| Author |
Message |
    
Anonymous
| | Posted on Saturday, January 11, 2003 - 10:04 pm: | 
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Just wondering if anyone knows anything about the Morningland Temple on 7th Ave. in Long Beach, California. |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Thursday, January 23, 2003 - 1:48 pm: |
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http://www.ex-morninglanders.com/news/news6.htm |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Wednesday, March 03, 2004 - 7:06 pm: |
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hi. do not listen to the ex morningland site. it is full of distortions, and lies. If you have questions about Morningland, feel free to contact them directly. (562) 433-9906 |
Anonymous
| | Posted on Saturday, March 06, 2004 - 2:29 am: |
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I checked out the Ex-Morninglanders' site. I'm not convinced it's all lies. |
Anonymous (205.188.117.20)
| | Posted on Friday, May 07, 2004 - 5:51 pm: |
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Whoever posted the phone number, please let us know why Morningland never puts its side out anywhere? We all want to hear both sides, right? That's only fair. I live in Long Beach and no one seems to have heard anything about whats going on at the "complex" for years and years. Why so secretive, do ya think? |
Anonymous (66.63.129.2)
| | Posted on Sunday, May 09, 2004 - 8:43 pm: |
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Yes, I agree. The silence and secrecy surrounding the "complex" produce skepticism, mistrust & frustration in those on the outside. In addition, it suggests that those inside the "complex" have something to hide, and that whatever belief system is going on in there cannot stand up to scrutiny from others, or just good old fashioned debate. Isn't that really why people hide like this? Because they can't defend their position? Because original thought would destroy the entire organization?
I'm reminded of that old saying that instructs that "sunlight is the best disinfectant." Perhaps there is something rotten and festering in the "complex" and those who hold the reins of power know that sunlight - openness - will kill it. |
Anonymous (198.81.26.106)
| | Posted on Tuesday, July 27, 2004 - 10:17 am: |
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What happened to the exer site? Did that old bat ---Margaret---find herself a low rent pitbull?
Well I guess you can't blame her, after all these years bowing and scraping to that old psycopath she is the new top bitch. She is going to hold on to that gig with everything she has. I mean, really, how do you expect her to be able to prey on young girls if people go around exposing her true nature, her true motivation and the history of that little shop of horrors overy there in the LBC....
Margaret, if your listening, it really won't be that easy. Thousands of people know what you are and you will be exposed. You can run but you can't hide. Well I guess you can hide out in the compound like your mentor before you. It's like a big jail for everyone there, including you -- you doof!
Keep looking over your shoulder, there will always be people to expose you and you never know where they will come from.
Ta.... |
Anonymous (66.119.33.135)
| | Posted on Monday, August 02, 2004 - 5:13 pm: |
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What did Margaret do??? |
Anonymous (67.181.7.116)
| | Posted on Sunday, October 31, 2004 - 11:04 pm: |
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What is Margaret, aka: Saravati Donato, going to do? Nothing is what she's going to do. They're going to continue to hide out in that old boarded up Jewish Temple until they die just like their old bat of a teacher Sri Donato did. After all, isn't that what Sri was teaching them? I was in Morningland from 1976 till 1984, and when I first got there it was a fairly open and wonderful place to be. But after Donato died, Sri took over and made it into a hell on Earth. Sri's the one that boarded it all up, chased away the best followers of Donato's teachings, and kept on the mindless dummies there who could me used and manipulated at her whim. Saravati doesn't have an original thought in her head, so she'll just keep the place going as it is because she doesn't know anything else anymore. I have no compunction of telling the world who I am either. I was once known as Copatos there. My real name is Matt, and I've got all kinds of horror stories to tell about what went on there when I was a disciple. Morningland was going downhill when I left, and I'm sure it's continued on the same path. To anyone reading this, I'll give you this advice, STAY AWAY!!! |
Raissa (69.166.112.138)
| | Posted on Monday, November 01, 2004 - 1:00 am: |
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You go Matt,I am with you 100% and more. Raissa |
jane04 (jane04)
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 198.81.26.106
| | Posted on Monday, December 20, 2004 - 6:58 pm: |
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Calling ALL Angels....
Hey there xxxxxxx, How the hell are you? How are things over there in the walled compound. We are all so very amused at your little angels shtick...what next bunnies and puppies? Not that I mean to mock your very serious endeavors, but....oh yeah I DO MEAN TO MOCK! Really, you just gotta let us know...Why do such sweet angels as yourselves need to be protected by spiked bamboo fences?
I have to tell you though, that I really disagree with Matt. People shouldn't stay away from Morningland, just don't be afraid to ask a question or two. Here are a couple of suggestions..
>>Why are people following me as soon as I walk in the door of this wacky place?
>>Why do so many people say bad things about this place?
>>Why all the secrecy? Why, why, why, indeed. But to be fair you have to get both sides, find out all the information you can. SERIOUSLY, BECAUSE....ANY GENUINE PATH OF SERVICE CANNOT BE HURT BY CRITICISM AND HONEST INQUIRY. PERIOD. And a person who wants to devote themselves to service deserves answers to those questions.
So please do ask all those questions and then come back here and tell us. We never hear from the "angels", those innocent and profoundly spiritual creatures. Nobody ever hears from them which does seem kind of odd.
Jane}}}}}}
(Message edited by admin on January 25, 2005) |
a_friend (a_friend)
New member
Username: a_friend
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 66.63.131.112
| | Posted on Sunday, January 02, 2005 - 4:46 pm: |
|
Well, it's a new year. Maybe something good and dramatic will happen at the old complex on E. 7th.
Personally, I think it would not be a bad thing if the whole place just ceased to exist. If that were to happen, I think the fairest thing would be to disburse to those relatives who survive the Speratos the proceeds of whatever is left.
Is that mean-spirited, to hope the cult dies out? I hope not. But it seems as if the Speratos caused much pain to a great many people by way of Morningland, not the least of whom are the children they abandoned and cast off. It would be a good thing to see a little justice for those children.
And, if Morningland did cease to exist, perhaps that, in and of itself, would be a sort of justice - perhaps even, finally, closure - for the ex-devotees who were fortunate enough to get out.
As for those who remain....my heart goes out to them. I can't help but think that they are terribly, terribly deceived. It's anyone's guess what long-term consequences they will suffer as a result of their blind adherence to a belief system that seems to have no solid foundation, and which morphs into something else at a moment's notice, whenever expedient to keep those at the top in power.
Thank you all for your honest, direct, heart-felt postings. They’ve helped me work through some of the angst I feel at having someone still trapped in that hellhole.
Happy New Year to all of you! |
refiner (refiner)
New member
Username: refiner
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 211.28.229.154
| | Posted on Sunday, January 02, 2005 - 4:56 pm: |
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Interesting thread, interesting site |
jane04 (jane04)
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 4
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 64.12.117.12
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 8:00 pm: |
|
In my daydream the "compound" on 7th street would become a memorial.
A memorial to the people who have had their lives stolen, literally.
A memorial to all the people who lost years and decades of their life truly dedicated to a cause that never actually existed. The only real cause was power and money for Patricia and Daniel Sperato.
A memorial to all the families that were torn apart forever and will never be the same.
A memorial to those whose minds were shattered by the pressure.
A memorial to those who killed themselves because the pressure was just too much.
A memorial to those whose health was permanently and irreversably harmed or destroyed.
A memorial to the shattered dreams of all the people who never suspected that they could be so cruelly deceived.
A memorial to the children who had their childhood stolen.
I think that most (not all) people who get caught up in abusive cults are sincere and dedicated people. They are people who want to make a difference in the world. My favorite literary sociopath Iago said it very well......"So will I turn her virtue into pitch and out of her own goodness make the net that shall enmesh them all". That makes it all the more heinous what ruthless perpetrators, like Patricia and Daniel Sperato do. Nobody deserves this what they do to people. And they really do know that what they do is indefensible. That is why they are so secretive and why deception is their modus operandi. I think that exposing these people for what they really are makes the world a better place.
J. |
kevin2005 (kevin2005)
New member
Username: kevin2005
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 205.188.117.12
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 25, 2005 - 9:10 pm: |
|
I have known Saravati many years. Saravati is a fine person. I believe she will do fine. Jane, you write such negative posts lately. Why did you post a healing testimony on the Queensdome website a few years ago. In that, you claimed Morningland healed your irratable bowel syndrome. You even recommended people to visit Morningland, and get a healing. Morningland asked a bunch of people to leave over the years. That never means, that Morningland never wanted to see you again. It does not, nor did it ever mean that your spiritual journey ended. Morningland has many sucess stories. Many healing testimonies, about how they helped many people. Including yours Jane. Morningland is not as secretive as you claim, Morningland has always been reaching out in different ways. As far as the windows being sealed...get over it. It is much nicer with the windows sealed. The noise from seventh street is much lower. It is all aesthetics. Morningland will not die as easilly, as you want it too. |
jane04 (jane04)
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 5
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 152.163.101.12
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 26, 2005 - 11:59 am: |
|
Kevin,
Dude, you got me confused with another Jane. I don't know you That was a different Jane with the IBS issues. O.K.???
Not me.
I was in Morningland many years ago and subjected to very great harm and abuse as were many, many others. I know you are not allowed to hear this and actually I am surprised that you are allowed to read these postings. Morninland doesn't typically allow it's members to be exposed to other views of the group.
Morningland is famous for all the terrible things that happened there, don't believe me read the newspapers. Or better yet read the court documents they are publicly available. You are right that abusive cults don't die easily. It's a shame but it's true the pain and the suffering go on for generations. Just look at all the postings on this messge board. The good news is that life outside of a high demand abusive group, like Morninland is beautiful. The worst day not in a cult is better than the best day in a cult to me.
NOT SECRETIVE!?! Thats a good one, you don't know the history of the place... SECRETIVE is the order of the day. Well good luck to you, looks like they have their hooks in you. If you don't mind giving up your health and your hopes and dreams for lies then there ya go. What were you going to do with your life anyway, eh? Your dreams and aspirations and potential well, what could be so important?
Now you get to make money for the great cause, the cause of all causes? Right? Of course you have to "trust" that they are not lying to you..... and gosh, they really really appreciate your servitude. Free labor, no labor law rules, no health benefits, no NADA, eh? Great deal for them, that is for sure.
Best of luck to ya!
J. |
lastinline (lastinline)
New member
Username: lastinline
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 67.164.56.244
| | Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 3:35 pm: |
|
I'm always surprised by the fact that those who are kindly disposed toward Morningland never have any questions for those who were once but now are not. I would think that people who are willing to come out and share their uncomfortable and sometimes painful Morningland experiences, with no apparent motive for doing so other than to tell their stories to help keep others from experiencing the same, would be taken as an indication of veracity to those who want to accuse everyone with an unpleasant story to tell of being a liar. The mindset "It's all a bunch of lies" is not only jeuvenile, but exposes a truly narrow mindset where logical possibilities cannot even be considered.
There isn't even an intelligent parlay, a question/reply volley, a sharing of any kind - only the accusation of lies. Those who are telling their stories, often indicate that they had wonderful experiences in ML too - healings, loving relationships, spiritual fulfillment. Yet those who are defensive never offer to share their own doubts, bad experiences, or fears.
Those who were once members know why - we know the routine, have been through the clearing sessions, the corrections, the sabatticals and re-entries, medallions given/taken away, names bestowed/taken away, positions granted/taken away, the punishments and the rewards - the status quo in any cult - Morningland is not exempt.
All ML history is withheld from its members - investigation is discouraged as irrelevant to those who supposedly live in the 'Now'. So, according to the powers-that-be in Ml, the past does not exist - including the controversial past, substantial written material, and all those ex-members with unpleasant stories to tell.
Morningland, or should I now refer to it as, "The Monastery of the Angels," is not an open, thriving, spiritual community - it is cloistered, the doors are locked, the phone is always answered by a machine, and admittance is dependent on scrutiny. When and if the doors ever open, please announce it so that old friends and family members can reunite with their loved ones who are under orders of no contact or highly discouraged from engaging in life outside of the temple walls. So many of us long for the day when we can reunite with those we STILL love and miss...
Only those IN Morningland accuse the ex-members of lying. The ex-members know why they do that, because they were once inside and under mental, emotional, and sometimes physical control as well. We won't be silent or controlled by fear. ML has tried to intimidate us even though they present themselves as unaware and unconcerned to their own membership. We who speak freely do so to help those who need access to truth and perhaps help in healing from their own Morningland-inflicted wounds... |
a_friend (a_friend)
New member
Username: a_friend
Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 66.63.130.226
| | Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 6:01 pm: |
|
AMEN, "lastinline"!
I recently had some contact with a current Morningland member about really 2 things: that there may be another way to salvation/ eternal life/ spiritual enlightenment/ truth; and 2) some issues we (he and I) never resolved in our prior life together some 30 years ago.
All I got was derision and sarcasm about my spiritual path, and extreme revisionism when it came to the life we shared (in other words, it was nothing more than a youthful misstep, and he had no feelings really at all for our dead child), which left me devastated, to say the least. He ended by saying he did not let bad or negative thoughts enter his mind.
HOW JUVENILE, INDEED! Where would any of us be if we adopted that philosophy? We would all be speaking German probably b/c Hitler may very well have achieved his megalomaniacal goal of world domination. We can all think of countless other examples of how silly this is. Of COURSE we let negative thoughts into our minds. How on earth could any of us ever achieve any kind of personal growth otherwise? And how could evil ever be overcome?
Well, I just pray for those poor people. And I will forever support this kind of open dialogue. IT'S HEALTHY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
God's best to you all. |
lastinline (lastinline)
New member
Username: lastinline
Post Number: 2
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 67.164.56.244
| | Posted on Saturday, January 29, 2005 - 7:13 pm: |
|
Hi A_Friend,
I'm sorry about the loss of your child - how very sad no matter the circumstances and even worse to have your feelings trivialized like that by the father. In truth, Morninglanders believe that they are the spiritual supremists of the planet - that Donato was the return of the Christ, then after he died and sort of messed up that part of the story, his wife became the 'only living representative of the Holy Father' on the planet - in other words, the 'christ'. And they don't mean it cosmically, as in 'we are all christed beings' or any such equalized scenarios - they mean it literally - and pointedly.
Just like they mean things like "I never let negative thoughts into my mind..." Yes, that's impossible - you could be a very optimistic person and banish thoughts that are negative when you recognize they are there, but to 'never let them in' implies some sort of what - mind lock - which is exactly, and ironically, what the cult members live under. Only they consider it a gift to have their minds 'controlled'. Maybe it is, I don't know - it's certainly a simplistic statement. What good is Morningland doing in the community or in the world? If they all are just sitting around having lovely positive thoughts - you can see where the lack of inspiration or motivation could come from I guess.
There are many secrets at Morningland and many things to hide. Most of the rank and file have no idea. They are loyal sheep defending their shepherds against the imaginary attack of 'negative forces' they are apparently not even allowed to let into their brains so they can think about them and what, react to them? Act on them? No, we can't have that now, can we....  |
a_friend (a_friend)
New member
Username: a_friend
Post Number: 4
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 66.63.129.173
| | Posted on Sunday, January 30, 2005 - 12:33 am: |
|
Thank you, lastinline, for your kind thoughts.
The best to you! |
jane04 (jane04)
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 6
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 64.12.113.133
| | Posted on Monday, January 31, 2005 - 11:12 am: |
|
a_friend and lastinline ----
I appreciate both of your postings on this board. It is nice to have someplace to remind folks about the forgotton history of M/L (or what they would like to be forgotton). I'm sorry, a_friend, about your sad experience. In my opinion it's not negativity that's kept out it's facts and rational critical thinking. Remember.."take everything you know, put it in the palm of your hand and let the wind blow it away". This sounds pretty but really what's it does is effectively take away your autonomy, your dignity and your validity as a human being. All wiped away with a sentance. No one has the right to do this. And even if you think they do they better have some pretty seious credentials. No one at Morninland has that. Lurkers, please
note all the people at Morningland have given themselves their credentials. So do yourself a favor give yourself the highest title you can think of and get your ass the hell out of there!
The place has become a fixture in the LBC and folks in town are curious about it. Since the folks at M/L are not talking, I am glad to talk to locals about the infamous history of the place. So there are some people who work at city hall, some hairdressers, some local artists and of course law enforcement all have gotten the benefit of my personal experience of M/L. Give me some time, I will get around to as many as I can.
I sometimes think it must be very frustrating to these groups all this internet info that is available these days. Hard to hide your past when it's there for everyone to see. I am pretty sure that Margaret lurks on these sites, desperate to find a way to silence her critics. Poor dear angelic Margaret, it's got to be tough on the old gal. But hey, if you spend your whole adult life protecting someone as cruel and predatory as Patricia Sperato and then call yourself an angel?!?! Pleeeeeease!
Does anyone remember what skills Margaret had? I know she played guitar but did she ever work? Did she have any real world experience? Anything that will help her to deal with this terrible dilemna....."I must recruit new young followers, these ones I have are so old and boring, some are ready for social securtiy they don't look good in the brochures" OH THE PAIN!!
Well I guess we will have to stay tuned. Will M/L find a way to reach out and "wash" some new young brains? Will they find a way to use the WWW to make money and recruit? How ever will they do it?
Oh, the suspense...stay tuned folks.
Best,
J. |
curiouscurious (curiouscurious)
New member
Username: curiouscurious
Post Number: 1
Registered: 3-2005
Posted From: 84.65.137.239
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 12:21 pm: |
|
I'd like to hear more about the goings on in Morningland in the past if at all possible. i've heard all kinds of murky rumours about sex, murder and financial scandals but don't know where to look to find out what really happened. |
jane04 (jane04)
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 13
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 205.188.117.72
| | Posted on Friday, March 11, 2005 - 3:08 pm: |
|
Dear CuriousCurious,
You can look on several sites for info about M/L. Also do a search on Google, you will find links from a number of sources.
You can check out ex-morninglanders.com which is a great direct source of newspaper articles and documents, some ex members are in contact with this site. This site does have a particular point of view, i.e. it is new agey-- however you may feel about that.
I was a member of M/L for about 6 years late 70's early 80's. I was there during the court cases, the raid by the California Attorney General and the clearing sessions. Those events aren't murky, they happened and in fact are publicly documented.
Can you tell me,curiouscurious what specifically you are interested in knowing? Do you live in the Long Beach area? I know that some people in Long Beach are intrigued by what is perhaps perceived as some sort of dark mysterious entity in the community.
I can tell you that the reason M/L is secretive is simple. They have lots to hide. Their intentions are malevolent. They are a community (in my opinion) that is fundamentally predatory. They take, they do not give. They lie. Most of the people that are there (not the leaders) are sincere but have been profoundly deceived. I say this based on my experience and what I have learned about the experience of hundreds of others. Now if you were them, I bet you would go with they mysterious posture as well.
Feel free to contact me if you have specific questions janerochester@6megs.com
Best,
J. |
jane04 (jane04)
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 15
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 152.163.100.9
| | Posted on Friday, April 01, 2005 - 3:33 pm: |
|
Well, it's almost 2 years since her holiness Patricia Diable Wood Sperato shook off her mortal coil, And what, you ask, is happening at the "compound" that she created and ultimately where her bones came to rest?
Spring! Thats whats. Who knew corrupt flesh could be so fertile?! There are now events in "Sri's Healing Garden" which must be fun squared. You know how they love to party there at the old compound. And can you believe it they are taking some of the boards off the windows and putting up pretty decorations all in lovely spring colors.
Anyone who has been in there lately, please tell us what it's like on the inside. Is it tre chic or is it still that 1970's new agey yuk, with the candles and flowers and a Buddha here and there? They never were very original there.
I know there are some of you young kids out there that think all of this is intriquing and original because you weren't around back then. Let me tell you these folks live in a time warp and every bit of everything they do they stole from some other new agey group that was around in the early seventies. Everything from what they call "the teachings" to the decor to the methods they copied from some other group. O.K. maybe the whole vasectomy deal was unique to Patricia, et al. Wonder if they still do that now?
So for those of you out there that want a little adventure in your life or think it would be a goof to get inside "the compound" here are a few tips.....
1. Be vulnerable. Had a recent major life set back? Divorce, death in the family, downsized at work? Or just in a transition, not certain what direction to take in life.. If you feel lost and hopeless then Morningland wants you. Once they have completely taken over your life all of those problems, poof, pow they are gone!!! It's magic..The only problem you will have is how to "serve:" the "Master". How could life be more simple? You don't have family, career,hobbies or pets to think about. It's all "Master" all the time. No more problems.
2. Be open to changing your sexual orientation. Even if you feel very strong about your sexuality what you don't know is that your "Master" knows better. Now this may seem abhorrant and demoralizing but you just have to remember that "Master" knows whats best for you spiritually. The person you find attractive and actually like is rarely the best one for you spiritually. Of course it's entirely a coincidence that whats best for you spiritually is also what's best for "Master" here on earth. And I'm sure that "Master" doesn't change partner assignment just for their amusement. That would be sociopathic so of course it can't be true.
3. Be young and attractive. Young but not too young, unless you are really attractive. Obviously if you are young you probably have less experience in life and therefore are more easily impressed. It's very sweet really but also the perfect time to try and influence someone to turn over all their hopes, dreams, fears and deisires to the "cause" of the "Master". Also, we all know you need attractive young people to attract other people into the group. Your old sick , worn out from working 24/7 for the "Master" type of disciples really don't do the trick. That working for 20-30 years for no pay and no benefits will take it's toll
(I've seen some of those folks around town and man!! they look like they've given up organs to that damn place!).
4. Last but not least....have some sort of skills that enable you to earn money. Professional people are absolutely preferred, always. Real world skills are a must. Preferabbly that can be put to use doing non paying work at the "compound" but of course if you have a good income outside that will get you in. Obviously, the "Master" is now the most important thing in your life so writing checks (cash preferred) should be no problem for you. What do you need that money for anyway. You ain't got no life!
O.K. Those are my tips for today. I hope some other folks will contribute some tips of their own and keep this going. Come on all you exers out there, what got you into the "compound"? This could be fun.
One last thing....I have a question for all you exers out there that keep tabs on M/L. which is....Are you afraid in some way of being critical /questioning the current leaders there at the compound? If so why?
Best,
J. <http://www.factnet.org/discus/clipart/kiss.gif> |
always4297 (always4297)
New member
Username: always4297
Post Number: 1
Registered: 5-2005
Posted From: 205.188.117.136
| | Posted on Friday, May 13, 2005 - 10:08 pm: |
|
(Message edited by always4297 on May 15, 2005) |
redguru (redguru)
New member
Username: redguru
Post Number: 1
Registered: 8-2005
Posted From: 66.81.176.101
| | Posted on Friday, August 12, 2005 - 6:53 am: |
|
After reading some of the postings--especially from Jane04, lastinline, & a_friend--I'm glad I got out when I did.
Yes, for those curious out there, it is destructive. How would you feel about giving up on your family & friends in order to devote yourself to these new, "truer" friends?
The reason why I'm finally writing is to warn the innocent (I was once) that Morningland's hooks can run deep. I've been bothered several times over the past few years by recurring dreams. Those in the compound would call them dream/visions.
Imagine, if you would, an old boyfriend/girlfriend discovering your phone number and calling you at all hours of the day & night. It's kind of like that. The main difference is that you can't change your phone number.
Please, for those considering "experimenting" by visiting the place, know what you are getting into. Do some research. Think for yourself. Don't part with any of your hard-earned cash until making an informed decision.
What tools they are using are powerful. I won't deny that there weren't some wonderful occurrences. All of this comes at a price.
Don't allow yourself to be deceived.
I've grown beyond what can be taught at Morningland. There are better paths to spiritual fulfillment. |
jane04 (jane04)
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 21
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 207.200.116.203
| | Posted on Thursday, October 06, 2005 - 11:52 pm: |
|
always4297
Very, very curious always....Why were you totally edited? Can you change your verbage...to a way they cannot edit? You know like the poet said, truth is all ye need....
Redguru,
I would love to hear more about your experience and the deception that you experienced.
Best,
J |
bonzzai (bonzzai)
New member
Username: bonzzai
Post Number: 1
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 69.234.177.135
| | Posted on Friday, October 07, 2005 - 6:05 pm: |
|
Well what can I say here. I'm currently attending at morningland and have to say it's had nothing but positive effects on my life. They encouraged me to stop using crystal meth (many miracles and signs did occur personally) and also to get a life free from that stuff. I have to say that they do like to keep the teachings private however the teachings are available to anyone or everyone that cares to pick up any great books like Ghandi or Paramahansa or the Bible or the Gita. The teachers there did warn everyone at the Sunday service several times of the severity of choosing the spiritual path at morningland. Even my very good friend the night that I had some profound experiences after he called in the master. That was the night I was considering suicide, acting out because of the drug effects on me. We've been friends long before we came to morningland. He'd been trying to tell me for years and years that he could see energy, auras and whatnot. Even told me he had horrible visions since he was six. Waking visions of who knows what but it was evil for sure. I believe some people are born clarvoyant. Anyways after calling him at 2am he rode with me and dispelled all of my paranoia and completely lifted me out of what psycologist call a psychotic episode. I was thinking people were watching me listening in on me and I even heard noises coming from around my room. Completely delivered from that experience in a matter of a few hours spend with my very very good lifetime friend. I credit him as well as the spiritual realm (be it angels, ET or the holy father or master donato I dont really know). If there are evil people there or if there were I dont know but I know my friend is something special and helped me where I thought nobody could. In fact I would venture to say that considering they leave their phone off at night and even when they don't they never answer calls at 2am that it was divine intervention. Gopi's credit the divine intervention to prayers from my mother (who doesnt attend morningland) Anyways he warned me that night that morningland was not to be taken lightly and the path is difficult. I've even heard people say that bringing people there is almost some kind of torture because of the rigorous program they have. The spiritual path is not for everyone is a most definately preached message there. So on with the story. My son's friend had tried to hurt himself over some girl. Now this kid is super sweet and super nice and every trait you would ever want in a child of your own. Probably why he doesnt fit in so well with his peers. He, like my friend had had bad visions since he was 6 years old and my friend had been telling me for years that he was not seeing things that werent there. Of course I always thought my friend was full of BS just like most ordinary people do. Well I turned my son's friend into the prayer circle at morningland. I let him know I was doing so and invited him (now 17years old) to attend a guest program on Saturday night. He told my friend that he didnt have a thought about "cutting" on himself the whole time there and reported to Saravati that his bad visions had vanished about the same time we put him in the prayer circle. For the first time in his LIFE ever. I've had many many miracles as proof of the existence of other beings in our pressence. It is my believe that morningland has become an instrument for truth or divine energy not because of it's merrits but because the divine beings, God, ET or whatever you want it to be has used this temple for very distinct purposes. I don't believe everything they teach is infallible but if anyone wants to check it out there is a Sunday service open to the public at 1:45pm. Please don't attend unless you are interested in the program or the message. The people there are genuine and sincere but it's not for everyone and not the only way. |
lastinline (lastinline)
New member
Username: lastinline
Post Number: 3
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 67.164.56.244
| | Posted on Saturday, October 08, 2005 - 8:59 pm: |
|
Hi Bonzzai,
You are a lucky man indeed to have such a special friend who would help you in your time of greatest need. It sounds like Morningland helped too - at least in an encouraging way and through their 'prayer' circles, although that is a new term in recent years. Morningland gives all credit and no blame to the master 'donato' and recently, 'sri donato'. Do they let it be known that they have her body buried in a crypt under the temple? Her paid-for plot next to her husband is still empty in Escondido, and her adoring 2nd-in-commands actually tried to exhume his body and move it up there too - without the apparent decency to even check with his children. Oh, there's so much you don't know about ol'ML... and that's as it should be, because you are new, a bit vulnerable and raw, and thankful for the help you have received.
Many people received help there over the 29 years they've been in existence. Many were also hurt - very badly and very deeply.
If you're being told what a truly 'difficult' path it is to follow, why don't you ask them exactly what they mean? What will be expected of you and what dangers or hardships will you face? Surely they have done pretty well for themselves, wouldn't you say? According to a recent TV show, Chokru was simply beaming with how lovely and beneficent the 'Monastery of the Angels' was and how they were just drooling over the chance to 'meditate you'. Didn't sound so awful then...
Ask them where all the old books and literature are - for example, the books authored by Donato himself while he was alive. All of them are apparently not even available for you to view anymore. The excuse of 'We are moving forward and staying in the NOW, the past is dead' is just a smokescreen to cover the fact that they don't want you to have access to materials that directly counter what they teach now versus what their adored founder actually taught and taught them to teach.
They've ventured far from the light that orginally drew so many there. Things are hidden, people are scrutinized, they are cloistered and do no good works in the world. But they will happily sit there and nod beneficently at you, peer deeply into your eyes until you get all goose-bumpy and then take credit for the amazing energy you feel all around you there.
The energy is largely you and the others around you - maintained as any 'sacred space' would be by the focused devotion of many people over many years. The healing is also you. You were helped by your dear and caring friend to make a major change in your own life but the healing itself was by your own energy and spirit. Don't let ML take credit for that. (And if they don't yet, they will eventually.) I do believe every bit of energy helps from every person willing to give it, all good intent, all prayer, and all effort to extend healing. You deserve every ounce of credit for the hard work you are doing on yourself, and hopefully you will be able to use that nightmare journey now to help others as well.
My best to you! |
jane04 (jane04)
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 22
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 207.200.116.203
| | Posted on Sunday, October 09, 2005 - 3:13 pm: |
|
Bonzzai,
Very interesting tag you got there. Have to agree with last-in-line....... EXACTLY what does one have to do to follow this path with good old Chokru and Saravati? What is so darn difficult? Do you have to stand on your head for hours? Scrub toilets? Learn languages? These are reasonble and legitmate questions that you have the right to ask.
You know if you join a religious order in a traditional religion you sort of have an idea what your getting into. You know what's expected of you, where you will be working what exactly you will be studying and why. That seems fair to me.
Also, you know what you will receive in terms of compensation, health benefits, etc. Where you will live, it's sort of spelled out. Probably Chokru and Saravati and company you will tell you that this is a non traditional path. This is a common trick used by a lot of these groups, it's an exuse really. They won't spell it out because they don't want you to know until you are totally caught up in things. That is deception.
It's also a way for them to bypass any duty to you or anyone in terms of humane and decent and moral treatment of not only you but others as well. It frees them completely of this duty and that should tell you something about them.
Your life is important and precious. Your son's life is precious. You have a right to question any path or discipline that you commmit yourself to especially if it will affect your personal health and your family life. This is absolute in my view. It sounds like you have had serious health issues in your life. For your own sake and your family I really reccomend that you investigate any and all "helping" resources that may be available to you. You have a right to ask questions. Some people will tell you that asking questions is wrong or unspiritual or something. Ask yourself, how can that be? Are they trying to hide something?
Any path that is legitimate and genuine will surely withstand questioning and scrutiny. If you are not allowed to question then something is very seriously wrong.
Here is a place to find old Morningland texts, including; the Way to Oneness, Palmistry,Day of Brahma, The Truth As It Is and some others, if anyone is really interested. For serious researchers..
http://www.infocult.org/
Other resources are available with information about the history of Morningland. Check them all out.
Anyway, I hope you will really think about how much these people are really asking from you and if they are being secretive. We all have to deal with adversity in life and from time to time need help. There are many,many resources so don't settle, get the best for yourself and your family.
Best Wishes,
J.
P.S. Last-In-Line, what TV show are you talking about? |
lastinline (lastinline)
New member
Username: lastinline
Post Number: 4
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 67.164.56.244
| | Posted on Sunday, October 09, 2005 - 8:10 pm: |
|
Jane04,
There was a local access TV show back in February where Chokru was interviewed by an obvious wannabe.
|
bonzzai (bonzzai)
New member
Username: bonzzai
Post Number: 3
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 69.234.177.135
| | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 5:37 pm: |
|
I wanna discuss issues here but without telling anything about what they do at the temple. The reason is respect. I totally agree with you that the healing that I have received was self healing. We all have the ability to heal ourselves. I believe to a greater extent than we even know we have that ability. The issue is belief or faith. The question is then, if I healed myself was it only possible through the help of my friend and the temple. Undoubtedly I had help from divine spirits or ET or God or Angels or whatever. I could explain that but that would get into stuff that occured at the temple which I really dont wanna get into. All the healing that I went through was because of choice. Personal choice to believe a very good friend of mine because he has said since I knew him that he would NEVER lie to me. That is the energy he put out since I've known him and that kind of energy, namely non lieing, has power. If it were not for that one friend my healing would have never unfolded. However I had many many many... etc incidents of divine help that I saw and saw over and over again. But it was because of a choice I made to believe. Therefore of course we heal ourselves but there are others that can help us to understand how faith and belief are a big factor. So, I believe that without my belief or faith the healing would not have been possible. However without divine intervention and a very good friend of mine being there at the right time had a HUGE impact on my ability to receive the healing that I did. I give credit where credit is due and I will Love my friend forever for what he did for me. The ultimate healing of my mind took place months afterward as my mind would revert back to it's original state of paranoia even without the chemicals. I received a divine message(at least I think it was divine) not to pursue my suspicions and I heeded the warning. I had plans to bug and plant cameras and all kinds of crazy stuff. Of course realize that the night I talked to my good friend my paranoia had been completely lifted from my mind but it came back on me as time elapsed. Eventually through help from the Gopi's and my good friend my mind was eventually completely healed. Was it something they said to me. Nope. The healing was completely personal and my faith and belief carried me through it. Now I am no longer paranoid and have a new understanding about what happened to me. So who did the healing. I did the healing. My mind healed itself with the help of the gopi, all my good friends and family. Without my good friend, the temple, and my very awesome family it would never have happened though so who gets the credit. I give the credit to divine intervention and God, and to myself for believing what was always right in front of my face. That we are not victims but rather we shape our reality by our beliefs. Who gets the credit? Well the list goes on and on to the living people around me and the others that we can't see. I watched a movie called "What the Bleep are we talking about". I recommend it for everyone. It's about quantum physics and how reality is perceived or formed. Well that's a lame description but pretty close. Anyways they did an experiment in Washington DC. The experiment included some 3000 meditators trying to reduce crime by some 25% over a particular summer. The experiment had been done several times before but this is the largest scale ever done. The police chief/commissioner said that in order for crime to be cut by that much there would have to be a blizard in the middle of summer. After the experiment which produced the exact results predicted the police chief/commissioner totally backed the meditators. So, were they doing nothing for the community by sitting in silent meditation? Prayer has power. Real power. However if you pray for a junkie and everything starts falling down around him it does nothing until he takes the first step which is choice to change. Without his involvement heaven can fall to earth and he would receive no healing whatsoever. Did the prayers work. Hell yeah heaven did all they could but free will prevails here. That is my belief. |
lastinline (lastinline)
New member
Username: lastinline
Post Number: 5
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 67.164.56.244
| | Posted on Friday, October 14, 2005 - 10:18 pm: |
|
Bonzzai, I have no contention with anything you report. I am very happy that you healed your life and have such a wonderful friend to stand by you and be your support.
I believe we help others most by extending our own healing outward into the world. Perhaps that will be something you do as well - pay it forward.
Namaste'
|
bonzzai (bonzzai)
New member
Username: bonzzai
Post Number: 4
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 69.234.177.135
| | Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 2:02 pm: |
|
I've always believed in the pay-it-forward lastinline. In fact before I ever saw the movie I used to fix computers for free for people just for the experience and would always tell them when they would stand there dumbfounded after I asked for nothing and just say "Just do something nice for someone and we'll call it even." All positive goes out into the world and usually comes back around to you one way or another. that is my belief. All negetive does the same thing too. Usually the worst thing that ever happened to you can be examined for a lesson for you. that is what i believe. thanks for the response lastinline. Keep smiling, it makes people wonder what you've been up to. Also you can never achieve the impossible unless you attempt the absurd. that one is from a good friend Thomas Koons. Nameste everyone and remember "We are all one" |
bonzzai (bonzzai)
New member
Username: bonzzai
Post Number: 5
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 69.234.177.135
| | Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 2:09 pm: |
|
I would love to see the show with gopi Chokru if you have any more information. Also I reccommend the movie "What the bleep are we talking about" It's science defining reality. Pretty neat stuff.
Keep it real |
bonzzai (bonzzai)
New member
Username: bonzzai
Post Number: 6
Registered: 10-2005
Posted From: 69.234.177.135
| | Posted on Saturday, October 15, 2005 - 3:03 pm: |
|
A favorite quote not sure where it came from but here it is. "Whatever you think, you're right." So another favorite quote is. "We create our own reality." therefore the only way to change your reality is to change what you think. that last one is mine. Something to think about for everyone positive or negetive take it for what it's worth. |
jane04 (jane04)
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 23
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 207.200.116.203
| | Posted on Monday, October 17, 2005 - 8:55 pm: |
|
bonzzai,
here's my 2 cents, if you are interested. and i'm glad you feel better however it worked out for you.
let's say you get hurt physcially and you get an injury. you need help. you go to someone, a doctor or the clinic or whoever is appropriate and they help you cause that's what they do. somebody pays (hopefully insurance) and everyone calls it a day. end of relationship (simplification but you get the idea).
of course maybe you talk to a trusted friend before you go to the clinic (or whatever) and they help you and support you. Awesome!
that's the way it should be.
These days I don't worry so much about the who, how and why of things. I don't have to know why anything happens as an abstraction. That's just me. Life is beautiful, the world is beautiful wheter I understand quantum physics or not.
Respect is good, but it gets earned. If folks are gunna claim they deserve extra respect I guess I want to know why? I especially have red flags for people who give themselves their own credentials. So I now crown myself the holy, holy, holy mucky, muck,pooh ba...Yeah me!
But how could you ever test my worthy ness of all my titles if I give them to myself!
Respect is good. Respect yourself and your life and your friends and loved ones. Life is huge and amazing and the world is vast and beautiful. I would give it a good thinking over before I decided to limit myself to 2 not very attractive city blocks.
Best,
J. |
mydraya (mydraya)
New member
Username: mydraya
Post Number: 2
Registered: 11-2005
Posted From: 69.4.122.179
| | Posted on Tuesday, November 01, 2005 - 6:25 pm: |
|
What can I say. This is amusing for me.
All I can say is WOW WOW oh WOW. |
jane04 (jane04)
Junior Member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 34
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 172.195.96.25
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 07, 2006 - 6:28 pm: |
|
Hey Bonzzai...Are you still out there? Some of the things in your posts intrigue me, so I hope you are.
I wonder why you think that respecting Morningland means keeping what happens there secret? Do you think that this is normal? What would happen if you didn't keep the secrets? Would you be punished? Would that be fair?
It just seems strange that you go to someone for some sort of help and guidance and they require strict secrecy. Certainly we are used to the idea of individual privacy but that is not really what is happening here. They are not protecting you they are asking you to protect them. Doesn't that seem strange? Actually it seems like they are threatening you with expulsion if you don't agree to do what they say without question. Is there any well known authentic spiritual person that you can think of that would do this to someone?
It's hard to reconcile the deeds with the claims and that's what it comes down to in my book. If someone makes a claim to be a force for good it should be easy to see in their deeds.
So I guess I'm saying it's something to think about. Isn't the one who is vulnerable and asking for help the one who should be protected?
Best,
Jane |
luis (luis)
New member
Username: luis
Post Number: 1
Registered: 2-2006
Posted From: 64.162.110.165
| | Posted on Tuesday, February 14, 2006 - 2:57 pm: |
|
Hi guys,
Whew, was it ever hard to find anything on this place! For one thing, the person who invited me just referred to it as "The Monastery," and I never heard anyone there calling it "Morningland." For another thing, I went a few times before I heard the name of the visionary healer mentioned. I heard "Divine Mother," but in most theologies, that is the mother aspect of God, and not necessarily someone personified in a human body. So I had a heck of a time googling and yahoo-yellow-paging it.
But anyway, I am glad I found all of you because my friend has been urging me to take classes there. It is not really close to my house (I am not in the Long Beach area). There are appealing things about the services, I will admit, and the people were nice to me. But there was something "spooky" about it, and the secretive aspect did not help. I wondered up front why they had no website, in an age when Medieval orders of nuns are available online. The fact it was not labelled on the outside also made me uneasy.
What drew me there was strictly the quality of the person who invited me, and educated, insightful man who is a real seeker. I do not interpret him as some brainwashed zombie, so I figured it was OK for me to go. And I have no problem visiting a place, even if I know, going in, that it is not for me. But mind-control....to me, that is not worth the risk. I appreciate hearing all the stories here. Don't worry - I am not gonna run to my friend and say, "You had better get out while you can." It is his life. I will respect that. But it is not my path, for sure. Thanks for the thoughts on this. |
jane04 (jane04)
Junior Member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 35
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 207.200.116.135
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 15, 2006 - 10:55 am: |
|
Hi Luis,
Glad you were able to find us. We lost some of our posts with the Factnet change recently but I plan to re-write as time permits.
Best wishes to you on your Journey. You are very wise to investigate the various paths that are out there. I was 18 when I was brought into Morningland and it really never occurred to me to check the folks out. Plus, no internet. Now I encourage anyone who is considering devoting themselves to any path or teachings to get as much info as possible and make an informed choice. Your individual autonomy, your life and your experience are absolutely worthy of protection and respect. If someone is asking you to subjucate yourself to their needs.....you got to really think about that.
Anyway, thanks for the post. We probably need to add Monestary to the title of this thread. And I agree with you that you don't need to be confrontational with your friend. He deserves respect from you and from Morningland. Encourage him to look into it for himself if the subject comes up. Most people who end up in these groups are "regular" people. It's part of the whole pattern that people become immersed in the group and it doesn't occcur to them to question until they are very involved. Lot's of us can tell you what happened to us, if you are interested. I was in Morningland from the mid 70's to the early 80's. There was a lot of drama in those days and ever since the mid 80's they have tried to keep a very low profile. They have lots of secrets that they don't want people to know. If you want more info there are a couple of other places you can find thru a google search. You can e-mail me if you want at janerochester@gbfreemail.com
Anyway, thanks for the post. In my opinion one of the fundamental hallmark's of an abusive group is the subjucation of the individual to the group. Not kosher....
Best,
J. |
luis (luis)
New member
Username: luis
Post Number: 5
Registered: 2-2006
Posted From: 64.162.110.165
| | Posted on Wednesday, February 22, 2006 - 6:37 pm: |
|
Thanks for the welcome, Jane. I agree that a true path lets the followers be themselves and question and walk away if they want to. The guru I have been following walked away from his own master once, hoping to find a faster way to enlightenment. His master let him go. He came back because he resolved that it was indeed the right path for him. That is the kind of "letting go with love" that I look for in a place of worship, not being immersed so deeply that I do not have the freedom to leave if I need to.
I was also interested in their fashion choices. It looked a little like the set of Hawaii Five-0 when Danno has to infiltrate a group of hippies. OK, I guess that may be petty of me, but at most churches, I do not see such unusual period costumes. Get my drift? Is there a symbolic meaning to the 70s aesthetic? |
jane04
Junior Member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 46
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 172.190.66.35
| | Posted on Saturday, September 02, 2006 - 6:00 pm: |
|
Big shout out to miss Mary, Mary quite contrary. Of course I am talking to her gopiness, you know yourself quite well. You seemed like a nice person so very long ago.
I have a question for you, one rarely hears an authentic response from your sort but hey, I'm gunna take a shot...Here goes.
Does it ever weigh on you...the lies I mean, does it weigh on you? Your whole world and life built on lies upon lies upon lies. So much to hide. If you had any human feelings at all it would be the weight of a skyscraper on top of you. Not much chance of that is there? Maybe having some power over there in those 2 square blocks makes up for it, eh? If that is true, you sold your humanity very cheaply, indeed. Maybe it wasn't worth much to you when you had it, if you had it. Was it ever worth something to you?
Anyway, Patricia taught you well, eh. You can get the suckers to bite. How proud she must be lying there under neath you. In the ground and she is still devouring your life. What an achievement? Would you have ever dreamed when you were young and so sincere and possibly an authentic person that you could reach so high in place that is so low.
Clap...Clap...Clap...
Cheers,
J.
ps.....never too late to come clean, but come on that would take guts and honor, who am I kidding? |
doubting_thomas
New member
Username: doubting_thomas
Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2007
Posted From: 76.187.180.227
| | Posted on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 5:08 am: |
|
Morningland helped me through a difficult time in my life in the early '80s.
I was made a disciple by Sri my first visit, not really realizing the magnitude.
Initially some very wonderful classes & people with much to learn. Shortly after that, one spiritual battle after another, constant expectations of performance & much stress & negativity.
Extreme highs/ extreme lows & towards the end of my time there, mostly lows (I think because we } had become conditioned like children to receive the approval of the hierarchry).
Some very good experiences; some bad (particularly painfully leaving with no explanation & in mortal fear of spiritual death/repurcussions & a year or so later being invited back in with a hug from Sri???).
I still have much to learn & accept to come to clarity & better peace.
25 years later there are still questions; pain, confusion, loving memories of my bros & sisters & all I was given.
I've recently discovered the exers site & that really seems to help; to be in touch with others who have shared the ML experience.
Jane04 your posts seem painful & angry. In this, having suffered the pain of separation my heart hurts for you. Hopefully the lack of recent posting is an indication that you've come to a better place in your healing from the experiences.
My heart is with the peoples of Morningland & without because we are (most of us anyway) all seekers of the truth in God.
Nameste
(for those of you not familiar: "I bow to the divinity within you"})
I sign in as doubting thomas because all of the gopis had called me that @ one time or another, sometimes Gyan, especially Selendra & Saravati (whose smile & energy I'll always miss although I'm sure they don't remember me @ all).} |
jane04
Junior Member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 48
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 71.94.134.117
| | Posted on Saturday, April 21, 2007 - 1:39 pm: |
|
DT,
Glad you found the exer site. Glad you found this site and are able use some critical thinking in terms of your exposure to this very destructive cult.
It's pretty common for people to have mixed feelings about their involvement in a destructive group, obviously not every minute of every day is going to be negative. What you describe is typical experience of the high demand group dynamic. I encourage you to continue to find as much information as you can from all points of view. There are lots and lots of resources available on line now. Check them all out.
As to your personal disapproval of how I feel about my experience, I don't really appreciate that. I absolutely reserve the right to legitimate anger towards what I believe to be a criminal enterprise. If you are genuinely concerned thank you, it is really unwarrented. I will "confess" that I feel anger toward sociopathic predators. Is that odd? Still, I manage to have a fantastic life, which is pretty cool. Remember Patricia used to tell everyone that the people that left or got kicked out would go crazy? One of many, many,many big lies by the creepy old lady. Anyway, It is really not for you or anyone to approve or disapprove of how I feel about my experience.
I may disagree with how you view your experience but it is not my right to tell you the proper way to process it. So I won't.
I have noticed that some people with "nostalgic" feelings toward Morningland seem to minimize the destructiveness of the group. One of the fundamentals of this destructiveness is the lack of respect for the individual. For instance what you describe appears to be a complete lack of respect for your individuality and a profound intrusion into your life by strangers.
Do you think that there might be something wrong with that? Just a thought....
"There is nothing in all the world greater than freedom" Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Ta,
Janey |
doubtingthomas
New member
Username: doubtingthomas
Post Number: 1
Registered: 4-2007
Posted From: 76.187.180.227
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 7:11 am: |
|
Dear Jane,
How could you hear genuine concern as disapproval & why would you want to? Who am I to approve/disapprove anyone? I don't even think that way & certainly never meant to offend you.
The things in lines 3-6 inclusive- "..expectations.. stress..negativity..extreme LOWS..CONDITIONED..PAINfully leaving..in mortal FEAR of SPIRATUAL DEATH/REPURCUSSIONS..(after all that) being invited back in (which I did not do) with a hug???
These are seriously traumatic; destructive-as you so aptly put it- things we exers have survived. Yes, you are also correct about the failed predictions; there are many.
I acknowledged I still have much to learn & ACCEPT about the experience.
You may be right about the mixed feelings being common (we all did it & survived) & the group dynamic therein being typical as it is in the book "Captive Hearts, Captive Minds".
You DO have every right to be angry (many are), it just makes me sad.
Then again, I'm thankful it's been so many years for me & I've lived life so far away (yrs in AZ & a few in Dallas). If my departure was more recent & I still lived there (L.B. native for 30+ years) & was confronted with it in my daily life, it might be more difficult for me too.
It's a lot easier to not be near & not even have any idea of what is going on there now, especially when you're busy with life here (having lived on Molino across from the back entrance when it was only a brick retaing wall about 1/2 way up, the mental image from your statement about spiked bamboo gates was strange but not surprizing considering the levels of paranoia witnessed before departure).
And you are right about the profound intrusion into our lives by strangers but EACH of us who stayed for any duration ALLOWED that didn't we?
A little embarrassment for some of us maybe, but who of us was thinking that clearly/really that together, to do it in the first place in those days?
A lot of gratitude in one sense on my part- the pain & violation of trust in ML taught me to never trust my spirituality to anyone else again; eliminate the middleman as my friend Al so aptly put it
I do have nostalgic feelings for the good experiences & will always miss my brother & sister seekers of the truth whose exchanges truly did add to growth & enlightenment that did occur. It is my feeling that most of us entered ML with utmost sincereity & integrity (if not nievity) to make a positive difference (in the self & in the world); I think we were the ones who who came in honestly, brought the good with us.
My heart is with those inside ML & outside who are genuinely seeking their paths home to God.
My faith is that He will get ALL of us there.
I'm glad I've found the exers site too as it is extremely helpful & wonderful to reconnect with some old friends as well as getting to know others & hear their experiences (especially those before & after my time). It's amazing to hear the range of diversitry (some have only good memories- mostly those before my time when Donato/Dan was still alive-, some much worse than one could ever imagine, some pretty realistic cut & dry, etc. & all holding respect for everyone & where they are in their process which confirms to me that we are the ones who brought the good in with us. It's a relief to know I'm not the only one who's had a difficult time assessing/accepting the total experience & who still bears questions.
I wish you peace Jane,
dt |
doubtingthomas
New member
Username: doubtingthomas
Post Number: 2
Registered: 4-2007
Posted From: 76.187.180.227
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 7:56 am: |
|
PS to Jane (& all),
Regardless of what or who they have become now, I felt Selendra (especially- perhaps one of the reasons she left before we did...who knows for sure except her & God) & Seravati were legitmate seekers too during my short time (1-1/2 to 2 yrs) in. I could be totally wrong & laying myself wide open on this one (could've been my nieve perceptions then & maybe yet another illusion to let go of) because MANY feel as you do.
Beyond the pat answers we received in the ashram ("...no, we're not a cult- we're a culture...no, we don't brainwash other than helping you wash some of the sh*t out of your own brain, etc.)- some of my MANY questions which dubbed me their doubting thomas-
I suppose we each have to figure it all out for ourselves as will anyone still in & those still to come.
As a mother & grandmother (not to mention fellow survivor of the oxymoron of ML/we are all one with the segregation of aspirant/desciple= hopeful and honest/ hierarchy of inner circle members= we do what we want, your lives depend on us, we've made it & you haven't) I truly understand the desire to protect the newbies.
But it's kinda like the parenting chapter in "The Prophet" (read another lifetime ago in my teens) "...children come through the arrow..."
Gotta let them soar, find their own way & figure it all out for themselves.
We did...we are...we have-
SURVIVED,
STILL LIVING
& LOVING IT-
wishing everyone that quiet place within,
DT |
jane04
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 1
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 71.94.134.117
| | Posted on Monday, April 23, 2007 - 11:10 am: |
|
DT,
Again, I congratulate you on your independent, critical thinking in regards to your time at Morningland.
Many people, IMO, confuse true compassion and empathy with pity and frankly it is condescending. I think I know the differance. I have met people from hundreds of these types of destructive groups from all over the world. It's true every individual processes things differently. I strive to always validate/encourage the individual to process however is best for them and that is totally up to them. Complete respect for individual autonomy, something that is absent in the cult.
When I was in the cult I truly believed that the leaders were the exalted beings they claimed to be. It was a life altering revelation to come to terms with the fact that they were the furthest thing. In fact I now believe that Daniel and Patricia were truly malevolent sociopathic predators from day one. I think there is plenty of evidence to support this.
Many people would rather believe almost anything than think they could be so profoundly deceived, including that they somehow consented to this great deception. Is that the case with you? Did you wake up one day and say I need to go join a mind control cult and have my life turned inside out? Did you ask to be lied to? Did you ask to give up you autonomy? Did these people tell you what they were really up to and where they got their "credentials" and authority?
It is very difficult to think that people you had true affection for could do such terrible things. Sometimes people just have to believe what they need to believe.
Anyway, look at all the resources you can, there are lots more now than even ten years ago.
Best,
Janey |
john88
New member
Username: john88
Post Number: 2
Registered: 5-2007
Posted From: 68.204.211.130
| | Posted on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 - 4:23 pm: |
|
If there is anyone who still cares, happy month of May. May 16, & May 30th. Dates in Morningland to remember. |
john88
New member
Username: john88
Post Number: 5
Registered: 5-2007
Posted From: 68.204.211.130
| | Posted on Thursday, May 31, 2007 - 6:46 pm: |
|
Kevin,2005
I am new to this message board. If you are still around I just want to say THANK YOU!!!!!
I just don't understand the stupidy of dwelling on the fact that Morningland has borded up. Gee wouldn't you if someone tried to bomb your house. |
kevin2005
New member
Username: kevin2005
Post Number: 1
Registered: 1-2005
Posted From: 207.200.116.135
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 04, 2007 - 6:03 pm: |
|
Well Good bye dear board. I will be happy to see you go. I have the right to post on here, as anyone else. It is bad karma to attack churches. So, beware, your karma will bite you hard, for attacking this, or any other church of God. I am happy that Scientology is kicking this boards butt. HA. |
anonymoose
New member
Username: anonymoose
Post Number: 1
Registered: 7-2007
Posted From: 71.197.149.2
| | Posted on Wednesday, July 11, 2007 - 12:33 am: |
|
Hello.
I don't know if anyone still read/writes on this, but boy was I happy to read this forum.
I don't really like the ex-morninglanders site very much because it is all about people from the 70s-80s who left "The Temple". Since I left in 2000 it didn't pertain to me very much. I grew up in Morningland... I moved to Long Beach when I was 3, and lived there until I was 13. Half of my life was demolished by the Temple. My life will never be the same as someone who had grown up in a more "normal" life. It is nice to hear bad things about the place I am forced to dream about at least 4 times a week.
Nightmares.
I wish I was able to forget the abuse I suffered there, I have tried (with drugs, alcohol, counseling...).
I know now that I have to live with what life gave me and to accept the abuse as a sort of lesson on how to not live my life now, but I still like to talk about it every once and a while and share the pain I feel about my childhood.
I can't talk about it with most of my family because they hold too much guilt about it.
To most, what I experienced would not be considered abuse, but to me it is.
I was ignored, shunned, despised, and like the evil stepsisters they made me clean. I was for all effect Cinderella.
The worst thing is that they all thought I was so lucky to grow up in such a holy, and spiritual environment. They told me to be grateful that I didn't have to experience the hardships of the world of childhood, that I should be grateful that I was so mature and spiritually advanced, and that one day I would be a gopi for sure.
Writing this makes me want to lose my lunch. They make me sick.
I watched them from a rebellious child's point of view, acting nice to their faces but discovering their flaws every day I was there.
One day which shall be blazoned on my memory forever is the day that Sri Donato told me that I was a stupid child and that I should grow up. I was 8.
Writing that I remember many other times where the gopi's "assistants" were verbally abusive behind my mother's back, only to be sweet as pie in front of her.
I wish I had had more balls back then and told them what scum they were, but I was a sad lonely child.
I just hope that if there is a God that he will treat them as they treated me. And that they will have no rewards for their egotistical, and megalomaniatic teachings. I hate them.
It feels good to say that.
I hate Morningland.
Please anyone who is here to "check up" on Morningland to see how it is: Don't go, stay away, anyone who treats children badly is not someone you want to "learn" from. Leave now, love your children forever, and stay away from Morningland!!! |
skylarknla
New member
Username: skylarknla
Post Number: 4
Registered: 4-2005
Posted From: 68.167.169.107
| | Posted on Friday, July 13, 2007 - 12:48 pm: |
|
Anonymoose, I'm one of the ones who left in the eighties,and I know one or two of the folks in the exers site from then, most were before me too. I don't know if you noticed that MaryJo on that site is a therapist working with children who grew up in cults. I haven't seen her in a lot of years. Not a clue if she's helpful or not, but I know she's trying. Sky |
jane04
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 17
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 66.214.34.1
| | Posted on Sunday, July 15, 2007 - 10:22 am: |
|
Hello Anonymoose,
Thank you for your post. Whether you know it or not you are helping people by telling your story. It is very important for everyone to do that, especially you in your situation growing up in a cult. I was recruited in my teens which is different. Please continue to post if it helps you come to terms with what happened.
I have met many, many people who grew up in various groups from all over the country. You are right it is very hard to transition back into the "real" world from a cult "reality". Especially if it is all you have known. It is sometimes helpful to contact people who have had the same experience, so I am posting a couple of resources that may be helpful to you. There are lots of links and lots of information. I know many of these people and have used some of them as resources. They have helped me.
However, I understand deeply how difficult it is to reach out to people after a cult experience. After all, the "Gopis" were supposedly "helping" you and cared about you.
Just remember, these folks will not be offended if you are suspicious or if you question their motivations. You can and should question the credentials, experience and motivation of any potential helping resource. There are some strange people out there that ostensibly want to "help" cult victims. The good ones have dealt with people who have been horribly, horribly abused and they know that trust is very difficult after a cult.
I hope these links help. Please feel free to PM me if I can help at all. Like I said, I know a lot of these people and organizations.
http://www.csj.org/
http://www.movingon.org/
Best,
J. |
anonymoose
New member
Username: anonymoose
Post Number: 2
Registered: 7-2007
Posted From: 71.197.149.2
| | Posted on Sunday, July 15, 2007 - 5:48 pm: |
|
Thank you so much Jane, and skylarknla! I will look at those sites.
Thank you for your support.
A. |
jane04
New member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 18
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 71.95.191.238
| | Posted on Saturday, August 11, 2007 - 12:07 pm: |
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FYI to all....
I strongly recommend that anyone using a helping resource, ANY helping resource, do their due diligence research on that resource. Especially after a cult experience.
Here is a site that lists multiple resources, but does not necessarily endorse any of them. Being listed on this particular site gives the "audience" the opportunity to critically evaluate the individual or group.
http://www.icsahome.com/infoserv_profile_az/profile_bytype_idx.asp
This is highly reccomended by most folks who are genuine helping resources. Even if your therapist or group or resource is not listed here there are topics to help you evaluate them. Also many of these folks can be contacted via e-mail and may be able to help with resources in your area.
I am writing this especially for people who have recently posted about growing up in Morningland. This is a very unique situation. There are people who have specific experience and excellent reputations dealing with this circumstance. They will not be offended if you question them and their credentials. You should not feel shy about questioning peoples motivations after a cult experience. It is completely valid.
Regards,
J. |
jane04
Member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 73
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 66.15.90.80
| | Posted on Sunday, October 07, 2007 - 8:12 am: |
|
From a "Celebration of Oneness" Event held in Pasadena in 2006....check out this little gem..
>>>>>>1:00 PM 1:50 PM Gopi Chokru - Meta Neurological Genesis
In this rare public appearance, Gopi Chokru, Abbess and Co-Director of the Urban Monastery in Long Beach, will present the technique known as Meta Neurological Genesis, an advanced method of Vision Healing, body, mind and spirit. This highly specialized technique transferred to Gopi Chokru brings you beyond the intellectual concepts of oneness and peace into direct experience and direct knowing. <<<<<<
Chokru is making public appearances, someone get a photo! She must be so charming in person, ha, ha, ha.
J. |
jane04
Member
Username: jane04
Post Number: 74
Registered: 11-2004
Posted From: 66.15.90.80
| | Posted on Sunday, October 07, 2007 - 8:23 am: |
|
Chokru photo.....about 2/3's of the way down
http://www.bmse.net/BMSE2/07sm/smlectures.lasso
Seems miss thang is polishing the "doo, doo" she inherited from el diable and taking the old bag of tricks on the road.
Great outfit, Miss Mary...no more 70's chic, eh? |
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