This will be my last post here. [...] Does anyone know of a more traditional Vaishnava community in the West? [...] Thank you, and may You ALL Be Well.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Quoteterrenaut Well, if it is right-wing you wish to experience, then look no further than the cult-of-butler. He is the ultimate capitalist - money money money, no conscience allowed, and of course that includes the right to exploit anyone in the pursuit of his dreams of wealth and privilege. He emulates white-supremacy perfectly, and will teach you all about hating anyone different from yo
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks Vera City, Terrenaut, Dharmabum, Just-Googling, Malcom, RRModerator, etc. for your time and words. I came here looking to exchange ideas and possibly receive wisdom and this has occurred, and you all contributed to it. For this I am grateful. Having read your new postings and reconsidered previous words I do agree I came to this forum in an inappropriate manner. I was obviously insuffic
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I would like to ask another sincere question of the ex-ers. I learned of the meditative practices Kirtan and Japa from a variety of sources outside the Chris Butler Cult, and even outside Yogic systems in general. Do any of you feel you received meditative benefits from doing these practices on your own (as devotees are required to chant individually)? Also, I would sincerely like to ask
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I wish to ask perhaps my most important question. Forgive me if you think it stupid. Are some of you of the position that there is in fact at least in part a true mystical-spiritual process ocurring in this group, but that it is used exploitatively? Or are all of you of the belief that all this spiritual stuff they do is just a mindgame? Thank you.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

[...] I ask again: is there evidence of abusive activity beyond verbal? I ask in hopes of getting pointers that will not require me to read 290 pages parsing for something "substantial." Yes they are "brainwashing". I ask again: is there evidence they are brainwashing people to commit abusive or illegal acts? I have heard here of families/children being victimized. If
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Vera City, Thank you for your response. I had already stumbled upon and read that post of yours. I see its many valid points. However, and this is in my world a very valid question, would they not exactly apply to a "real" guru as well, that is, a person with some form of true spiritual realization, who happened to be "teaching strictly?" [...] If the guy is a fake I
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I'm not sure what point there may be in this... But having been in Marine Corps bootcamp myself I know that Dr. Singer's conceptualization of Marine Corps procedures is highly idealized... consent, freedom of information? And have fun trying to leave the military before they choose to let you. The kids watching the commercials have an accurate picture of what they are getting themsel
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

[...] By the way, I agree, there is brainwashing/indoctrination and they are Absolutists. From a spiritual-psychological perspective I would classify them as a type of intensive therapy specialists. [...] An important thing is: does Chris Butler live by the scripture he preaches? He lives in some luxury/seclusion and I find this somewhat troubling, but I actually don't see him my
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

rrmoderator, I do sincerely apologize... as I did agree to follow the rules. I realized only too late after posting that there was a good chance what I had written might be interpreted as preaching... yet, I do not actually believe I was really preaching in that last case (certainly my first post, yes). However, if you find I am yet again preaching... please feel free (not that you need my permis
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I should state that I am very loosely affiliated with these folks and my words are likely a poor representation of their views/position. That being said, as I understand their and my own views on Chris Butler's (and my own male Vaishana mentor's; the female is a lot nicer...) harsh words and stances is that it is essentially a form of "attack therapy" / "surgery"
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

rrmoderator: Please excuse my preaching. I did not mean to violate the rules. I really hope this message is not construed as preaching... I only wish to express how I am perceiving all this very relevant subject matter. To be honest, most of me STILL doesn't like Chris Butler. I keep asking my Vaishnava mentors, "are you SURE he's a good guy?" ;) So... I do truly empathi
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I am glad this posting exists. In fact, I purposely did a search of critiques of Siddhaswarupananda Paramahamsa / Chris Butler's organization. It is sometimes good to hear what the other facets express. That being said, I am currently informally involved with this particular Vaishnava lineage. Primarily I study and meditate via Kirtan and Japa with the organization's 2 representative
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"