People are flailing in seizures; others are vomiting violently, or foaming at the mouth. Bodies are lined up unconscious, some are blue from lack of oxygen, but for some it is too late, they are already dead. Survivors that are barely able to stand struggle to help the others, they have had almost no food or water for nearly three days, even longer without sleep. It looks like a war zone, but for the incongruent figure of James Arthur Ray (a contributing author to The Secret) who exits the sweat lodge and stands tall with a big smile, the only one able to stand on his own volition. He is not concerned with the medical emergency going on full swing around him. He is not worried about the health and well-being of his followers who have paid $10,000.00 (tack on an additional 5,000.00 or so if you include flights, room and board, and camping supplies) to attend his retreat. In fact, he and his team urge people to stop taking care of others and focus on their own journey, assuring them they are fine and only “purging”. Someone finally realizes James Ray is not in control of the situation and calls 911.
It sounds like this is right out of a science fiction novel, doesn’t it? But sadly, this is one of those rare times I pull my head out of a fantasy book and report on reality. How did a retreat aimed at spiritual growth and financial wealth go so horribly, tragically wrong? Those who were not present are pointing fingers at the physical experience of a sweat lodge – was it constructed properly by James Ray and his staff? Did they have the proper building permits? Did they use too many hot rocks or have too many participants? Does the government need to issue standardized guidelines for sweat lodge participants? After interviewing one of James Ray’s victims who was present at the retreat, I would argue no - although it is clear the technical specifications of the lodge were innapropriate. This is not an accident of negligence because a leader was untrained in the Native American sweat lodge practices. This tragedy is the consequence of a charismatic, megalomaniacal smooth-talker with undue influence and his own agenda – one that did not, at any point during the retreat, account for the safety of the participants, physically, mentally, or emotionally. This offends me as a backpacker and wilderness enthusiast, as a dabbler in psychological theory, and as someone who has an interest in bettering myself morally – but most importantly, it offends me as a human being who has compassion and empathy for my fellow humans.
Today I’m going to look deep into the soulless belly of the James Ray Spiritual Warrior retreat with thoughts and descriptions based on what I have learned from firsthand witnesses and participants. These brave victims are speaking in the midst of recovery (on the condition of anonymity) because of the urgency of the situation, as well as a moral obligation to the victims who passed away, Kirby Brown (38) and James Shore (40) and their families, and to those who can still be saved from this man. James Ray and the Angel Valley retreat have lied repeatedly, stating that they have never had any problems at previous retreats and that nothing like this has ever happened before - yet it is well documented that police are investigating multiple James Ray retreat locations and that a similar incident happened at the very same Angel Valley retreat center in AZ, at a James Ray retreat no less, in 2005. Why the lies? Well, there is no way these guys could tell you the truth without immediate prosecution, do not pass go, do not collect two hundred dollars, and proceed immediately to jail. Speaking of money, did you know neither James Ray nor Angel Valley has refunded any of the money they have collected from this retreat? I mean, obviously there will be lawsuits but it would be in good taste to refund the victims. It would be in better taste to also pick up the hospital charges, but James Ray is clearly not about accountability or decency to others. But enough about that, you want to know what the heck happened at this retreat and I am here to relay that to you.
Before the retreat even started, participants were advised to read The Holotropic Mind by Stanislav Grof and Hal Zina Bennett, as well as listen to a CD titled The Holosync Solution Awakening Prologue (the CD set is 175.00 dollars and not included in with the cost of the retreat, by the way). I have not read The Holotropic Mind personally, however Stanislav Grof is notable in the field of psychiatry for his studies on altered states of consciousness. After (briefly) searching Wikipedia and James Ray’s personal website, I am unable to find any credentials that would qualify him to be using psychological techniques. His website only states he “has studied and been exposed to a wide diversity of teachings and teachers – from his collegiate learning and the schools of the corporate world, to the ancient cultures of Peru, Egypt and the Amazon.” Pretty vague, huh? I mean, it’s never killed James Ray to name-drop before *coughOprahcough*. Which schools? What teachers?
The first day or so of the retreat was mostly unremarkable as far as self-help retreats go – a lot of time spent in the “classroom” doing meditation and listening to other CD’s as well as lectures. I say “mostly” because James Ray urged participants to forego sleep, insisting that working on their assignments all night would be more beneficial. Sleep deprivation is well-known to cause impairment of ability and of deductive reasoning, often times displaying comparable results to consumption of alcohol. Why would a self-help retreat supposedly focused on healing want to keep participants from thinking clearly? My guess is because the aim of the retreat was not self-improvement but coercive persuasion. If you are not familiar with the term it can be summed up as techniques used to produce ideological and behavioral changes in a fully conscious, mentally intact individual. Is this an acceptable practice? I would say it depends, like so many other things, on the execution. It certainly can be used to beneficial effect; however it can also employ means such as psychological pressure, hypnotic suggestion, undue influence, threats, anxiety, intimidation and/or stress in an unethical manner.
Some people might find it more alarming that immediately upon starting the retreat participants shaved their heads – before the sleep deprivation. Yes, even the women. This actually doesn’t bother me at all. In fact, I think every woman should shave her head at least once in her life. Besides, all the kids are doing it. It’s fashionable. It’s also emotionally freeing. However, I know a lot of family members of the participants are upset about it – excuses such as “It looks dykey!” or “You’re in a cult!” get tossed around, to which I roll my eyes. “Wait!” you’re probably accusing me right now, “I read your transcript of the conference call James Ray made to these victims, and you outright accuse him of being a cult leader!” Yes, you are absolutely right; I do state repeatedly that James Ray is a cult leader.
Many commenters chided me for using the term inappropriately, but I stand by my terminology. They were right to chide me though, because I didn’t make clear that not all of James Ray’s followers are cult members. Not even all of his victims could be considered cult members. This is a very important distinction that I want to take a moment to clear up. James Ray and his staff display cult-like qualities that are dangerous to the followers, from people who idly glanced at The Secret all the way through to the victims of his sweat lodge tragedy, but his followers are not a cult. One more time, for emphasis - James Ray’s followers are not a cult. Reading his works, practicing some of his techniques at home by yourself, these things do not make a cult member. Not even attending the seminars guarantees membership into the ranks of cult. If James Ray spouted the crazy right up front no one would listen. Think of the tale of Hansel and Gretel – the Witch lured them in with a house made of delicious candy and then locked them in an oven. James Ray is smarter than the Witch though, because he stuffed Hansel and Gretel and their pockets full of candy and sent them back to the village to lure the others in. More people for the oven-oops-I-mean-sweat-lodge that way, you see. There is nothing wrong with sweat lodges, ovens, candy, or some of these teachings; it is all in how you use it. Now that we’ve cleared that up, let’s get back to what happened at the deadly retreat.
Day Two the sleep deprivation has begun - but that by itself is not enough of a warning to foresee this tragedy. The real warning signs begin with the James Ray Games. One of the brave and recovering victims described a game they all had to play in which James Ray played God. Yep, you read that right; James Ray cast himself in the role of God and would then command participants to die. He would point at someone and they would have to fall down and play dead. They would be covered with a blanket and if they moved another person would "die".
Kirby Brown exemplified the dangerous psychological twisting behind these games. After the game she was seen standing in line for the outhouse, clutching herself and crying. After another participant ushered her to the front of the line they asked her “Why didn’t you just get up and go?” She looked up sincerely and said she didn’t want to ruin the game for others. It breaks my heart to know that James Ray took the life of such a compassionate woman away, a woman willing to suffer so others could benefit, but it also really pisses me off that he warped such a sweet motivation and used it masochistically. My inner neo-hippie rises up and shouts “Dude! No one should have to hold it so long it hurts!” That’s just cruel.
“What was the motivation behind such games?” you are probably demanding of your computer screen right now. James Ray reasoned something along the lines of “it demonstrated the transcendental nature of death” and explained how it would allow participants to leave behind their fears of death. He spoke of honor, integrity, and strength. He spoke of being reborn (These are not direct quotes, they are adlibbed from the memories of participants).
At the end of the second day the James Ray Vision Quest began. I personally have done several vision quests in the desert so I do have an inkling of an idea of what I’m talking about here. I find the biggest red flags of dangerous indoctrination to be restriction of water, food, or bathroom breaks – So when I heard James Ray dropped everyone off in the desert with no food, no water, and nothing but a sleeping bag, the clothes on their back, and a notebook I start to sputter obscenities. No water, in the desert, for 36+ hours is dangerous. I’ve always been told to drink at least a gallon of water a day when hiking in the desert. Furthermore, even if the participants had been fully rested and cognitively ready to question the water restriction, it is still completely traditional (and uneccesary) to go without food on these solo journeys.
James Ray mixes a subtle combination of increasingly risky behavior with perfectly legitimate practices that leave these poor victims slightly confused and he keeps them physically in a hurry -preventing them from sitting down and taking the time to think these things through. We’ve all been in that state of mind. Who hasn’t pulled an all-nighter studying just to be on autopilot the next day in class? Yeah, we can still function but it takes its toll. Now imagine before this all-nighter you’ve spent your classes working on trust exercises, being coddled by your professor and told how it’s important to relearn trusting others. You will be taken care. You are provided for. Stop thinking about those things and focus on your inner journey. Just learn stuff. Of course, you’ve paid $15,000 dollars or so to be there, so you expect to be able to really relax and let go. This is why James Ray is such a dangerous man, anyone could fall into that trap. By the time the participants started to think “Hey, I should have really insisted on that canteen of sweet, delicious, life-giving water…” it’s too late. They were stranded alone, in the dark, in an unknown location in the Arizona desert.
If you haven’t done one of these vision quests it might be hard to understand how the participants didn’t want to leave after that, but I assure you, it’s a powerful experience even when you’re fully rested and stuff yourself full of food and water. I imagine that sense of wonder and transformation is magnified when one is starving and dehydrated. Sleep was still hard to come by because most participants were not prepared for the devastating cold that comes over the desert at night. Participants were coerced into buying thickly woven Peruvian ponchos for additional charges of $250.00. While that price may seem exorbitant, one victim I interviewed was happy to have paid it, repeatedly stating that it was literally life-saving. The tightly woven material also kept out the intermittent rain, helping to keep participants dry. Still, sleep was hard to come by in those temperatures, being fitful at best and it hardly alleviated the impaired thinking that has become prevalent. It’s easy to see how thinking could become distorted at this point – feelings of being ripped off by a leader and staff that didn’t give proper information about necessary equipment are battling with rationalizations of how at least they pushed the extra gear on everyone instead of letting them freeze to death.
When James Ray’s team finally returned to pick them up from their isolation (surprisingly enough, James Ray was not fasting on a vision quest during this period, nor were his staff – makes you wonder what they were doing, huh?) the participants were all so happy to be warm, with food and water, and thrilled to be surrounded by all their new friends who were all equally excited about their amazing transformative experiences, that the measly hour or so they had to eat and rehydrate themselves flew by. Food was hardly touched, most people opting to drink water first which quickly filled their newly shrunken stomachs. Before anyone had a chance to really recover the participants were whisked off to a group meditation (led by James Ray) and then to the final piece of the James Ray Spiritual Warrior Retreat. The sweat lodge.
We’ve painted a picture of the participants mental state leading up to the sweat lodge, and we know what happened when James Ray turned the relaxing Native American equivalent of a sauna into an endurance competition. He not only encouraged participants to stay and push past physical discomfort, he also actively dissuaded people that wanted to leave. The phrase “push through your threshold” was repeated often by James Ray. If participants didn’t make it to the door fast enough they had to wait for the next round. James Ray would slam the tarp shut shouting “Too late! Door’s shut!” and as he was sitting directly next to the door he was escalating it into a physical confrontation (not to mention he was the only one getting reprieve from the heat. Others could not feel a thing when the door was opened) – playing off something we are trained from birth to avoid. Throughout all this, James Ray is speaking words of encouragement. He speaks of how throwing up is good and actually purging (it isn’t. it’s actually a sign of dehydration and many other bad things), and explains that passing out is common (it isn’t). He encourages people who find it too hot to bury their faces in the dirt, because it was cooler. This is like telling people to stay in a sauna and if it’s too hot – hey, just stick your face by the bottom of the door!
These honorable participants tried time and time again to re-organize and keep everyone safe, but at every stage they were thwarted by James Ray and his staff. Participants who expressed concern over others were told time and time again to focus on their own journey, and not to interfere with another’s. Once outside the enclosure some people were physically restrained from helping the rescue effort by staff members. One unconscious victim was dropped on their head while staff carried them out of the sweat lodge.
After paramedics responded, James Ray was escorted away by police; however he chose his right to silence. Police are reported to have released James Ray that evening, at which point he immediately left the state (this is based on other reports in the media).
This type of devastation isn’t caused by a faulty sweat lodge, oh no, people will leave a faulty sweat lodge when left to their own devices. This is the fault of a leader who seems to think Jonestown was a super idea, and Hitler had some great technique. There are probably some who question my interpretations of the psychology here, and you should because I am not certified for this stuff in any way, so please contribute your own thoughts and research. My opinion is based on research of the following topics: Coercive persuasion, POW mind control studies, wilderness programs to rehabilitate delinquent youth as well as adult programs such as Landmark Education, the Milgram Experiment, Stockholm syndrome, Jonestown tragedy, cult psychology, and many other random topics that I've studied for my current work-in-progress.
What will other self-help gurus say about this kind of behavior? Will Oprah continue to endorse James Ray? When dealing with cult leaders and other dangerously charismatic people we must always remember to focus not on the beauty of one's words, but on the morality of one's actions.
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For more info: I am not the only teen advocate speaking out. Shawna Bowen is a licensed therapist who focuses on teens with substance abuse problems. I am not familiar with her body of work but the things she reveals in this interview seem to be supporting my own research. Click here to see her on CBS.
Finally, I have been piecing this retelling together for days. Checking and re-checking to verify everything is as accurate as we can make it. I say "we" even though I was not there. This is not my story. I have offered my voice to victims that wish to remain faceless because, well, how can I not? 
These people are not only victims, but survivors. I offer them all my support, love, strength, and protection. It is my hope that in sharing this we can put an end to any victim-blaming and focus our efforts on providing a safe and loving place for victims to be able to come forth without fear, but until that time I ask everyone to respect the privacy of those affected by this tragedy. I feel honored by those who have stepped forth and extended me their trust, I know it is an amazing act of bravery and I will do my best to represent the honesty, integrity, and strength that James Ray failed to deliver.
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In case the FTC is wondering, I do not endorse James Ray and he has never compensated me in any way.
Comments
My heart is literally pounding out of my chest reading this! I am outraged at James Ray and his cult leaders. These people were like lambs to the slaughter, but they had to pay thousands for it. He should be sued for everything he has but that will not bring back the dead. You have people attending his meetings who have been abused, who have self-doubt, who are trying to become stronger and more powerful AND THIS IS WHAT THEY GET? I dont' even know what to say after this except that the universe rights itself James, so watch out...
Do any of you James Ray followers ask him if he knows what he is doing in that lodge? Whats the name of the person who taught him that and would they vouch for him? Did he ask if anyone had any health concerns before they went in? Did you EVEN ask questions? Are you discouraged from asking questions or looked down on if you do? Are you given real answers that you are satisfied with?
Before you went into that lodge did you feel you could trust that man with your life?
If I dont feel any safe answers to these questions about someone who says they can run a sweat. I DON'T go in.
ANYONE CAN TELL YOU THAT THEY ARE CAPABLE OR ALLOWED TO RUN A SWEAT!! Not everyone is telling you the truth.
Look up "New age Fraud" before you try to attend one of these things you call a "native american ritual" run by some nonnative who was taught by some white guy who was taught by his mom who was adopted into the XXX tribe became their medicine woman!!! why? cuz that's a lie!!!
I say this because no one seems to question people that do this. I believe those people died and got hurt because James Ray didn't know how to properly run that lodge. Did anyone ask questions?
Breaks my heart that they went through this. I too offer love and support to them as they work to learn to trust again.
Woooowww. That man needs to be put out of commission.
Excellent article, Cassandra. The description by attendees (finally!) closely matched what I had imagined in my mind after researching the kind of man James Ray appears to be and getting some insight into his ego and his almost sociopathic responses to people's suffering, both now and in the past. It's aaaallll about him, after all, isn't it? Scary and sad.
Typo you can easily repair:
>>You will be taken care. You are provided for.
Thank you -- too astonished to comment right now.
Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a hero.
Questioning such people are discouraged. They mock the questioner as being "negative" and imply even the slightest criticism is "proof" of the questioner's heresy. You see this all the time among the Secret "teachers"--Vitale, Schirmer, Ray--they all spout the same money-cult blame-the-victim lines. Ask 'em a question they don't want to answer, and time by the second hand on your watch how quickly it's turned on the questioner. Give 'em extra points if they use any of the following terms: "negative" "jealous" "destructive" or the ever-popular "I feel sorry for (the questioner)".
Excellent work. This guy, and others like him, are truly despicable and dangerous, yet they always seem to carry on with their programs unencumbered by guilt or shame, regardless of any evidence of their immoral, often criminal actions. Amazing. There has to be some way to hold them accountable.
I wish the best for the victims of his abuse, and I can only hope they reject his sliminess and come out in force to testify against him. Never mind lawsuits - this creep needs to go to prison.
I've watched and both liked and not liked James Ray for a few years now. I despised his pompous, arrogant, I'm so great talk, "I can help you - let me help you" in his videos, teleseminars, radio interviews. I think he truly believes he is annointed to raise up "the masses". Problem is NO ONE OTHER THAN ONESELF CAN RAISE UP ONESELF.
That's what all Spiritual Warrior was about, to create an experience that participants would identify as enlightenment so they would "attach" to James Ray and rave about his expensive events.
Megalomaniac describes it well. It also explains ALL that behavior that turned me off so many times I observed it.
Pure and simple, this man killed those people. To play with the flap door like that, physically stopping emergency exits? I'm speechless, ONLY a megalomaniac could do such a thing.
In this Universe one always gets back what one puts out. It's James turn to receive back that which he has wrought upon others.
My heart is with the surv
This man James Ray needs to be held accountable for this in no uncertain terms... We need to get him off the streets. NOW!!!
Bob
Hi Cassandra, Can you check this out please? Did Colleen Marian Conaway die while attending a James Arthur Ray, Creating Absolute Wealth Seminar in San Diego CA Jul 24-26 2009?
Did she die while attending a "group field trip to Horton Plaza Mall" as part of the seminar?
I've watched and both liked and not liked James Ray for a few years now. I despised his pompous, arrogant, I'm so great talk, "I can help you - let me help you" in his videos, teleseminars, radio interviews. I think he truly believes he is annointed to raise up "the masses". Problem is NO ONE OTHER THAN ONESELF CAN RAISE UP ONESELF.
That's what all Spiritual Warrior was about, to create an experience that participants would identify as enlightenment so they would "attach" to James Ray and rave about his expensive events.
Megalomaniac describes it well. It also explains ALL that behavior that turned me off so many times I observed it.
Pure and simple, this man killed those people. To play with the flap door like that, physically stopping emergency exits? I'm speechless, ONLY a megalomaniac could do such a thing.
In this Universe one always gets back what one puts out. It's James turn to receive back that which he has wrought upon others.
My heart is with the surv
I was at CAW July 24-26 and was never made aware that any of the participants were missing much less dead despite the fact a "buddy" system was in place. I found out due to this recent tragedy that there was in fact a tragedy at my event too. I have only received good from the teachings that I have learned at events however I realize now that safety and concern of the participants is left at the door. There is definitely an air of time limited preparation if any and you never know where you are going to go. Granted this creates an aire of concern for your safety and does get you out of your comfort zone which is good. Many never reach their potential due to being stuck in "the same". But again, it must be done properly so there is only a belief you are in danger not actual danger. Less than that is a careless act of the host & means tragedy is just a matter of time. His lessons are destroyed by his actions regardless of how true they may be.
Like Incredulous, I have been both intrigued and repelled by James Ray. I met him in person with my infant daughter and his energy was like a block of lead - nothing inside. Sort of a locked energy and it was not very authentic. For someone like me, who is an empath, that said a lot.
I do not presume (like the author) to make assumptions about the retreat or Ray's ultimate intentions for his work. I am saddened that people will put unwavering faith in such guru figures.
We are all messengers for one another. We all respond to different packaging. I didn't like Rays overall packaging but I don't necessarily see him as inherently evil or as a megalomaniac. His intentions now are irrelevant, however telling his subsequent actions seem to be.
Teachers are just that, teachers. Take their words, find your truth and always listen to your inner voice. I don't think we need to point fingers at James Ray but to find the compassion to educate others and heal our own hearts.
Ditto!
I am speechless. What are the authorities in the USA and Australia doing about these people? People have been crying out for help for years without anyone listening. People have been intimidated, manipulated, abused, threatened, silenced, deceived, stolen from, told they were so negative just because they have an opinion or question someone and the list goes on and on and not one authority has done anything about it. Now we have several deaths that have made it to the media both in the US and Australia but WHAT ARE THE AUTHORITIES DOING? These people need shutting down immediately, at least until a full investigation has been conducted into the teachers qualifications, students interviewed (and not the ones that these teaches think should be interviewed, the ones who have walked away in disgust which actually seems to be the majority now) and the business accounts of these people thoroughly and forensically investigated. I would be a very very willing participant,thanks
Ditto -- to what Duff SAID!
Read more;
saltydroid.info
I was a member of Seaside Church in Encinitas, CA where James Ray's Parents both attend regularly. James Ray brought his "building wealth" seminar to us for a nominal fee, and when I went up to talk to him about my hesitation to pay $750 (after I'd already spent close to 10k on Judith Kravitz's Transformational Breathwork, as well as on Byron Katie's The Work, I was about "GURU'd" "Motivational Speakered" OUT! When I said I couldn't afford it now, he immediately dismissed me & moved his eyes from me and on to the next person he could convice. I realized then that all these types of people who offer seminars are just unable to work in the "regular sector" and it is most unfortunate that so many are looking outside thenselves for what can ONLY be found from within, because all the answers you are looking for are already available to YOU by YOURSELF, no anyone else! Build your network for support amongst family and friends, not motivational speakers & workshop leaders--Love Yourself
This is one of the best written report on this desateer event
Iam a student of Stanislav Groff ..and its is shoking that he as
mix the good name of dr Groff to this desaster
Shoking ...and many more seminar are advertize James ray web sites who will stop him
While interesting, there's an awful lot of opinion and hearsay in this article. It's unfortunate that Cassanadra cannot name her sources, as I find it odd that no one else, anywhere that I've looked, has interviewed and reported on the personal experiences of the participants, including the participants themselves.
None of us were there, and therefore, it's all speculation. It's a big fat mess, and we can only wait and see what happens next.
Having said that, I will say I've been to two of James' seminars, and they were, literally, life-changing. My life and outlook has changed and for that I owe a huge thanks to James, because his work helped facilitate that change I so wanted and needed. I had no plans to go to any further seminars, not because I think he's a charlatan, snake oil salesman, etc, but because I got what I needed from him, and my lessons are taking me in a different direction.
Prt 2: And while the prices he charges are really outrageous, I still think the money I paid was completely worth it. What's is it worth to change your life around? Can you put a price on that? A powerful teacher indeed.
But just because the teacher has failed spectacularly does not mean the teachings are not valid. Don't confuse the teachings with the teacher.
I'm sure James' lawyers are saying, "Admit nothing!" but it doesn't matter whether he would increase his chances of going to jail by admitting any culpability--it was/is the right thing to do. Be accountable--that's James' mantra, and one I agree with. I cannot understand how leaving the scene, not being with those who were injured, refusing to talk to the police and refusing to say anything about his responsibility, is accountable. Yet, ultimately, I believe he will step up and be counted.
And even though some of his devotees believe James is innocent, I'm quite sure this is going to haunt him for the rest of his days.
Thank you for this information. I attended last year and I'm stunned and heartsick to hear James would not let them out. That's inexcusable! Our event was similar but also VERY different because we were all able to go out when we felt we needed to. Oh my God, no wonder it ended so badly! I was not aware they were actually trapped or blocked from leaving. If that is the case, it makes the tragedy even worse. Mental coersion is bad enough but also physically preventing them from leaving? My heart breaks for these people.
Great rememberance of the event. One mistake, the Vision Quest was 24 hours in 2005. Otherwise reading this article was accurate. I chose to leave early in 2005. I was the first to exit and thank God that others followed me.
Great comments everyone!
Just to be clear, the above article is in reference to the October 2009 Spiritual Warrior retreat. While there is discussion on the 2005 event going on, I do not yet have enough information to speak authoratatively on that.
Thank You.
Facebook Page for JAR: Blog Commenter:
Danielle Hahn-Koprowski
I was at the Spiritual Warrior (SW) event in 2008 and I know exactly how this tragedy occurred
Since I had participated in more than 25 sweat lodge ceremonies prior to attending SW I had a different perspective than many who were there. I have never been to a lodge where anyone got sick except at SW. Last year, at least 20 people were sick and at least 1 person was dragged out unconscious at the end.
At a normal lodge no one is ever encouraged to stay, especially if they feel unwell in any way. James did not conduct the ceremony in the way that it was intended.... Read More
A third person has passed away from this tragedy. When are the authorities going to act??
This is a lesson for all of us who seek truth and wisdom within for the coming times. I agree with Corinne. This is telling us that we are to look within at this time, rather than at Gurus for guidance. This was not LOVE-BASED, it was greed-based, unfortunately. We can create this new world together, simply, by helping each other and believing in the best....building a world that reflects community and love. There is no longer a need to SUFFER. We need only REMEMBER.
If we are to take to heart what I feel Cassandra is conveying, would it not be equally inappropriate to hold Cassandra as hero?
What are the facts, where does Cassandra speak with HER bias? There is a lot of emotion in her writing, I would not be inclined to call it a subjective piece.
Saying things like "Thank you, thank you, thank you. You are a hero." is in fact the very mentality that leads people to hold others as an authority ultimately giving them undue influence on their lives. Leaving many to feel powerless over their own lives.
Personally, there is a lot to process here as there are many comments being shared that do seem to hit home in some way. What is there to learn from this, what can this experience tell me about me and my past choices with others of influence?
As one commenter offered, indeed the messenger may have made a mistake, still, the message is worth understanding. Read more...
Thanks for the warning now that was "harmonic"
Going on a witch hunt, wanting to blame one person for EVERYTHING, using absolutes such as ALL, ALWAYS, etc. speak more about the commenter and fear than the facts.
Speaking as if the intent of another person is known to them again says more about the speaker than than the facts.
Understanding how coercive persuasion works or even that it is something to know when attending such events is quite valuable. As well as understanding how depriving yourself of such things as sleep, food and water can have the unintended outcome of making you more likely to accept what you might not accept otherwise.
Knowing your limits is critical and unfortunately for far to many people their limits are rarely tested. In the book "The Four Agreements" it is called domestication. Knowing that you are influenced and understanding how that influence impacts you and being able to make a choice thereafter is priceless.
It is tragic that the price being paid at this event was someones life. Read m
In the end I would encourage you not to blame, rather to look at your own life and to observe where you are doing the same i.e., giving someone else authority over your life and choices. Even in small ways it comes with to high of a price.
Remember, not all teachers, trainers, coaches, mentors or therapists are created equal. Each will no doubt have an occassion where they are acting with authority and blindly recognizing it is happening and therefore missing how they are in fact creating the outcome for the one seeking their counsel.
I'll leave you with this final thought...
Pay attention, pay attention, pay attention!
Your life is your's to live, no one else can do it for you!
Is James human? Do accidents happen? Do we all have egos? Only if you have a body. Do egos become negligent? Do we all eventually transition (die)? Is this article filled with half truths? YES.
As a former spiritual warrior and journey of power graduate, the cost of the teachings, realizations, spiritual growth, and friendships? PRICELESS! Heal on!
healing thoughts and my condolences go out to the victims, now 3 of them. The latest victim Liz was a friend of mine in the past...and she was an amazing person who truly believed in James and his teachings.... She was probably one of the sweetest and most energetic person I knew...such a tragic ending. I know she is in a good place tho....and will be coming back soon in a new vehicle to experience a new life's journey.
I hope her new vehicle runs over your foot.
Not only do I hope we go on a "hunt", I further hope for a "capture".
If by human, you mean criminally negligent.
Dan above had the strength to leave in 2005, and he said, "Thank God that others followed me." People, you are sheep following the wrong leaders. Dan, spread the word - more should be following those who leave. So many followers are brainwashed victims. My dear friend died, brainwashed and believing lies.
James is a charming, wayward Christian, went to darker beliefs. He needs to understand God is calling him back to his Christian beliefs. Only thru Christ can one obtain peace and tranquility in life. James, God wants your heart again.
just for the record... i am one of the people that saw James for who he was and got out before I could be brainwashed any futher... My friend Liz was not so lucky... It is so scary to know that even after this tragic incident and other incidents in the past, people are still standing by James and sticking up for him and signing up for his events and forking out money they don't have!
All my sci-fi peeps feel free to join me...
"I will not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
Everyone's kind words mean a lot to me, and everyones critical discussions that point to where I can respond and help continue the discussion in new directions are just wonderful. To those that would brand me a hero, I am flattered but that's just silly. I'm merely participating in an effort to spread knowledge and improve the community.
As always, lovely discussions continuing. I remind everyone to PLAY NICE WITH EACHOTHER.
I would also like to remind everyone we are NOT going on a witch hunt. Wiki defines a witch hunt as a search for witches or evidence of witchcraft, often involving moral panic, mass hysteria, and lynching. The only relevant word in that entire definition is "moral". Using fear to motivate is James Ray's technique - fear of missing the next lesson, fear of his disapproval, fear of inadequacy.
I WILL NOT ACT IN FEAR. I act with purposeful deliberation to open a discussion about the unethical use of different types of power.
All my sci-fi peeps feel free to join me...
"I will not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."
Everyone's kind words mean a lot to me, and everyones critical discussions that point to where I can respond and help continue the discussion in new directions are just wonderful. To those that would brand me a hero, I am flattered but that's just silly. I'm merely participating in an effort to spread knowledge and improve the community.
Wow, What a wide spectrum.
I walk a beautiful path with the Creator,and never has he asked me for monetery gift's. I sweat and pray regulary and the description's I read are so far off it is heartbreaking. We need to seek true native leader's and offer tabacco in a good way. This is how the teaching's are shared after we as common human being's approach the spiritual side of living. We have several native leaders in this country that are willing to share this path. They do it for the health of our youth and our planet, and our own health . Money can't buy happy
Olivia Truthe publishes the corporate email address for contacting James Arthur Ray. Follow the link to get the address: www.facebook.com/oliviatruthe
Thank you so much for the the blog radio info
So much precious informations from MR Tree.
As a member of the native american church myself
It is clear that this desaster was an aboration
of what a native american ceremony should be conducted.
Native elders had told James Ray that this was wrong
misuse of a very sacred native American ways .According to participants like Mourning ..alreadyin 2008
20 peple where sick....and James Ray ...still keep doing the same plastic cover sweat dome ....stupid ...criminal...greedy$$$
Like Mickey mouse in the movie Fantasia...The Sorcerer in the Apprentice ...Mickey mouse created created a desaster.
You do not play with sacred energy that native American
have been teaching from generations to generations.
Combine this with the teaching of James Ray
"To play full on " Trust me I know
May he be stop ASAP
If anyone who has been involved in the James Ray scene is willing to go on the record - please email me rushofwind456@aol.com
I am a reporter. Thanks.
D I S C E R N M E N T
At this time of transition, be very careful about who and what you are following. In fact, if you are following at all, that is the first indication that you are off track. For those of you who are still students of gurus, we recommend discernment.
This is no longer a time of great spiritual teachers. It is now the time of great spirits instead. This shift from master/student to just plain master may cause a temporary unemployment problem in India and elsewhere, but do not be alarmed.
The true masters of light will make the shift with ease and will welcome your upcoming graduation with the same relief that they welcome their much deserved retirement.
birds of a feather? remember the Secret?
google this:
vimeo exposed national television schirmer 1 of 6
I attended this event Sept-07 and left before the Vision Quest. I couldn't believe the brainwashing that was taking place and I wanted no part of it. If you didn't shave your head, it meant you were not giving up your attachments? WHAT? Do you know how ridiculous these women looked when they went back to the real world of family, friends and work! The final straw was when I learned that we had to sleep in the desert for 36 hours with no food and water, if this was told to me in advance I could have saved myself a lot of money. There was no way I would go without water for 36 hrs! I left, and never attended another event, even though I bought the $20,000 package and still had 2 events to attend, of which he offers NO REFUNDS. I knew James was a fraud and a complete ego-maniac at that time and have warned many others over the last 2 years.
My sincerest condolences to the families of the three deceased people.
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