Hoax108 I have been going through the novel worthy old posts.I know I will always miss my friends, teachers and the very good memories. However after everything I know now, I am glad that I am blacklisted. I cannot be emotionally drawn back to the group. I know many who return after 10 years of absence. There are way too many lies, contradictions, secrets, hypocrisy... Ignorance is bliss for thos
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

We cannot change anything within group. What we can do is to help open the eyes of those who have doubts. Those who are afraid to leave, question, use their critical thinking. Going through the old posts, I came across a person who said that this forum has helped (him or her) as well as 2 other people to leave. This is all we can do. Help those who are no longer happy with their situations.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

There is one thing that truly surpriises me. People have been posting here since 2004. There was also the very public disclosures from Rama.... I don’t understand how they thought that they could get away with the pro gay marriage sratedy just to gain popularity. They knew that they had ao many ennemies out there. Insiders who would step forward and expose the lies. With ao many lectures to ba
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Many people may wonder how some of us stayed for a long time and how we could put up with all the “non sense”. At first I thought that I partly stayed because of a weak psyche, poor boundaries, a rather toxic upbringing, which made abuse more acceptable. However I have met other people who were very well adjusted, extremely assertive, smart, talented.... Who also fell into the webb. I am takin
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I have been gradually reading the posts starting from page 720. Going back to 2004. I must say that it is not easy to digest even though I have no doubts that they are not lying. I trust that this was their experience. I can relate to Zelig’s open letter that starts with all the positives and Thank you. As I said it before I too have some very amazing memories. I want to make it clear that wh
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The subject of suicide within the group is a complex one. I think that in general, those who are stuck in a “depression” zone cannot talk about it freely. And of course suicide is the ultimate sin according to all religions. No one wants to hang out with the “depressed”. Being happy and blissed out is a sign you are doing well spiritually (according to them). There is always a solution. Why
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

DaWatcher, I don’t think that one can just blame the “Guru” or other devotees. Adults are responsible for their actions and decisions. I don’t know if anybody could force the disciple to smuggle Cannabis (illegal back then). I recognize that I was exteremely weak and more unstable when I was in the group. As I said it before, I will always also remember the positive experiences, the good fri
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Yes Ian I agree with you. This is why critical thinking is so important. It is only when we put aside the fear that we are able to look at a situation with objectivity. The practice of Bhakti often makes one vulnerable as we become more trusting, open hearted, humble, docile, tolerant.... Some of us are now on the outside looking in. I know that when you are inside, your vision is very clou
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

Ian, I feel you and I may have had different experiences in general. I think your journey may have been much worse in general. I truly did fall in love with the process in general and the Mantras. My issue has always been the toxic side of the group. I cannot just expose the ugly stuff without admitting that I also had many happy moments. I came from a place of suffering and it felt lik
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

One thing that is extremely dangerous in that groups is how abuse is so easily accepted. In Bhakti Yoga, “chastisement” is seen as a mercy. It is supposed to make one more humble and turn them closer to God. This is why the Guru and so many angry, manipulative disciples get away with “abuse”. I understand that in a group we need discipline. I don’t mind either the times I was justly and c
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

When it comes to helping other devotees, the priority always goes to the ones that are very well established in the group. If anything happens to the so called “advanced” teachers, I am sure that money will flow as well as 100 servants to the rescue. And not to forget the kids of the so called advanced devotees. They get special treatment and even they break all regulative principles, they ar
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

One of the worse branches.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

The Toronto branch is possibly one of the most rotten ones. I had the displeasure to be part of that group.
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"

I am surprised that some are saddened by the defeat of Trump. I thought that the puppet Tulsi Gabbard was supporting Biden. Or is it yet another hypocritical move in order to get more supporters? As for the anti vaccines sentiments, I am yet again supervised. People must get 20 different vaccines in order to be in close service to Mr. Butler. My guess is that they will be forced to take the
Forum: "Cults," Sects, and "New Religious Movements"