Corboy, sorry for the dual names. I am registered with and without the "das". Password problems added to a bit of confusion on my part. I am not a "plant". You can see my other posts under my name without the das.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I found this interesting Father's Day article written by a devotee of Srila Bhaktivedanta Prabhupad: Anyway, I was wondering if any of you harbor ill-will toward Srila Bhaktivedanta Prabhupad. I had the privilege of two initiations from him, as well as some airport departures in waiting rooms (back when security was more lax) and one semi-private audience with him. Every time I found
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Actually, I wasn't singling you out, DB. Sorry if it sounded that way. I was speaking generically. I like hearing all sides. Makes things more interesting.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Quotedharmabum It is because of this that a debate persists on my mind on who really is to blame: The guru or the followers? I still believe that we ex-followers need to accept a part of the blame. Quotedharmabum There are now more than 96,000 views on this thread and counting; who else will be viewing here but those concerned? But not one dares step up defend or put up an argument about th
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I suppose one could spend a life time analyzing the whole brainwashing phenomena. I recognize the techniques. Textbook, in this case. I'm still not sure about some of the mystical experiences. Were they my own? Or were they induced by Siddha? Did he finally release me or did I release myself. Maybe I give him too much credit. Without the mystical connection, I doubt there would have been the
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

"And yes, it can cause a lot of life-long bitterness due to the pain and hurt some followers have experienced. So try to understand others who had a rougher time in the cult than you may have had." I didn't mean to be glib. I do understand the pain and suffering and feel for those whose lives have been turned inside out and upside down. I still blame myself, though. I mean, when
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The Penaroza Mkt was the only one I heard about. I don't know that Siddha knew about any of that. I've always been somewhat gullible and naive, though. I ran the Good Earth store (I think that's what it was called) next door. Used to sell a hodgepodge of stuff; herbs, books, machetes and gram scales (hard to rationalize that one). Even sold used cars out front. People would buy the
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Athiest, the property exchange at gunpoint was the turnover of the market on Kauai. Siddha was not there. Midgett was a very nice guy, by the way. He would not have been party to that. He married a beautiful girl from NZ but I don't know how anyone's life turned out once I left the scene. It's been a long time.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hi Terrenaut. I'm guessing I know you. Thank you for that intelligently written piece. The last time I saw Siddha, I was in the doghouse for something. For the life of me, I can't remember what. I went up to him in a parking garage of one of his condos, I believe. He had just come down and I guess I was wanting to speak with him. When I saw him, I bowed down to pay my obeisances. When I
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

rrmoderator: Like I mentioned in my first post, I'm surprised that so many of the early followers are still in the fold. I just figured everyone had gone their own way eventually. Sorry if you think I'm spinning stuff. Just sharing from my own perspective from my own personal experiences. I never witnessed a murder or sexual abuse but that doesn't mean it didn't happen. Any
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I do remember we used to steal a lot of stuff. Mostly small stuff like toilet paper and flip-flops. Although I don't know that bigger trysts like bank robbery would have been discouraged if we had had a good enough plan. I also remember Siddha getting angry once when we were proselytizing at a post office on Kauai. One of the devotees informed someone who was getting into their car that they
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Whoa, whoa! I am not attacking anyone. I've just been reading the posts and that's my personal opinion regarding some of the emotions displayed here. We can agree to disagree. I do agree that there is a lot of exploitation, as I have found in all religions to one degree or another.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

There is a lot of bitterness after all these years. Let it go. Religion has always had its quirks. I'm surprised to see so many people from the 70's still in the fold. I find that interesting. But everyone has free will to make their own choices. I don't regret having gotten involved. I do regret staying involved for about 8 years. One year should have been sufficient. But there we
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"