We've all been wondering what went on in the sweat lodge at the James Ray retreat near Sedona, AZ. that resulted in three deaths. Now we have a better idea. Texas resident Beverly Bunn, who was in the sweat lodge, is the first survivor to speak up. She told the Associated Press that people began vomiting, gasping for air and collapsing within an hour of entering the sweat lodge.
More hot rocks were brought in every 15 minutes over two hours -- 8 "rounds" that got progressively hotter -- rather than the typical four. "People were not physically forced to stay inside, but chided by Ray if they wanted to leave as he told them they were stronger than their bodies and weakness could be overcome," according to the AP story.
Bunn heard someone say, "I can't get her to move. I can't get her to wake up." But Ray said, "Leave her alone, she'll be dealt with in the next round." By the time they went into the sweat lodge, they had already gone through days of physically and mentally strenous events, including 36 hours of fasting and a game in which Ray "played God."
Many people have been posting here that this is not how a sweat lodge is conducted. They're upset that the profound Native American cultural heritage was used and abused by someone who charged nearly $10,000 for the "Spiritual Warrior" retreat. It really gets back one of my earliest posts on this topic. When you want to make a change, be careful who you trust.
People need to understand that man- made spirituality meaning religions that says god is in you, you are your own god etc,.. like O and company need to understand that this is false religion and will not get you to your best life..Please pay attention to this tragedy and investigate before you participate.. I hope James Ray gets what he deserves..
AGREE. THIS JUST DOES NOT GET ANY BETTER DOES IT AS THE DAYS GO BY. AGAIN ILL SAY IT AGAIN….. THIS INDUSTRY SPAS,RESORTS,MEDICAL SPAS AND THE WHOLE HOLSTIC INDUSTRY IF FULL OF WELL CHOCK-FULL OF NUTS ALOT OF THEM GREEDY FOR MONEY AND IM SICKENED I RECENTLY DECIEDED TO GET OUT OF THIS INDUSTRY LAST WEEK BECAUSE IM SO SICK OF THE WAY IT IS BEING RUN. I THINK THE MEDICAL BOARD NEEDS TO STEP IN ON ESTHETICS,MEDICAL SPAS,RESORTS,SALON-SPAS,MASSAGE AND HOLSTIC SERVICES ALL OF THEM…. AND STEP UP THE PROFESSIONALISM THE CREDENTIALING AND MAKE IT SAFE FOR EVERYONE…
Traditional Sweat lodges are a sacred ceremony and if anyone is charging anyone for this experience they are playing with fire–literally.
Traditional sweat lodges are facilitated by modest earth people who are experienced and connected to the peoples needs.
Sophia – stop shouting at us with your CAPS! Don’t bring in the spas and wellness industry into this “create wealth” self proclaimed guru’s method of just stringing together bits of Native American culture to make it look like he is spiritual. If you read the AP story it mentioned that this woman Bunn noticed that Ray just stood there as people were needing medical assistance and “he did nothing”! How horrible. What a greedy man. Don’t take his greed and lump it into the “whole industry makes you sick” kind of statement. That is unfair. Someone wronged you at some time and you should take out your wrath on them. Glad you got out of the industry – your energy is all whacked now it seems……just give yourself a break and take it easy. You just might come back and find a better spot to work and maybe it will work out.
Jan
As a firekeeper to Native Elders, I can tell you this is as far from what one might experience at a traditional sweat as I could possibly imagine. Mr. Ray appears to have abused terribly the sacred trust of all those he was there to lead, as well as the ways of the Inipi. He will be made to answer both in this earth walk, and his bardo journey. Until then, peace be with all those scarred by Mr. Ray’s ego driven misconduct. To all my relations…
Two things I’d like to say. First, to Sophia – you’re absolutely right that elements of the holistic industry are a shameful sham; at the same time, I have to take exception with what you said. If you’re in the industry, then you must know the changes that are happening within the massage profession – it is becoming regulated, more and more states are requiring licensure, massage has a legitimate place in hospitals. I think Jan’s suggestions to give yourself a break and take it easy are worth considering. Best wishes to you.
Secondly, I have spent a couple of hours now reading up on this tragedy. I was at one time a huge James Arthur Ray fan, so it has been quite upsetting to read the progression of events of this story. Ray’s actions and comments have left me gasping. It’s all about him, not the victims. I read in one article that he was asked by Native Elders to discontinue sweats in his programs – I don’t know if that’s true, but if it is, why didn’t he heed their request? Better yet, why didn’t he go in humility to the Elders, and ask one of them to lead this sacred tradition?