Mind control is a subject commonly found in works of speculative fiction, but rarely in reality. Self-help guru James Arthur Ray is the latest to use mind-control, called coercive persuasion among psychologists, in the sweat lodge tragedy that occurred last week. James Ray is currently under investigation for two deaths and 19 additional hospitalizations that occurred at his Spiritual Warrior Retreat last week in Sedona, AZ during the sweat lodge portion.
Last night James Ray made his first public statement regarding the tragedy and today he had a conference call that was only for the victims of his latest retreat-gone-wrong. Why does James Ray want to have private communication with his victims? What is he hiding? It would appear that he is psychologically tampering with witnesses as well as continuing to hit them up for money, trying to enroll them into more of his programs, and giving them bad advice. What proof do I have of this? Today I received a transcript of this call from a victim that wishes to remain anonymous. I have great respect and sympathy for all the victims, their families, and what they are going through in this trying time, so I will not post the transcript in its entirety. I want to protect the victims that are not yet ready to speak out but I will gladly post everything James Ray and his staff said though, because it is inexcusable and he must be brought to accountability.
The call started with Greg (a staff member) explaining the purpose of the call was to bring closure to the retreat and to give James Ray a chance to interact with everyone. Next, Greg introduced Katie Carlson as an international follower of James Ray and strongly urged everyone to seek guidance about this tragedy with her, even though she is not certified as a counselor. I’d like to repeat that because of the crazy factor – he urged people to consult someone who is in no way certified in the fields of therapy. Why would he refer trauma victims to a non-professional to cope with this tragedy? Because James Ray and his staff kept stressing the importance of turning to others in the James Ray community for support, or as James Ray kept referring to his followers “Harmonic minded individuals”. This is a huge warning sign of cult activities – turning to unqualified people for help only because they are members. Cults focus their members inwards in an attempt to cut off outside influences.
“Harmonic minded individuals” is bad enough but another phrase James Ray and staff kept using was “those who have fallen ill” apparently he is choosing to portray this as some sort of disease or sickness, as opposed to the reality - they are suffering from overexposure to dangerous levels of heat that is a direct consequence of James Ray’s actions in the sweat lodge. Even more astounding is how many victims were agreeing with James Ray, even though they themselves are still recovering from injuries he imposed upon them. This raises serious questions about the levels of indoctrination James Ray has achieved among his followers – they are willing to support him even after he almost killed them. Some even espoused the near death experience as transformative and praised James Ray for it, even while they discussed the physical problems they are still struggling to overcome. I have heard similar sentiments from other people who suffered from the effects of coercive persuasion – cult members, abused teenagers from wilderness therapy programs, etc.
The words of the staff are bad enough, but barely scratch the surface of what James Ray himself stated. He starts by saying “I really wanted to be with you all on the final night and my thoughts were consisistenly with everyone who was having challenges.” Of course, he neglects to mention why he wasn’t there with everyone, because he was not in police custody – he was on his way out of the state. Doesn’t seem like he really wanted to be there then, huh?
He goes on to say “I just kept thinking ‘I have to take care of my people’.” How he could even utter those words after his gross failure to take care of them during the retreat when they needed it is beyond me. James Ray insists to the callers that “this is something I have never been confronted with before” and George and Amayra Hamilton, the owners of Angel Valley Retreat (where the sweat lodge was held), have repeatedly backed him in news reports. However, “not been confronted” is not the same as “never happened before” and the fire department released information that something exactly like this has happened before. In 2005 a call was placed to 911 because of another sweat lodge being run by James Ray at the same Angel Valley Retreat center. Furthermore, the police are investigating James Ray’s retreats at multiple other locations.
Another catch-phrase James Ray and staff kept using is “remember your teachings” and “remind you of what you know” which he used a lot while saying “just be good to yourself. This is the most important time, its always important, to practice what you know, eat right… You gotta eat and you gotta eat healthy. You gotta get your workouts in, speaking from experience, sometimes you don't feel like it but you gotta get rest and eat right.” That’s strange advice coming from James Ray, the very same person who deprived them of food, water, and sleep for 36+ hours right before shutting them in the sweat lodge.
James continued, “As restless as your mind might be, take 15 to 20 minutes to slow down and remember who you are. Next it’s important to surround yourself with healthy harmonic minded individuals who support you and love you. Hopefully you’ve connected with support, and if you haven't please, please do because this community is coming together like never before and there is lots of support around the world. I’m sending [unclear] to all those who took ill and also those that transitioned and left this physical life, you can only give what you have and you can't give what you’re not. Again lets all remind each other of what we know.” The first part sounds like followers struggle with their sense of self unless they are around other followers, the last part of the quote doesn’t even make sense, and he wraps up with more repetition.
“I have an incredible support group in my life and it’s been invaluable. I know Greg and Megan left me a voicemail last Friday and I saved it and listen to it several times a day. It’s important to do these things. That’s why we have Katie, she has experience and knows how to do these things.” Katie is present on the call and agrees that these things are important. I guess it’s nice that James Ray listens to his friends’ messages on repeat, but I am not sure that would qualify as important in the grieving process. It is also unclear as to what Katie has contributed to the exchange, other than agreement, which means very little as she is not a qualified therapist. Nor is James Ray, while we’re discussing it.
“Now is the time to rise above the mood and use what you know. It’s OK to grieve. I feel grief, but in the midst of that you have to do the things that will keep you healthy and that are best for every one of our family members who are still ill or deceased.” Again, James Ray is heavy on the repetition. “Use what you know” is such a dangerous catchphrase because the very act of making it a catchphrase encourages people to replace actual thinking with oft spouted empty words. Notice also how he calls the victims “family members”. Most of these people only met last week, hardly long enough to form bonds of friendship, let alone familial ties. I would think it would be healthier for the victims to turn to their actual families and loved ones, but like Katie and James Ray, I am not qualified to give counseling. It would be best to ask a licensed therapist about such things.
“We all know the power of prayer, studies prove it. [Let’s have a] moment of silence for those who have taken ill and for those in recovery and for those that are family members of those who transitioned. A moment of silence to do what we will to send our brightest intentions and love to all those involved including ourselves. Envision all of us in a circle if you will. Let’s take a deep breath in. Breathe in. And out. You know what to do. Be the light in the darkness for ourselves and each other for all involved. Envision ourselves standing together in a circle, as we have so many times before, and as we stay in that circle we can press *6 to mute out our line if we’re being noisy.”
Everyone beeps their line while they follow his command.
“Take a breath in. Out. Remembering who we are and what we know. Remembering that we are here in this special time in world history to make a major positive difference in a world that needs it so much. Knowing that we can and that we are. Next breath in. And out. Loving ourselves and allowing ourselves to experience whatever we experience and loving ourselves because the only way to go beyond it is to [unclear]. We [unclear] energy in this circle, breath in and out. Remembering all that we’ve learned and experienced and knowing the laws of the universe that every [unclear] chaos comes order that never existed before the chaos, moving elegantly through chaos to facilitate the order. Knowing a higher power than what we know conciously is guiding and directing us. No matter what we feel in the moment we are guided and protected always. Imagine ourselves standing in a pyramid of light and on the next breath take all intentionality and experience into the heart and crown chakra. Through the heart of each of us here now, into the crown, out through the heart, connecting all of us here and now. Breathe in and out. Irrelevant who is here, the unconscious mind knows and the universe knows. Now that we are connected I [unclear] to heartfelt energy [unclear] infinite [unclear] to still hospitalized. To their highest good and rapid healing at whatever level that may be. Breathe in and out through heart and all those who may still be hospitalized breathing in an out. Send out to all those how have taken ill for their rapid healing and breakthrough for new level - breathe in and out through the heart. We just feel the energy going out. Individuals who transitioned out of this physical life feel love and support of God and energy to assist them in this time of grief and challenge. Breathe in and out through the hearts of families, bathing them and supporting them in this moment. Final breath back to ourselves. Support each other, re-bond this community. In and out to the hearts of each other. Vibrating and pulsating through our bodies in this moment and we step forward acting upon this moment and the laws of the universe. So be it and it is.”
“Let me say one more thing before I turn it over to Barb. Barb, *6 again to share. I did an event in L.A last night, last thing I wanted to do, would rather stay home and meditate and heal but it was the right thing to do. It was a commitment and same with San Diego tonight. Many are discussing [attending] summit, and the bottom line is i made a commitment and people are flying in. There has never been a more important time to stay dialed in to thoughts of hope, thoughts of possibility and to be reminded of the things all the greatest teachers [have taught]. I know most of you are going. It will help you to be there. It will feed your soul. What we’re doing is necessary so I’m gonna be there and give it my best. Barb, will you now tell us a little about what you experienced during the closing ceremony?”
This, I think, is the worst part of the entire conference call. Barb is one of James Ray’s staff members and she goes on to talk “of the two that had passed and they left their bodies during the ceremony and had so much fun they chose not to come back and that was their choice that they made.” This is going to be really hard for James Ray and his people to explain when the autopsy results are released, because people do not cook themselves to death. They just don’t. Barb implying they do is asserting James Ray’s innocence and falsely supporting that the survivors are alive because they chose to live. In actuality, James Ray had to be interrupted and the participants were physically removed from the sweat lodge because they were not capable of transporting themselves.
The rest of Barb’s words were less offensive, but still rather odd. “There were a number of us that were still there Friday afternoon. We had all been sharing and working through the processes and Angel Valley and [unclear] and Friday evening one of them did [unclear] with cleansing for various sights they had been on and a session with everyone still on site. I gotta say they opened up their hearts and [unclear] he opened up, got into her mode and I believe she was channeling some of the spirits from Angel Valley and she opened it up for questions that anyone wanted to ask, but I don’t remember them all.”
“This is bringing attention to how sweat lodges should be used. The next morning the police had cleared the site and then Angel Valley could take the shelter down and burn it.”
“We were in the dining hall the next day and got a circle together and did prayer pouches to put on fire to honor the process the participants went through on their vision quest. We had tobacco, material, and strings that varied people had and Angel Valley gave cornmeal and we sat in a circle and talked about who and what we wanted to do with all the pouches. We made a pouch for those who passed, James Ray, James Ray International, the hospitalized, all the participants, and last is all encompassing for everyone on the globe being affected by this. Saturday in circle we held hands, took hot breath, and sand for each pouch took intentions and [unclear] that pouch for intentions and prayers for that particular person represented. Instead of leaving in the string we tied it in a circle to represent togetherness. After that we went to the sweat lodge area and everything had been taken off except the wooden structure. We gathered around and all the participants of the dream team who were left stood in the north, at that point some Angel Valley people spoke and opened up to anyone who [wanted to speak]. People really spoke about embracing the dark and the light.”
“Some spoke of being next to those who were dead or sick, others of the teaching the rest of the week and [how] it was exactly what they needed to [unclear] higher evolution. Some spoke of the use of sweat lodges in the future. Everyone was quiet for a bit. Everyone spoke of embracing the light if anyone had anger or frustration [unclear] that they really need to not hold that within ourselves. I can't remember if anyone spoke but I think if [unclear] it was expressed in themselves and not spoken words.”
Barb spoke of dismantling the sweat lodge. “The tradtional way is to cut or untie the strings that held the wood together. It took a while to take it down but we [unclear]. Ffter we had that kind of filled we took the grandfathers and put them in the shape of a heart around the pit. Participants [unclear] on the ground and that was tied through the circle of pouches we created that morning that [unclear] held up and put both pouches on [unclear] and that represented our intentions for [unclear] and the other string of pouches from [unclear] represented all of the participants that didn't make it to the fire [unclear].”
“And then matches were passed around for everyone and we all struck a match and helped to light the fire and watched the fire and said what was in their hearts.”
James Ray ended Barb’s story. “Hopefully all of you appreciate hearing that as well as I did reading it and hearing it again. Greg you were gonna say something?”
Greg chimes in. “Thank you very much Barb, that helps a lot. I did want to acknowledge Katie, she is available and [unclear] contact us to be in contact with Katie, everything you have she can help with. At this point Katie, is there anything you want to add or say?”
Katie, the not qualified to be counseling anyone on grieving follower of James Ray, says “For the most part it is OK to feel what you’re feeling and don’t do it alone. You guys really know how to journal, get those feeling out of you. Make sure you connect with anyone, especially Harmonic like-minded individuals. There’s a ton of people out there for you.”
“Thank you Katie”
“My pleasure.”
Greg continues, “I would like to open up to anyone, I know there’s a lot of you, I want to be sure that out of respect we stick with our own feelings and how we can best support each other.”
This is when the survivors begin to share and I cannot in good conscience repeat their private feelings. I will say that many had difficulty recalling the experience clearly and many thanked the others for pulling them to safety while they were incapacitated.
James Ray wraps up the call with “I love you guys with all my heart. I’ve thought about each and every one of you. The families. Nonstop. I would have loved to have been with you that night. Please, please let me remind you since [retracted] said she was late, as a reminder, take care of yourself. Now more than ever stay plugged in. As hard as it was for me I told Megan and Greg it was every bit as healing to go speak to those people last night as it was for them. Stay plugged in, eat exercise, talk to Kaite and stay connected with this community. I give you 110% of what I have. Thank you so much for who you are and what you are doing for each other and the world. Highest prayers for the families and those taken ill and a speedy recovery. Love you lots.”
Read part two: Inside accounts of James Ray sweat lodge tragedy and retreat
Read an interview: Brett Merle, former wilderness program owner speaks out about NLP and proper safety measures for programs such as James Ray's
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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
If you want a life-altering experience, I'd recommend you attend seminars and read books by self-help experts like Tony Robbins and James Arthur Ray.
If you knew James Arthur Ray and what he stands for, you would never say these hurtful things about him and classify him in the dangerous 'cult-like' figure. The man has dedicated his life to helping people learn about themselves because it is never taught to us in the fraudulent education system we all should be ashamed of. Again, media jumping to conclusions without all the facts. Typical, disgraceful journalism.
I am not a "follower" of James Ray, but I have read his works and have attended one of his seminars. He offers what I consider to be good personal development advice in many areas. He can also get very esoteric when it comes to spiritual teachings, therefore I prefer to stick to more mainstream people like Tony Robbins. I do not understand why James Ray left the scene of this incident, however I think your "cult" portrayal of him and his followers is going way too far. You need to look at his entire body of work.
How can anyone say that they are not a follower of James Ray but have been to his seminars? Thats like saying "I am not a Christian yet I go to church every sunday to pray to Jesus"
James Ray is a cult leader who cares nothing about anyone and only does what he does for the money. If you think different, go kill yourself!
I have watched every second of the James Ray trial. He killed those people. No question.
Make sure you read part 2 of this article. Click here ~~> http://www.examiner.com/speculative-fiction-in-philadelphia/breaking-new...
Tim, I've attended many services for churches I am not affiliated with, as well as gone to group events even though I did not consider myself part of that particular group. Not everyone who went to James Ray seminars was a "follower" and nearly everyone who considered themselves such stopped after his true actions were revealed. These are good people who aren't going to let themselves or anyone else be victimized and who cares if they considered themselves a "follower" or not? The important thing is that JR be held accountable and not allowed to harm others in the future.
I thank you for sharing this. I gave been in sweats run by real native Americans (becuz. Am native American). It is blatantly obvious to me that this lodge was poorly run. He pretty much ripped those people off. And to send people off on a visionquest?!!! He had a great lack of knowledge about what he was doing.
people are asking questions if there was another death during a James Ray seminar 2 months ago in July 2009.
search the WWW and google for the name,
Colleen Marian Conaway
Woman in fatal Horton Plaza fall identified.
Colleen Marian Conaway died in San Diego attending a seminar on Saturday July 25, 2009.
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?
If James Ray had been so dedicated in his life with his teachings he wouldn't have been charging for it. It shouldve come from the pure joy of getting the word out there. But no. James got greedy and it became all about the money. Charging $9000 to show your dedication is not a worthy cause to say the least. James' gross neglegance with his power of influence and his desire to play God with other peoples lives is a severly distorted attempt at imperical rule, and again all because of the wealth. Not harmonic wealth but monetary wealth to sustain his very empire. The journalIsm here was spot on and I am sad to see that if so many of you were true believers you'd be a little more open minded to all sides of the story being told so that the truth may reveal itself! James has become lost among the souls of the world that bind themselves to monetary glory. He needs to held accountable for playing God with someone elses life.
good job getting hold of this transcript so that people can hear what is really going on rather than hearsay.i think its eye opening. i do wish you had included what the participants were saying as well and Ray's response to them, as i think thats an important part of the story, even though you could have changed their names.
Please, could someone, anyone provide a single legitimate, scholarly research study worthy of publication in a professional journal that substantiates the actual "documentable" benefits of the work of any of these multimillionaire gurus?
As the definition at Americans Against Self-Help Fraud states...
"Self-Help fraud is to claim that a certain belief, method or practice improves mental health, personal life circumstances or interpersonal relationships without providing valid, supporting scientific evidence!"
Please, could we all go in search of our nearly extinct critical thinking skills, dust them off, and begin to analyze these gurus and their claims. Those who pursue spiritual enlightenment are generally intelligent people but for the life of me, I cannot understand why they often make such dumb decisions about where and how to find what they are looking for.... $10,000 to sweat your way to a better life. YIKES! "Smart People; Foolish Choices!?
Hi everyone, thanks for commenting. Even the one who called me 'disgraceful'. No, really. I think it is deeply awesome that we have a two sided discussion going on here. I strive for open communication and multi-sided conversations. Please feel free to keep talking about this here, I offer you all my comment space, to anyone who wants to discuss this openly. I do ask that we all treat each other with respect though. For those of you concerned I am not giving James Ray a fair shot, well, I can't wait for you to see the exclusive interview that I have going up next. I was familiar with James Ray's work before this retreat, and I cannot deny there is some value to parts of his work. If James Ray is uncomfortable with my pegging him as a cult leader, well, then he should stop ordering people to cook themselves alive, because then I will stop referring to him as a cult. I, however, will continue to look to Albus Dumbledore for my moral guidance.
I would agree with 'seminar junkie'on 1 point-This quack's seminars are life altering alright, as in no longer alive.
Thanks Cassandra for this excellent piece. We see this over and over and over with cults. How they are able to sucker in otherwise intelligent people is mind-boggling. I think Ray's own words in this transcript say it all. I hope this greedy charlatan is sued for everything he has. This is absolutely shameful behavior and cannot be allowed to continue.
In terms of sensationalising, you've taken some severe liberties with your claims. Foremost of which I find hilarious that you "accuse" James Ray of encouraging the victims of eating well and staying healthy. And on the grounds that they were fasting while on his retreat? Seriously?
And then you accuse him of hitting up the victims for money, by which he talks of his commitment to an upcoming event which many of the group are already going to. This is not a sales pitch, this is an confirmation that the event will continue to people already involved!
I've never been to a James Ray event, but I have great respect for what he teaches, the message he brings, and the good that he does in helping people.
James Ray has some very serious questions to answer over this tragedy, but witch-hunting him with gross exaggerations does not help anyone. It only detracts from your own credibility.
Thanks for this information. Having grown up in a cultish religious family, I have learned to be Independent and cautious of all emotionally charged persuasion. I have attended retreats and gatherings and have enjoyed learning, but when my gut says 'something is wrong with that person', I back away. At times, I am the only one doing so as others 'praise' this so called dynamic spiritual person. Cons are good actors. They can charm so well we don't even know it is happening. I watched a whole church follow someone who was evil and ended up in jail. But oh my could he move with "the Holy Spirit". The Truth will become known. I'm glad this is being investigated. It needs to be. Let's pray for the wounded and the families of the deceased. Let's pray for that land upon which this tragedy occurred. Let's pray for ourselves, that we each learn what we need to from this. Namaste.
I am the National Spiritual Guidance Examiner,and have been following this story with great interest.
Although I have my personal opinions about what transpired, I do think it is important for this incident to be thoroughly investigated by authorities in charge. If James Arthur Ray is negligent, the evidence will clearly determined that. Whatever price Mr. Ray will pay for this, emotionally, materially, and physically, is clearly part of his path.
Everyone who participated will also have to reevaluate their approach to their path of spirituality. I believe this will have a profound impact on many in the metaphysical community. Perhaps that is the one silver lining, that those seeking spiritual awakening will find the most authentic means to do so.
Very interesting article. I am personally stunned at James Ray's behavior. Two people DIED and 1 is still in a coma while many others likely suffered permanent organ damage. In the wake of this, the person responsible (yes, responsible) leaves the state and continues his business as usual! He has the audacity to say he is being tested! HE is being tested? (1) This isn't about HIM and (2) do you imagine that perhaps this is more about the people who died and the unbelievable suffering their families are going thru than about a self-righteous, greedy snake oil salesman? When are people going to realize that everything we need is within ourselves and we do not need to be relinquishing our personal power to idiots like this.
Kyle, it's my impression that people who truly "dedicate [their lives] to helping people" don't charge an arm and a leg for it. The people I know who dedicate their lives to others do so by giving of themselves, not taking from those who need help.
There are several things I find disturbing regarding this article. I'll limit it to a few. 1. Money has become such a hot topic due to the prices that are charged for an event such as this. I find it disturbing that we as a people feel it completely acceptable to pay a baseball player millions per year or football player the same and find that he is doing cock fighting or dog fighting or charged with assault or whatever. He finally gets out of jail or whatever the police charged him with and we can't wait so that he can get back out there and play again... Yet, when it comes to a person who has provided these OLD teachings in a new way so 21st century people can acclimate it we believe it is appalling that he actually have a nice lifestyle because of it. I personally don't enjoy being broke and find it difficult to listen to the teachings of someone who is. If you want to know how to make money don't ask a beggar. This world requires money. It's what we do with it that counts.
I have determined that my posts are not being submitted and therefore realize that if you contradict the article too much it doesn't get posted. We will see if this one gets posted. If so, I'll submit my post again.
I appreciate everything in your post, even though it may be brutal for followers of James Ray to swallow. I have been part of this movement and have attended Ray's events, as well as those of others. Unfortunately, it is painfully clear that the quiet, meditative time Ray has taken has been in part spent carefully crafting a legal defense. From what I have observed of him and attentively listened to him say, this is a man who leaves nothing to chance, but rather molds and shapes every iota of his life. He asks no questions for which he does not know the answer. Every phrase he utters, every word, is intended for a specific purpose. I know this is incredibly difficult for people who believe in James Ray to accept. The reason he left the scene and could not take the human and most natural step of being with those in his care who were in trouble was because he wanted to protect himself -- which he did brilliantly. This is unbelievably sad. But true.
This is truly sickening. The man has no shame and it's obvious from some of the responses here and the responses of followers that these people are very deeply sucked in and really need to wake up. And Oprah also needs to wake up, develop some critical thinking skills and be more careful of who she promotes. I really hope that he is tried, convicted, and locked up for good so he cannot hurt anyone else. That would be justice although for every James Ray that gets removed from society (if we're lucky), there are plenty of others ready and willing to take his face, along with plenty of people who never learned to think critically and are easy marks. How very sad.
As a former employee of James Ray, I can assure you that the man is a fraud. The "team" holds conference calls like these regularly to keep people who have attended events "plugged in". If he is the "teacher" that some think he is, why was he selling future events this week including next year's Spiritual Warrior event? The unmitigated arrogance is appalling and I think the man is guilty of criminal negligence.
Weird browser issue apparently as my post is back. My apologies. 2. I have been to several JR events and find his information invaluable. However, unlike a sheep I also listen to several other teachers including Dr. Wayne Dyer, Deepak Chopra, Louise Hay, etc. They all have their own style of presenting what is pretty much the same material. Hearing it different ways allows a better integration but I would hardly call it brainwashing or mind control. The Sedona incident is truly a tragedy but we need to consider that accidents do happen. Kids have died on the football field due to heat exhaustion yet the coach didn't get charged with murder due to highly encouraging the child to stay on the field. I think to state that those at JR events are mind warped into doing things out of their control is ludicrous. I would say sitting in front of the TV drooling at an oreo then finding yourself eating one is far more mind-controlling and it happens daily.
1. Harmonic minded.. If I were to talk to you about how to fly an ILS Approach into a specific airport and discuss the procedures that you would need to consider in order to make a successful landing would you have any idea what I was talking about? Not unless you were a pilot. So why would I go to a counselor who will not understand anything about native traditions, spiritual prayer ceremonies, toxin cleansing, etc. True, it is not necessary to talk to someone within the JRI community but talking with someone who can at least talk the language I think would be necessary. I say all of this and do not intend to mean that there is not responsibility on the event holder for something that affected this many people. However, we do need to back up a little bit and realize that most of the people writing these articles have little understanding of the topics that were covered in that call. Yes, it sounds odd or strange but so does another language if you don't speak it.
As an addendum to my post of a few minutes ago, the reason Ray has not interrupted his schedule or ceased the crass haranguing at his events about signing up for future events in package multiples is because to do so a) would create a blip in the upward trajectory of his company (i.e. he in no way wants to be thrown off Inc. Magazine's 500 list of America's fastest-growing private companies that reported in 2009 that his company grew 547.4% in the previous three years); and b) would indicate that something "happened" or is "wrong" enough to warrant a modification of his schedule. One is a financial reason, the other legal.
Once you get his logic, it's very simple. And it's all been well thought out. Expertly thought out. Ray leaves nothing to chance. Of that you can be sure.
There are a lot of good points going on in these comments, thanks everyone! I want to let you know, I don't like to moderate comments and generally won't do so unless its pointlessly rude. Everyone is entitled to their opinion and I prefer to convince people with facts, evidence, and critical thinking rather than ommission.
I appreciate everything in your post, even though it may be brutal for followers of James Ray to swallow. I have been part of this movement and have attended Ray's events, as well as those of others. Unfortunately, it is painfully clear that the quiet, meditative time Ray has taken has been in part spent carefully crafting a legal defense. From what I have observed of him and attentively listened to him say, this is a man who leaves nothing to chance, but rather molds and shapes every iota of his life. He asks no questions for which he does not know the answer. Every phrase he utters, every word, is intended for a specific purpose. I know this is incredibly difficult for people who believe in James Ray to accept. The reason he left the scene and could not take the human and most natural step of being with those in his care who were in trouble was because he wanted to protect himself -- which he did brilliantly. This is unbelievably sad. But true.
Beyond the tragedy, while such events will bring out the greatest doubts and fears of many it is especially appreciated to hear Cassandra share thoughts regarding "turning inward".
My biggest question...what are the facts?
Was the sweat being setup in a way that the participants would be well supported by the structure, procedures and safe guards (if any). Many native Indian commenters (i.e., from other posts) have spoken of established protocols and using only natural fibers, sounds reasonable.
The idea of squeezing some 55 to 65 people into a 415 square foot (i.e., approximately 20 feet by 20 feet) space and covering them with plastic for two-hours seems quite extreme, even more so after completing a 36 hour fast. The lodge design seems to add additional stress with an approximate center height of 53 inches and sides dropping close to 30 inches.
No doubt the sweats will continue, so what needs to change?
Finally, Cassandra's point "turning inward" is something to kee
Oops, the last few words were cutoff...
Finally, Cassandra's point "turning inward" is something for all of us to keep in mind. Indeed, it is a warning sign.
There is no one person who has all the answers.
When you allow someone else to think for you there no longer exists your sense reality or well being. Your life is precious, learn from others, be curious and when it doesn't serve you, pay attention, be willing to discard it like a yesterday's newspaper.
Thank you Cassandra for bringing up such an important point.
Cassandra used the word "inward" to describe the technique of mind control to influence followers to cut off suggestions from outside "the circle" which could cause them to doubt the one they're following.
You can't have it both ways -- believing implicitly that the one you're following is the only one to lead you on the path to your redemption/goals/dreams AND have sufficient independent critical judgment to cause you to doubt what your leader is prescribing, go against him and disappoint him.
I've gone to JRI seminars and have gotten a lot from them, but I have my doubts about veracity, integrity, and sincerity. Examples:
- James claims to have been initiated into 3 "mystery schools" - unverifiable, yet nobody seems to question that. When? It doesn't add up.
- Many of his teachings/seminar activities are lifted DIRECTLY from others. Examples: authors Maxwell Maltz and Joseph Murphy; T Harv Eker seminars.
-James is a salesman and performer. If you've gone to the Harmonic Wealth Weekend, it's an exact replica HWW performance. Watch the HWW Home Study Course to compare – even the crying at the end is part of the act. It’s very powerful and effective, but it’s an act.
- James has studied sales psychology and persuasion/influence extensively (subliminal and otherwise). He uses it in everything he does, and each move is deliberate. It is incredibly powerful. How else would he get people to pay $35k/yr to join his “inner circle,” the World Wealth Society?
For those hounding JR for going forward with his commitment to hold the events you'd probably be the same people calling him a coward if he canceled them. Many of you think he was a coward and "left the scene." Consider that it was a police investigation at that time and he was most likely asked to leave so the participants could be interviewed outside of his presence. But, it's a much better story to speculate that he was trying to run and hide. Had he stayed you would be saying he was there to use his “mind control” over the witnesses. You put a spin on the limited facts to make it read the way you want to read it. There is no denying that what happened is a tragedy, but all the added opinion, speculation & reports taken out of context only creates the rumors that take on a life of their own and serve no purpose but to “brainwash” in another form. People love a good witch hunt. Any words added as speculation, opinion or hearsay are not facts and only enflame an a tragic situation
What is fascinating to me is the response he is having to this. I can't speak for the feelings that flow through him or the connections he may or may not have to his fellow man. My mind just can't wrap around the fact that he hasn't visited the victims or the victims family. It's like he doesn't want to be associated in a direct way to what happened. I mean these people trusted him and it was a horrible accident but at least do the right thing and allow the family to see that you really cared for their deceased loved ones. I mean hiring his own investigators? Wow, who would think like that unless they were trying to distance themselves emotionally from what happened. I would have way more respect and I think many others would if he would just step off his pedestal and act as a human being and visit the families of the victims or talk to them directly.
They lost their lives trusting you, they weren't "happy to leave their body," they had no choice. Don't pray, act with courage!
This reminds me of that saying, "Adversity doesn't build character, it reveals it!"
The rough road to take is the humble one. Suck it up and visit the victims family directly. They may hate you, curse at you, show intense anger like only a victims family can, but they will respect your courage and take away from that a healing that you cannot imagine.
Who cares about those others that had already committed to seminars this week. They are still alive, if they can afford to fly in and take your seminar they can afford to fly back a day or two early and they would understand the reason for it. Their healing is not that urgent that they cannot wait another month or two til they hear you speak. Your character is being revealed Mr. Ray and that is why people sense at an intuitive level something isn't right. God, the universe, the quantum field, etc. doesn't like ugly, and you are being exposed at whatever level for a deep reason.
I do not believe that James Ray set out to intentionally hurt anyone. However I am appalled at the greed that was exhibited in this matter. If he charged over 60 people 9,600.00 each he very easily could have hired professional Native Americans to not only build a quality lodge but also to oversee and/ or conduct the activities. He could have had oxygen, difibrilators and medical staff on hand in case of emergencies.He clearly did not want to spend any extra money on things he did not deem necessary. Its all so very sad, but it seems in this case the almighty dollar is what the focus was.
Call JY ASAP - a major news agency needs to talk with you, Cassandra. . .
Hi: I'm Blackfoot "native american" from South
Western, Alberta.
We have Sweat Lodges "many" every weekend, and nobody
have ever died. Why? It's simple; the leader of the lodge
takes into account for every individual "their purpose and physical aspects" while attending.
With the number of people "approxamatley 60", it is difficult to maintain awareness of those who attend.
Logistically, it's impossible to maintain awareness of that many people during a Sweat. Therefore, it saddens me James did not use intelligence "knowledge" nor care of each individual during the ceremony.
Holly, I find it extremely hypocritical that you heavily criticize James Ray's critics as being speculative.... Yet you yourself considerably speculates about what those critics would say if he had been different.
It seems to me that most critics of James Ray (Including myself) criticize what he did, because they don't want people to get hurt in the future. We can help others educate themselves before they fall for a false prophet slinging false qualifications, especially when it comes to being involved in a properly run sweat lodge.
Fact is, people have had problems at James Ray's rotisserie shacks before. What did James Ray do to prevent it from happening after these previous problems? Obviously not much! Because he kept doing these lodges and it only got worse... As evidenced by this latest tragedy.
I do not believe that James Ray set out to intentionally hurt anyone. However I am appalled at the greed that was exhibited in this matter. If he charged over 60 people 9,600.00 each he very easily could have hired professional Native Americans to not only build a quality lodge but also to oversee and/ or conduct the activities. He could have had oxygen, difibrilators and medical staff on hand in case of emergencies.He clearly did not want to spend any extra money on things he did not deem necessary. Its all so very sad, but it seems in this case the almighty dollar is what the focus was.
You and James are cut from the same cloth. Both of you impose your interpretations of reality and offer them as the Gospel truth. Please knock it off.
James claims to have studied in three mystery schools. If that's the case, then he probably understands that by leading these victims in such a long, love+light meditation the other day, he was actually leading them through a kind of hypnosis. Being hypnotized by him, those people are much more likely to follow his orders and not question him. It is TOTALLY inappropriate for a criminal to be hypnotizing his victims like this. He's trying to influence them at a time when they need to be clear and objective about his criminal negligence. He gets worse and worse and worse every day this goes on. He's an absolute charlatan and scam artist. Keep this story alive until he's sitting in a jail cell for a long, long time.
Saturn, you picked up on my point exactly - thank you. Speculation inflames a situation. There are at least two sides to everything and usually as many sides as there are people involved because everyone sees things differently to some degree. I have no problem with education, but stick to the facts without adding opinions and speculation. I've been to many JRI events. At the events you are highly encouraged to participate, but never forced to do anything beyond what you choose to do. I was never "starved" except at my own choosing for the experience. I've opted out of experiences that I personally wasn't ready to participate in and had no pressure from anyone to go against my gut decision. There is nothing wrong with exposing a situation as potentially dangerous to educate others, but when a person starts inserting their own opinions into the facts that goes beyond education and becomes persuasion.
The insensitivity of James Ray and his staff in the aftermath of two deaths and numerous injuries from the sweat lodge disaster is almost beyond words! These people have been traumitized and may have lasting physical and emotional problems from this "event". To have a generic conference call, throw in catch phrases like "stay plugged in" and lean on "harmonicly minded people", not to mention continuing to promote his events and facilitate them is unbelievable. Why couldn't he stay at Angel Valley and comfort both the injured and uninjured individuals who attended the ill-fated sweat lodge? Why didn't he talk to the police at the scene? Why hasn't he been to the hospital to visit those still there and spoken to the families? Where is his compassion? Is money, power, and his foundation more important than the people who trusted him? I feel for those affected by this retreat and hope they find closure and healing. His self-serving nature is very apparent.
I wanted to offer comment based upon 20 years of doing sweat lodges, vision quests and sun dances in the Lakota tradition. We do yearly vision quests where people go without food or water for three days and do sweats before and after the ceremony. These ceremonies require much preparation. It's not so much about the heat itself, although I was not there and it could have been too hot for too long. The two problems I see are the use of plastic tarps which do not breathe and a group size that is potentially unmanageable. As some have commented, how can a sweat leader tend to all those in a dark place such as a sweat lodge? While people can sometimes become weak on a vision quest or in a sweat lodge, we always check to see how all are doing and if anyone wants to leave, they can. Also, in the tradition of the red road we never charge a set fee. We suggest people offer a nominal donation from the heart, so we can cover our expenses. Some are able to give, others are not, all are welcome.
there is no question that very sophisticated persuasion is being used.
directed to a group insider for guidance?
is that to turn the members of the group within the group, and make sure their memories of what happened at the sweatlodge match? sounds like an attempt to solidfy groupthink and taint memories.
but witnesses at any crime or death scene are always told to not contaminate eachothers memories.
most important, carefully look at the precise words being spoken when they are told to do deep breathing. that is a type of light hypnosis to give suggestions. when they are told to envision all of them as a family in a circle, that is to create a deep emotional group bonding.
they are then persuaded to fly into San Diego for another seminar, and that is going to be all about trying to create even deeper emotional bonds, and to try to stop people from even thinking about seeking civil justice.
are they going to be persuaded to sign any papers about the sweatlodge events?
What a ridiculous article. James Arthur Ray did not intend for any harm towards the people attending his retreat. I think it is horrible that you are using this tragedy to produce ratings and numbers. Absolutely disgusting. James Arthur Ray is an incredible teacher, speaker, and author. This was just a horrible accident and nothing else.
James Ray has always claimed that the
ideas behind what he teaches are not his
own! People do not follow him.. They follow
a path of their own ! The brainwashing word
you use is one of ignorance and extremely
insulting to the people who suffer from this!
1000's of others teach the same principals
all over the world and have changed lives
for the better because of it.
You do not yet understand his motives for you
have yet to understand the concepts behind
all this. He is a follower to these ideas just like
the rest..... not the creator!
Referring to him as a cult leader is a severe
smack in the face to the people who died
and were injured by this accident.... Not to
mention the humilliation you could create
for the families of the tragedy.
Think and have the proper knowlege
before you try to take things out of context-so to
create turmoil for people .. Wait .. Sorry
that wouldn't be a good story if people had
all the facts..... right?
Thanks for the article. Seems obvious that the "sweat lodge ceremony" was conducted in a way radically different from how they're conducted in authentic Native American contexts -- in terms of its construction, the length of the ceremony, the number of people in the lodge, etc. Also obvious that Mr. Ray is primarily interested, at this point, in covering his own a** !
Also raises all kinds of questions about our habitual tendency to give our power away, project authority outward -- instead of staying connected to our own intuition, and finding Divinity in the only place it ultimately can be found: within ourselves!
Which isn't to say that AUTHENTIC spiritual guides aren't, at least potentially, an important part of the picture. An authentic Teacher, however, will be consciously tuned into the dynamics of projection going on, and committed, first and foremost, to "returning" to the student the authority & power that they initially could only "see" in the guru.
But Holly, I'm curious as to what parts of this artcle you deem as being speculative?
To me, most if this article appears to be factual documentation of James Ray and his staffs' own words during this call. Followed up by the authors personal opinion and some legitimate questions presented by the author of this article. AP has even picked up on it, so I'm sure they did some checks and balances. James Ray's PR guy admitted the call took place. And one of the victim's cousin's provided the transcript.
I'd provide a direct link to the AP article, but it's not allowed
here... Found via Google (Your friend!), Title and reporter are "Self-help guru calls sweat lodge participants By FELICIA FONSECA (AP)"
I have a friend that was burnt fairly badly in this incident. He has spend 10's of thousands of dollars and it takes a event like this for him to see what James really is. A confidence man. Let this be a lesson to all, if it seem too good (and too expensive) to be true, it is!!
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