Is anyone familiar with Mr. Goenka's Vipassana techniques/teachings? 10-days retreats seem a too long period for peple to go without any previous knowledge of buddhism.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The message below seems a good example of "cultish" way of thinking: 1) First, a reference saying this teaching is not for "anybody". The idea of being a selected people with unique ideas create a clear distinction between "we" and "them". Also, how many healthy religious organizations will say "Feel free to be with us or not". Isn'
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

" I find it hard to belive that with over 500 centers worlwide and close to 40 years of exsitants that the diamondway could be considered a cult. After doing some googling I found no proof or other people making any claims against the diamond way.It sounds to me that one person had a bad experince and wants to retaliate" How many churches have Rev. Moon? (Or isn't it a cult any
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hi Emma, Could you be more specific on your real experiences with Diamond Way? This video seems to cover everything up to Jim Jones.....
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Outsider, My experience is similar to yours. I have a very close childhood friend that joined Diamond Way. While there are some claims I am not familiar with Tibetan buddhism, this is not entirely true. I studied for some time in Tibet, and I even had a signficant other who was born in Tibet. However, I do not follow Tibetan buddhism. This does not mean I can't have any perspecti
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

JHolland, From my perspective, both yours and Emma's argument are without evidence of facts. In one argument, Emma says she thinks so, and then you answer by saying you don't think so. Personally, I think your argument inconclusive. The reason is that many cults have established this type of culture where the "great leader" is the person always sacrificing everything fo
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"