This article talks about the terrible "Spiritual Warrior" retreat tragedy.
I heard about this perilous journey that people paid up to $10,000 to experience. James Arthur Ray, a spiritual guru, was the leader of this retreat. Part of the journey was to fast for days before participating in the sweat lodge event.
Kirby Brown, 38, was one of the victims that passed away during the vigorous and extreme sweat lodge. How anyone would ignore pleas from people in the lodge when they started saying they could not handle the heat anymore, is beyond me. These people had fasted for days prior to this sweat lodge ceremony, and who knows if they had hydration during the 2-hour event. Ray did not force people to stay in the tent, but he strongly encouraged them to stay for the entire time. The situation is being investigated by authorities as a homicide. This could be the end of Ray, and his multi-million dollar spiritual empire.
I don't feel that there was any thought to the health and well-being for these followers of Ray. Because 3 people died and at least 18 were hospitalized for dehydration and organ failure, totally abolishes Ray's creditibility. He talks about obeying the laws of the universe because if you don't, you will never accomplish what you set out to do. Ray did not obey the laws of the universe in this sweat lodge incident, and there are many paying the price for his obvious carelessness. He ignored the warning signs around him. People were becoming distraught, unable to handle the intensity of the heat. Ray encouraged them to stay inside and this proved to be a tragic error.
Traditional sweat lodges are not intended to kill people, nor force them to endure more than they can physically handle. They are built very carefully and in a way that allows enough oxygen for the participants.
Time will unfold the destiny of James Arthur Ray. I have to question his intent in this sweat lodge, turned death lodge experience. Read more here and decide for yourself.
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