Michael Meade is someone I really admire, and I am no New Ager. Meade is a poet and storyteller who weaves together the philosophical and spiritual teachings of many different cultures across the world to help find perspective and meaning in life when (at least in America) it seems that traditions, reflection, perspective, meaning, and purpose are not valued things.
Anyway, my point is, there is a lot to learn from other cultures and perspectives, but it should be done in a respectful manner. There should never be a tragedy like what happened this weekend in Sedona.
This weekend, James Arthur Ray hosted a "Spiritual Warrior" retreat in Sedona. Ray is a motivational speaker affiliated with The Secret (which I think is worth checking out). He has been blessed by Oprah and charges a shit-ton of cash to see him espouse his wisdom and insight. The retreat in Sedona was sold at $9,665.00 per person.
Part of the retreat featured a "sweat lodge purification ceremony." As far as I can tell, the ceremony was not done in conformity with Native traditions, placing participants at great risk. They crammed about 64 people inside a make-shift, tent-like structure that was only about 400 square feet, had them remain in the small space and the heat for several hours.
Two people died and another 19 needed to be treated for burns and other ailments. Here is a news report regarding the incident:
One news report pointed out the problems with the "ceremony":
The ritual in sweat lodges is helpful in restoring balance and changing people's attitudes and self-image, said Joseph Bruchac, author of "The Native American Sweat Lodge: History and Legends."
People have died in sweat lodges in the past. They were either sick tribal elders who voluntarily stayed until they died or people who were in poor health.
"The sweat lodge needs to be respected," Bruchac said. "When you imitate someone's tradition, and you don't know what you are doing, there's a danger of doing something very wrong."
A local resident was interviewed for the same report:
Sedona is an international mecca for New Age beliefs and purportedly the site of numerous "vortexes," or natural energy confluences thought to enhance spirituality and well-being.
Some questioned why there were so many people in the sweat lodge at once.
Jennifer Gentry, a sales associate at Sedona Crystal Vortex in uptown Sedona, said that she has been in several sweat-lodge ceremonies and that they typically are events for four to five people, maybe as many as 10, but never something she has done with strangers.
"In my opinion, it's a sacred ceremony," she said. "You shouldn't sell it, and you shouldn't have that many people in it."
James Arthur Ray has left Arizona and is refusing to discuss the incident with investigators.
He's sending dispatches from his Twitter account, saying he's been in constant prayer and meditation for the lives that have been lost. I guess this is guru speak for "I'm maintaining constant contact with my lawyer."
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