random factor, it's very interesting what you are saying. I have been involved with body work since the 70's but did not actually go through a formal program until the mid-80's. When I was in school I would say maybe three or four of the students in my class of 22 would have been the types open to subtle energies ( One of whom was me). Most of the students in my program were
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

My main point is that Asian forms of body work are very effective on a purely physical level as well. This is a fact regardless of belief in subtle energies. I read about that experiment in Skeptical Inquirer years ago and I wouldn't say that it really proves anything. Anyway, I do a strictly Western, very technical approach to body work . I am not an expert on Asian body work, nor are y
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

In New Zealand we don't have to deal with such exams. Asian massage is very good, very effective. I don't do this type of massage but I have experienced it and believe me it is just as effective as Western approaches to body work in helping with physical conditions in most cases. Mind you this is completely physical and leaving out any traditional Asian concepts of subtle energies.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I wouldn't say that Massage Therapy is a cult. There are many different types of body work. I am trained in Swedish, Deep Tissue and Medical Massage. Most of my clients are referred to me by their GPs. I personally always pray and know that whoever I am working with is being reached on more than just a purely physical level. On a physical level it is very scientific. Of course the Asia
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hope, I am not a mental health specialist. My wife is. Besides Swedish and Deep Tissue work most of my work is medical massage. The majority of my clients are referred to me by their GP. This is fairly common in NZ and most of Europe. I am not sure why you assume that massage therapy is new age as most traditional forms of healing from many parts of the world involve forms of bodywork.
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I am not a mental therapist but I do work with bodywork and healing. Most of the people I work with are not involved with Krishna Consciousness but ordinary folks. My wife is employed by with the NZ social services. Her work is mainly with people from the lower economic levels of society. Her religion motivates her in the sense that she feels compassion and wants to help others. Anything wrong
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

The mens movement is an international movement dedicated to helping men with male issues. I strongly believe that any internal healing or recovery is greatly assisted by involvement in such a support group. And no it is not like a self help cult, but addresses gender roles and negative conditioning that many times results in men being unable to express their emotions. Abuse of women and aggressi
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

My wife and I don't feel the need to engage in sex, but then again we are physically older than you and such desires are not as strong as one physically ages. I know that when we did have sex I always tried my hardest to give her pleasure as I felt that it was duty as her lover and husband. Repression of sexuality does not work and it has been my experience that many people end up goin
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

I am a male devotee and I consider you my equal. I know a lot of females who are superior to me in terms of spiritual realization as well as materially. My wife is an amazing person and is much better educated and smarter than me. In terms of our relationship we really help each other out and while I might play the role of the guru in the relationship the reality of the situation is that she i
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Sources such as pada are ok but aren't always factual. Which gurus do you want to find out about as I am in the loop so to speak and don't mind sharing? Harikesh is living in Florida with his wife at the community outside of Gainesville. I have a few friends who know him fairly well and to the best of my knowlege he doen't have a lot of money. His marriage is really happy a
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

This Cohen guy is pretty scary. I have never met him but I remember back in the early 90's when I was in the States ads for his enlightenment scamshops were in every new age magazine. Interestingly enough back in the early 70's there were a lot of bogus gurus from India who cashed in on gullible Westerners who let themselves be conned and often let themselves be seduced by their bogu
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Actually there are quite a few devotees who actively attend Catholic churches. Several devotees in California are even Catholic monks. A fellow I know in the UK who was one of the top book distributors in the UK is an ordained Spiritualist minister in the Spiritualist National Union and works full time as a medium. I have had several sessions with him and he accurately described my deceased
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Read Nori Muster's book for the full story about the gurus. Of the original 11 only two are actively working within Iskcon and one is semi-retired due to physical health problems. The history is in Nori's book and she describes the situation pretty well. In terms of mediation or dispute resolution it all depends upon the individual situation. Sorry if this sounds vague. An excellent
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

This guy sounds totally bogus! Someone should report him to the proper authorities. Any genuine spiritual teacher is not going to try to have sex with their students. I have known at least two leaders in my spiritual group who ended up taking advantage of their students. This type of problem needs to be addressed immediately ! Unfortuately there is a lot of money to be made in the new age mark
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I strongly encourage you to write a book about your experiences even if you feel you lack the writing skills or don't plan on getting it published. I know that your children would find it wonderful to read and know about their heritage but if you were to get it actually edited and properly published you could really help a lot of people. Just an idea! Anyway, I hope that things continue t
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Checks and balances are really important in any organization. While I do not know Nori well I have friends who do. Her book about her experiences as a devotee is excellent and I highly recommend to anyone interested in understanding the problems experienced in the movement. Nori is the type of devotee that I would like to see more of as she sincerely wanted to change things for the better with
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Thanks for your thoughtful reply. I want to make it clear that I am not in complete disagreement with what you are saying as it most certainly is true. When I wrote that many devotees who left Iskcon did so left as a result of politics did so due to politics or attachments I did not mean that to sound as though I were placing on blame on them. I formally left the ashram back in 1981 due to the
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups

Hi Everyone My name is Prasadam das and I have been involved in Iskcon since 1970 and I have been through many things as a devotee. I must admit that the positive and healthly aspects of Iskcon far out weigh the negative. I have a lot of friends who were involved in Iskcon back in the 70's many left because of politics and others because of their own attachments. Yes it was very fanatic
Forum: Recovery from Destructive Cults and Groups