And just to add: none of this is about attacking the man. James has his ways, and I loved him deeply. I feel really sad that that was possibly all based on a mistaken perception on my part. The issue to me is: is James a qualified teacher, who I and others should put our trust him. If what he teaches has not in fact set him free, then what’s the point?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Me again :) I’m also not responding to the great discussions we got into on Vedantic teachings, as I know this isn’t the place for that, but I did want to still share a few thoughts (one of which is related.) Earthquake, you explained the subtle distinction about when karma is necessary and useful (for a new seeker preparing to become qualified for the teachings) and how once that stage is
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I’ll read through all of that slowly and carefully, so thank you for posting. What I’m then not understanding, is, what was it that Swami Dayananda couldn’t get or accomplish, with Sw Chinmayananda, and why? And what was your reason for telling that story. I assumed there was something lacking with the teaching of Sw C, that meant that Sw D needed to go and do some inner self-reflection, be
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Without wanting to dominate this conversation, I’m grateful for that link and reference to other useful resources ziziz. And more importantly, I think even the term self-inquiry needs clarifying. I took it to refer to the process of enquiring into the nature of the self. Earthquake seems to be suggesting, and with reference to Swamiji - that it refers to the application of the scriptures, to
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Impressive :) And happy making. A relief even.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Perfect, clear, and spot on. You’ve been we taught, and are skilled at clarifying. I say that not to flatter you, but to express my gratitude.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Beautifully explained. Thank you. It’s only the last paragraph that I don’t follow.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thank you. You wrote well, but I’m not quite keeping up. I think you think I can see the bird’s eye view that you have, but I can’t (yet.) By bird’s eye view I mean these differences in ways of teaching. When I say I’m not sure exactly what you’re saying I include the story about Chinmuananda and Dayananda. I don’t get what happened and what Swami D needed and then how it played out. T
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thank you for the above, earthquake. Such clarity. Your clarity stands out to me, as I have struggled with a lack of clarity on practical matter such as this, so much when corresponding with James. There seemed to be duality, and contradiction in things he said. I couldn’t seem to see the bridge between the teachings, and ordinary life, when corresponding with him. I now see that’s p
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Fascinating ziziz- absolutely fascinating. You’ve really studied up on this, and make things pretty plain to see. I’d not read that section of the autobiography before, but it is just so revealing!! I wonder how James remembered the details and word-for-word rendition of what Swami C said, even though it’s actually so accurate in exposing James. I’m quite surprised and even impressed
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

It seems Sahara was saying similar things to what I have just been reflecting on. Well spoken Sahara. Spot on and useful references you made. Thank you. Sahara71 Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > Some interesting points: > > Advaita Vedanta as a belief system has a > strong ethical component. I mention this because > someone posted o
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks Earthquake, but I don’t understand what you’re referring to exactly. Do you mean the part about loss of compassion and heart etc? Whether or not you do mean that, what came to mind after both your and Sahara’s posts was that the teacher or guru one follows has to be someone you respect and hold in high regard, surely? Not perfect in all ways, but morally so. I remember James once saying
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

And wise words from you as well earthquake. Thanks for making those clarifications. They’re very useful.
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Thanks Sahara. All wise words, and completely fitting.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Yes Sahara, I see truth and feel resonance with a lot of what you’ve said. I’ve always kept my ear to the ground on teachers and groups, as much as I know of them - and most often my gut feel checks out. I think we all have that radar, but we don’t always trust it or follow it. I’ve learned from my experience with James, that I could have trusted my instincts. There were always red flags popp
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hello again, I’ve been reading back over the last ten or so pages of this conversation - and my thoughts are that I wish I could edit for grammar, many of the things I posted. Poor writing irks me - because it can make the meaning of what’s being said, distorted. The format of the forum doesn’t allow for editing beyond a short window of time - as I’m sure that those of you who post here, know.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

What’s your connection then Sahara? Why do you pay attention to what James is doing?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Hi Sahara, Sorry if I’m not totally sure of who you are and what your background is with all of this story (James, and the forum) but I haven’t read all the posts here. And I don’t have a great memory either. Yes those posts were of my conversations with him from earlier this year. And yes they were the posts I wasn’t aware he had made public, until after he and I parted ways, and someo
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thank you for elaborating. You write in a similar tone and vein as Be does. Some people like it, some don’t. I was only curious. For me, I don’t have intense emotions towards him. I moved on after we “broke up” as his role was no longer there - by his choice. Done deal. It’s only when I discovered how his motives in writing to me for some time were probably more about himself than done
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Thanks for explaining. The tone of the way you write, and the language you use, suggests way more in terms of emotional investment. If you don’t even know him, and Harley know Heather - you seem excessively angry with him. More so than people who have had to do with him directly even. Seems a little disproportionate even, if you don’t mind me saying. And for me, even detracts from the reasons
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I’m curious Traveller, as I haven’t read the entire forum: what is your role in all of this, and why are you doing what you’re doing, in this regard?
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Traveller, you’ve taken what I said further than what I said. What he said to me was not on the same level of what is being said happened to Heather. I am a grown woman, not a child, and I work in the healing field with people around their sexuality. James just has no respect for my work. His take on it was that I was a prostitute already, and he was for some reason mocking what I do, and say
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

For the record, Mr Swartz is trolling me and threatening me and secretly attempting to publicly shame and bully me - as if I care what he cares so much about. I am SO over his underhanded ways. He’s trying so hard to push my buttons, forgetting that I’ve seen through him. He really is gross.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Rama - the question to ask yourself is: why would Heather make her story up? Women ten not to want to hurt themselves that way. I believe her. Why would James own the truth (being who he is.) No, he will go all out to destroy anyone who opposes him. Many people will attest to that, and he’s doing it publicly currently - to his own disgrace and detriment. He’s not defending The Truth as he cla
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I can’t quite believe what a disgrace James is making of himself, publicly, for no reason that makes any sense at all. Unless of course, he feels threatened or defensive - which he clearly does. But he’s not being attacked. It’s his reputation that’s at stake, seemingly - but if he knows who and what he is and that he’s innocent, as he claims, why would he be so churned up as to write about someo
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

zizlz Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > QuoteDis-illusioned > The thing is that I thought his style was “normal” > for a “guru.” > > > The fact that he can make being an asshole seem > normal or even helpful is testament to his skill > of manipulating people. > > QuoteDis-illusioned > At one time, I took this stuff on the
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

zizlz Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > > What a scumbag. It’s his style. “ I figured I would hear from you sooner or later because I was pretty sure the autism idea didn’t have legs. Anyway, your ego probably isn’t going to like what I have to say, but hopefully it will. If I don’t hear from you again, I’ll assume you didn’t like what I had t
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

zizlz Wrote: ------------------------------------------------------- > QuoteDis-illusioned > Lastly, and for the record, I have emails from > James where he advised/encouraged/recommended that > I have sex with men for as much money as possible, > and put that towards a new roof for the pagoda or > veranda at his villa (amongst other such low-life > suggestions.) >
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Robert, it’s the “you” that doesn’t make clear which “you” I was referring to. Often listening to James speak/teach, the same thing happened. Too many “selfs” :)
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I think I wasn’t clear - I was meaning that if James was totally innocent of the things being said on this forum, why would it bother him that it exists.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"