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Sweatlodge in background where YCSO found 64 people participating in exercise to attract wealth. (YCSO photo)
Yavapai County Sheriff's Department continues to investigate Thursday's incident at a sweatlodge event held at Angel Valley Resort in Sedona. Details here.
The sweatlodge was part of a self-help workshop hosted by success guru James Arthur Ray, one of many such workshops held by Ray -- alone and in conjuction with other NewAge gurus in the past few years.
According to his website:
James is President and CEO of his own multi-million dollar corporation, James Ray International (JRI), which was named to Inc. Magazine's coveted Inc. 500 list of America's fastest-growing private companies in the September 2009 issue, reaching a remarkable 547.4% growth over the previous three years. JRI is dedicated to mentoring individuals to create wealth in all areas of their lives: financially, relationally, mentally, physically and spiritually. James’ most recent book, Harmonic Wealth: The Secret of Attracting the Life You Want, reached number five on the New York Times Best-Sellers list in its first week in print.
The Sedona sweatlodge (pictured above) is a makeshift affair, apparently temporary construction that seems not to have much to do with the glamorous lifestyle preached by Ray. Yet adherents of Ray's philosophy seem to be used to crowded situations, as can be seen in the video below.
Wednesday his blog was saying:
Live in a world of your own choosing... No matter what's going on around you.
You've heard me talk a lot lately about an upcoming experience that I really suggest you get to... It's the World Wealth® Summit, an incredible two days designed to help you excel in every single key area of your life by learning from some of the world's best experts. You'll also take part in incredible networking opportunities to let you connect with individuals who can help you even more...
The reason I've been encouraging you to get to this unique experience is because you won't find this caliber of world thought leaders all in one place anywhere else.
Imagine how empowered you'll feel when you and a group of Harmonic Wealth-minded individuals decide to live in a different world, a world of your own choosing... One where you'll learn vital information, tools and strategies that will help you prosper no matter what's going on around you.
About noon Pacific time today he had the following to say on Twitter:
I am spending the weekend in prayer and meditation for all involved in this difficult time; and I ask you to join me in doing the same.
Previous recent tweets:
I also offer my strongest prayers for a speedy recovery for those who were taken ill. There are more questions than answers at this time
I'm shocked & saddened by the tragedy occuring in Sedona. My deep heartfelt condolences to family & friends of those who lost their lives
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Comments
I hope James A Ray is arrested for this. Hopefully the families take him to court. This is negligent on his part. I heard that the sweat lodge might have been improperly prepared.
"I heard...."? You weren't even there! Don't pass judgement on something where you were not there and don't have all the facts. Even the family of Kirby Brown is saying, "There will be plenty of time to react to the truth of what happened here, but we believe it is pointless to be angry or to place blame or to make assumptions before we understand what occurred here."
These people chose to be there. I have been to numerous James Ray events and not once felt unsafe. Something went wrong, and James may be partially responsible, but he never meant to hurt anyone. If you knew him like I do, you would know his heart was in the right place and he feels worse about this tragedy than anyone.
I can't believe people buy into this crap.
I'm sure he never meant for anyone to die, but this guy
is just out to make a buck.
Ray deleted all of his recent tweets that mentioned the Spiritual Warrior Event, written before and during the seminar, many of which eerily spoke of death. I captured screenshots and posted them to my blog at BeyondGrowth.net
you can't de leet a tweet. :)
I don't think this guy had the right or the spiritual connection to conduct a sacred ceremony and charge peiople to participate. When people attempt to imitate something as powerful as a sweat lodge and don't have the right of course things can go wrong and people do get hurt.
To call for the arrest of James Ray is stupid. Not until we know more as to what happened.
But you know one thing for sure, his company is going to be sued.
And for "jacqueline", we all do what we do to make a buck. What crap are you selling?
10,000 dollars to sit in a a sauna. LMAO.
I can do that at the Y.
And if someone were truly interested in enhancing people's spirituality they would do it for the good of mankind, not so they can become millionaires.
Not selling anything here John, just stating my opinion in a forum.
Peace be with you
WHAT A GREEDY MAGGOT! JAMES JONES/JAMES RAY WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE. DRINK THE KOOLAID, TAKE YOUR CHANCES. PRETENDING TO PRACTICE A NATIVE AMERICAN CEREMONY IS LIKE PRACTICING SURGERY WITHOUT A LICENSE. MR RAY WILL PAY IN MANY WAYS FOR HIS GREED.
The Secret is over people - find your own truth.
Stop selling the ceremonies. For decades, native americans have been telling us to stop charging for the traditional ceremonies. Mr. Ray chose to ignore the teachings of the elders. That's the ongoing crime: exploitation of another's sacred ceremonies. People in Sedona need to stop charging for the ceremonies. Plus, stop covering the lodges with plastic! It causes sore throats, minimally, and in this case may have contributed to toxic accumulation.
this man should have never tried to attempt using a sweat lodge as one of his money making gimmicks, its not right first of all for a white man to use our sweat lodges. this is only the religon of the native americans, who know the traditional ways and prayers to do so. you do not just make a sweat lodge to make money, as many "make it yourself shamans"do these days ...only for the money. that is why their is so much dispair that happens to these such people, because they do it out of money and not the true understanding of who is entitled to perform such ceremonies. this was wrong to began with. this is such a thing not to be played with. this religion belongs to a certain race, as does vodoo, we do not play around with that, it belongs to the people who are born with that in their traditions. so leave things be, just because your rich doesnt mean you can use or do whatever you want. look at what happened.
Instead of all this judgement and anger, how about a prayer for those who witnessed this event and those still in the hospital. How about a prayer for the families left behind without thier loved ones. How about a little compassion?
Is this the same guru that hangs on Oprah's every word?
I attended one of his seminars. I enjoyed the message, however, I knew right away that he's in it for the $$$ only! I knew something like this would eventually happen because of his CHEAP ways. He has ALL help at ALL of his seminars work for free! He was too cheap to have the sweat lodge made properly. LIVE BY THE PENNY- DIE BY THE PENNY!
Sue,
how about how easily this could have all been avoided, had James Ray followed something ather than MONEY!!! Bottom line is MONEY to him! and that no SECRET!
Best of luck james.
TAKE TAKE TAKE = BAD ENERGY FOOL!
In prison you must go three for three. This balance can feel bogus!
I myself have been to a seminar of James Ray and I have to agree he is DEFINITELY in it for the $$$$$$$. I felt that right away especially when we were ignored after we didn't want to be on one of his now INFAMOUS retreats. Glad I never attended ANY of them!
Wow! Already tried and convicted and no one, including myself, was there or really knows what happend here. This great country of ours and its great people (read: you and I) know better than to do this. Yet this type of thinking and jumping to conclusions has been happening for a long time now. Lets all get off this train ride and start living with compassion and fairness to one another..its what we all need irregardless of how this turns out! Lets pray for the families and all involved..we are better than this!
Thank you Fly, I'm happy to have you at my "ONE OF A KIND" seminars. Can I count you in next year at Sedona? I promise to have the lodge equipted with better liability waivers!
Oh, and fly, I might even hang around to support my supporters who spend $10K (plus there own lodging expenses...plus probably buy ALL my books and such). Not really! I'll run even faster than before!
My favorite song happens to be: MONEY, MONEY, MONEY, MONEY.MONEY......MONEY! Some people have to have it...
Let's get a grip people and take responsibility for our own lives. Are we that weak that we cannot figure it out for ourselves? Instead, we make someone like James a multi millionaire, lead the way for our lives. Hmmm...I think it's rather scary. One lesson I was taught and will never forget, "Pull your head out of Society's Ass and follow your own path." Is James inspirational or is it that we flock to anyone who can take us out of our own minds? I wouldn't pay $9,000 to die. It's not worth it, not when we have starving children right here in the USA. And were proud of....?
I am so sorry this happened, right now it is out of OUR control. James my prayers are with you and all those affected. Come on people stop the judgement and join in prayer and support for all those involved in this tragedy!! How quick we are to forget the many people James has assisted on their journey. Thank you James, you have served me greatly. May God lift you up and give you the strenth and courage to pursuit your gift to the World.
Flyfishero and patty: Please tell me why you are still defending this man when he RAN from the scene! When he makes MILLIONS off of you and the rest of his followers. I understand the need for what you think this man offers, but so did all the innocent, brain wahsed people that Jim Jones had in his grip. ANYTIME it includes alot of money, it is a scam. PERIOD. I WILL pray for the families of the dead, and for the all the people that were injured, AND most of all I will pray for James, but in hopes that he will stop using people, that he will realize what his greed and selfishness has caused...PEOPLE'S LIVES. I will pray that all of you will turn to the Lord for comfort, because that is the only true place you will find total inner peace. I tried all kinds of crazy stuff earlier in my life. But NEVER felt peace like I do now since I asked the Lord Jesus into my heart. And guess what? It was totally free! God is love, kindness and grace!!
Thought it was pretty damn funny !!! I mean what do you expect , white folk playing God in a sweat lodge , yup , you bet it'll change your life. Instant spiritual transformation. Zip. Put down your ego spiritual warrior. You all are not of the people and selling another tribes God and stealing the ceremony . UGLY !! Wonder who was " thinking this out come" I mean it's all about " thinking your universe" Oooops!!
Can I ask some of you something?
Why do you think it is not okay to learn someone elses tradition? If there is what some of you call God, there is only one and we are all part of that God. I happen to call whatever it is The Source. Is that okay with some of you? Do I have your permission?
If I befriended a Native American, African American, Hindu American, Muslim American, etc. somewhere throughout my life and he told me how he connects to the source and how it is such a great experience would I not ask for him to teach me?
What would you think of my friend if he said "sorry man, but your a white dude".
This time next year James Ray will be addressing a smallish number of other males in orange jumpsuits with:
"I'll transform your lives. The cost? 3 cigarttes and a hand job - each".
It's unconscionable that he fled the scene. Worse was that he then carried on "business as usual" and proceeded to recruit more and more people at his next scheduled introductory seminar. I was supposed to be in La Jolla this weekend at the World Wealth Summit but chose not not to attend. I'm just too ill by his actions. This is not he behaviour of a great leader, let alone a spiritual leader.
My question is...WHERE WAS GOOD OLD 'JAMES' DURING THIS SWEAT SESSION???...and why are these so called great leaders always setting up shop out in some remote location that the "FEDS" even have a hard time finding???...I feel very sorry for the dead and injured, but, even more for the families that can't understand "why" this happened...and where is James???
All I know is this. There are no more Guru's to follow outside of ourselves. This is very Tragic, and without judgement I just thought at least the man would take some time to reflect on the seriousness of what happened. Evidently the show must go on, I can't imagine Spirit supporting a Money train forever. Money is not everything, and it is not just about ME ME ME anymore. It is about WE. God Bless all of those people that trusted him, and lost their lives in the process. God Bless James in hopes that he is awakned to something deeper than this Money Train he is on. I am afraid his life is about to change in a Big Way. May those that are suffering, be comforted with Spirits Love.
We are all Gods messengers, and yet I feel things are balancing out in life. Kind of like a Kick Ass, get with the Program, Wake up slap in the face. For all of us in different ways. James Ray must have needed some form of awakening himself, I guess time will tell if he will hear his call. I hope you have made alot of money James to pay out the Law suits that will be looming at your door. It is amazing how whatever goes up in life, always comes down, like a Heartbeat. There are many illusions being dismantled right now! Money is one of them!!! I am not saying to not have respect for it, I am saying have Respect for People, Spirit, and Life's precious moments and you will be supported with money to live your life. Not go for the money, and I do happen to know this man through someone and this man Has an Ego the size of, well there isn't a word to express this. Humbleness Mr. Ray, and go to your heart and heal what just occured. Sometimes the show needs to take a break!
Honour those people that passed on in your presence, and really hear what is going on here!!! Reexamine your intentions, and honour the families by taking time out. It is almost like pushing in in their faces. It is like you haven't missed a Step, although I do not know how you are personally right now. I am sure you are suffering as much as you will allow, because clearly you are a machine that just keeps going. Presence and Silence and acknowleding your feelings just for a moment would be nice, without trying to get more people on your bandwagon. Trust that your business if set in Integrity will continue to thrive if you are coming from the good place. God Bless you James Ray
I'm wondering why such an exhorbitant price resulted in such a crude makeshift "lodge". That was my first thought when the video opened, how cheap! Then he left? I get hundreds of emails from him all trying to separate me from my money, to no avail I might add. Bless the families and open people's eyes to the one and only Savior; Jesus Christ. Free for all. Free and REAL. Thank you Lord for your Salvation.
Paul typifies the dishonesty of the well-intentioned white liberal. He ASSUMES he can "learn" all he wants to know about Native Spirituality from WHITE people who look like him, think like him and write like him. He ASSUMES this act of invasion and voyeurism is OK because he's white. He ASSUMES that anything written by a WHITE man must be true and honest and not an offensvie, twisted perversion of Native Spirituality. He uses the WHITEMAN's DISHONEST Rhetoric to justify taking what he wants from whomever he wants. He NEVER stops to ask if all this taking harms NATIVE people. He has no concern for the integrity of Native Religions. He is OBLIVIOUS to the fact that Native religion had to be practiced underground for centuries because it was outlawed by the WHITEMAN. He is ignorant to the fact that Native People have only been free to practice their religion since 1978. He only care about his right to TAKE & TAKE from the Indian refusing to accept responsibility for his intrusion.
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