Landmark Forum

[Shades]

Has anybody been on one of these sessions;

www.landmarkeducation.com

Talked to someone the other day who had done one of the sessions in the US and he raved about it.
They have sessions coming up in Toronto. One is sold out but there are two more over the next four months.

Thoughts?

 

[bigdik]

Cult

 

[banshie]

Cult

You are entitled to your opinion, of course, but what is it based on? These accusations are usually from those who haven't done it.

I did the Forum over 10 years ago, and found it very valuable. I hung around Landmark for a couple of years, doing other stuff. Unlike Scientology, they don't milk you for whatever they can get. (I knew a guy who spent over $50K on Scientology courses!) After this I felt I had gotten all I could. I have reviewed the Forum, but it doesn't do anything for me now. I do still use the stuff I learned, however. That doesn't go away.

I can recommend the Forum, but it's not for everyone. Find out as much as you can before signing up, to see if it fits for you.

 

[jpf]

It looks a lot like est and lifespring. I did lifespring many years ago. It works for some people but they do use cult-like behaviour modification tools. Immediately after taking the session people will often have a euphoric positive reaction. It is best to talk to someone at least 4 months afterwards to get a more accurate opinion as to what it has meant in their life.

 

[banshie]

It looks like est because it is the successor to it. Not sure about lifespring, but it does seem similar from wkat I have heard.

Your advice about talking to people who did it some time ago is valid. Some people do indeed display euphoria, and have unrealistic expectations right after the course. They forget that they haven't changed, but have just gained a new perspective.

 

[pixiegyrrl]

Have you done the course(s) shades?

I knew a whole group of people who attended these courses. I found them to be happy, productive individuals. Conflicts, grief and trauma seemed to not phase them - this is interesting but how real is the reaction... I often found the individuals within the group to be fake.. or they seemed face.. hmm..

I would be interested in going.. just to check it out..

 

[Shades]

pixiegyrrl...no I haven't done the course but was considering it. I think jpf's comments are good. The guy I talked to was about a month from the course and still flying high.

I think courses like this are useful to review your perspectives on life, and your goals. A little shot of personal energy, they seem to give, isn't bad either.

Some of this sounds like the Tony Robbins mantra but at a much reduced cost.

Let me know if you are going to try it out.

 

[pixiegyrrl]

First I think I want to do a couple more tantra classes.. and some more Raja yoga.. My first raja yoga course (which was free) astounded me. For two years I found I did not have negative thoughts.. I would like to go back.. the wars have gotten to me.

 

[banshie]

pixiegyrrlSome of this sounds like the Tony Robbins mantra but at a much reduced cost.

I think you will find if you scout around that there is nothing new under the sun! Everybody borrows from everybody else. I don't know much about Tony Robbins, so I won't comment.

One thing that impressed me about Landmark was the training of the Forum leaders. I have met many of them and, without exception, found them to be well worth spending time with.

 

[banshie]

For two years I found I did not have negative thoughts

I'm not sure that's a good thing. I am thinking of Jung's statement:

“One does not become enlightened by imagining figures of light, but by making the darkness conscious.�

 

[banshie]

Shades

There's nothing wrong with asking for information here, but don't let it determine whether you will do the Forum or not. You will find people here, like me, who will recommend it. You will also find others with negative views. But (presumably) you don't know any of us personally, so our posts should be taken with a grain of salt.

It's good that you are taking to friends who have done it. Their input is much more valuable.

Good luck, whatever you decide.

 

[pixiegyrrl]

Raja Yoga

Raja yoga (taught free)
the science of physical and mental control

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Often called the "royal road", raja yoga offers a comprehensive method for controlling the waves of thought by turning our mental and physical energy into spiritual energy.

The Eight Limbs of Raja Yoga

Compiled by the Sage Patanjali in the Yoga Sutras, the Eight Limbs are a progressive series of steps or disciplines which purify the body and mind, ultimately leading the yogi to enlightenment.


1) Yamas
The yamas, or restraints are divided into five moral injunctions, aimed at destroying the lower nature : non-violence; truthfulness in word, thought and deed; non-stealing; moderation in all things; and non-possessiveness.


2) Niyamas
The niyamas or observances are also divided into five. Fostering positive qualities, they consist of : purity; contentment; austerity; study of the sacred texts; and constantly living with an awareness of the Divine Presence.


3) Asanas
Asanas or postures forms the first half of the sub-division of Raja Yoga known as Hatha Yoga.


4) Pranayama
The regulation of the breath - forms the second half of Hatha Yoga.

 

[pixiegyrrl]

5) Pratyahara
The yogic practice of turning the mind to introspection by voluntarily shutting out distractions provided by the senses.


6) Dharana
Concentration - leads to dhyana.


7) Dhyana
Meditation - culminates in samadhi


8) Samadhi
Superconsciousness - the highest stage in meditation, in which a person experiences oneness with the universe.

 

[Shades]

Banshie: Thanks for your input. If you are familiar with the Myers Briggs typing I tend to be an INFP...so I will be taking all the input under consideration and reflect on it as part of deciding what I want to get out of it before I decide to go or not. Must admit I am leaning that way though.
Nice thing about this board is that the individuals may be anonymous, but one can tell alot by the nature of the replies and the experiences and knowledge that comes through in their comments and observations.
Pixiegyrrl...thanks for the info on raja yoga...very enlightening.

"Men are wise in proportion, not to their experience but to their capacity for experience." G.B.Shaw

 

[banshie]

Shades

I'm an INFP myself. Takes one to know one?