Like many people I think, I had no idea of what eastern or new age religion was really all about and to the lengths of which some of it goes. When you talk about religion in this country, most people think you're talking about Christianity, and people either like it or don't like it, because they know exactly what it is. Unfortunately, the new age is not like this. It's like a
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

To me there is a big difference between a cult and a religion. Myself being brought up as a Christian, although I'm not a church goer these days, there was plenty to draw from as a moral code and in wisdom. I was also in the church choir and we learnt how to read music, to sing in harmony, to behave responsibly and be disciplined. But we also mucked around, took the piss out of each other an
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Absolutely. I can remember one clip I watched from another of these gurus, Adyashanti, who again doesn't use his proper name, because that would make him too ordinary. A woman who had come to one of his "get togethers" was feeling terrible fear, and her voice was trembling. My heart went out to her, but all Adyanshanti could say was "don't worry, it's just mind st
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

One of the problems when looking into different types of spirituality, is that you go into it with an open heart and mind. Most people would agree that this is not a bad trait to have, but if you're not careful you leave yourself open to manipulation, and the vulnerable always come out worse. I like the quote 'be open minded, but not to the point that your brain falls out'. Eck
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The 3 cards trick you mention earlier is very interesting and hits the nail on the head with Eckhart Tolle. He would really struggle in a debate, so just sticks to his tried and tested techniques and avoids anyone who might trump him. I do remember from his book 'The power of Now' that he makes it very plain to people by stating "of course there is something wrong with you"
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks for the links. For me, one of the most arrogant interviews Tolle gave was on ABC when the reporter made the comment that his teachings were "flaky". Tolle's response was that "it is your mind that has some judgments about it, because it doesn't understand what I'm talking about", and "there has to be a recognition from somewhere deeper than the m
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hello, I'm posting this because like many people on this forum, I've suffered because of the 'teachings' of this man. And why? Because I accepted what he was saying without questioning. This is the key to the whole thing. It is nice to know that it's not just me that became duped in this manner and also heart warming that so many people have the same critical views tha
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"