Frequently Asked Questions (F.A.Q.)

What is this?

This blog contains the first-hand personal accounts of a few members of an alternative spiritual group.The information is collected by interview and then transcribed. After the interview, people are invited to author any articles for the blog that they consider germane.

Note: I’m interviewing people as time/opportunity permits. But anyone wishing to contribute their story sooner than later, please contact me to schedule an interview.

What is the purpose of this blog?

I hope the finished blog will:

1. Represent the wide/varied spectrum of experiences as well as the common ground we all shared
2. Provide an outlet for people to present their own “official” first-hand experiences – outside of gossip, or the group’s ‘spin.’
3. Assist in the healing process – both for those still trying to process what has happened to them, as well as those with unresolved feelings who need a chance to express those feelings in a safe and constructive way.
4. Be of benefit to anyone that find themselves in a similar situation when they begin their own questioning.

Why is it all anonymous?

I’ve read a number of studies on various types of abuse that suggest anonymity helps to salve the self-blame and guilt that some feel (as the abused) and allows them to feel safer about expressing their experience without worrying about being judged themselves. Recognizing and respecting that they may wish to “move on with their lives,” the interviews are conducted under the agreement of anonymity.

Note: None of the people I interviewed have expressed an interest in being part of an attack on anyone (or on the group) and anonymity allows them to relay their full experience (however ugly it may be), without fearing claims of defamation, invasion of privacy or infringement of moral rights.

Everyone has such weird names. What gives?

Disciples were given new names sometimes. It was considered a great honor to have the master rename you. A symbol that you had left the old “you” behind and that you were a new person. Actually, some people got a new name their first week if he didn’t like their name. Others kept their birth name for 30 years. The names could be inspired by old actors/singers, precious gemstones, flowers, or historical/spiritual figures. The names were meant to inspire you to be your highest potential. For instance, no one would be renamed “Ted.” Instead, they might get the name “Emmancipio.” Not all of them were horrible like that. But some were. Most names sounded foreign, with a Latin America slant. And many time you were given a definition of what the name meant. For instance, “Emmancipio” might mean “one who seeks freedom above all things.” The definitions the master made up were always interesting.

Note: Remember that these interviews are conducted anonymously, so I have renamed everyone. I tried to keep the spirit of the way people were named while also capturing something of their character to make it easier to remember their ‘alias.’

Why don’t you ‘jazz’ up the blog more?

They say, “Content is King.” I have so much work to do in simply making the content available on the blog that “presentation” will have to take a back seat until I have more time to address it. Anyone familiar with CSS and blogging that would like to help with this blog is welcome to contact me.

How can I contact you?

Use the link at the left to "Ask a Question". I will respond as time permits. If the question or answer would be interesting to a wider audience, I will post it in "Read the Answers."

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