tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post111171922053939208..comments2023-10-09T22:44:56.500-07:00Comments on WHAT enlightenment??!: Shame, Guilt and the Guru’s BloodUnknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112663937480371482005-04-04T18:18:00.000-07:002005-04-04T18:18:00.000-07:00There is no Andrew, there is only one...if more th...There is no Andrew, there is only one...if more than one is seen, there is conflict...conflict from the one who is seeing.<BR/>There is no Andrew!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112657544676621472005-04-04T16:32:00.000-07:002005-04-04T16:32:00.000-07:00Hello Durwin. I too live in British Columbia and ...Hello Durwin. I too live in British Columbia and am wondering if the group you mention was based in West Vancouver. I checked one out there, but a lot of warning signs came up for me as well. Once one has been burned by giving up control to a "spiritual teacher and heirarchical group dynamics" we are blessed with a safety alarm and can recognize the telltale signs of abuse when we encounter them. The Cohen related group I checked into had an educational program for children. I am hoping that this is the group that folded as teaching children "how to think" as they proposed sounded more like mind-control to me.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112639482274107292005-04-04T11:31:00.000-07:002005-04-04T11:31:00.000-07:00Hello there:I just want to say that I really appre...Hello there:<BR/><BR/>I just want to say that I really appreciate what you are doing here. I think shame-based spiritual striving is a big part of the problem here. When we have wounds of shame, we can get caught into these patterns of dysfunctional teacher/student relationships. I grew up in a spiritual community that my parents belonged to. When the "shit hit the fan", many people including myself at age 23, went through a painful process of re-orientation to life that involved, among other things, healing deep feelings of shame. This task continues.<BR/><BR/>I nearly went to a Cohen retreat a ear or two ago, but fortunately my antenna" from overcoming my earlier years kicked in enough to stop me. Then, I attended a local Cohen/Integral group for meetings, but became aware of interpersonal/group process problems rather quickly. This group<BR/>subsequently folded.<BR/><BR/>There is such a thing as healthy shame: "red" acts should bring shame upon our heads, to keep that energy in control. If even half the events described by contributors to your blog are true, then Cohen really ought to be ashamed of himself. Shame on you, Andrew!<BR/><BR/>Warmest regards,<BR/>Durwin Foster, M.A.<BR/>Doctoral Student (Counselling Psychology) <BR/>Department of Educational and Counselling Psychology, and Special Education<BR/>University of British ColumbiaAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112574832508912542005-04-03T17:33:00.000-07:002005-04-03T17:33:00.000-07:00Amazing link posted above.Everyone who reads/contr...Amazing link posted above.<BR/>Everyone who reads/contributes to this site MUST read it!!<BR/>From the horses mouth!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112546601605264992005-04-03T09:43:00.000-07:002005-04-03T09:43:00.000-07:00I just learned of the site, and thanks for all you...I just learned of the site, and <B>thanks</B> for all your efforts Hal. It took me the better part of the morning to ingest the archives. I was very taken by Susan's and Ernie's postings, and much appreciation goes out to them for sharing here. Thanks to all who post <I>unanonymously</I>. <BR/><BR/>Evidently some are still willing to consider the extreme practices (abuses) described here as skillful means. They're certainly effective tools in bringing enormous, overwhelming psychological pressure to bear on the individual. Can anyone cite evidence that these practices have effectively aided individual (or collective) evolution to a significant degree, and in a sustained manner?<BR/><BR/>Barry Gross<BR/>gross.barry@gmail.comBarryhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11359020659559597991noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112381832389932802005-04-01T10:57:00.000-08:002005-04-01T10:57:00.000-08:00drum roll please!http://www.globalserve.net/~sarlo...drum roll please!<BR/><BR/>http://www.globalserve.net/~sarlo/Yacohen.htmAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112236551481468482005-03-30T18:35:00.000-08:002005-03-30T18:35:00.000-08:00Excellent posts Freebird and Craig TJewish Proverb...Excellent posts Freebird and Craig T<BR/><BR/><BR/>Jewish Proverb:<BR/>A disciple asked a learned Rabbi why is it that God used to speak directly to his people, yet he never does so today. The wise man replied,"Man cannot bend low enough now to hear what God says."<BR/>Rabbi Ginsberg visiting from IsraelAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112231047272233562005-03-30T17:04:00.000-08:002005-03-30T17:04:00.000-08:00Zenman said:“Life in the Cohen community sounds a ...Zenman said:<BR/><BR/>“Life in the Cohen community sounds a lot like the life of a marine (Full Metal Jacket). <BR/>basic training. <BR/>nicknames <BR/>humilitating punishments <BR/>screwing up earns the rath of your peers” <BR/><BR/>Zenman also said <BR/><BR/>“why does Andrew use all these weird tactics <BR/>he himself didn't go through <BR/>Andrew had advaita teachers, <BR/>read krishnamurti etc <BR/>and finally Poonja. <BR/>Why does he now be humiliate”<BR/><BR/><BR/>”t's like a Zen teacher getting enlightened after doing zazen for 20 years and then going out and teaching people TM.”<BR/><BR/>It is a question that bothers me as well, right across his teachings and practices there lacks any expereniencial forensic thread to anything that he has encountered !<BR/><BR/>We would not put our trust in a lawyer who decided to be a surgeon, or a policeman a pilot…etc, etc It is a universal law that knowledge for both the individual and the collective is built incrementally through its development through stages, we stand on the shoulders of our forefathers it’s a foundation of evolution as well. <BR/><BR/>So where does Andrew get his knowledge ?. Where is his foundation to base these practices?<BR/><BR/>My hypothisis is that he appropriates knowledge and practices from many different streams and brands them his teachings but lacks the understanding. If you read his work closely they refelct a total lack of understanding of many of the traditons teachings. <BR/><BR/>The indocriantion process for a marine is designed to produce blind obedience. There is not room for doubt or discussion on a battlefield . A soldier must obey his commander without hesitation or thought for himself. Andrew appears to be using this process to produce similar results.<BR/><BR/>The posting profile of the Andrew apologists seems to reflect the brainwashing that has taken place. As many have already noted before me there is little refution of the facts that Hal and others have documented. Instead many of them seem full of hatred and anger, the posts littered with Cohen speak, put downs and insults, those who question are ungrateful cowards and leechs who couldn’t stand the fire. What fire? Where is this fire ?<BR/><BR/>This is a call to all the Cohen apologists give us your best. Tell us how his teachings will evolve humantiy. Tell us of your profound awakening and its impact on your ability to flourish as a human being !. Tell us how his teachings have made your relationships , your families, your absolute relationship to life, more cohesive, enlightened and loving! Try and make posts that don’t abuse or demean but address the accusations that have been made ! Tell us how you justify these practices to yourself ! Tell us how you have achieved absolute freedom ! Tell us something we can truly consider and inquire into ! Tell us the truth, your truth!<BR/><BR/>The wise sages of the ages brand him an imposter, dig deep and tell us, convince us that this is not so!<BR/><BR/><BR/>The sage is like water.<BR/>Water is good, nourishes all things,<BR/>and does not compete with them.<BR/>It dwells in humble places that others disdain,<BR/>hence it is close to the Tao.<BR/>In his dwelling, the sage loves the earth.<BR/>In his mind, he loves what is profound.<BR/>In his associations, he is kind and gentle.<BR/>In his speech, he is sincere.<BR/>In his ruling, he is just.<BR/>In business, he is proficient.<BR/>In his action, he is timely.<BR/>Because he does not compete,<BR/>he does not find fault in others.<BR/> — Lao Tzu<BR/><BR/>Craig TAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112212253887366202005-03-30T11:50:00.000-08:002005-03-30T11:50:00.000-08:00Why are the defenders of Andrew Cohen unable to re...Why are the defenders of Andrew Cohen unable to recognize spiritual abuses in conjunction with other abuses. They are part of the norm in todays society with members inside and outside of spiritual communities, groups, societies, Churches, etc. This norm is called dysfunction and denial. Hal, Stas, Susan together with other former students and several posters have awakened from this lull of spiritual sleep. and like Mr. Titmuss stated, are actually giving Andrew a backhanded compliment with their testimonies of these abuses. They care enough and love Andrew more then the students who are in denial. <BR/><BR/>The defenders of Andrew continue with their abuses upon the brave individuals who have the courage and conviction to speak the truth. The defenders attack and minimize these abuses and proclaim that the former students are the problem and not the teacher.<BR/><BR/>I also awoke from this spiritual sleep and now recognize all abuses without any excuses and with confidence confront abusers. It is called being healthy and no longer enslaved by dysfunction and denial. Freedom.<BR/>FreebirdAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112158945427272002005-03-29T21:02:00.000-08:002005-03-29T21:02:00.000-08:00Clarity, presence...a breath of fresh air.Thank yo...Clarity, presence...a breath of fresh air.<BR/>Thank you Stuart for your reflection and for taking the time to put into words what you have observed here.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112104476019118262005-03-29T05:54:00.000-08:002005-03-29T05:54:00.000-08:00Stuart, Well done that was an excellent post. Crai...Stuart, Well done that was an excellent post. Craig TAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112061749708123732005-03-28T18:02:00.000-08:002005-03-28T18:02:00.000-08:00At Friday, 25 March, 2005, Anonymous said... > Fin...At Friday, 25 March, 2005, Anonymous said... <BR/>> Finding someone who is truly <BR/>> realized is enormously <BR/>> difficult [snip]<BR/>> Here is the skinny from one who <BR/>> has made every mistake: drop <BR/>> your dependency and look within.<BR/><BR/>I can relate to the 2nd statement noted above; I don't argue with "look within" if that means that one is free to apply effort & inquiry for oneself, rather than becoming a follower.<BR/><BR/>In light of that, I don't understand the point of the 1st statement. Why create confusion by making & holding the thought that this or that person is or isn't "truly realized"?<BR/><BR/>> forget about this idiot and <BR/>> focus your energies on looking <BR/>> within.<BR/><BR/>This is OK in my view too... although I see no need to forget anything until I forget it naturally. Someone once told me, "Pay no attention to your critics. Don't even ignore them."<BR/><BR/>> At Saturday, 26 March, 2005, <BR/>> Anonymous said... <BR/>> One more thing: Life in the <BR/>> Andrew Cohen community sounds a <BR/>> lot like the life of a marine. <BR/><BR/>Right. The life of a marine would on its surface be crazy, absurd, if it weren't motivated by the intention to help others (i.e., to serve the country).<BR/><BR/>Where is the clear intention to justify the craziness in the Cohen community? A commitment to "evolution" can hardly be a justification. Evolution has been happening on its own since life first appears, & I never heard it ask for our help.<BR/><BR/>> At Saturday, 26 March, 2005, <BR/>> Anonymous said... <BR/>> It is obvious that there is no <BR/>> room, on this blog, for support <BR/>> of Andrew Cohen, so let's not <BR/>> pretend it's a place of <BR/>> discussion. <BR/><BR/>Though obviously not in the majority, I've seen a number of posts that *do* support & defend Cohen. So it's absurd that Anonymous should pretend this isn't true.<BR/><BR/>> If all that is said is true, <BR/>> fine - but, there is no <BR/>> alternative being presented <BR/>> here - nothing that is <BR/>> uplifting, that is full of the <BR/>> love and light that so many are <BR/>> attacking Andrew for lacking. <BR/><BR/>Maybe wanting something uplifting is a problem, maybe wanting love & light is a problem. Isn't simple, ordinary truth enough? It's not for nothing that Zen masters say, "The sky is blue, the grass is green."<BR/><BR/>> Saturday, 26 March, 2005, <BR/>> Anonymous said... <BR/>> It is said that God commanded <BR/>> Abraham to bind his son, Isaac, <BR/>> to the altar and offer him as a <BR/>> sacrifice (to God). [snip]<BR/>> Stories like the cut finger, as <BR/>> horrible as they sound, do have <BR/>> historical precedence in the <BR/>> traditions that place God, <BR/>> Truth above (literally) <BR/>> everything else.<BR/><BR/>Let's be clear that the use of the word "historical" is only accurate if we mean that this STORY of Abraham exists. As for as any actual occurance, let's be clear that referencing the Bible is an appeal to myth, not fact.<BR/><BR/>Myths & stories have their place... but when so much verified truth is available to us, I'm not sure why we'd want to abandon that to contemplate mere stories, such as Abraham or Milarepa or whomever.<BR/><BR/>> mike said... <BR/>> I find it difficult to see <BR/>> where this blog is going. <BR/><BR/>I personally find it impossible to see where anything is going (this blog, life, the world, etc).<BR/><BR/>What I do see is that the blog is a collection of different voices with different perspectives & opinions. This is my attempt to add my own perspective to it. I have no need or desire to control or define the blog, but I'm happy to have the chance to add my own voice to those of everyone else here, & see what develops on its own.<BR/><BR/>Stuart<BR/>http://home.comcast.net/~sresnick2/mypage.htmAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1112026457620417702005-03-28T08:14:00.000-08:002005-03-28T08:14:00.000-08:00From the postings I gather that Hal is an attorney...From the postings I gather that Hal is an attorney. If true, as an attorney he will not present any false information knowing he could be held liable for slander. I believe Hal and the other former students because their informants have verified all information. Hal mentions this quite often. In other words he has proof and can testify in a Court of Law as to these stories being true with reliable witnesses.<BR/><BR/>The opponents testimonies are without supportive proof and heresays.<BR/><BR/>I support you Hal, Susan, Stas and all former students.<BR/><BR/>I believe Andrew Cohen is dangerous and any student submitting to his teachings, will do so at their own risk.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111979571361452782005-03-27T19:12:00.000-08:002005-03-27T19:12:00.000-08:00I find it very telling that not one person critica...I find it very telling that not one person critical of this blog has contested even one fact stated by the former students of Andrew here. Mo gives "testimony" of the "facts" of Andrew's "perfection" and "impeccability" without one supporting specific fact. (Contrary to what Mo said, such statements are by definition opinions, not facts). He does not contest any actual specific facts or stories told by Susan, Hal or Stas or others. A previous commenter here says their posts are "distortions" but, again, does not even challenge the truth of even one of the stories told, or even one fact stated in them. Another poster implies Hal is Judas, but, again, does not contradict one fact in his articles. If what is being told here are the uncontradicted facts, than why is anyone upset? If any of the facts stated are untrue, supporters of Andrew should take take the opportunity to correct them. If they are true, however, as it seems is so because of Andrew's supporters' failure to correct them, then Andrew and his students should not be upset, but should be happy to have the facts known, and should be willing to let people interpret them for themselves.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111939425705047402005-03-27T08:03:00.000-08:002005-03-27T08:03:00.000-08:00The stories presented by the former students and s...The stories presented by the former students and some of the posters were evil. They have nothing to do with a spiritual life nor any spiritual teaching. It is all about power and control. Take a look at these stories and wake up people. Have some of you been brainwashed into seeing these abuses as necessary teaching tools?. We have supporters of Andrew seeing him as a saint, and others as a sinner. What shall it be?, both?. From your feedback that is how I see it.<BR/><BR/>People post anonymously for different reasons. To attack these posters is wrong. Some may also have been abused by Andrew and community, have worked through the pain, need not rehash these experiences and are here for the support of others.<BR/><BR/>I see an infiltration of some new posters who are working feverishly to discredit the stories of Hal, Stas, Susan, etc. Everyone has a right to express their views and how things are seen and remembered, but are we not after truth, and nothing but the truth?. If so, we must continue in our quest to do so.<BR/><BR/>Some of you were unfair with the poster who stated that murderers, Hitler, etc. also have admirers who support their wickedness and causes. As I see it, the poster was not lumping Andrew with these beings, but saying that wickedness has supporters.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111937282846779942005-03-27T07:28:00.000-08:002005-03-27T07:28:00.000-08:00I've been reading this blog off and on for several...I've been reading this blog off and on for several months and I find it incredibly disturbing. The choice that is being made by a few ex-students to grossly distort what they have experienced with Andrew or what they have heard since leaving is awful to read and creates an inaccurate picture of what the experience of being a student of Andrew actually is. <BR/><BR/>But what I find much more disturbing is the way these ex-students have chosen to distort themselves – distort and deny their own deepest knowledge of what is true. I find this so disturbing because I was there with you. I know you and I know what you know about Andrew. I know what your relationship with Andrew was. I know what we all had together. I know how much Andrew gave each of us. I know what can never die between us. I remember the joy, love, fellowship and unbelievable possibilities that we all discovered as Andrew’s students. And I just can’t believe that you would choose to deny it all.<BR/><BR/>Undeniably being Andrew’s student is anything but easy. But we all know why this is true. I think none of us ever thought we’d have to go through so much – how could we know this? Needless to say Andrew did always warn us of what it meant to live the spiritual life. Not all of us made it and very few of us can forget – but I want to ask you how you can do this now? <BR/><BR/>Please don’t use the fact that I’ve not signed this as a reason to discount my post.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111909936102992132005-03-26T23:52:00.000-08:002005-03-26T23:52:00.000-08:00Another anonymous wrote "I'm not aware of any othe...Another anonymous wrote "I'm not aware of any other articles about Cohen as a problematic spiritual teacher."<BR/><BR/>I am sure that there are, and I know of several, spiritual teachers who have either written or spoken about this. However, I should point out that they did not do it to take the moral high ground, but delivered some pragmatic realism or expressed differences of methods. Their words would not fit with the demonic view given by a poster on this blog who, surreally and unhelpfully, would place Andrew in the same prison as "murderers, rapists and evil beings, including Hitler".<BR/><BR/>[To briefly reply to an earlier poster: I would not put Andrew in the same category as the person who allegedly was "womanizing and drinking". That does not fit Andrew's profile at all.]<BR/><BR/>To see Hal Blacker's call for reconciliation as part of a "battle" is evil itself. Do we need to remind ourselves that there never any no winners in any battle but only wounded losers?<BR/><BR/>How many "books, articles, cult buster profiles" do you need to feel that the battle has been won? Do you want Foxhollow to be besieged and raised to the ground with fire and mortar?<BR/><BR/>Since this blog allows "anonymous" posters its readers should be aware of <EM>agent provocateurs</EM> who care neither about ex-students, current students, the teachings or Andrew. Otherwise they will find that they are being used as unwitting pawns in some kind of religious Armageddon.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111898780449330362005-03-26T20:46:00.000-08:002005-03-26T20:46:00.000-08:00An anonymous poster (like me) wrote: "Your point i...An anonymous poster (like me) wrote: "Your point is well taken, but there has been plenty of warning out there for some time: a book, articles, cult buster profiles. You are fighting a battle that, for the most part, you have already won."<BR/><BR/>I read Enlightenment Blues and I'm aware of Luna Tarlo's book. I'm aware of the Rick Ross site. I'm aware of David Deida's harmless article about Cohen as "Mr. Wedgie." But I'm not aware of any other articles about Cohen as a problematic spiritual teacher.<BR/><BR/>I hardly see the battle as won when the most influential writer in the "spiritual" genre, Ken Wilber, has openly endorsed Cohen as someone who "acts with uncompromising integity" (foreword to Cohen's Living Enlightenment), who has provided Cohen with a convenient rationale for any kind of behavior (ibid. - Wilber's term "Rude Boy" is the equivalent of "crazy wisdom master," which effectively places all the teacher's behavior beyond evaluation by ordinary mortals), and Wilber appears in issue after issue of WIE in "Guru and the Pandit Dialogues," thus lending his considerable cachet to Cohen.<BR/><BR/>This, plus the fact that advertisers and subscribers support WIE and thus Cohen's entire enterprise, and because I assume Cohen manages to attract new students via WIE, his books, seminars, and retreats, suggests that the "battle" has just begun, or at least that this matter has yet to reach a "tipping point."Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111886370830388682005-03-26T17:19:00.000-08:002005-03-26T17:19:00.000-08:00As a former student of Andrew I am grateful for th...As a former student of Andrew I am grateful for this blog. I'm wondering what we on this blog can do to limit Andrew's capacity to abuse any more people? As responsible individuals we owe this to the human community. When someone goes beyond what is acceptable behavior and continues to 'miscreate', it is the responsibility of those that are saner at the time, to stop him.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111868823568048382005-03-26T12:27:00.000-08:002005-03-26T12:27:00.000-08:00It is said that God commanded Abraham to bind his ...It is said that God commanded Abraham to bind his son, Isaac, to the altar and offer him as a sacrifice (to God). Abraham was prepared to do it - his love of God was stronger than that of his own son - it was only at the very last moment, as he was ready to light the fire that God stopped him. Stories like the cut finger, as horrible as they sound, do have historical precedence in the traditions that place God, Truth above (literally) everything else.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111868541874498972005-03-26T12:22:00.000-08:002005-03-26T12:22:00.000-08:00I am shocked by how quickly and ferociously this b...I am shocked by how quickly and ferociously this blog is degenerating into an exchange that includes personal attacks, insults, and even (how ironic) abuses when people, such as Mo (and others)speak clearly and vulnerably (without remaining anonymous) from their own experience. It is obvious that there is no room, on this blog, for support of Andrew Cohen, so let's not pretend it's a place of discussion. It is a place of something very different than that. If all that is said is true, fine - but, there is no alternative being presented here - nothing that is uplifting, that is full of the love and light that so many are attacking Andrew for lacking. So, it is a downward spiral into hell,and, ironically, the antitheses of what Andrew Cohen's teaching is about. Something is really wrong, here.<BR/><BR/>And, at the center, is Mr. Hal Blacker - is it Judas Blacker vs. Andrew Christ, or vice-versa? Is Mr. Blacker now the Revealer, the 'knower' of Truth? I ask you, Hal, to please let us know what you want? What are you looking for? Where do you want this to lead? Also, I can't help but wonder - did you also actively point out all that went wrong with your previous Guru, and his trail of drunkenness and debauchery? If not, why not? I want to know what you want. I also want to know what you are presenting as an alternative? Because, the way this is going is not taking humanity to a new place - it is not bringing people together in 'light and love'. It may be revealing certain facts, even dreadful ones, but that's not enough for this beleagured human race to rise up into something that is wonderful and worthy of celebartion.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111866862525325732005-03-26T11:54:00.000-08:002005-03-26T11:54:00.000-08:00My name is Keith, I was very happily part of Andre...My name is Keith, I was very happily part of Andrew's community for five years in the early 1990's and like Mo Riddiford, met Andrew during his first year of teaching. Also, like Mo, I managed to stay pretty much on the periphery and never really became part of the "inner circle." I loved the people and loved Andrew with a passion.<BR/>It became clear to me in mid 1995 that Andrew was not my teacher. My last talk with him graciously let me know that there was no room for my doubt, as to his imposition of form on these incredible teachings, to be aired. I left and missed the community terribly. But the relationship was over.<BR/>I believed I no longer had energy on all this, happily on fire in my present spiritual practice. Then Craig Hamilton's letters stirred something, something stuck in my craw. It was arrogant, acrimonious and lacked compassion. Now Mo's letter..... I presume from New Zealand.... a safe distance from the fire, with its blind devotion laced with an unnecessary nastiness.<BR/>It was my great fortune to meet Andrew, and my great fortune to leave without the wounds that now emerge on this blog. It has saddened me to see what has happened; the corruption of heirarchy where doubts and feelings cannot be fully aired. How these can bury themselves in the fabric of our being to fester and project themselves onto those, those who we truly love.<BR/>It has not been easy writing this, nor reading this blog; the lenghthy diatribes of those who had nothing to do with Andrew, the pain of some of those who did. Wounds need air. Air to dry the residue of hurt and anger so it can slough off into the dustbin of history and we can get on with this amazing opportunity to evolve and understand the true nature of our being.<BR/>With respect. Sincerely Keith MutterAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111864675879682482005-03-26T11:17:00.000-08:002005-03-26T11:17:00.000-08:00One more thing: Life in the Andrew Cohen community...One more thing: Life in the Andrew Cohen community sounds a lot like the life of a marine. Did anyone ever see the Stanley Kubrick film Full Metal Jacket? The first half of the movie is a depiction of marines in basic training. Many of them are given nicknames by the drill sergeant! They receive humilitating punishments when they screw up. One of the guys keeps screwing up and eventually his peers gang up on him. Sound familiar???<BR/>Posted by Zenman.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111858539035755232005-03-26T09:35:00.000-08:002005-03-26T09:35:00.000-08:00Mo, Thank you very much for your post. As a former...Mo, Thank you very much for your post. As a former student of many years I completely understand where you are coming from right now. BUT maybe if you let the facts sink in a bit without responding to the strong and conditioned implule to rationalize them and defend Andrew as being perfect, a bigger picture of humanity might be seen and felt -- one of compassion and love for ALL of us, including Andrew, and most of all yourself.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8775078.post-1111855318960031122005-03-26T08:41:00.000-08:002005-03-26T08:41:00.000-08:00Your point is well taken, but there has been plent...Your point is well taken, but there has been plenty of warning out there for some time: a book, articles, cult buster profiles. You are fighting a battle that, for the most part, you have already won.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com