Killer Sweat Lodge
Spiritual retreat goes awry. It happened here, among the beautiful, serene red rocks of Sedona, Arizona. Motivational speaker and author James Arthur Ray fled the site of the tragedy and then the state. The events on October 8th went horribly wrong during a five-day retreat to “accelerate the releasing of your limitations and push yourself past your self-imposed and conditioned borders”. Ray was given the opportunity to stand strong in his integrity and to take responsibility for his actions as the tragic ending of his five day retreat unfolded. There are many lessons to learn from this tragic event.
First, Ray’s behavior calls into question his dedication and his belief in the very concepts he teaches. It would appear that he fled out of fear, believing he might be blamed for creating the unsafe conditions that caused the death of two people and injured 19 others. Not only did he leave the site and as reported by the police, refused to speak with the authorities, but he left the state of Arizona. He did not remain to tend to the injured and frightened people who paid him to teach them and who trusted and followed him into the sweat lodge where they died. His response was to escape a situation in which he might get blamed. The line between cowardice and courage is drawn by fear. Cowardice drives us to flee, while courage stands firm, takes action and accepts the consequences. The measure of any person is evidenced by their willingness to accept accountability for their actions and to do what is best for all. One must acknowledge his or her connection to others and to the universe and consciously make choices. It is sad to see James Ray revealed in this way when he has been so highly revered and respected by so many people. If nothing else, this tragic event teaches us that everyone has human foibles and that ego is at work in everyone. What we know now is that Ray is not taking responsibility for those who died or the many injured during the event, in spite of the fact that these people were following direction he gave in the belief that they would grow and evolve as whole human beings. Rather than believing in the universal law and the correctness of his actions, Ray demonstrated that he does not understand or believe in what “The Secret” teaches, namely that you create the reality of the moment for good or ill.
In this particular case, James Ray had two choices. He could choose to believe in and remain committed to the principles he espoused and taught. He could have taken this tragedy in hand and remained on site to support those who were frightened and suffering. Whatever the cause of the emergency, he could have stayed to answer questions for the police, and to be a source of strength, offering emotional support to those who needed him, and demonstrating to the world that James Arthur Ray was concerned about the people with whom he had just shared several days of meditation and work, and that he valued and respected them.
Unfortunately, Ray did not take this path. Instead he allowed fear to rule his life. He ran away from the scene and deleted posts about the event on Twitter . While we cannot know what was, or is, in his heart, what we can see is that his actions after the tragedy made him look guilty. By acting from a place of fear, he created a different reality than he originally intended. Making peace with the fear would have created a different outcome for him as a person and as a spiritual being. Fear led him to believe he was in trouble and in response to this fear, he fled. If Ray had stayed and faced the problem; if he had assisted those who trusted him, his courage would have shown him to be the man he claims to be, and it would have provided comfort to those in need.
Perhaps Ray did not realize that the concepts he discusses in “The Secret” played out in a very different way. This tragedy reveals just how powerful the universe is in giving back what you request, but not always in the way you anticipate. In other words, “be careful what you ask for”. Had Ray focused on a gentler method to release blockages with love, the death and injury of 19 people may have been averted, and the trauma suffered by over 50 people would not have occurred. Perhaps the two people who died and the 19 injured were the ones most passionately commanding the universal energies to do their will. We will never know.
We at the Psychic Buzz feel that this tragedy was a self fulfilling prophecy – a good example of how unfocused, ill-conceived intention can expand and take on a character you did not intend. A week before the retreat, the focus was about the death of an old way of living and being. As Ray posted on the evening of the event before the sweat lodge took place “For anything new to live something first must die. What needs to die in you so that new life can emerge? The Spiritual Warrior has conquered death and therefore has no enemies, and no fear, in this life or the next”. After the tragedy he deleted this message from Twitter, but the message resonates still.
With all of the positive messages to ponder, why would Ray focus on Spiritual Warriors and Death? This retreat took place in Sedona Arizona, a place known for its active vortex energy and one which many value for its ability to focus energy in a positive way. Imagine the energy of 60 or more people working together to kill the part of themselves that holds them back from being the person they desire to become. Now take this powerful group energy, and combine it with persuasive motivational rhetoric and place everyone in a packed sweat lodge. In this situation, all the components were in place to create the changes but not in a way anyone wanted or expected. Because the focus was on death the universe combined with the intense vortex energy of Sedona to bring about the reality of death and the end of life. It is easy to see how this scenario could result in a shifted reality. Into this shifted reality comes the nightmare of a new reality. People die and the lives of those who lived through the tragedy are forever changed. This event has also changed the reality lived by the families and friends of those who died, fell ill or lived through the event. In effect, the situation has created a shock wave of energy and change that now affects thousands of people.
As the events of the past week are analyzed and those who attended the event speak out, we will perhaps find out more about how Ray organized this event and what results he expected to achieve. If the focus of this event had been different, and if all activities had been planned with a positive focus, and in a professional manner, this tragedy would never have happened. We at the Psychic Buzz are angered by “New Age” spiritual gurus who twist time honored ceremonial practices for their own purposes. Not only does this endanger the trusting followers of the guru, but it also casts a negative light on the spiritual endeavors of those who truly respect and honor spiritual traditions and who work with the pure intention of spiritual growth. In spite of the fact that the Sedona has many respected resources and practitioners who might have helped Ray to plan his spiritual growth activities and to run the sweat lodge event in a credible, safe manner, Ray chose mere mimicry of the actual sweat lodge ceremony. Consequently, two people died, and many more were injured and traumatized. These practices are not to be taken lightly, nor should they be attempted without a thorough understanding of the health and safety concerns. Ray did not respect the tradition of a sweat lodge ceremony nor did he understand the physical results of a 36 hour fast and sleep deprivation.
Anyone can write a book and they might just be lucky enough to become famous, but that does not mean they are spiritual or ethical, nor does it make them an authority on respected spiritual practices or even the powerful laws of the universe. “The Secret” is about the Law of Attraction and applying this law to create what you want in life. James Arthur Ray is one of the stars of this hit movie and he became famous as a self-help expert, author and motivational speaker. But appearing in a movie does not make one an expert. If that were the case we would all take magic classes from the star of the Harry Potter movies!
Finally, we must state for the record that the thoughts expressed here are opinions. We expect that the facts will speak for themselves as the tragedy is analyzed. As we discuss this incident with our colleagues who work in spiritual, metaphysical and holistic practices we ponder our responsibility to those who trust us as advisors and honor our profound obligation to ourselves and to others. Our vision is one of humility and courage and our focus is on creating a reality of truth, love and acceptance. If we achieve this reality we can fulfill our purpose in this world and in the next.
Tags: James Arthur Ray, James Ray, Law of Attraction, Secret, Sedona, Sedona Arizona, Spiritual Warriors, The Secret
It seems to me that Mr. Ray should face legal consequences for what was done to the people there. Manslaughter charges, at the very least, seem necessary in light of the two deaths he caused. Also, refusing to talk to law enforcement, then fleeing the state when charges could be pending should bring more charges, I believe.
Quite honestly, I always had bad vibes about The Secret and never saw the movie or read the book. I intended to, but kept deciding against it with some sort of gnawing feeling warning me not to. It’s too bad those people who were killed or injured didn’t have similar warnings.
Susan, I hope this will not have bad ramifications for tourism in lovely Sedona. I also hope that new publicity brought by this tragedy won’t encourage more people to investigate the teachings in The Secret.
Adie, I do not think what happened will effect the tourism, what I am afraid will happen is that most people are still not aware that James Ray is not the spiritual guru people believe him to be. To pay 9-10 thousand for a retreat makes you wonder about people’s critical thinking skills and about why they want the quick fix they think they will get from the experience. All of us were born with the ability of sensing truth for ourselves, yet so many ignore it and get suckered into whatever it is these con men offer.
The Law of Attraction is valid and very real, the movie on the other hand gives basic information enough to get you in trouble. Rob and I have been working with these universal laws for many years as have you. The most important thing to remember is “Your thoughts create matter. So, passionately put your thoughts and focus into something you want to create in your life. Not on what you do not want. Thank you for commenting! Hugs Susan
Susan, that is an excellent post. You covered all the points of focus very well. I read a couple of comments by Native Americans who pointed out that this sweatlodge ignored time honored traditions and that no one should attempt tp hold one without the understanding of those traditions and years of aquired knowledge regarding the way these ceremonies should be conducted.
By ignoring tradition, he went against any blessings that might have been given by the powers that be.
Why aren’t people exercising more common sense anyway?
I just read this man is already giving another seminar in California. Oh, and in 2005, same place, same ceremony, Mr Ray had a participant loose consciousness and 911 was called.
People are surely missing the point when they think they can buy spirituality, or the overcoming of all their problems. We cannot buy our way to becoming an adept. We cannot buy our way into Heaven.
I only hope that people wake up and realize that people like Mr Ray are not the answer to their problems.
Oh, and I too declined to read the Secret or see the movie. It sounded too commercial to me, and I didn’t have a good feeling about it, and my Apache friend walked out on the movie in disgust within the first 10 minutes.
I totally agree with all that Diane has said. You can’t buy spirituality or your way into heaven. The old saying, ” if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is”, is worth remembering.
Bless all that are involved.
Karen
My heart goes out to the victims and their families. I pretty much agree with the others. Ray needs to take complete responsibility for what happened at the retreat. How could anyone continue to give seminars after this traumatic event.
I met Mr. Ray 4 yrs ago now. I was very drawn to a Bill Harris event…and then found out he was attending. Well I won’t get into his reaction to me. But I will say, that besides insulting my idea of a Tv show about Mother EArth, which had the word Goddess in it is title. -This all I shared with him, was the title. He made it out to the public I was a Goddess worshiper and “it is not about the Goddess taking over the God!”, he said. Which I waited for him to state that it isn’t about the God to take over the goddess either…but he didn’t do that. Just insulted me…then insulted me more by sending sexual energy at me the whole time he was on stage. I may have been the only woman in the room actually!!
Then, I was guided to speak to him after the event. And when he took my hand…all I can say, is I have never met anyone who carries and has buried such a vast amount of pain in my life time. As powerful as his energy is, the amount of pain he is stuffing down was out of this world.
Fortunately I was guided to walk away before too much was discussed. But it didn’t stop there. I could feel this euphoric energy around me for days. till I realized that this is what he does. He hooks his energy into people to get them to attend. And he especially hooks into Women…who he has major issues with.
All in all, it took 3 yrs, many supportive healers, friends and me finally telling his soul that he can not hang around with me for help, if he is not going to get his body to come to me for help. His soul finally left me alone.
Though I still I dream of him now and then. And what I am shown, shows me that this man needs prayers like nobody knows. I have been shown much about him. And yet there is nothing I can do but pray.
I am also part Native, and honor my heritage. I have been honored to attend Real sweats & many other ceremonies. I am not surprised he has created this in his life. I am thankful that I am protected and was shown truth of this man. Whose pain comes from an ancient act he can not forgive himself for. Which then allows others(beings) to feed vibration to his mind, which he thinks is truth.
Unfortunately he just gave a Seminar this weekend, which Greg Bradden attended and shared at. One of my girlfriends attended. And I am saddened to hear that she believes she will be continuing his course and is signing up for next years retreats!!!
But each have their own journey, and she must find out for herself the truth. Though I did say, I hope for your desires sake, that he isn’t in jail by next year.
Thank you for your words, as there are not many in our communities that are speaking up and stating what you have.
One can not be compassionate with others, if they can not be compassionate with themselves.
thank you
I attended a James Ray Week-end a few years ago and was totally turned off by his over-promising and his abrasiveness to a particular participant. This woman who was in tears over an issue she was dealing with had stood up to ask a question. James Ray began screaming at her, over and over, to go see his staff right away and sign up for a particular workshop he was offering. There was no compassion exhibited, no effort to reframe the event she was describing or ease her pain with any wisdom. And, while pushing one of his many workshops, and after discussing the book “Power Vs. Force”, he claimed that the participants were guaranteed to raise their vibration 160 points by simply attending the particular workshop. I had never heard of anything so stupid, and I have to say I don’t understand how anyone can be impressed by him. After reading about the loyalty that he evokes from his fans, and the woman who jumped to her death in Kansas City last summer while attending one of his workshops, I can’t help but think he’s a dangerous man to be involved with.
Well,it is amazing how the truth comes out about James Ray after so many individuals and families were affected by him.I believe we are all attracted to other people’s energies and those who were attracted to James Ray and his methods were mislead. So he charges 10000 a head for a grand total of around 600000 dollars and I must say that the law of attraction was working in his favour that week.He brought his Flock of followers to the desert and then deserted them.He was not a good Shepherd.
The Law of Attraction as described in the Secret does work. I used it to preserve the integrity of my home’s financial security during this current economic climate.
Where Ray went wrong was consistently focusing on the word “death” in his writings and promotional material for the sweat lodge. The casualties became a reality which the Universe delivered. By reacting in fear and running away from the problem instead of calmly handling it, he made the situation even worse vibrationally. The Universe matches vibration and Ray was putting out positive messages with bad vibes before the event without realizing it.
Whatever happens to Ray depends on how he responds to it with his feelings and actions. The Universe is waiting to respond.
I agree with you 100% The Law of Attraction is POWERFUL and it Works. Well said and thanks for posting Attractor! The Psychic Buzz show tonight was about what happened and how it came about. I will post the show on my blog for those who would like to listen.
I went to a weekend in seminar in Las Vegas that James ray put on. I believe in the law of attraction myself and although he did give out some useful information I felt his ego was commanding him. He was way to forceful about promoting his insainly exspensive retreats and workshops.I also sensed he had major anger issues towards women.After reading that he fled Sodona when he was needed most and refused to talk to authorities it reinforces my opinion of his strong armed tactics. I feel one needs to seperate themself from ego to gain any enlightenment and that sadly enough Mr. Ray is using this movement only to line his own pockets at others exspense.
This is a tragic event….I believe in Karma and I know that when the Great Spirit has something in mind, it will do it when the time is right…in the meantime, the earthbound authorities must act to stop this murderer with more ego than is necessary. He is a very greedy man…but it will come back to bite him in the ass…..Karma always balances life.
Years ago, when people caused tragedies or were convicted of any offense, they became a surname only…they had no title because it was stripped of them…they became a non-person…this guy does not deserve the title ‘Mr’…he is just ‘Ray’.
HI Susanne! Thanks for the insightful post! What goes around does come back around either this lifetime or the next.
Blessings,
Susan
HI Mike! I agree with you. I am glad you didn’t get caught up in the fervor of excitement. So many people do, it is sad that people think that someone can give them those things they are looking for. Quick fixes do not work.
Thanks for sharing!
Susan
HI J! Thank you! I can so relate to what you have shared with us! Imagine what could have happened in you hadn’t done so much soul and healing work to resolve this issue. I hope your friend doesn’t have to pay anything other than money for her session with James Ray.
Thanks so much for sharing!
Susan
I have never opted into any of James Ray’s stuff and this morning I got an email from his staff. Thought I would post it and see what you all think. Darn! His signature doesn’t come through!
HE SAYS:
James Arthur Ray [jamesray@jamesray.com]
Update regarding Sedona
I’m continuing to devote all my energy to determine the facts surrounding the tragic accident at Sedona. I’ve instructed my representatives to meet with the authorities in Arizona and to share with those authorities the facts they learn. That process is ongoing.
In the meantime, I want to let you know that not only is this situation requiring all of my personal focus, it’s also consuming my entire team’s focus as well. For that reason, you can expect significant delays in responses to all general business requests. We have every intention of responding once we have helped determine what happened in Sedona.
Much love and respect,
James Arthur Ray
President/CEO
James Ray International, Inc.
The Secret may have some true concepts in it, but it has twisted the truth!
Turns out that the ‘Secret’s’ other star, David Schirmer, is a criminal in Australia – check out A Current Affair’s expose of his unethical behavior: http://tinyurl.com/ygont69
Concerning both Ray and Schirmer: What do you expect from men who made their fame ad fortune by being good talkers and salesmen with charisma? Let see them talk their way out of this!
Ray Charged with Sweat Lodge Deaths
By FELICIA FONSECA and AMANDA LEE MYERS, Associated Press Writer Felicia Fonseca And Amanda Lee Myers, Associated Press Writer
COTTONWOOD, Ariz. – Motivational speaker James Arthur Ray is set to make his first court appearance on three counts of manslaughter for deaths that happened at an Arizona sweat lodge ceremony he led last year.
Ray was indicted and arrested on Wednesday for the deaths at an Oct. 8 ceremony intended to be the highlight of his five-day “Spiritual Warrior” event. The ceremony was held at a retreat center he rented near Sedona.
Ray is being held in the Yavapai County, Ariz., jail on $5 million bond and faces a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 12 1/2 years on each count. He’s scheduled to appear in court Thursday morning.
Ray’s attorneys call the charges unjust and say they’re confident he will be exonerated.
Two people passed out inside the sweat lodge and died that night. A third died a week later.
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James Ray International, http://jamesray.com
THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. Check back soon for further information. AP’s earlier story is below.
FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. (AP) — Months after authorities focused a homicide investigation on James Arthur Ray, the motivational speaker was indicted on manslaughter charges that could land him in prison and topple his self-help empire.
Ray was arrested Wednesday in Prescott, Ariz., on three counts of manslaughter for deaths of participants in a sweat lodge ceremony he led in northern Arizona last year. He was being held at the Yavapai County jail in Camp Verde on a $5 million bond, with his first court hearing planned Thursday.
Ray’s attorneys quickly called the charges unjust and said they were confident he would be exonerated in court. If convicted, he faces a minimum of 3 years and a maximum of 12 1/2 years on each count.
“This was a terrible accident, but it was an accident, not a criminal act,” Ray attorney Luis Li said. “James Ray cooperated at every step of the way, providing information and witnesses to the authorities showing that no one could have foreseen this accident.”
Ray has built a multimillion-dollar empire as a self-help superstar who teaches people about financial and spiritual wealth, and uses free seminars to recruit followers to more expensive events. He soared in popularity after appearing in the 2006 Rhonda Byrne documentary “The Secret,” and he later was a guest on “The Oprah Winfrey Show” and “Larry King Live” to promote it.
The Oct. 8 sweat lodge ceremony was intended to be the highlight of Ray’s five-day “Spiritual Warrior” event at a retreat he rented near Sedona. He told participants, who paid more than $9,000 each to attend, that it would be one of the most intense experiences of their lives.
About halfway through the two-hour ceremony, some began feeling ill, vomiting and collapsing inside the 415-square-foot structure. Despite that, Ray urged participants to push past their physical weaknesses and chided those who wanted to leave, authorities and participants have said.
Two people — Kirby Brown, 38, of Westtown, N.Y., and James Shore, 40, of Milwaukee — passed out inside the sweat lodge and died that night at a hospital. Liz Neuman, 49, of Prior Lake, Minn., slipped into a coma and died a week later. Eighteen others were hospitalized.
Neuman’s daughter, Andrea Puckett, said Wednesday she was pleased with Ray’s arrest and praised the authorities for the depth of their investigation.
“It helps that he is, for now, being stopped from doing what he’s doing, from harming anyone else, and that’s the biggest relief for me and my family right now,” said Puckett, of Bloomington, Minn.
Ray’s attorneys have said he took all necessary safety precautions and wasn’t aware of any medical problems until the ceremony was over.
Brown’s mother, Ginny, said Wednesday from her home in Westtown that she would have liked to believe the deaths were accidental but that everything that Ray did during the “Spiritual Warrior” event almost made them inevitable.
“One of the things that horrifies me after we found out Kirby had died was to see how he behaved, to really yield his true character,” she said. “This wasn’t just a horrible accident. His own conviction in his omnipotence and his own seduction of money and wealth made him delusional.”
Authorities said they quickly determined the deaths were not accidental and focused their investigation on Ray. They conducted hundreds of interviews that reached into Ray’s past ceremonies and events, including one in which a man fell unconscious during a 2005 sweat lodge ceremony at the same retreat near Sedona.
“The detectives, they put a lot of work into this,” said Yavapai County sheriff’s spokesman Dwight D’Evelyn. “The families really wanted to see what they believe will be justice…”
Ray’s representatives have said there was no way Ray could have predicted the night’s tragic events. Had he heard any pleas for help inside the pitch-black sweat lodge, he would have stopped the ceremony immediately, Ray’s attorneys said.
Documents released in the investigation showed that some people lost consciousness and others suffered broken bones at past Ray-led events and that Ray largely ignored medical problems that arose.
One participant in the latest sweat lodge questioned the worth of having Ray behind bars and said he could do more good by speaking publicly about how to handle adversity and contributing financially to the families of the deceased — something the families have said hasn’t been done so far.
“He can’t change what happened, but he can respond to what happened in a concrete, tangible way,” said Kristina Bivins of San Francisco. “His desire is to help the families, to help the Native American community, to make sure that nothing like this ever happens again.”
Another participant, Beverley Bunn, said she has no ill feelings toward Ray but is satisfied in knowing he cannot continue his work.
“I just feel justice will prevail, and the truth will come out,” said Bunn, who was Brown’s roommate during at the “Spiritual Warrior” event.
In the weeks after the deaths, lawsuits accused Ray and the owners of the Angel Valley Retreat Center where the sweat lodge was held of negligence and fraud. Ray’s publisher postponed two book releases, and Ray canceled his appearances amid heavy criticism from survivors.
The owners of Angel Valley have said their contact with Ray was minimal over the years he held the sweat lodge there, and that other groups had used the same lodge for ceremonies without any problems.