SHOULD WE NOT BE CONCERNED???
I usually do not post often on this message board but I hope you will all take a moment to read this information. Then you (as adults) you can come to your own conclusions about the facts presented.
I am very upset because I finally found a place that incorporates Yoga/Tai Chi/Meditation together into a really great workout. But, underlying the seemingly innocent workouts IS THERE a cruel and devious organization that uses psychological techniques of mind control and brain washing to coerce innocent people into their organization on the premise of "heal yourself, heal the Earth"?
Is this scary stuff and doesn't this bother you to read?
I have been attending classes for Tai Chi/Yoga Masters training at a local Dahn center and paid ($1600) to join this program, then I mentioned it to a friend who produced articles regarding negative media surrounding this organization (Google "Tao” or "Dahn" Yoga or Tao Institute).
These articles say that the founder Dr. Ilchi Lee (aka: Seung Huen Lee) has a myriad of businesses linked by address to Dahn Hak or Tao Institute and yet claims to be “non profit” and is a Nobel peace prizewinner. But IS HE actually a charismatic business man who uses this org as a way to benefit himself and gain mass wealth (reportedly he has just an honarary doctorate and has several homes around the world and drives a hummer).
Of course wanting to make money is not a sin, but is it ethical to do so at the pain or expense of another being, misleading them and luring some into a life of obedience to one man and his personal agenda???
Articles state his goal is to raise up 100 thousand members by 2012. Sources also state that he was quoted as saying that the world will end and (he) will meet his chosen few at Bell Rock in Sedona and lead them to "heaven" and ONLY those who follow his teachings will survive the end of the world!
Does this sound very much like the leader of "Heavens Gate" to you??
I myself then researched via the Internet and found similar information; lawsuits pending, statements by former Masters and members claiming that Dahn coerced them into paying tens of thousands of dollars. Some articles mention that members have been asked to leave their spouses because they “do not believe” and have traveled to Korea where they are forced into marrying Korean nationals for green cards or some other involuntary act, while their passports are being held captive by Dahn.
Can you believe this?
The articles also say that they like to prey upon the younger generation and have begun to recruit on campuses nationwide. Does this not concern you? Do you have sons and daughters that might be exposed to this organization?
The articles written by former memebrs go on to say that "Initially they seem to be a very loving community, but then they begin pressuring members to take extra classes which cost big $$ and say things to intimidate them; using a hard techique or guilt to push the sale home.
Saved by the hair of my chinny chin chin again?
I write it in hopes that my doubts are wrong but I personally chose not to return to the center, although my master has not pressured me nor intimidated me in any way. And as I said, I am quite upset because I did enjoy the classes. But, better safe than sorry for this gal.
Peace and Aloha,
Namaste
