the followers would be framed as making a gift, donating, or serving a higher purpose. Also, you will be asked to get more involved and spend more of your time with group activities. None of this would be
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

bond_orange, It is usually difficult to make an assessment from a group's writings or website to determine whether a group is a "destructive" cult. I use the word "destructive", since the word "cult" by itself could mean anything as you can see in the FAQ that rrmoderator has referred you to. However, after reading through the website and your comments ab
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Skinnyfatts, I certainly enjoyed reading your posts. You can reach me at finn147@hotmail.com to discuss further about the systemic problems that plague our world. Cheers :)
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Standing against violence is certainly a necessary initial action and it needs to go further. Willingness to stand against violence does not automatically prevent later acts or eliminate it. This is very similar to a medicine that only addresses the symptoms of a disease rather than the cause of it. "Anthony Robbins and numerous other motivational speakers" do not know the meaning o
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Whether religion increases or decreases violence is a subjective argument. We can easily ask a similar question; "Does having a gun increase or decrease violence around us?" The real question that we need to ask, in this case, is whether we need to have a gun at all. This question is transferable to the religion and violence issue. Violence generally stems from individuals who do not
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hi Moishe3rd, If you were involved with Sharon and Alex in SF, Boston, and NY then that means you have been with this cult for about 30 years. You said you "liked" them despite their "Obsessive; dominating; and yes, probably dangerous" behavior and since you said "I was involved", I assume you are not involved with them anymore. Then the question is why aren'
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I read both of his books: - Combatting Cult Mind Control This book is about his experience in the Moonies and how he got out. Then he talks about other cults and their structure. Overall, it is a good book for someone who doesn't know much about what a "cult" is and what it may look like (a great and surprising supplement to what they may think they know from the general media
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Stay away from Dahn Yoga!!! BuddyBear is absolutely right. I recently met a 17-year old who started taking classes which then quickly escalated into spending more money and time (not only going to classes, but also to rallies across the country, doing volunteer work for many hours a week, and late night sessions inducing sleep deprivation). His parents ended up intervening (with an exit counse
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I'm looking for more information on this organization beyond their website. The founder, Dr. Hiroshi Motoyama, has been studying chakras and acupuncture meridians for decades and has a device called AMI (Apparatus for Meridian Identification) that measures people's physical health and extend to spirituality. Supposedly, he has done "scientific" experiments to confirm the exist
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

There are several of us (dar3463, betsy, lyleb) who participated in Boston, NYC, and earlier SF group and posted in this forum. You might have read some of the related postings, but here is a snapshot of my experience. I was a student of Sharon Gans/Robert Klein cult (known as OSG or Odyssey Study Group) for about 4 years in Boston. The Boston group was primarily lead by Robert Klein and other &q
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

sonny71, It is devastating to see a loved one stray away. I was a member of this group (Boston branch) for four years and I know their destructive influence on members. I'm not sure if I can provide substantial help in your case, but here are some thoughts: You may want to contact dar3463 in this forum who was in Sharon Gans/Alex Horn group in New York for 11 years (see thread: ). dar3
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Corboy, Thanks so much for the suggestions. I've already picked up a copy of "Prophetic Charisma" by Len Oakes. As you mentioned, it is a terrific study on unmasking the nature of such cult leaders (I am half way through). I'll make sure to check out Amy Wallace's book as well...
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families

I was a student of Sharon Gans/Robert Klein cult (known as OSG or Odyssey Study Group) for about 4 years in Boston. The Boston group was primarily lead by Robert Klein and other "teachers". We would also have visiting "teachers" from NYC such as Fred Mindel, Cynthia May (Taylor Hodson Temp Agency - as Sharon Gans silent partner of the firm) and others. They also have a branch
Forum: Former Cult Members and Affected Families