Thanks for including Steve's quote. It adds a lot of depth to the concept. I went to his site, but couldn't find much information, so I pretty much wrote my own thoughts on the topic. My words did come from the Higher Realms though - just kidding[g].

I do want to mention that I think a significant amount of the love we feel at a seminar also comes from the other participants. When hundreds of people gather for a positive purpose, there is quite a bit of energy, in spite of any scams that may be being perpetrated. The synergy of many sincere people focused on a goal can be truly Magical.

The problem is that, in using "Lazaris" as the focal point, we give our Power away. "Lazaris" often says that we shouldn't give our power away to the "illusion". Given that I believe that "Lazaris" is an illusion, I couldn't agree more[g].

I agree with you about the "tough love" technique employed in the Forum. For tough love to work, humility and compassion are acutely necessary. Both are severely lacking in most of these "encounters".

The arrogance to assume that one can assess another's state of consciousness based on what someone posts in the forum is immense. Especially when that person explains the misunderstanding, but the explanation is rejected because the Gang knows better. Or to determine that someone is "in negative ego" based on their political opinion, as if there is only one "correct" opinion.

Then there is the lack of compassion. Even if the target of the "tough love" were "in negative ego", they still deserve some compassion. Showing compassion isn't necessarily enabling. And if someone wants to take such a hard line, then they ought to be willing to take the heat when they make a mistake. I've seen no such willingness on the part of the Orlando Gang.

Another necessary ingredient in tough love is the recipient's permission. Even "Lazaris" says they will not force their love on us - tough or otherwise. Why then do the Gang think they have license to force themselves on others? OK, maybe there's an implicit agreement that by participating in the Forum, one grants permission. (Though I'm not sure that "implicit agreement" is not an oxymoron) But again, it's a two-way street. For the Gang to take the position that they get to inflict their "love" on others, but nobody else can do likewise to them is more than a double-standard - it implies that the Gang is in a superior position. Which would be bad enough if they stated it, but they don't and I'm quite sure they would deny it if challenged - and maybe they have.

As for those supposed "mapmakers" who stand by and condone this behavior, I'm certainly glad we're not depending on them to show the way. The map of acquiescence and cowardice is old and useless. As are the maps of hierarchical relationships, judgment, blind obedience, denial, projection, divide-and-conquer and sycophancy. Did I miss any?[g]

Another thing: Does anyone really have the right or the ability to determine someone else's state of consciousness, such as declaring that someone is "in negative ego"? I think we have a right and a responsibility to point out to people that they have done something which hurt us. And we can be specific - "negative ego" is pretty vague. The person being challenged about their behavior has the right and responsibility to decide if they are coming from martyr, child, whatever. It's our business to point out the destructive behavior - it's not our business to psycho-analyze the person. It seems to me that to do so is getting real close to practicing medicine without a license. And doing it in a (semi) public forum violates the doctor/patient privacy standard.

quote:

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I don't know about Lynn, but I've known how to mesmerize a crowd since I was a teenager. It's just something that came flowing out of me, probably as over compensation for my pathological shyness as a kid.

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The few times I've spoken to a large crowd I've been aware of a similar effect. I'm not sure it's something that comes from me, though. I've a feeling it might just be an effect that comes from a lot of people together for a single purpose.