Interesting you should mention Reiki (which by the way is not a form of "massage") because lately I've been doing a lot of research on the subject. Why? I've taken all the courses and am now qualified to be a practitioner and teacher, but the thing is I have mixed feelings about Reiki. On the plus side, I've personally experienced wonderful things happen whilst I gave
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

qd, thank you for suggesting Sagan's book. I know what you about mean about loving to read, but being fearful after reading and being influenced by this nonsense. It's nice to be amongst people where I'm not feeling alone for saying the emperor is naked. So many people are buying into this stuff; it's everywhere. Have a great weekend!
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I'm surprised there have been no more responses to this post. I would really love to hear about people's experiences with Pranic Healing. There are so many people out there making big promises and I'm hoping it's not the case with PH.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

quackdave, it seems you're in a good place. I love what you say: "Gone is the urgency to get somewhere better; I'm already there and having fun." The scary thing is that this mumbo jumbo or balderdash is seeping into so many areas of our lives. People we depend upon most when we are our most vulnerable are spouting this stuff -- including therapists and physicians. Liste
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Zhi Gang Sha was scheduled to talk about his new book at a nearby bookstore last weekend. I didn't attend the event although now I think it would have been interesting to see what he had to say after reading these posts. One thing is for sure, there is something very creepy about someone who promises to have an answer and a cure for everything. If only life were that simple! I'm curr
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I'm interested in learning more about meditation and attended a few classes at a nearby Starbucks, which I later learned were being taught by an NKT monk. I didn't connect with what he was teaching (especially when he read from books written by his spiritual leader) and am now going more with my intuition and keeping things simple -- mostly focusing on my breath as it fills and then
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I'm finding that because New Age thinking is becoming increasingly accepted, it's getting harder to avoid. It also makes it more difficult to know what is real.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I've taken Reiki classes and have given Reiki to animals and people (including myself). I've seen wonderful things happen as a result, but there have also been times when it seems to have made no difference -- especially when I was trying to help myself. I've heard good things about PH, but have no actual experience with it.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"