[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Dick Mays <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Dress: > In keeping with the special character of Guru Purnima in the Vedic > calendar, everyone should wear their most dignified dress. > > Ladies should wear saris or long dresses or long skirts (no pants > or punjabis) and completely cover their heads and shoulders with > the sari or shawls/scarves in the Dome--to be dressed properly > for a Vedic performance. > > Men should wear coat and tie or a dress kurta with nice pants. > No one should wear anything made of leather into the Dome (after > removing shoes as usual in the shoe areas) such as belts, wallets, > watchbands, or purses. > > Ladies' consideration: > As is the Vedic tradition, ladies who are pregnant or having their > monthly cycle should not attend. And some misguided souls have suggested that the TM organization is a weird Hindu cult. This should dispel all those ugly rumors.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Dick Mays <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Guru Cultmania Celebrations > > Ladies' consideration: > As is the Vedic tradition, ladies who are pregnant or having their > monthly cycle should not attend. > Jai Guru Dev Well, I for one am glad they are preserving the dignity of this occasion by not allowing any obviously fertile females into this auspicious event, and by making the others cover their heads. Who knows what horrors would occur if this commonsense law of nature was ignored. But I notice they left out the instruction for women to enter the domes three paces behind their men and then sit behind them in a docile dutiful fashion like they do on the channel, can we have this enforced on the day?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
I just LOVE this announcement. I think it should be printed up on glossy gold paper with a photo of Maharishi and all the Rajas (in costume, of course) at the top and passed out at all TM intro- ductory lectures wherever they are given around the world, along with the "scientific" charts. For most people (that is, those who are seeking to learn a simple technique of meditation and not to join a cult), this would present the true picture of what they are signing up for if they learn TM. This is how the people who run the TMO *really* think and act, what they *really* think of not only women, but men, too, and what the organ- ization is really like if they get any further into it than learning to meditate. IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like document. This is the face of the TM movement that it tries to hide from the public. Celebrating Hindu gods by making offerings to them (there is no pre- tending that this is part of a ceremony that is merely a traditional way that the TM technique is taught here), needing "dome badges" to enter (a form of elitism and paranoid security and obvious "some are better than others" hierarchy), misogyny out the yin-yang, rules of behavior and dress out the yin-yang, worship of the dead as if they aren't dead (the "presentation of achievements to Guru Dev"), and above all, *unquestioning* belief that anything called "Vedic" is good. This post should be archived and referred to any time in the future when some TM TB here claims that the TMO is not a Hindu cult. This "celebration" is an *official* function of the *official* headquarters of the TMO in America. If this announcement does not reflect that organization's true thinking, then what DOES it reflect? --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Dick Mays <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Guru Purnima Celebrations > > It is a great joy to invite everyone to this year's Guru Purnima > celebrations on Friday, July 18th, in the Maharishi Patanjali > Golden Dome. > > The historic feature of the afternoon celebration will be the live > performance of 121 Maharishi Vedic Pandits performing Guru Puja and > Maha Rudra Abhishek (1:00-4:30 pm). > > The evening celebration (8:15-9:30 pm), led by Raja John Hagelin, > Raja of Invincible America, will include Maharishi's address at the > 2007 Guru Purnima, Maharaja Adhiraj Raja Raam's address at this > year's Guru Purnima, and the presentation of achievements to Guru > Dev. > > Due to the special nature of the afternoon celebration, there are > certain points that the Vedic Pandits have requested be made: > > Afternoon Celebration > > Program badges: > A current program badge will be required for entrance to the Dome. > Young people without badges should enter with their parents. > > Arrival time: > Everyone should be seated in the Dome by 12:45 pm. At this time the > Vedic Pandits will enter the Dome and take their places on stage. > Anyone who arrives after 12:45 pm will need to wait in the lobby > until the doors open again at approximately 1:45 pm (when there is > a brief break between portions of the performances). > > Before the performances begin, it is best to sit in silence or > meditate. > > Offerings: > Everyone is invited to bring 2-3 whole washed organic fruits that > will be offered by the Vedic Pandits (and which they will enjoy > afterwards as gifts from our community). > Everyone is also invited to bring flowers as is our tradition--but > this year only the blossoms should be brought, with the stems and > leaves removed ahead of time. > The fruit and flowers will be collected upon entering the Dome to > be given to the Vedic Pandits for the offerings. > > Dress: > In keeping with the special character of Guru Purnima in the Vedic > calendar, everyone should wear their most dignified dress. > > Ladies should wear saris or long dresses or long skirts (no pants > or punjabis) and completely cover their heads and shoulders with > the sari or shawls/scarves in the Dome--to be dressed properly for > a Vedic performance. > > Men should wear coat and tie or a dress kurta with nice pants. > No one should wear anything made of leather into the Dome (after > removing shoes as usual in the shoe areas) such as belts, wallets, > watchbands, or purses. > > Length of celebration: > The celebration will last approximately 3 hours. Once the > celebration has begun, we have been asked that people only enter > and leave the Dome during the break around 1:45 pm or at the end. > > Children: > We have been asked that young children not attend. Youths and young > adults who can comfortably sit and enjoy this extended Yagya > performance are very welcome. > > Ladies' consideration: > As is the Vedic tradition, ladies who are pregnant or having their > monthly cycle should not attend. > > > We look forward to seeing you on Friday, and celebrating this very > special Guru Purnima together as one family. > > > Jai Guru Dev >
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I just LOVE this announcement. I think it should > be printed up on glossy gold paper with a photo > of Maharishi and all the Rajas (in costume, of > course) at the top and passed out at all TM intro- > ductory lectures wherever they are given around > the world, along with the "scientific" charts. > > For most people (that is, those who are seeking to > learn a simple technique of meditation and not to > join a cult), this would present the true picture > of what they are signing up for if they learn TM. Actually, that would be a false picture. What it would be a *true* picture of is what they're signing up for if they learn TM and then choose to become heavily involved with the TMO. Thing is, the folks who choose to become heavily involved with the TMO do so because they find this sort of thing appealing. > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > document. Actually, it would be a lot more cult-like if it said folks were *required* to attend the celebration.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > > I just LOVE this announcement. I think it should > > be printed up on glossy gold paper with a photo > > of Maharishi and all the Rajas (in costume, of > > course) at the top and passed out at all TM intro- > > ductory lectures wherever they are given around > > the world, along with the "scientific" charts. > > > > For most people (that is, those who are seeking to > > learn a simple technique of meditation and not to > > join a cult), this would present the true picture > > of what they are signing up for if they learn TM. > > Actually, that would be a false picture. What it > would be a *true* picture of is what they're signing > up for if they learn TM and then choose to become > heavily involved with the TMO. > > Thing is, the folks who choose to become heavily > involved with the TMO do so because they find this > sort of thing appealing. > > > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > > document. > > Actually, it would be a lot more cult-like if it > said folks were *required* to attend the celebration. > I would say that little point makes a big difference.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Jul 17, 2008, at 5:49 AM, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Dick Mays wrote: > >> > >> Dress: > >> In keeping with the special character of Guru Purnima in the Vedic > >> calendar, everyone should wear their most dignified dress. > >> > >> Ladies should wear saris or long dresses or long skirts (no pants > >> or punjabis) and completely cover their heads and shoulders with > >> the sari or shawls/scarves in the Dome--to be dressed properly > >> for a Vedic performance. > >> > >> Men should wear coat and tie or a dress kurta with nice pants. > >> No one should wear anything made of leather into the Dome (after > >> removing shoes as usual in the shoe areas) such as belts, wallets, > >> watchbands, or purses. > >> > >> Ladies' consideration: > >> As is the Vedic tradition, ladies who are pregnant or having their > >> monthly cycle should not attend. > > > > > > And some misguided souls have suggested that the > > TM organization is a weird Hindu cult. This should > > dispel all those ugly rumors. > > Barry, I was hoping that someone with a little more sense of > humor than I was able to summon up upon reading that would > respond. Thanks. > > It would be great satire if it wasn't actually for real. > > Sal I heard from a woman, one time, that men were kind of afraid of a woman's power, when she was in her monthly cycle, and of course a pregnant woman is certainly a powerhouse of Life... Seems like this prejudice has to do more with making a woman feel 'dirty' or 'less then'... Sad.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Jul 17, 2008, at 6:53 AM, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > > document. This is the face of the TM movement that > > it tries to hide from the public. Celebrating Hindu > > gods by making offerings to them (there is no pre- > > tending that this is part of a ceremony that is > > merely a traditional way that the TM technique is > > taught here), needing "dome badges" to enter (a > > form of elitism and paranoid security and obvious > > "some are better than others" hierarchy), misogyny > > out the yin-yang, rules of behavior and dress out > > the yin-yang, worship of the dead as if they aren't > > dead (the "presentation of achievements to Guru Dev"), > > and above all, *unquestioning* belief that anything > > called "Vedic" is good. > > > > This post should be archived and referred to any > > time in the future when some TM TB here claims that > > the TMO is not a Hindu cult. This "celebration" is > > an *official* function of the *official* headquarters > > of the TMO in America. If this announcement does not > > reflect that organization's true thinking, then what > > DOES it reflect? > > Hey, give em a little credit, Barry--at least they aren't > requiring burnt offerings and the sacrifice of your first-born. The closest they'd get to making that a requirement is a suggestion that "it would be best".
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Dick Mays <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Guru Purnima Celebrations > Ladies' consideration: > As is the Vedic tradition, ladies who are pregnant or having their > monthly cycle should not attend. And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be unclean until the even. And every thing that she lieth upon in her separation shall be unclean: every thing also that she sitteth upon shall be unclean. And whosoever toucheth her bed shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. And whosoever toucheth any thing that she sat upon shall wash his clothes, and bathe himself in water, and be unclean until the even. And if it be on her bed, or on any thing whereon she sitteth, when he toucheth it, he shall be unclean until the even. And if any man lie with her at all, and her flowers be upon him, he shall be unclean seven days; and all the bed whereon he lieth shall be unclean. Leviticus 15:19-24 = Transcendental Meditation is supposed to be about *enlightenment*. What a load of horse shit!
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I just LOVE this announcement. I think it should > be printed up on glossy gold paper with a photo > of Maharishi and all the Rajas (in costume, of > course) at the top and passed out at all TM intro- > ductory lectures wherever they are given around > the world, along with the "scientific" charts. > > For most people (that is, those who are seeking to > learn a simple technique of meditation and not to > join a cult), this would present the true picture > of what they are signing up for if they learn TM. > This is how the people who run the TMO *really* > think and act, what they *really* think of > not only women, but men, too, and what the organ- > ization is really like if they get any further > into it than learning to meditate. > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > document. This is the face of the TM movement that > it tries to hide from the public. Celebrating Hindu > gods by making offerings to them (there is no pre- > tending that this is part of a ceremony that is > merely a traditional way that the TM technique is > taught here), needing "dome badges" to enter (a > form of elitism and paranoid security and obvious > "some are better than others" hierarchy), misogyny > out the yin-yang, rules of behavior and dress out > the yin-yang, worship of the dead as if they aren't > dead (the "presentation of achievements to Guru Dev"), > and above all, *unquestioning* belief that anything > called "Vedic" is good. > > This post should be archived and referred to any > time in the future when some TM TB here claims that > the TMO is not a Hindu cult. This "celebration" is > an *official* function of the *official* headquarters > of the TMO in America. If this announcement does not > reflect that organization's true thinking, then what > DOES it reflect? > Turq! Why must you be such a trouble maker? Why can't you get with "the program"? Why can't you (as suggested in the announcement) "sit in silence or meditate"?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Alex Stanley" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine > wrote: > > > > On Jul 17, 2008, at 6:53 AM, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > > > document. This is the face of the TM movement that > > > it tries to hide from the public. Celebrating Hindu > > > gods by making offerings to them (there is no pre- > > > tending that this is part of a ceremony that is > > > merely a traditional way that the TM technique is > > > taught here), needing "dome badges" to enter (a > > > form of elitism and paranoid security and obvious > > > "some are better than others" hierarchy), misogyny > > > out the yin-yang, rules of behavior and dress out > > > the yin-yang, worship of the dead as if they aren't > > > dead (the "presentation of achievements to Guru Dev"), > > > and above all, *unquestioning* belief that anything > > > called "Vedic" is good. > > > > > > This post should be archived and referred to any > > > time in the future when some TM TB here claims that > > > the TMO is not a Hindu cult. This "celebration" is > > > an *official* function of the *official* headquarters > > > of the TMO in America. If this announcement does not > > > reflect that organization's true thinking, then what > > > DOES it reflect? > > > > Hey, give em a little credit, Barry--at least they aren't > > requiring burnt offerings and the sacrifice of your first-born. > > The closest they'd get to making that a requirement is a suggestion > that "it would be best". > I loved seeing that. "It would be good". "It would be best." "It is a great joy." We used to make fun of those movement cliches' back in the day. It's comforting to see they're alive and well. TMO greatest hits.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
> And if a woman have an issue, and her issue in her flesh be blood, she > shall be put apart seven days: and whosoever toucheth her shall be > unclean until the even. > > Leviticus 15:19-24 > = > > Transcendental Meditation is supposed to be about *enlightenment*. > What a load of horse shit! > I am willing to bet any amount, that this stuff was not written by a woman. As a matter of fact, woman have been excluded from many spiritual/educational opportunities through the ages. In ancient Greece, it was the same. Only men, had the opportunity, to attend school and be educated. The term going 'Greek', goes back to this time, As the Greeks were into homosexuality, as a result of lack of woman in the schools, in ancient Greece. No, really
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
Oh Dark Lord, I have served thee faithfully in mocking the pure and good TM movement (Now Vedic Conglomerates Incorporated) but I ask you to release me from this unholy mission today. It seems that the TM movement itself (Also known as The Kingdom of King Tony and his indentured servant pundit boy choir) has taken to providing its own satire that I cannot hope to improve. So I beseech thee to release me from my dark errand of smudging those of unstained hearts with my foul words...what was that...oh I see, no more guitar for me if I fail? Gotcha chief. I'll see what I can do... > Due to the special nature of the afternoon celebration, there are > certain points that the Vedic Pandits have requested be made: Nice one guys! Maharishi's unquestioned authority has not been replaced by the "Vedic Pundits." Pay not attention to the many men behind the barbed wire fences... Let's see what is on their minds today, through translation of course... > > Afternoon Celebration > > Program badges: > A current program badge will be required for entrance to the Dome. > Young people without badges should enter with their parents. Wow those pundits got up to speed fast didn't they! Must be a Vedic thing and I just don't understand. The mixing of absolute authority of the pundits religious superstitions with some guy in the movement is complete. Now any announcement about anything is Vedic backed and certified satvic and don't you worry your pretty little heads about a God damn thing sonny boy, not a God damn thing. But left in the and "shut up" part. > Before the performances begin, it is best to sit in silence or meditate. > > Offerings: > Everyone is invited to bring 2-3 whole washed organic fruits Uh huh. organic fruit is all that the dead Guru can take. Organic, certified from Whole Food market. Organic. that > will be offered by the Vedic Pandits (and which they will enjoy > afterwards as gifts from our community). I was wrong, it is the pundits who require the organic fruit. Uh huh. The guys with no Winter coats can't accept any fruit grown with chemical fertilizer, you know, the kind I eat. > Everyone is also invited to bring flowers as is our tradition--but > this year only the blossoms should be brought, with the stems and > leaves removed ahead of time. Nice waste removal solution, very practical. I wonder if the lack of stems was pre-approved by the Vedic tradition? > The fruit and flowers will be collected upon entering the Dome to be > given to the Vedic Pandits for the offerings. I am so getting my fruit at Food Lyon in the "extra chemical" cheap section. Once it is in with the goodie goodie's organic high brow fruit, who is gunna know? In fact I'm going straight to the discount bin and am gunna hide the brown blotched "on their way to fruit butter" misfits in my Vedic hanky. > > Dress: > In keeping with the special character of Guru Purnima in the Vedic > calendar, everyone should wear their most dignified dress. OK, I'm glad you dogged me into this one Beazelbub! This is going to be fun. "Dignified" a word that could mean so many things depending on your culture. Or can it? > > Ladies should wear saris or long dresses or long skirts (no pants or > punjabis) Hillary...sorry babe. I had to look up punjabis. Here is the offending garment: http://www.indianattire.com/Short-Kurta-Pants.asp Nasty stuff isn't it? So undignified. Unlike say any other top a chick might wear over her long dress. So different. And what is more dignified then a bunch of Western chicks walking like men in their Halloween Hindu costume saris? and completely cover their heads and shoulders with the > sari or shawls/scarves in the Dome--to be dressed properly for a > Vedic performance. I sense the full purdah look coming! Those temptresses must be covered up to avoid any pundit boners and I think it might be appropriate for some Mullahs to enforce this rule with sticks. I happen to know where we can get some enthusiastic enforcers of such rules on the cheap. > > Men should wear coat and tie or a dress kurta with nice pants. "Nice" pants. And let's see where this Vedic approved Kurta comes from that is s different from the blasphemous lady's punjabis: "The men's dress kurta pajama is a comfortable flowing outfit for casual relaxation. The style stays traditional from when they were introduced by the Mughals." So the chicks can't wear the modern top of the working Indian woman who doesn't find the traditional sari practical, but the dudes can post up with their casual pajamas as long as it has some gold embroidery no doubt to distinguish it from what they wear to bed. Nice one, keep da biaaatches in line. You see the Vedic pundits will pitch an anti-Vedic "tent" in their dhotis if they see lady's arms. But that brings up another question: What about the gay pundits? Certainly in such a large group was would expect some to follow the path of the Cher impers
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Jul 17, 2008, at 9:58 AM, do.rflex wrote: > > > Transcendental Meditation is supposed to be about *enlightenment*. > > Funny, I thought it was supposed to be about a technique > that you practiced 2X a day for mild reduction of stress. > > > What a load of horse shit! > > But it's *Vedic* horse shit, flex. > > Sal Horse shit is horse shit.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Richard M" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" wrote: > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > > > > I just LOVE this announcement. I think it should > > > be printed up on glossy gold paper with a photo > > > of Maharishi and all the Rajas (in costume, of > > > course) at the top and passed out at all TM intro- > > > ductory lectures wherever they are given around > > > the world, along with the "scientific" charts. > > > > > > For most people (that is, those who are seeking to > > > learn a simple technique of meditation and not to > > > join a cult), this would present the true picture > > > of what they are signing up for if they learn TM. > > > > Actually, that would be a false picture. What it > > would be a *true* picture of is what they're signing > > up for if they learn TM and then choose to become > > heavily involved with the TMO. But they are carefully NOT told about these aspects of the TMO when they sign up. In fact, these aspects of the TMO are carefully *hidden* from them. > > Thing is, the folks who choose to become heavily > > involved with the TMO do so because they find this > > sort of thing appealing. Not necessarily. A lot of them would have bolted if they had been told that this was what was in store from them when they first started TM. YOU would have bolted from the room if you had been shown this invitation in your intro lecture and told that this is what the longest-term practitioners of TM turned out like, and you know it. But given 30 years of indoctrination, it actually seems normal to them. *As* does lying about it when they approach schools and prisons and gov- erments and claim that TM is a "scientific tech- nique" and has no Hindu religious beliefs under- lying it. I just find this invitation revealing of the duplic- itous mindset that underlies the entire TMO. Others' mileage may vary on this. > > > > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > > > document. > > > > Actually, it would be a lot more cult-like if it > > said folks were *required* to attend the celebration. > > I would say that little point makes a big difference. And I would say that it wouldn't to most people off the street, who are measuring the *product* someone is attempting to sell them based on what the long-term practitioners turn out to be. This invitation paints a clear picture that they turned out to be wannabee Hindus with more than a few misogyny and power issues, and who follow orders pretty much without thinking. For the record, I SEE NOTHING AT ALL WRONG with people dressing up like this and doing what they're told to do, if it makes them happy. What I have an issue with is those SAME people turning around and approaching schools and prisons and governments and telling them that there are no religious or cult aspects to the TMO. That said, I'll put back the parts of my original post that Judy so carefully snipped so that they wouldn't appear in the followups: > This is how the people who run the TMO *really* > think and act, what they *really* think of > not only women, but men, too, and what the organ- > ization is really like if they get any further > into it than learning to meditate. > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > document. This is the face of the TM movement that > it tries to hide from the public. Celebrating Hindu > gods by making offerings to them (there is no pre- > tending that this is part of a ceremony that is > merely a traditional way that the TM technique is > taught here), needing "dome badges" to enter (a > form of elitism and paranoid security and obvious > "some are better than others" hierarchy), misogyny > out the yin-yang, rules of behavior and dress out > the yin-yang, worship of the dead as if they aren't > dead (the "presentation of achievements to Guru Dev"), > and above all, *unquestioning* belief that anything > called "Vedic" is good. > > This post should be archived and referred to any > time in the future when some TM TB here claims that > the TMO is not a Hindu cult. This "celebration" is > an *official* function of the *official* headquarters > of the TMO in America. If this announcement does not > reflect that organization's true thinking, then what > DOES it reflect?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Jul 17, 2008, at 6:53 AM, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > > document. This is the face of the TM movement that > > it tries to hide from the public. Celebrating Hindu > > gods by making offerings to them (there is no pre- > > tending that this is part of a ceremony that is > > merely a traditional way that the TM technique is > > taught here), needing "dome badges" to enter (a > > form of elitism and paranoid security and obvious > > "some are better than others" hierarchy), misogyny > > out the yin-yang, rules of behavior and dress out > > the yin-yang, worship of the dead as if they aren't > > dead (the "presentation of achievements to Guru Dev"), > > and above all, *unquestioning* belief that anything > > called "Vedic" is good. > > > > This post should be archived and referred to any > > time in the future when some TM TB here claims that > > the TMO is not a Hindu cult. This "celebration" is > > an *official* function of the *official* headquarters > > of the TMO in America. If this announcement does not > > reflect that organization's true thinking, then what > > DOES it reflect? > > Hey, give em a little credit, Barry--at least they aren't requiring > burnt offerings and the sacrifice of your first-born. > > Gotta draw the line somewhere, right? > > Sal What I'd like to know is whether all the good women of FF who frequent the domes are going to boycott this "celebration". My guess is not, as they're probably too far gone into cultsville to even realise they are being screwed over by some ancient bigot's ideas. But I live in hope.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Dick Mays <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Guru Purnima Celebrations > > It is a great joy to invite everyone to this year's Guru Purnima > celebrations on Friday, July 18th, in the Maharishi Patanjali Golden > Dome. > > The historic feature of the afternoon celebration will be the live > performance of 121 Maharishi Vedic Pandits performing Guru Puja and > Maha Rudra Abhishek (1:00-4:30 pm). > > The evening celebration (8:15-9:30 pm), led by Raja John Hagelin, > Raja of Invincible America, will include Maharishi's address at the > 2007 Guru Purnima, Maharaja Adhiraj Raja Raam's address at this > year's Guru Purnima, and the presentation of achievements to Guru Dev. > > Due to the special nature of the afternoon celebration, there are > certain points that the Vedic Pandits have requested be made: > > Afternoon Celebration > > Program badges: > A current program badge will be required for entrance to the Dome. > Young people without badges should enter with their parents. > > Arrival time: > Everyone should be seated in the Dome by 12:45 pm. At this time the > Vedic Pandits will enter the Dome and take their places on stage. > Anyone who arrives after 12:45 pm will need to wait in the lobby > until the doors open again at approximately 1:45 pm (when there is a > brief break between portions of the performances). > > Before the performances begin, it is best to sit in silence or meditate. > > Offerings: > Everyone is invited to bring 2-3 whole washed organic fruits that > will be offered by the Vedic Pandits (and which they will enjoy > afterwards as gifts from our community). > Everyone is also invited to bring flowers as is our tradition--but > this year only the blossoms should be brought, with the stems and > leaves removed ahead of time. > The fruit and flowers will be collected upon entering the Dome to be > given to the Vedic Pandits for the offerings. > > Dress: > In keeping with the special character of Guru Purnima in the Vedic > calendar, everyone should wear their most dignified dress. > > Ladies should wear saris or long dresses or long skirts (no pants or > punjabis) and completely cover their heads and shoulders with the > sari or shawls/scarves in the Dome--to be dressed properly for a > Vedic performance. > > Men should wear coat and tie or a dress kurta with nice pants. > No one should wear anything made of leather into the Dome (after > removing shoes as usual in the shoe areas) such as belts, wallets, > watchbands, or purses. > > Length of celebration: > The celebration will last approximately 3 hours. Once the celebration > has begun, we have been asked that people only enter and leave the > Dome during the break around 1:45 pm or at the end. > > Children: > We have been asked that young children not attend. Youths and young > adults who can comfortably sit and enjoy this extended Yagya > performance are very welcome. > > Ladies' consideration: > As is the Vedic tradition, ladies who are pregnant or having their > monthly cycle should not attend. > > > We look forward to seeing you on Friday, and celebrating this very > special Guru Purnima together as one family. > > > Jai Guru Dev This is the biggest gathering of Pundits and Meditators in the western world. Well done America !
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
Judy is absolutely correct on every point here. The vast majority of people who learn TM do not get involved in these kinds of activities. Those who do, as Judy says, find them nourishing in some way. Some of those who do not like to get together on this board to poke fun at those who do and congratulate themselves on how much wiser and cleverer they are than those poor benighted TMO cultists. I'm not convinced. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > > I just LOVE this announcement. I think it should > > be printed up on glossy gold paper with a photo > > of Maharishi and all the Rajas (in costume, of > > course) at the top and passed out at all TM intro- > > ductory lectures wherever they are given around > > the world, along with the "scientific" charts. > > > > For most people (that is, those who are seeking to > > learn a simple technique of meditation and not to > > join a cult), this would present the true picture > > of what they are signing up for if they learn TM. > > Actually, that would be a false picture. What it > would be a *true* picture of is what they're signing > up for if they learn TM and then choose to become > heavily involved with the TMO. > > Thing is, the folks who choose to become heavily > involved with the TMO do so because they find this > sort of thing appealing. > > > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > > document. > > Actually, it would be a lot more cult-like if it > said folks were *required* to attend the celebration. >
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
(snip) > > Gotta draw the line somewhere, right? > > > > Sal > > > What I'd like to know is whether all the good women of FF > who frequent the domes are going to boycott this "celebration". > > My guess is not, as they're probably too far gone into > cultsville to even realise they are being screwed over > by some ancient bigot's ideas. But I live in hope. > Trouble is when these women are excluded, they could join together in their own celebration, of the feminine forces of nature, spill thier blood on the ground, etc... All that stuff, that us men know not too much about, and kind of don't wanna know too much about. Then again, they could really rebel and form covens of sorts, and become witches, and really show you guys how to fly... Ha ha ha ha ha
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Judy is absolutely correct on every point here. The vast majority of > people who learn TM do not get involved in these kinds of activities. > Those who do, as Judy says, find them nourishing in some way. Some of > those who do not like to get together on this board to poke fun at > those who do and congratulate themselves on how much wiser and > cleverer they are than those poor benighted TMO cultists. I'm not > convinced. And don't you think the use of the word "cult" rather gives the game away? It's part of that intellectually disreputable "grammar" of belief that runs on the lines of: *I* have rational and intelligent beliefs *You* have a sincerely held but irrational religious faith *They* are members of a cult "Cult" without coercion seems like pure rhetoric IMO. So I don't buy TM being a cult. Take Christianity. A proseletyzer (eg my sister) might tell you that the essence is that you just need to read the Bible and believe in salvation through Jesus. So does it invalidate that simple message if there are 00's of folks who ALSO go way beyond that and believe in doing funny things with bread & wine, dressing in funny clothes, and having an odd relationship with some bloke in Rome? Is it somehow "misleading" to preach that simple message just because it turns out some may end up going much further than that if (big if) those believers choose to do so? > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" wrote: > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > > > > I just LOVE this announcement. I think it should > > > be printed up on glossy gold paper with a photo > > > of Maharishi and all the Rajas (in costume, of > > > course) at the top and passed out at all TM intro- > > > ductory lectures wherever they are given around > > > the world, along with the "scientific" charts. > > > > > > For most people (that is, those who are seeking to > > > learn a simple technique of meditation and not to > > > join a cult), this would present the true picture > > > of what they are signing up for if they learn TM. > > > > Actually, that would be a false picture. What it > > would be a *true* picture of is what they're signing > > up for if they learn TM and then choose to become > > heavily involved with the TMO. > > > > Thing is, the folks who choose to become heavily > > involved with the TMO do so because they find this > > sort of thing appealing. > > > > > > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > > > document. > > > > Actually, it would be a lot more cult-like if it > > said folks were *required* to attend the celebration. > > >
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
Curtis wrote: > What about the gay pundits? > Why do you want to know about the 'gay' pundits?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
fool wrote: > Two of your lucky moderators will be celebrating > Guru Purnima with Ammachi. > So, Alex will be performing his own private ritual at home? http://cultofthehuggingsaint.blogspot.com/
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
I'm all for self-mockery, but I don't think that's what's going on here, for the most part. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Jul 17, 2008, at 2:09 PM, feste37 wrote: > > > Judy is absolutely correct on every point here. > > It's a distinction without a difference, feste. Who are they > going to "require" to come to these events? There's nobody > left, or hardly anybody. > > > The vast majority of > > people who learn TM do not get involved in these kinds of activities. > > Who learn TM nowadays? Sure, all 2 of them. > > > Those who do, as Judy says, find them nourishing in some way. > > Anybody taken a poll on this? Hard to believe anyone would > find intense boredom nourishing, but you could be right. > > > Some of > > those who do not like to get together on this board to poke fun at > > those who do and congratulate themselves on how much wiser and > > cleverer they are than those poor benighted TMO cultists. I'm not > > convinced. > > Um, feste, we're poking fun at ourselves, for having *been* those > cultists, or close to it, in years past. I'm really surprised you > can't see > that. > > Sal >
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > > IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > > document. > > Actually, it would be a lot more cult-like if it > said folks were *required* to attend the celebration. Something about this statement kept nagging at me, and I couldn't figure out what it was until now. It's that it displays an absolute ignorance of the nature of cults. A cult wouldn't HAVE to require a follower to attend one of its functions. A cult's control over its followers is such that they would WANT to attend, and believe that wanting to was their own idea.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
---Required attire for the Ladies: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Niqab.jpg In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Jul 17, 2008, at 6:56 PM, TurquoiseB wrote: > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" wrote: > >> > >> --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB wrote: > >>> > >>> IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like > >>> document. > >> > >> Actually, it would be a lot more cult-like if it > >> said folks were *required* to attend the celebration. > > > > Something about this statement kept nagging > > at me, and I couldn't figure out what it was > > until now. > > > > It's that it displays an absolute ignorance > > of the nature of cults. A cult wouldn't HAVE > > to require a follower to attend one of its > > functions. A cult's control over its followers > > is such that they would WANT to attend, and > > believe that wanting to was their own idea. > > Not to mention that I'm pretty sure they *are* requiring > everyone they can require to come, ie. the pundits, MD and > whatever Purusha is in town. I'd be really surprised if they > weren't. > > Sal >
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
Curtis, What you write is funny -- and as Sal conveyed, its a mocking of ourselves in a "past life". That said, your post made me think about religious tolerance. I mean few of us would poke fun at hasidic jews, buddhists, muslims, etc in traditional garb, or practice. Its more as if we think, "not for me, or not something I am familiar with, but you seem to thrive on it so more power to you bro". So where is the line between such -- and "cults". I mean I have made my share of fun of scientologists, TBs, and all. Probably not my best moments. But I am not clear -- where is the line in the arena of religious (and ethnic) tolerance and diversity between respecting "wierd" practices and garb of some traditions, and making fun of others. I don't know. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "curtisdeltablues" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Oh Dark Lord, I have served thee faithfully in mocking the pure and > good TM movement (Now Vedic Conglomerates Incorporated) but I ask you > to release me from this unholy mission today. It seems that the TM > movement itself (Also known as The Kingdom of King Tony and his > indentured servant pundit boy choir) has taken to providing its own > satire that I cannot hope to improve. So I beseech thee to release me > from my dark errand of smudging those of unstained hearts with my foul > words...what was that...oh I see, no more guitar for me if I fail? > Gotcha chief. I'll see what I can do... > > > Due to the special nature of the afternoon celebration, there are > > certain points that the Vedic Pandits have requested be made: > > Nice one guys! Maharishi's unquestioned authority has not been > replaced by the "Vedic Pundits." Pay not attention to the many men > behind the barbed wire fences... Let's see what is on their minds > today, through translation of course... > > > > > Afternoon Celebration > > > > Program badges: > > A current program badge will be required for entrance to the Dome. > > Young people without badges should enter with their parents. > > Wow those pundits got up to speed fast didn't they! Must be a Vedic > thing and I just don't understand. The mixing of absolute authority > of the pundits religious superstitions with some guy in the movement > is complete. Now any announcement about anything is Vedic backed and > certified satvic and don't you worry your pretty little heads about a > God damn thing sonny boy, not a God damn thing. > > > > But left in the and "shut up" part. > > Before the performances begin, it is best to sit in silence or meditate. > > > > Offerings: > > Everyone is invited to bring 2-3 whole washed organic fruits > > Uh huh. organic fruit is all that the dead Guru can take. Organic, > certified from Whole Food market. Organic. > > that > > will be offered by the Vedic Pandits (and which they will enjoy > > afterwards as gifts from our community). > > I was wrong, it is the pundits who require the organic fruit. Uh huh. > The guys with no Winter coats can't accept any fruit grown with > chemical fertilizer, you know, the kind I eat. > > > Everyone is also invited to bring flowers as is our tradition--but > > this year only the blossoms should be brought, with the stems and > > leaves removed ahead of time. > > Nice waste removal solution, very practical. I wonder if the lack of > stems was pre-approved by the Vedic tradition? > > > The fruit and flowers will be collected upon entering the Dome to be > > given to the Vedic Pandits for the offerings. > > I am so getting my fruit at Food Lyon in the "extra chemical" > cheap section. Once it is in with the goodie goodie's organic high > brow fruit, who is gunna know? In fact I'm going straight to the > discount bin and am gunna hide the brown blotched "on their way to > fruit butter" misfits in my Vedic hanky. > > > > Dress: > > In keeping with the special character of Guru Purnima in the Vedic > > calendar, everyone should wear their most dignified dress. > > OK, I'm glad you dogged me into this one Beazelbub! This is going to > be fun. "Dignified" a word that could mean so many things depending > on your culture. Or can it? > > > > Ladies should wear saris or long dresses or long skirts (no pants or > > punjabis) > > Hillary...sorry babe. I had to look up punjabis. Here is the > offending garment: http://www.indianattire.com/Short-Kurta-Pants.asp > > Nasty stuff isn't it? So undignified. Unlike say any other top a > chick might wear over her long dress. So different. And what is more > dignified then a bunch of Western chicks walking like men in their > Halloween Hindu costume saris? > > and completely cover their heads and shoulders with the > > sari or shawls/scarves in the Dome--to be dressed properly for a > > Vedic performance. > > I sense the full purdah look coming! Those temptresses must be > covered up to avoid any pundit boners and I think it might be > appropriate for some Mullahs to en
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, new.morning <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Curtis, > > What you write is funny -- and as Sal conveyed, its a mocking of > ourselves in a "past life". > > That said, your post made me think about religious tolerance. I mean > few of us would poke fun at hasidic jews, buddhists, muslims, etc in > traditional garb, or practice. Its more as if we think, "not for me, > or not something I am familiar with, but you seem to thrive on it so > more power to you bro". > > So where is the line between such -- and "cults". I mean I have made > my share of fun of scientologists, TBs, and all. Probably not my best > moments. > > But I am not clear -- where is the line in the arena of religious > (and ethnic) tolerance and diversity between respecting "wierd" > practices and garb of some traditions, and making fun of others. > > I don't know. (snipity, snip, snip, snip!) Well, it was the same in Jesus' time; Mockery was big then... The Jews were especially suseptible to this kind of thing: as they belived in some 'Transcendental God' of which was 'Invisible'... And which was no 'match' for the Roman Empire, or the 'Legions of Rome' The Romans had made an artform of war, and the demonic. There were spells of every kind, Plagues that would send chills up your spine... Complete and utter degredation of life and 'Liberty as We know it now.'... So, Also, Mockery was big in Germany before and during the 'Holocaust'. 'Mockery' is the main tool used at Abu Garabh prison in Iraq... If you look closely at the pictures, you can tell, 'Mockery is big in demonic circles... The dark side loves to mock. They feed off the energy of mocking. Like Lizards Squirming and Writhing and Baking in the Sun. They never sleep, and when they do, it's not peaceful.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > I'm all for self-mockery, but I don't think that's what's going on > here, for the most part. > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine Feste, you're all for "self mockery"? Really? Can you give some examples as it relates to the TMO? Humor and the ability to laugh at oneself are all important aspects of personal growth IMO.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, new.morning <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Curtis, > > What you write is funny -- and as Sal conveyed, its a mocking of > ourselves in a "past life". I agree with Sal's description, BTW. And with statements made by others over the years. When I talk about "cult thinking," I'm including my own past behavior in the descriptions. > That said, your post made me think about religious tolerance. I mean > few of us would poke fun at hasidic jews, buddhists, muslims, etc in > traditional garb, or practice. Its more as if we think, "not for me, > or not something I am familiar with, but you seem to thrive on it so > more power to you bro". I tend to internally define 'cult' by the dict- ionary definition, not the modern one. That is, the term has no negative connotation *in itself*, and only begins to when the autonomous religious or spiritual group (which is all that a 'cult' is) begins to display certain "them vs. us" or other behaviors. For example, presenting themselves one way in public and acting completely differently in private. That is the issue I pointed to in the Gurupurnima Celebration invitation. We all KNOW how it works. We all KNOW from past experience that the person or persons who wrote this will next week be making the rounds of schools and governments and prisons and other potential benefactors and describing TM as secular and scientific and having no behavioral or belief-oriented rules associated with it. As I said earlier, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG with these folks dressing up like wannabee Indians and worshiping Hindu deities and toeing the misogynist party line, if that gets them off. Hassidic Jews and Muslims often do similar things, and should be allowed to do so if that floats their boat. The difference is that Hassidic Jews and Muslims don't tend to pretend to be one thing in public and then act completely different in private. > So where is the line between such -- and "cults". I mean I have > made my share of fun of scientologists, TBs, and all. Probably > not my best moments. In my opinion -- and again, to make it clear, all I'm saying IS opinion -- that same area is where the Scientologists went afoul. They claimed in public the opposite of what they were doing on a daily basis with the "Fair Game" policy in private. They were doing "Fair Game" "hits" against Scientology critics that were *fully sanctioned and supported by the church* while claiming they weren't. "Fair Game" was even spelled out in their DOGMA, in print, ferchris- sakes. It's the hypocrisy thing that helps to turn a 'dictionary cult' (just a group of people who share the same belief system) into a 'modern cult' (a group that has tendencies that many perceive to be not good for its members and/or society). *Duplicity* when dealing with "them" is one of the first signs that "them" has gone off the rails. > But I am not clear -- where is the line in the arena of religious > (and ethnic) tolerance and diversity between respecting "wierd" > practices and garb of some traditions, and making fun of others. > > I don't know. I don't know, either. I just find this whole subject fascinating, because I can remember how many years I bought into such things hook, line, and sinker. When I bailed from the TMO it was MUCH less of a 'modern cult' than it is now, but it was too much of one for me; I could no longer handle the duplicity I was being asked to practice on a daily basis. (In my case, being a minor honcho in the US movement and being expected to go around to schools and governments and tell them that TM had no rules and regulations and behavioral components to it during the day, and then at night watching groups of TM teacher *blackball* fellow TMers and throw them out of the center or keep them from attending courses because they had the wrong books on their bookshelves or were living with their G/F outside of marriage. It was a level of hypocrisy I couldn't stomach, so I split. And that was BEFORE the TMO went stark raving bonkers, and started inventing imaginary countries and imaginary "Rajas" who "ruled" those countries and started the "export a poor pundit kid for world peace" business and the "Scorpion Nation" stuff. I think that there is a certain freedom in ADMITTING the cult-like aspects of the trip one is part of, and in not living in denial of them. The folks here who seem most well-adjusted have NO PROBLEM saying that at one point in their lives they were part of a group that had some 'modern cult' aspects to it. They don't go ballistic trying to deny those cult aspects or demonize those who talk about them. And on the whole they seem a great deal happier and balanced than the ones who DO deny those aspects or make excuses for them or demonize those who bring them up. > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "curtisdeltablues" > wrote: > > > > Oh Dark Lord, I have served thee faithfully in mocking the pure and > > good TM movement (Now Vedic Con
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "geezerfreak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" wrote: > > > > I'm all for self-mockery, but I don't think that's what's going on > > here, for the most part. > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine > > Feste, you're all for "self mockery"? Really? Can you give some > examples as it relates to the TMO? Humor and the ability to laugh > at oneself are all important aspects of personal growth IMO. I agree. And there WERE such things, but they tended to be in private. I seem to remember you and I having some pretty funny discussions when we both lived at National, towards the end of our respective TM "careers." We laughed our asses off at some of the antics that we and others were being asked to perform. Remember your record-cleaning ritual done while singing the puja? That STILL cracks me up, all these years later. :-) But we laughed like this in private, because we knew what would happen to us if we did it publicly. I completely agree with the basic premise -- a religious or spiritual movement's "mental health" can be judged pretty accurately by its ability to laugh at itself, and at the very things it considers holy. When a group can do that, it's still sane. When it veers into the aberration of taking itself completely seriously, and starts to persecute those who laugh at it, then there is something wrong IMO.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
TurquoiseB wrote: > Something about this statement kept nagging > at me, and I couldn't figure out what it was > until now. > > It's that it displays an absolute ignorance > of the nature of cults. A cult wouldn't HAVE > to require a follower to attend one of its > functions. A cult's control over its followers > is such that they would WANT to attend, and > believe that wanting to was their own idea. > "Lenz has claimed to be one of only twelve truly enlightened people on Earth. The enlightened twelve also, he claimed, included his dog Vayu." Source: Frederick Lenz: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frederick_Lenz Titles of interest: 'Take Me For a Ride' Coming Of Age In A Destructive Cult by Mark E. Laxer Outer Rim Press, 1993
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Richard J. Williams" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > TurquoiseB wrote: > > Something about this statement kept nagging > > at me, and I couldn't figure out what it was > > until now. > > > > It's that it displays an absolute ignorance > > of the nature of cults. A cult wouldn't HAVE > > to require a follower to attend one of its > > functions. A cult's control over its followers > > is such that they would WANT to attend, and > > believe that wanting to was their own idea. > > > "Lenz has claimed to be one of only twelve truly > enlightened people on Earth. The enlightened > twelve also, he claimed, included his dog Vayu." An enlightened dog! Cool! But could could Vayu levitate? My dog has mastered the sidhi of getting people to do her bidding merely by moving her eyebrows. Luckily, her desires are fully in accord with Natural Law and they rarely amount to more than a biscuit or walk in the park.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Hugo" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "Richard J. Williams" > wrote: > > > > TurquoiseB wrote: > > > Something about this statement kept nagging > > > at me, and I couldn't figure out what it was > > > until now. > > > > > > It's that it displays an absolute ignorance > > > of the nature of cults. A cult wouldn't HAVE > > > to require a follower to attend one of its > > > functions. A cult's control over its followers > > > is such that they would WANT to attend, and > > > believe that wanting to was their own idea. > > > > "Lenz has claimed to be one of only twelve truly > > enlightened people on Earth. The enlightened > > twelve also, he claimed, included his dog Vayu." > > An enlightened dog! Cool! > > But could could Vayu levitate? Not that I ever witnessed. :-) But Vayu was a pretty cool dog. Lenz had a somewhat odd relationship with him (he sup- posedly was very depressed when Vayu died, and he himself died wearing Vayu's collar as a kind of tribute to his good -- and some would say only -- friend), but he was really a neat dog. Black Scottie, with all of the wonderful and not-so-wonderful traits of a Scottie. *Very* independent, not in the least clingy or over- dependent on his "human pet" (Lenz) for company or attention. I personally suspect that Lenz's rating of Vayu as enlightened was as questionable as his rating of himself in that category, but he was a cool dog, and a very sensitive per- ceiver. I remember one night in a lecture, Vayu was running around the lecture hall while Lenz talked, and a number of people were stand- ing up in a line at the front of the room as he talked to them about some things. One fellow, who hadn't eaten all day, suddenly felt faint and keeled over without a sound. Vayu was in the back of the room, as a matter of fact hav- ing his ears scritched by me, and was facing in the other direction. *As the guy was still falling*, before he hit the ground, Vayu whipped his head around and started running for the front of the room. He got to the fellow who had fainted and "stood guard" over him until one of the doctors helped him to revive. Neat thing to see. > My dog has mastered the sidhi of getting people to > do her bidding merely by moving her eyebrows. One of mine performs that siddhi by lifting his ears and training his big Grommit-like eyes on you. The other "noses" me until I give in. :-) > Luckily, her desires are fully in accord with Natural > Law and they rarely amount to more than a biscuit or > walk in the park. Yeah, they are really simple creatures to please, aren't they? I have learned a great deal about life from my dogs. I suspect that Lenz did as well.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, new.morning wrote: > > > > Curtis, > > > > What you write is funny -- and as Sal conveyed, its a mocking of > > ourselves in a "past life". > > I agree with Sal's description, BTW. And with > statements made by others over the years. When > I talk about "cult thinking," I'm including my > own past behavior in the descriptions. > > > That said, your post made me think about religious tolerance. I mean > > few of us would poke fun at hasidic jews, buddhists, muslims, etc in > > traditional garb, or practice. Its more as if we think, "not for me, > > or not something I am familiar with, but you seem to thrive on it so > > more power to you bro". > > I tend to internally define 'cult' by the dict- > ionary definition, not the modern one. That is, > the term has no negative connotation *in itself*, > and only begins to when the autonomous religious > or spiritual group (which is all that a 'cult' is) > begins to display certain "them vs. us" or other > behaviors. > > For example, presenting themselves one way in > public and acting completely differently in private. > That is the issue I pointed to in the Gurupurnima > Celebration invitation. We all KNOW how it works. > We all KNOW from past experience that the person > or persons who wrote this will next week be making > the rounds of schools and governments and prisons > and other potential benefactors and describing TM > as secular and scientific and having no behavioral > or belief-oriented rules associated with it. As I > said earlier, THERE IS NOTHING WRONG with > these folks dressing up like wannabee Indians and > worshiping Hindu deities and toeing the misogynist > party line, if that gets them off. Hassidic Jews > and Muslims often do similar things, and should be > allowed to do so if that floats their boat. The > difference is that Hassidic Jews and Muslims don't > tend to pretend to be one thing in public and then > act completely different in private. > > > So where is the line between such -- and "cults". I mean I have > > made my share of fun of scientologists, TBs, and all. Probably > > not my best moments. > > In my opinion -- and again, to make it clear, all > I'm saying IS opinion -- that same area is where > the Scientologists went afoul. They claimed in public > the opposite of what they were doing on a daily basis > with the "Fair Game" policy in private. They were > doing "Fair Game" "hits" against Scientology critics > that were *fully sanctioned and supported by the > church* while claiming they weren't. "Fair Game" was > even spelled out in their DOGMA, in print, ferchris- > sakes. It's the hypocrisy thing that helps to turn > a 'dictionary cult' (just a group of people who share > the same belief system) into a 'modern cult' (a group > that has tendencies that many perceive to be not good > for its members and/or society). *Duplicity* when > dealing with "them" is one of the first signs that > "them" has gone off the rails. > > > But I am not clear -- where is the line in the arena of religious > > (and ethnic) tolerance and diversity between respecting "wierd" > > practices and garb of some traditions, and making fun of others. > > > > I don't know. > > I don't know, either. I just find this whole subject > fascinating, because I can remember how many years > I bought into such things hook, line, and sinker. > When I bailed from the TMO it was MUCH less of a > 'modern cult' than it is now, but it was too much > of one for me; I could no longer handle the duplicity > I was being asked to practice on a daily basis. (In my > case, being a minor honcho in the US movement and > being expected to go around to schools and governments > and tell them that TM had no rules and regulations and > behavioral components to it during the day, and then > at night watching groups of TM teacher *blackball* > fellow TMers and throw them out of the center or keep > them from attending courses because they had the wrong > books on their bookshelves or were living with their > G/F outside of marriage. It was a level of hypocrisy > I couldn't stomach, so I split. > > And that was BEFORE the TMO went stark raving bonkers, > and started inventing imaginary countries and imaginary > "Rajas" who "ruled" those countries and started the > "export a poor pundit kid for world peace" business > and the "Scorpion Nation" stuff. > > I think that there is a certain freedom in ADMITTING > the cult-like aspects of the trip one is part of, > and in not living in denial of them. The folks here > who seem most well-adjusted have NO PROBLEM saying > that at one point in their lives they were part of > a group that had some 'modern cult' aspects to it. > They don't go ballistic trying to deny those cult > aspects or demonize those who talk about them. And > on the whole they seem a great deal happier and > balanced than the one
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
Delighted to oblige. I would love to go to the celebration today, but unfortunately leather belts are not permitted and I need one to hold my trousers up. I would hate to embarrass myself in front of the ladies on such a dignified occasion. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "geezerfreak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" wrote: > > > > I'm all for self-mockery, but I don't think that's what's going on > > here, for the most part. > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine > > Feste, you're all for "self mockery"? Really? Can you give some examples as it relates to the > TMO? Humor and the ability to laugh at oneself are all important aspects of personal growth > IMO. >
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "geezerfreak" > wrote: > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" wrote: > > > > > > I'm all for self-mockery, but I don't think that's what's going on > > > here, for the most part. > > > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine > > > > Feste, you're all for "self mockery"? Really? Can you give some > > examples as it relates to the TMO? Humor and the ability to laugh > > at oneself are all important aspects of personal growth IMO. > > I agree. And there WERE such things, but they tended > to be in private. I seem to remember you and I having > some pretty funny discussions when we both lived at > National, towards the end of our respective TM "careers." > We laughed our asses off at some of the antics that we > and others were being asked to perform. Remember your > record-cleaning ritual done while singing the puja? > That STILL cracks me up, all these years later. :-) > > But we laughed like this in private, because we knew > what would happen to us if we did it publicly. > > I completely agree with the basic premise -- a religious > or spiritual movement's "mental health" can be judged > pretty accurately by its ability to laugh at itself, > and at the very things it considers holy. When a group > can do that, it's still sane. When it veers into the > aberration of taking itself completely seriously, and > starts to persecute those who laugh at it, then there > is something wrong IMO. > FWIW, my experience was that there was a deep sense of humor in the 60's and early 70's. Organizational paradoxes would inspire laughter and sweet jokes from Jerry -- and MMY. And a whole host of other leaders as I recall. Some of the regional coordinators were pretty funny and could really rip into things -- but in an endearing way. For example, I enjoyed being able to spend a little bit of time with Joe Clarke, and a few of his posse, including time on some long drives and walks. It was sort of petal to the metal humor. One theme was how only Tom Wolfe (present day one) -- in style of "Elect4ric Kool-Aid Acid Test" would be able to adequately capture the craziness, insanity and paradoxes of the organization. With lots of examples of such flying around -- with hoots of fall-down laughter. As well as celebrating the weird-ass antics of some. Not mocking them, but it was inclusional humor -- like "this is one of our crazy family members -- ain't it great! Ain't life full, rich and wonderful." (and this was totally non- bliss ninny style).
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
> Whether or not this is doublespeak meaning that ladies are > *required* to go to the ladies' dome or not (I wonder, where > are the women supposed to go?) I think it is for the ladies for whom even the whiff of testosterone would make their headlights go on, which as you know is highly anti-Vedic. (although quite attractive through a silk sari I might add) I swear the movement will be instituting Sharia law in my lifetime. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Jul 18, 2008, at 8:32 AM, feste37 wrote: > > > Delighted to oblige. I would love to go to the celebration today, but > > unfortunately leather belts are not permitted and I need one to hold > > my trousers up. I would hate to embarrass myself in front of the > > ladies on such a dignified occasion. > > You don't need to, feste, you now have the total freedom to embarrass > yourself in front of the men only. :) This just in: > > 1. Announcement for Ladies for Guru Purnima > > It is a delight to announce that the Bagambhrini Golden Dome will > be open > and connected to the Maharishi Patanjali Golden Dome for the Guru > Purnima > celebration. > > Any ladies who would like to enjoy the celebration in the Ladies' > Dome are > warmly invited. The connection will be a video connection. > > We would ask that the points mentioned for the Men's Dome apply to the > Ladies' Dome as well (arrival time, dress, etc.). > > If you would like your fruit and flowers to be offered by the Vedic > Pandits, please stop by the Men's Dome on your way to the Ladies' > Dome to be > put them in the offerings receptacles in the lobby. > > Whether or not this is doublespeak meaning that ladies are > *required* to go to the ladies' dome or not (I wonder, where > are the women supposed to go?) it's bound to mean that a few less > ladies will be in the mens' dome. So, courage, feste...sally forth! :) > > Sal >
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "geezerfreak" > wrote: > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" wrote: > > > > > > I'm all for self-mockery, but I don't think that's what's going on > > > here, for the most part. > > > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine > > > > Feste, you're all for "self mockery"? Really? Can you give some > > examples as it relates to the TMO? Humor and the ability to laugh > > at oneself are all important aspects of personal growth IMO. > > I agree. And there WERE such things, but they tended > to be in private. I seem to remember you and I having > some pretty funny discussions when we both lived at > National, towards the end of our respective TM "careers." > We laughed our asses off at some of the antics that we > and others were being asked to perform. Remember your > record-cleaning ritual done while singing the puja? > That STILL cracks me up, all these years later. :-) > > But we laughed like this in private, because we knew > what would happen to us if we did it publicly. > > I completely agree with the basic premise -- a religious > or spiritual movement's "mental health" can be judged > pretty accurately by its ability to laugh at itself, > and at the very things it considers holy. When a group > can do that, it's still sane. When it veers into the > aberration of taking itself completely seriously, and > starts to persecute those who laugh at it, then there > is something wrong IMO. Oh yeahI had forgot about that one. (I might dust off the puja for tonight's cleaning of some stellar mono jazz LPs I just scored. Thanks for reminding me!) You're right that all of our shenanigans had to be in private.especially when the team of 3 women from Seelisberg (Rindy's Rindettes) showed up to run the joint. Talk about pent up! I taught one of them special techniques (eating no doubt), finished the puja and looked up to see her holding her white sari high above her head. What to do, what to do! I also recall having long conversations that were verbatim Firesign Theater bits with you. (You being a fellow aficionado of that brilliant group.) Good times eh?
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Delighted to oblige. I would love to go to the celebration today, but > unfortunately leather belts are not permitted and I need one to hold > my trousers up. I would hate to embarrass myself in front of the > ladies on such a dignified occasion. > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "geezerfreak" > wrote: > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" wrote: > > > > > > I'm all for self-mockery, but I don't think that's what's going on > > > here, for the most part. > > > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine > > > > Feste, you're all for "self mockery"? Really? Can you give some > examples as it relates to the > > TMO? Humor and the ability to laugh at oneself are all important > aspects of personal growth > > IMO. > > "Women and children.please stand back!"
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
TurquoiseB wrote: > I don't know, either. I just find this whole subject > fascinating, because I can remember how many years > I bought into such things hook, line, and sinker. > So, you've been in and out of cults for most of your adult life. But for what purpose? You must have spent thousands of dollars on cult activities! Why would a sane person give the Marshy $5,000 like you did to learn how to bounce on foam? You bought into the cults, hook, line, and sinker. You probably gave that Fred fellow at least $50,000! Man, if you had any smarts you'd go see a psychiatrist or at least an exit counselor. For Chrissakes, Barry, you could be a home-owner by now with a savings account for your retirement. Instead, you're still dabbling in cultic activities and having to key in computer code to pay your apartment rent. What's fascinating is not the cult, but how you got hooked for so many years. "Finally, others stripped voluntarily and Trungpa, apparently satisfied, said 'Let's dance' (Marin, 1995)." Read more: 'Stripping the Gurus' http://tinyurl.com/6465xt
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
Another reason I fear I may miss this great occasion is that I have a leather watchband, which is not permitted. I am one of those people who has to know what time it is. If I don't know the time, I go semi-crazy. It's approaching 12:45 now, so I guess this is one Guru Purnima that will have to go on without me. But I am pleased it is happening and that others will be there. These rituals do have effects. I remember about 20 years ago, when I was living in an apartment no more than 1/2 a mile from the dome, I forgot that it was Guru Purnima. Then at about 9 or so that evening, I started to feel very good -- calm and centered, mind absolutely clear, content. I didn't get tired at all that evening and didn't go to bed until very late. I felt completely different from my normal agitated state. At some point I remembered that it was Guru Purnima. Maybe the same will happen today, although I'm a little farther away. I don't think it will affect you though, Sal, since I think you are beyond redemption of any kind and happy to be so. Good luck with that! --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Jul 18, 2008, at 8:32 AM, feste37 wrote: > > > Delighted to oblige. I would love to go to the celebration today, but > > unfortunately leather belts are not permitted and I need one to hold > > my trousers up. I would hate to embarrass myself in front of the > > ladies on such a dignified occasion. > > You don't need to, feste, you now have the total freedom to embarrass > yourself in front of the men only. :) This just in: > > 1. Announcement for Ladies for Guru Purnima > > It is a delight to announce that the Bagambhrini Golden Dome will > be open > and connected to the Maharishi Patanjali Golden Dome for the Guru > Purnima > celebration. > > Any ladies who would like to enjoy the celebration in the Ladies' > Dome are > warmly invited. The connection will be a video connection. > > We would ask that the points mentioned for the Men's Dome apply to the > Ladies' Dome as well (arrival time, dress, etc.). > > If you would like your fruit and flowers to be offered by the Vedic > Pandits, please stop by the Men's Dome on your way to the Ladies' > Dome to be > put them in the offerings receptacles in the lobby. > > Whether or not this is doublespeak meaning that ladies are > *required* to go to the ladies' dome or not (I wonder, where > are the women supposed to go?) it's bound to mean that a few less > ladies will be in the mens' dome. So, courage, feste...sally forth! :) > > Sal >
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
I think you might have too much difficulty with the thinking pure thoughts part. Wouldn't want you to strain. --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > On Jul 18, 2008, at 12:41 PM, feste37 wrote: > > > Another reason I fear I may miss this great occasion is that I have a > > leather watchband, which is not permitted. I am one of those people > > who has to know what time it is. If I don't know the time, I go > > semi-crazy. It's approaching 12:45 now, so I guess this is one Guru > > Purnima that will have to go on without me. But I am pleased it is > > happening and that others will be there. These rituals do have > > effects. I remember about 20 years ago, when I was living in an > > apartment no more than 1/2 a mile from the dome, I forgot that it was > > Guru Purnima. Then at about 9 or so that evening, I started to feel > > very good -- calm and centered, mind absolutely clear, content. I > > didn't get tired at all that evening and didn't go to bed until very > > late. I felt completely different from my normal agitated state. At > > some point I remembered that it was Guru Purnima. Maybe the same will > > happen today, although I'm a little farther away. I don't think it > > will affect you though, Sal, since I think you are beyond redemption > > of any kind and happy to be so. Good luck with that! > > Correctamundo, feste! JOOC, how far do the vibes > go, though, IYO? I'm about a mile and a half from the dooms-- > if I close my eyes, face east, try to think pure thoughts and > maybe throw some salt over my shoulder, will that make a > diff? > > Sal >
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: I'm about a mile and a half from the dooms-- > if I close my eyes, face east, try to think pure thoughts and > maybe throw some salt over my shoulder, will that make a > diff? > > Sal Without a positive bone in your body positive thoughts are for you just a dream.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, nablusoss1008 <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Sal Sunshine > wrote: > > I'm about a mile and a half from the dooms-- > > if I close my eyes, face east, try to think pure thoughts and > > maybe throw some salt over my shoulder, will that make a > > diff? > > > > Sal > > Without a positive bone in your body positive thoughts are for you just > a dream. > Do you feel the 'Parting of the Sea?'
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
Sal wrote: > I'm about a mile and a half from the dooms-- > For what purpose are you about a mile and a half from the domes? Are there any good paying jobs up there? I mean, if you're up there, there must be a reason why you've been about a mile and a half from the domes all these years.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "geezerfreak" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" wrote: > > > > I'm all for self-mockery, but I don't think > > that's what's going on here, for the most part. > > > Feste, you're all for "self mockery"? Really? Can you > give some examples as it relates to the TMO? Humor and > the ability to laugh at oneself are all important > aspects of personal growth IMO. I've got one. I told it before here awhile ago, but it's one of my favorite TM-related stories and very germane in this context: I was at the TM facility in Asbury Park some years back; it was a pretty fancy hotel that the TMO had bought and was running *as* a hotel for regular guests, as well as housing various TM administrative folks and course participants. The TMers' food was prepared in the downstairs kitchen, all vegetarian, but there was a bigger kitchen upstairs that cooked for the guests. One night I was sitting at a table of TM-lifers during dinner. The hotel was hosting a big Bar Mitzvah bash. One of the MA-V technicians, a big galoot of a guy with a heart of gold who regarded the bliss-ninnies with good-humored bepuzzlement, had gone up to the guest kitchen to see if he could cadge some real food from one of the cooking staff, a friend of his. So we were sitting there eating our lentils and rice and curried cauliflower, and he walked back into the dining room bearing a big platter. He came up to the table and set down the plate, on which rested a gigantic hunk of very rare steak. Well, you'd have thought there was a severed human hand on the plate. The TM-lifers all gasped audibly, and one of the more delicate of the ladies actually gave out a little shriek. This was totally spontaneous; these folks probably hadn't even laid eyes on a piece of meat for years, and that bloody slab must really have been kind of a shocking sight. The poor MA-V tech was bewildered. Then everybody started laughing, practically falling out of their chairs. We laughed until we cried--including the MA-V guy, once he realized folks weren't laughing at *him* but at their own reaction to his dinner. It was one of the best group laughs I've ever had the pleasure to participate in.
[FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "geezerfreak" > wrote: > > > > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "feste37" wrote: > > > > > > I'm all for self-mockery, but I don't think > > > that's what's going on here, for the most part. > > > > > Feste, you're all for "self mockery"? Really? Can you > > give some examples as it relates to the TMO? Humor and > > the ability to laugh at oneself are all important > > aspects of personal growth IMO. > > I've got one. I told it before here awhile > ago, but it's one of my favorite TM-related > stories and very germane in this context: > > I was at the TM facility in Asbury Park some years back; > it was a pretty fancy hotel that the TMO had bought and > was running *as* a hotel for regular guests, as well as > housing various TM administrative folks and course > participants. > > The TMers' food was prepared in the downstairs kitchen, > all vegetarian, but there was a bigger kitchen upstairs > that cooked for the guests. > > One night I was sitting at a table of TM-lifers during > dinner. The hotel was hosting a big Bar Mitzvah bash. > One of the MA-V technicians, a big galoot of a guy > with a heart of gold who regarded the bliss-ninnies > with good-humored bepuzzlement, had gone up to the > guest kitchen to see if he could cadge some real > food from one of the cooking staff, a friend of his. > > So we were sitting there eating our lentils and rice > and curried cauliflower, and he walked back into the > dining room bearing a big platter. He came up to the > table and set down the plate, on which rested a > gigantic hunk of very rare steak. > > Well, you'd have thought there was a severed human > hand on the plate. The TM-lifers all gasped audibly, > and one of the more delicate of the ladies actually > gave out a little shriek. This was totally > spontaneous; these folks probably hadn't even laid > eyes on a piece of meat for years, and that bloody > slab must really have been kind of a shocking sight. > > The poor MA-V tech was bewildered. Then everybody > started laughing, practically falling out of their > chairs. We laughed until we cried--including the MA-V > guy, once he realized folks weren't laughing at *him* > but at their own reaction to his dinner. > > It was one of the best group laughs I've ever had > the pleasure to participate in. > Good Judy post. I'm making note of this.
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
--- On Thu, 7/17/08, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > From: TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> > Subject: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & > 8:15pm > To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com > Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008, 6:49 AM > --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Dick Mays > <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > > > Dress: > > In keeping with the special character of Guru Purnima > in the Vedic > > calendar, everyone should wear their most dignified > dress. > > > > Ladies should wear saris or long dresses or long > skirts (no pants > > or punjabis) and completely cover their heads and > shoulders with > > the sari or shawls/scarves in the Dome--to be dressed > properly > > for a Vedic performance. > > > > Men should wear coat and tie or a dress kurta with > nice pants. > > No one should wear anything made of leather into the > Dome (after > > removing shoes as usual in the shoe areas) such as > belts, wallets, > > watchbands, or purses. > > > > Ladies' consideration: > > As is the Vedic tradition, ladies who are pregnant or > having their > > monthly cycle should not attend. > > > And some misguided souls have suggested that the > TM organization is a weird Hindu cult. This should > dispel all those ugly rumors. Exactly! And I will be wearing my ice-cold-water-soaked loin cloth under my beige colored suit and not thinking of the supple, pliant breasts of the nubile women around me. Why do we even allow these whores, I mean ladies, into the dome in the first place? > > > > > > > To subscribe, send a message to: > [EMAIL PROTECTED] > > Or go to: > http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ > and click 'Join This Group!'Yahoo! Groups Links > > >
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 17, 2008, at 5:49 AM, TurquoiseB wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Dick Mays <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: Dress: In keeping with the special character of Guru Purnima in the Vedic calendar, everyone should wear their most dignified dress. Ladies should wear saris or long dresses or long skirts (no pants or punjabis) and completely cover their heads and shoulders with the sari or shawls/scarves in the Dome--to be dressed properly for a Vedic performance. Men should wear coat and tie or a dress kurta with nice pants. No one should wear anything made of leather into the Dome (after removing shoes as usual in the shoe areas) such as belts, wallets, watchbands, or purses. Ladies' consideration: As is the Vedic tradition, ladies who are pregnant or having their monthly cycle should not attend. And some misguided souls have suggested that the TM organization is a weird Hindu cult. This should dispel all those ugly rumors. Barry, I was hoping that someone with a little more sense of humor than I was able to summon up upon reading that would respond. Thanks. It would be great satire if it wasn't actually for real. Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 17, 2008, at 6:53 AM, TurquoiseB wrote: IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like document. This is the face of the TM movement that it tries to hide from the public. Celebrating Hindu gods by making offerings to them (there is no pre- tending that this is part of a ceremony that is merely a traditional way that the TM technique is taught here), needing "dome badges" to enter (a form of elitism and paranoid security and obvious "some are better than others" hierarchy), misogyny out the yin-yang, rules of behavior and dress out the yin-yang, worship of the dead as if they aren't dead (the "presentation of achievements to Guru Dev"), and above all, *unquestioning* belief that anything called "Vedic" is good. This post should be archived and referred to any time in the future when some TM TB here claims that the TMO is not a Hindu cult. This "celebration" is an *official* function of the *official* headquarters of the TMO in America. If this announcement does not reflect that organization's true thinking, then what DOES it reflect? Hey, give em a little credit, Barry--at least they aren't requiring burnt offerings and the sacrifice of your first-born. Gotta draw the line somewhere, right? Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 17, 2008, at 9:58 AM, do.rflex wrote: Transcendental Meditation is supposed to be about *enlightenment*. Funny, I thought it was supposed to be about a technique that you practiced 2X a day for mild reduction of stress. What a load of horse shit! But it's *Vedic* horse shit, flex. Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 17, 2008, at 9:50 AM, Alex Stanley wrote: Hey, give em a little credit, Barry--at least they aren't requiring burnt offerings and the sacrifice of your first-born. The closest they'd get to making that a requirement is a suggestion that "it would be best I almost missed that the first time around: "Before the performances begin, it is best to sit in silence or meditate." English translation: We're going to be late, probably really late, like always, and if you're even thinking of complaining, well... Can you spell "Siberia"? Jai Guru Dev. :) Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 17, 2008, at 12:48 PM, Hugo wrote: What I'd like to know is whether all the good women of FF who frequent the domes are going to boycott this "celebration". Gosh, I don't know about the "good women," Hugo, but I know I sure am (going to boycott it, that is). :) My guess is not, as they're probably too far gone into cultsville to even realise they are being screwed over by some ancient bigot's ideas. But I live in hope. It' s kind of like the Stepford Wives, Vedic style. Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 17, 2008, at 2:09 PM, feste37 wrote: Judy is absolutely correct on every point here. It's a distinction without a difference, feste. Who are they going to "require" to come to these events? There's nobody left, or hardly anybody. The vast majority of people who learn TM do not get involved in these kinds of activities. Who learn TM nowadays? Sure, all 2 of them. Those who do, as Judy says, find them nourishing in some way. Anybody taken a poll on this? Hard to believe anyone would find intense boredom nourishing, but you could be right. Some of those who do not like to get together on this board to poke fun at those who do and congratulate themselves on how much wiser and cleverer they are than those poor benighted TMO cultists. I'm not convinced. Um, feste, we're poking fun at ourselves, for having *been* those cultists, or close to it, in years past. I'm really surprised you can't see that. Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
Two of your lucky moderators will be celebrating Guru Purnima with Ammachi. Not with some kid pundits and what some TMO middle manager considers the pundits' religious hangups to be, but with an actual avatar. On Devi Bhava, nonetheless. Everyone is welcome. Everyone. No badges required. "...but mountain doesn't move!" --- On Thu, 7/17/08, TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: TurquoiseB <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008, 6:49 AM --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, Dick Mays <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: > > Dress: > In keeping with the special character of Guru Purnima in the Vedic > calendar, everyone should wear their most dignified dress. > > Ladies should wear saris or long dresses or long skirts (no pants > or punjabis) and completely cover their heads and shoulders with > the sari or shawls/scarves in the Dome--to be dressed properly > for a Vedic performance. > > Men should wear coat and tie or a dress kurta with nice pants. > No one should wear anything made of leather into the Dome (after > removing shoes as usual in the shoe areas) such as belts, wallets, > watchbands, or purses. > > Ladies' consideration: > As is the Vedic tradition, ladies who are pregnant or having their > monthly cycle should not attend. And some misguided souls have suggested that the TM organization is a weird Hindu cult. This should dispel all those ugly rumors. To subscribe, send a message to: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Or go to: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/FairfieldLife/ and click 'Join This Group!'Yahoo! Groups Links
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
Hey, give em a little credit, Barry--at least they aren't requiring burnt offerings and the sacrifice of your first-born. Gotta draw the line somewhere, right? I think the TMO higher-ups know, deep in their hearts, even though they will never admit it, that their cult has messed up so many lives that their aren't any kids. Sad, really. "...but mountain doesn't move!" --- On Thu, 7/17/08, Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: From: Sal Sunshine <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> Subject: Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm To: FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com Date: Thursday, July 17, 2008, 10:26 AM On Jul 17, 2008, at 6:53 AM, TurquoiseB wrote: IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like document. This is the face of the TM movement that it tries to hide from the public. Celebrating Hindu gods by making offerings to them (there is no pre- tending that this is part of a ceremony that is merely a traditional way that the TM technique is taught here), needing "dome badges" to enter (a form of elitism and paranoid security and obvious "some are better than others" hierarchy), misogyny out the yin-yang, rules of behavior and dress out the yin-yang, worship of the dead as if they aren't dead (the "presentation of achievements to Guru Dev"), and above all, *unquestioning* belief that anything called "Vedic" is good. This post should be archived and referred to any time in the future when some TM TB here claims that the TMO is not a Hindu cult. This "celebration" is an *official* function of the *official* headquarters of the TMO in America. If this announcement does not reflect that organization's true thinking, then what DOES it reflect? Hey, give em a little credit, Barry--at least they aren't requiring burnt offerings and the sacrifice of your first-born. Gotta draw the line somewhere, right? Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 17, 2008, at 6:56 PM, TurquoiseB wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, "authfriend" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]> wrote: --- In FairfieldLife@yahoogroups.com, TurquoiseB wrote: IMO there couldn't possibly BE a more cult-like document. Actually, it would be a lot more cult-like if it said folks were *required* to attend the celebration. Something about this statement kept nagging at me, and I couldn't figure out what it was until now. It's that it displays an absolute ignorance of the nature of cults. A cult wouldn't HAVE to require a follower to attend one of its functions. A cult's control over its followers is such that they would WANT to attend, and believe that wanting to was their own idea. Not to mention that I'm pretty sure they *are* requiring everyone they can require to come, ie. the pundits, MD and whatever Purusha is in town. I'd be really surprised if they weren't. Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 18, 2008, at 8:32 AM, feste37 wrote: Delighted to oblige. I would love to go to the celebration today, but unfortunately leather belts are not permitted and I need one to hold my trousers up. I would hate to embarrass myself in front of the ladies on such a dignified occasion. You don't need to, feste, you now have the total freedom to embarrass yourself in front of the men only. :) This just in: 1. Announcement for Ladies for Guru Purnima It is a delight to announce that the Bagambhrini Golden Dome will be open and connected to the Maharishi Patanjali Golden Dome for the Guru Purnima celebration. Any ladies who would like to enjoy the celebration in the Ladies’ Dome are warmly invited. The connection will be a video connection. We would ask that the points mentioned for the Men’s Dome apply to the Ladies’ Dome as well (arrival time, dress, etc.). If you would like your fruit and flowers to be offered by the Vedic Pandits, please stop by the Men’s Dome on your way to the Ladies’ Dome to be put them in the offerings receptacles in the lobby. Whether or not this is doublespeak meaning that ladies are *required* to go to the ladies' dome or not (I wonder, where are the women supposed to go?) it's bound to mean that a few less ladies will be in the mens' dome. So, courage, feste...sally forth! :) Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 18, 2008, at 10:03 AM, curtisdeltablues wrote: Whether or not this is doublespeak meaning that ladies are *required* to go to the ladies' dome or not (I wonder, where are the women supposed to go?) I think it is for the ladies for whom even the whiff of testosterone would make their headlights go on, Those would be the women, Curtis. which as you know is highly anti-Vedic. (although quite attractive through a silk sari I might add) I swear the movement will be instituting Sharia law in my lifetime. What do you call what they're doing now? Sal
Re: [FairfieldLife] Re: Guru Purnima Celebrations - Friday, 12:45pm & 8:15pm
On Jul 18, 2008, at 12:41 PM, feste37 wrote: Another reason I fear I may miss this great occasion is that I have a leather watchband, which is not permitted. I am one of those people who has to know what time it is. If I don't know the time, I go semi-crazy. It's approaching 12:45 now, so I guess this is one Guru Purnima that will have to go on without me. But I am pleased it is happening and that others will be there. These rituals do have effects. I remember about 20 years ago, when I was living in an apartment no more than 1/2 a mile from the dome, I forgot that it was Guru Purnima. Then at about 9 or so that evening, I started to feel very good -- calm and centered, mind absolutely clear, content. I didn't get tired at all that evening and didn't go to bed until very late. I felt completely different from my normal agitated state. At some point I remembered that it was Guru Purnima. Maybe the same will happen today, although I'm a little farther away. I don't think it will affect you though, Sal, since I think you are beyond redemption of any kind and happy to be so. Good luck with that! Correctamundo, feste! JOOC, how far do the vibes go, though, IYO? I'm about a mile and a half from the dooms-- if I close my eyes, face east, try to think pure thoughts and maybe throw some salt over my shoulder, will that make a diff? Sal
