Korean yoga centers a booming business

Dahn Yoga is absolutely a cult. I watched helplessly as my little brother got sucked into their clutches, and I've seen many others just like him fall victim to this predatory cult. At first, he proclaimed the transformative powers of yoga. Not a stretch to me, since I love yoga.

But then, suddenly, he was quitting his job, moving out of his apartment and into a Dahn yoga group home, and writing "Dear John" letters to the friends and family he could not persuade to join him. He was spending money he didn't have and essentially indenturing himself to Dahn Yoga just to keep attending classes and to fly out to Dahn Master trainings in the Sedona, AZ compound.

Some are probably saying my brother must be a weak-minded, desperate soul if he got suckered in this way, but that is not the case. My brother is a highly intelligent, self-assured, talented person. These Dahn Yoga people are very good at what they do and they know just how to exploit a person's vulnerabilities to suck them in.

In the end, my brother escaped Dahn Yoga, though he has never talked about why he finally chose to leave. But more than five years later, he has still not recovered financially, though he does seem to have healed emotionally.

I am so glad CNN is shining the spotlight on this money-hungry, exploitative cult. I'm sure there are probably people who have joined Dahn Yoga just to take yoga classes and have managed not to fall victim to its wiles. But so many more have been taken in and, in my opinion, enslaved by this group that I am thrilled that they are finally being exposed for what they really are. Thank you, CNN.

I feel the need before this is broadcast to make a plea to you. I'm hoping you are planning to air this in a fair and balanced manner.

I have personal experience with Dahn Yoga in the past year. One year ago my 22 year old son was ready to commit suicide. He'd been depressed along with having obsessive compulsive disorder for 5 years. He tried many prescription & illegal drugs & he received a lot of counseling of which we paid an exhorbitant amount of money with him with him still spiraling downward fast. He & I came upon a Dahn Yoga studio with the intention of doing yoga to calm his mind.

My son decided to become involved with workshops at Dahn Yoga at the center we joined & at their location at Mago Gardens in Arizona. He has completed training & is now a Master with Dahn Yoga. He is no longer on any prescription &/or illegal drugs, & he does not have the need to have counseling from a psychotherapist or psychiatrist. He is living life with his soul as most of the world does not.

My son, Brian, did this within one year of joining Dahn Yoga. His father & I now see th smile on his face we hadn't seen since he was a young boy.

I hope this story helps you to understand what Dahn Yoga is really all about.

Debra A. Korbelik

I plan to watch the report but expect to see a fair report showing both sides of this story. Calling any organization a cult is quite sensational. I will be most disappointed in CNN if reporting is not fair.

Kimberly Crawford

I have been a member of Dahn Yoga for 4 1/2 years. It has been the single best thing I have ever done for my physical and emotional health in my 57 years. The instuctors are loving, kind people and the practice is amazing. I am a scientist, have worked for several Fortune 500 companies and currently I am the COO of a small company. My husband and children totally appreciate the changes that I have undergone as a Dahn Yoga member. I am not easily suckered into something that is bogus or harmful. My sister has recently joined in NY and the change she has undergone in 3 months time is so encouraging (she has breast cancer). Believe me this practice is life-changing. Hopefully CNN has investigated the thousands of people who have been helped rather than the 27 who have an issue with Dahn Yoga.

A Yogi Cult? Wow, um that sounds rather inflamitory isn't it?

Christianity is a cult and Christians do some really evil actions in Kenya where children suspected of witchcraft are forced to drink gasoline.

Yoga? Peace, meditation scares who? AMA Doctors and the health industry probably is scared of Yoga and its healing and health benefits.

I'll watch the segment to see what the spin is. There are many branches of Yoga. I've studied several and they certainly have positive effects and enforce positive ethics and morality of the individual.

CNN, you say that you want to let the viewer's decide, but I believe you have already decided how you are going to present this story. How can people who know nothing about the facts decide based on a story in which you don't show 2 sides. I hope I am wrong, and you do, but based on your writings and a few clips you posted so far, I don't think so. I encourage people to visit dahnyogavoice.com and get more facts about the story, and listen to DahnYoga's side, before you can decide your opinion. That is only fair. There are plenty of facts there.

It is on this day that we learn the power of preception. The power of choices. I have total respect for CNN broadcasting and journalism. I am a frequent viewer of their many programs. Not in my life did I ever feel that I would be very close to one of their stories that is about to air tonight. Yes, I am an aspiring DAHN MASTER.

I made this choice because my preception of this organization goes very deep. I have personally taken classes, workshops and supported their events. What I have found to be true for me; is that my choices and my free will is totally mine. To raise a question of "is this a cult" distracts the many viewers of the true nature and vision of this organization. The fact remains Dr Ilchi Lee founded a program 30 years ago to teach people how to excercise. To teach people how to overcome stress and their egos. This is the essence of why this organization has grown international and is endorsed by many peaceful leaders. I strongly hope CNN does not sensulize this story for the ever quest for ratings or profit. I see far to many exploits of peoples lifes and stories turn into the hit thing to watch and gauk at for entertainment.

I do understand that some members, masters and even leaders of our community have a total different preception and choices that are different from mine. This is okay, this is core principle of peace. Please do not form a judgement based on 3 hours of television, for the ones who really want to know what DAHN YOGA is all about will just simple take a class and ask what you really want to know the truth too. I feel sorry for the ones that feel DAHN YOGA has wronged them and offer a plea of peace. I truely ask what is the unltimate vision of these groups. Is it to spread health happiness and peace. If it is lets work together, lets move forward to a better world. I do not mean to trivalize your anger to DAHN YOGA, I only ask to stop waisting time with questioning whether this is "this or that". One person once told me " whatever you see in life that you don't like don't judge it ridicule it; but yet find a way to understand and make peace with it work with it". I ask all that are angered by this orginization first seek ti understand, and I promise you, you will find peace or a friend.

Thank You

I was a member briefly years ago, and they do want a lot of money – even when you first start – and the whole thing was just strange, frankly – it creeped me out so bad, I counted the money I has spent to join, and on the outfits (which you had to purchase and wear) as lost & just walked away

I have been a member of Dahn yoga for 2 1/2 years and I know I'

I would like to express my deep gratitude to those who have begun this dialog about Dahn Yoga. What you call Dahn Yoga is NOT YOGA AT ALL. And by this I do not mean to undermine the benefits it might have. But the Yoga Tradition comes from the Vedic tradition and should be applied to those traditions only.

Adding this word to any other form of tradition is a complete misrepresentation of the Yogic tradition to mislead. The Yoga tradition was and has been designed to serve the people only – and never to gain profits....

(Yoga Practitioner from the Midwest)

I have been a Dahn practitioner for almost 5 years. In this time, I have participated in many programs and events that have helped me become a happier and healthier individual, and a more compassionate physician.

I have seen many people recover from physical and emotional illnesses, and many more people who have been able to reduce or even eliminate their need for medications through this practice. I have offered free Dahn instruction to my patients and coworkers. I have also been inspired to participate in Dahn community outreach activities with MS patients, seniors, and the American Cancer Society.

I have not been brainwashed. I have not been coerced. I have never felt that I have been forced to worship the founder of Dahn Yoga. On the contrary, my Dahn experience has required me to take complete responsibility for my choices and the life I create. I embrace the Dahn vision of healing humanity and the earth with joy and gratitude.

I am very grateful to Ilchi Lee for developing the programs that have enabled me to know and love myself as never before, and to feel happy for no reason. This practice has given multitudes of people hope that we can create a healthier, happier and more peaceful society. In my experience, what I have received is beyond monetary value!

1. your link to the "CNN Comment Policy" on the right doesn't go anywhere, so I have no idea what the policy is.

2. Visit the local news web site, verdenews.com, and see for your self how the local residents are reacting to the "peaceful" intentions of this group.

3. Will the televised program be available on the web somewhere after it airs?

I hope the distinction between, "Dahn Yoga" and actual yoga will be made here. The initial perception of this is a spin that Yoga is in someway a religous cult. Yogs itself is not.

If this particular organization is misguiding people, then expose that. But do not lump Yoga in with cults.

all the comments above look like these people are brainwashed real darn good...

One person once told me " whatever you see in life that you don't like don't judge it ridicule it; but yet find a way to understand and make peace with it work with it". I ask all that are angered by this orginization first seek ti understand, and I promise you, you will find peace or a friend.

Is this similar to "World is not evil because of the ones who do evil, but the ones who turn a blind eye to evil"
These "new age" groups see the opportunity of making a quick buck by brainwashing these "unhappy people" they tell them the rest of the world does not know their spirit and only these people can show you the way...They then break you down like a soldier is broken down and "re-wired". This is unfortunate, any true seekers of the "self" should know the self is inside and no money will take you to it and especially not by going to seminars and classes haha this is the NEW AGE GOLD RUSH. All smart people reading should get involved as you can clearly see these fools will stick by the teachings regardless and are willing to pay whatever to get it. Manipulation in the world is sickening today and it starts because people are weak and gullible.

Losers go to these places and think they are doing better...all they needed was self affirmation but they instead pay money and hear good words from some fools who take their money. One way to avoid stress in life? Make less stupid decisions that are bound to create more stress and going to no yoga place will make this stress go away no matter how "spiritually connected" you THINK YOU LIVE. Pathetic.

First I want to say that I know nothing about Yoga or Dahn Yoga.

Frankly I dismiss the positive accounts written here about Dahn yoga because if they were a cult I would think that they would have indoctrinated members or staff writes positive reports to limit the damage of negative reports here.

I will instead listen to the CNN report so I can get the information from people that I know are not pretending to be someone that they are not.

I got involved with a cult called The Forum (a descendant of EST) when I lived in New York City. My first exposure was highly beneficial to me, and I've never denied that - a weekend workshop that helped me get back in control of my thoughts and my life. But the deeper message of The Forum was that I needed The Forum to maintain that control - that I would backslide to the way i had been if I didn't go deeper and deeper into The Forum's teachings, and recruit everyone I knew to attend Forum workshops - because it had made everything so much clearer for me, how much better would my life be if everyone I knew had had the same life-transforming experience? I wasn't supposed to do anything, certainly not make any major life decisions, without discussing them thoroughly with my Forum mentor; I was supposed to show my dedication to the Forum by paying to attend "advanced" workshops and volunteering my time at the introductory workshops, at which new blood was brought into the organization. The fact that a cult helps some people, or that the initial experience is positive, does not mean that it isn't a cult.

After catching a recent episode of the Secret Lives of Women on WE TV, I'm very interested in this piece on the Dahn yoga practice. The Secret Lives episode featured women involved in various cults. One particular woman said she 'escaped' from Dahn. Until then I had never heard of Dahn, and was confused on how a yoga center could be considered cult-like. She apparently is still suffereing the emotional damage from Dahn. So I'm looking forward to the CNN piece for more explanation and understanding.

@ Debra, and perhaps all...

Very interesting, how does one become a yoga master in 1 yr? Excuse my skepticism, but to become a yoga master in anything less than a lifetime is a one in a billion type of thing. But then again, I'm not a Dahn Yogi. Nor am I Swami Sivananda, TKV Desikachar, or Pattabhi Jois (may he RIP).

As with anything there are individuals who go too far. It is possible that some individuals have taken the teachings as literal translation. I would, however, be cautious of anyone indicating their style of yoga as the only style of yoga. Further, to claim ones self to be a master of yoga (including any of the traditions – perhaps not Dahn Yoga) is a very righteous move. Perhaps too good to be true.

Interesting article nonetheless.

Much peace,

Eric Mathias – SAGEM Yoga

I've been practicing and teaching Dahn Yoga for a few years now, and there's of course a LOT I could and would like to say about the current ongoings, but I will say only this.

Don't take anybody's word for it. Especially in our current society of scheming, increasing psychological problems/instability around the world, and burying of the truth among massive amounts of false information, I think it's time to rely on our own sound judgement.

For the people who have given Dahn Yoga a chance and did not think it a fit for themselves, that's fine. But give yourself at least enough respect and trust to experience it firsthand before you knock it. Of course I'd love to tell you that all these allegations and claims by the plaintiffs in the lawsuit are ridiculous and completely false, but I think you have the right to be wary of this information as much as you should be wary of theirs. Trust your experience, your judgement and take responsibility for your choices.

I based my choice of career on this same principle - my own experience and what I believe to be my own sound judgement. Actually the reason I believe in this program is because Dahn Yoga encourages you to trust your own brain, to trust the wealth of wisdom and instinct that's already stored in your brain. In my personal experience, I've never been told what to do in this practice, beyond the normal requirements of any job. Actually I've been given more freedom than I've ever been at any other job - which is amazing and a bit frightening at the same time because it's more responsibility for me. I honestly have no idea how they've come up with such a ridiculous claim that Dahn Yoga is a cult and that they do psychological manipulation. Nothing could be further from the truth.

the people using the term 'master' in dahn yoga are actually incorrect, its a short cut for the korean word. the proper term is 'master-in-training'. The people who work in this role of dahn yoga (a small percentage of the people who practice dahn yoga), choose mastery as a goal, but it doesn't mean they are a master. i applaud them. dahn yoga actually corrected that misperception a long time ago, i saw a sign posted at my center, but i guess old habits die hard. none of the dahn yoga poeple i met had airs that they were masters. it is something this sensationalized news is trying to scare people with now. dahn yoga is a cool place and everyone should chill out. the more yoga, tai chi, ki gong, whatever you want to call it, the better.

am not in a "cult". It has been just a wonderful experience for me.

The masters are some of the purest, nicest, people you could ever meet. They are there to help and guide you, but yes, it is a business and you do get asked to go to workshops and events which cost money. It's always your choice as to whether you want to participate or not. Every workshop I have gone to I've learned from and don't regret the money I've spent.

Personally, I have changed in many ways for the good. I've lost 60lbs ~ i"m stronger and more flexible and much happier. So much fun and laughter at classes. You just feel good about yourself. I've met some great , like-minded people, fellow members. We are friends ~ we get together outside of yoga. That's not how a cult operates.

Go by your own experience ~ stop by a Dahn yoga centre near you and try a class. I guarantee you'll love it and it'll be the best thing you ever did for yourself. I know it was for me.

I've been doing Dahn Yoga since August 2009. I joined because I had just completed $3000 rehab on bad knees and was still in extreme pain and could hardly move. Within a month, the knee pain was gone and I'm happy to report that stairs no longer scare me. Dahn Yoga combines yoga stretching, Tai Chi and energy exercise - KiGong (in Korea), like QiGong (Chinese) that works with an individuals own physical energy. It's a powerful combination that helped me get my body moving - and enjoying it. I also knew of the "cult" label of Dahn - before I even tried it ... having been involved with other "cult" organizations over the years. And exercising my free will, checked them out. I think that it is an experience that is not within the "norm" of today's health and exercise fads... and can scare people because they are challenged to examine their own personal beliefs and self-imposed limits. The loving kindness of the staff, and practitioners make Dahn Yoga a warm and welcoming environment.. whichis rare in our bottom-line fast-paced world. I encourage those seeing these reports to check it out for themselves and not take the allegations and negative comments as true, but to see what is true for him/her self..

@sagemyoga (Eric)
I think Debra means "instructor." "Master" is a mistranslation of a word in Korean which is used to describe instructors in many disciplines in Korea (including Martial Arts like Tae Kwon Do). I think in the past, when Dahn Yoga was new in the U.S., instructors were called "masters" because of this mistranslation. It certainly does not refer to having reached mastership of oneself to the level you're talking about. Also, there are trainings where "mastership" of one's mind and body are the focus. It's all misinterpretation and wordplay.

@Niranjana
I definitely hear you! In Korea, it is called dahn hak, meaning the study of energy. However, in the U.S., people have a general understanding that Yoga is for your health, both body and mind. I understand that "yoga" means union, as in union of body, mind, and spirit. This is exactly what we try to do in our practice. We don't claim to be Indian Yoga. However, I believe we share the same principles and essence with all trainings and practices that promote harmony of body and mind. I apologize if we have offended you by using this word.

@Dimes1
I think the whole reason for these reactions is because CNN does NOT seem to be being "fair." Millions of people practice Dahn Yoga around the world. If someone made accusations about something you love, wouldn't you try to defend it? Especially when the claims have been proven to be false and so frivolous that they were dismissed by the courts? So we should ignore the 99% of voices who support this practice and listen to the1% who are trying to slander it for their own financial benefit? That doesn't sound very fair to me. I guess we'll have to watch the show, but from what we've seen until now, that's what CNN is doing. Because you know... that's much more interesting than just a bunch of people becoming healthier.

-Edwin
Dahn Yoga practitioner and former instructor

I was a 'volunteer' at Kripalu in Western Massachusetts. It is the largest yoga and health center in the United States. I went there hoping to center myself and be able to practice yoga with better form and clarity. If I had not had the presence of mind to question some of their practices, I would have fallen for the 'cultish' aspects and become totally enveloped in the 'low protein, yoga-all-the-time-even when you're not feeling it, take VERY expensive courses to impress others, worship deities I may or may not want or choose to believe in' attitude they tried to cultivate. I noticed many participants in rigorous programs that woke them up early, deprived them of vital nutrients and essentially tried to brainwash them of their secular belief systems. I was happy and thankful for the experience, but was self-convinced to leave the 'program' early (I was going to stay for a year and left after only 1 month) to regain my place in regular society, but with a better understanding of how yoga and healthy eating and regular meditation can help (and has helped) me.

I don't think all programs, be they yoga, dance, religion, food related, exercise or otherwise are all scams to make money or turn people over to a 'new light.' But I DO believe that people who get into programs with the idea that if they turn themselves wholly over to any one system of thought or being their lives can be completely turned around. More often than not it seems people are willing to invite 'followers' – anyone who doesn't have their own path worked out yet – and these people are in danger of being abused by the very system which was supposed to save them or at least point them in a direction which is 'right' for them.

I advise caution when one decides to involve themselves in ANY structured program. If it doesn't feel right, it probably isn't right for you. The longer you stay, the more of yourself you may be sacrificing in order to fulfill the desires of someone other than yourself.

Peace and good living to all.

I love CNN stories. But this one, you guyes did something big mistake. Don't be a silly american...

In my experiences with Dahn Yoga, the degree of teaching varied with the good and bad teachers. They all had a degree of being lost, as Dahn moved them around on a regular basis from centre to centre. Also, a number of them were sadly estranged from family, if family wouldn't join, you were told to cut ties as this was necessary for one's path to enlightenment. This has been personally encountered.

On a Dahn away weekend, the instructor told that the previous such weekend, fifty percent of the students had decided to become Dahn teachers. I learned that this may not have been their choice. As at the end of the weekend, emotionally and mentally exhausted the teacher from my centre told me `you want to be a Dahn teacher'. No was my reply, a reply that had to be repeated numerous times as the Dahn teacher's hearing wasn't so good on the word `NO'.

Slice of life did have its funny moments. The teachers catching cold, and denying the obvious. Offers of cold medicines refused by all the teachers that came through the centre. The students decided the best way to help the suffering souls was to bring them cases of oranges, that they would accept.

I came to view the teachers in Dahn as victims of a charismatic, immoral self-serving soul named Seung Heun Lee. Thanks CNN for adding one more light on Lee's activities.

I have been practicing Dahn for well over a year and my life has changed for the better in every way. Are these allegations true? This will be decided in the court of law. However, I do believe we live in a time where many very positive things are being torn down by the sensationalistic media outlets like CNN. Please see where the original lawsuit has been almost completely dismissed except for one charge.

I have been practicing Dahn Yoga for over 5 years. My spine straightened, my allergies reduced dramatically. I was able to focus much more clearly. All without pharmaceutical drugs.

Everything I've done at Dahn Yoga I have chosen to do. I am adult enough to take responsibility for my decisions. No one forces me to do anything I don't want to do.

The sad thing is that if I were taking 5 perscription drugs for my problems, I would be normal. But if I try to heal myself through a natural Asian practice, I'm in a cult. That is the sad state of the world today.

The first problem is to identify what a cult is. I can only address the issue from a Christian standpoint. A cult is defined as anyone or any group who place their teachings on par or above that of the word of God. When even a main sream church places church teachings above obvious sexualy moral issues in the Bible etc... they can become a cult. Christian sects also overstep even the larger ones. Look at David Koresh, Jim Jones etc. while out of the mainstream,often the people are super intelligent which obviously does not prevent them from what I refer to as evil deception. Unfortunately a decieved person cannot see it until out of it.

Hi
I don't like the word cult.

And I don't understand why bowing becomes cult.

Billions of people do bowing today.

I have been a member for 12 years now. I started this yoga because of my terrible back pain and depression. I visited many, many clinics but none of them really gave me a solution for how to take away my back pain and frustration. One of the doctors even said to me, "Let's just open you back and I can figure it out." Anyway, I started dahn yoga and one week later my back pain was totally gone. That was back pain that had bothered me for almost 1 year! Actually, one of the best exercises I did was bowing. Normally I do 103 bows, but I have done 3000 bows twice since I have joined. It was really good meditation and fixed my circulation a lot. So I don't understand why those CNN pepole are talking about bowing as something bad or strange! If you don't have any experence, just do it and you can get the benefit.

I am a mental health professional who had the misfortune to join Dahn Yoga four years ago. At first, the results were surprisingly wonderful. I enjoyed the classes and practice. As I went on, the pressure to spend more and more money and join "events' was increased. The final straw for me was following a weekend of "enlightenment." I recognized many of the activities and statements as cult brain-washing activities, including exhaustion, mind control and others. Following that weekend, my master wanted to meet with me personally. She then told me that I wasn't letting go of all of my emotions and was blocking my progress. She spent an hour banging on my sternum and stomach (to the point of extreme bruising) while demanding that I release my control. Then she told me that I truly needed to spend $10,000 to go to Sedona to study with Lee. That is when I too confronted them about being a cult and went so far as to alert the local Better Business Bureau. This is a dangerous group that is preying on all types of people. They are a cult indeed, and should be stopped.

I don't understand why CNN report this.
I'm disappointed about CNN regarding the way they wrote.
I experience and teach Dahn, this is one of the most effective way to keep your body healthy and mind happy. I saw so many people are benefiting from Dahn practice even right in this moment.
There are many aspects of view.
It is sorry that the truth is manipulated and CNN is listened only one side.

I don't think that is a good article.

As am employee of Dahn Yoga for 3 years, I can confidently say that it is not a cult, and that I practice integrity, honesty, and sincerity in every class I give and every business transaction I conduct involving my studio.

I will not go so far to say that Dahn Yoga is a perfect corporation - I'm sure people have had less-than-satisfactory experiences with certian instructors or teachers. That is truly unfortunate, since this is such an amazing and beautiful practice. However, I can say with confidence that the few unsatisfactory experiences are far outweighed by the hundreds of thousands of people who have received huge benefits from the practice.

I believe that actually this lawsuit is a great opportunity for the world to know the truth - that the allegations of the plaintiffs in this not-yet lawsuit are completely fabricated and false. The amount of contradictory evidence is so huge and almost laughable, that if this case ever gets to court it stands no chance whatsoever. At last all these ridiculous claims can finally be put to rest. All this media attention has been stirred up by them in hopes to force a monetary settlement. I am sorry for CNN for being used in such a way, and sorry for anyone who believes their incredulous claims.

I don't understand how CNN would make this kind of mistake. They are supposed to be the ones who look after the truth but you are making a big~ mistake. Do the full investigation again to report the truth!

Wow, CNN!!! Journalism is reaching all time lows. How can you air
and print such a one sided and biased report. This is not investigative reporting. Please seek out the other side of this story.
Not by breaking into a ribbon cutting ceremony and shoving microphones in peoples faces, but by sitting down and speaking with members who have seen amazing benefits to the practice. By speaking to contented employees who are helping people worldwide!!!!

CNN shame on you...let me ask you something Campbell: have you ever taken the time out of your stressed out life to go to a class? and Kyra, what were your so called "assignments", 2 days after a class? I find that statement hard to believe.
I too have made some incredible friends, gotten over alot of anxiety, depression, memory loss and am now off 3 different medications doctors put me on. I am not labelled by my instructors. I am accepted for who I am and as I go through my own personal growth, there are workshops I can attend, and yes they may cost some money, but its my choice if I want to participate or not. Lets just compare it to any other business, like 24 hour fitness, you pay a fee, you become a member and then if you want a personal trainer or additonal services, you are asked to pay. Give me a break Campbell and Kyra. Have you ever heard of " a business"? This particular one allows growth and personal understanding of one's self, where you set your goals with the help of your instructors. If you don't think your path or suggested workshops are for you, then you say No and move forward with the help and kindness of your instructors. I have gained so much strength, energy and now, I can walk down any black alley and know I am safe, because of the path I've chosen and the defensive moves I have learned in a workshop that I chose to take. You are both a joke, and CNN, shame on you for trying to take a business and portray it as a cult. PS: my torn rotator cuff:: theres no physical therapy that I could possibly do that would heal it the way Dahn yoga has.I have full mobility and use of it. Its amazing when one puts themselves in the drivers seat, rather than listening to doctors and being put on pain medication, that allows one to recognize the physical limitations one has that get better with time as I did, while practicing my yoga. SHAME SHAME SHAME on you Campbell...go to a class, then report on something you actually did. Dont just speculate.

Dahn yoga is helping people.
I received a lot of help.
Don't make untruth story.
You should broadcast true story.

I have been practicing Yoga at Dahn Yoga for 4 years. It is a great source of strength for me. It helps me relax, be peaceful and mentally strong and to deal with my regular life and remain healthy.
What I really liked was that I have felt the oneness of humanity, that we all are human sharing the bounty of one Earth. I specially felt the need for this realization in these troubled times when the clash of religions in the world is very confusing. Being a Muslim, it was very difficult for me to explain to myself and my children the clash of religions in the current world. Is Christianity a cult? Is Islam a cult? They say bad things about other people and are exclusive. Humanity is not exclusive.
I am surprised Campbell Brown that you did not think to look deeper into this. Specially when all of the claims, but one, were thrown out of court. You know what you are doing by tarnishing the name of an Organization that people are benefitting from. You realize you will close it down by these attacks. I relied on Dahn yoga to remain healthy as I cannot afford being dependent on expensive medicine as I can't afford insurance.
I will reiterate what CNN LOVER said
January 5th, 2010 7:50 pm ET

I love CNN stories. But this one, you guyes did something big mistake. Don't be a silly american...

I've been a member of Dahn Yoga for 18 months. My overall health, physical condition and stress levels have improved dramatically. When I first started Dahn Yoga classes I had trouble sleeping and had high blood pressure. After several weeks of classes I these problem were greatly reduced.

My friends and family say I'm a much happier person and seem more confident and relaxed. As I continue to attend classes I notice my moods and clarity continue to improve. I've taken several friends to their monthly free classes and they've all expressed positive experiences.

I'd recommend Dahn Yoga to those who may be in poor health or simply want to live happier more fulfilling lives. It's unfortunate that such a helpful organization is unfairly attacked by people who have never attended a single class. Intelligent people should be able to make up their own minds.

Hello,
I really appreciate everyone's open and honest comments. As a Dahn Instructor I can honestly say that I have never been forced into anything and all decisions have been my own. I am sad to see CNN reporting on this story in a very biased way.

It seems to me that these women came to Dahn hoping for all of their problems to go away and when that didn't happen they became upset and chose to retaliate in this immature way.

dahnyogavoice.com has another side to this all if you are interested in making up your own mind about the whole thing.

Dahn Yoga is not a cult. How can CNN reprot this much biased opinion without any proof?

I live a long distance from my daughter but as a natural instinct I knew my daughter was experiencing something that put my antenna up. There was something terribly wrong. I flew to NY and witnessed her changing into a zombe. I could barely recognize her. She has joined Dahn and all you hear about a cult she was experiencing. I have to say that if not for Steve Hassan I think I would have lost her forever. She was lost but thankfully found her way back. I can only say no beg other parents who suspect there is something wrong with their child believe it there is something terribly wrong. Love your child and do whatever possible to get he or she as far away from those awful people before you lose your loved ones forever.
Thank you for doing this story and helping families like mine.
Brenda

I was hoping CNN would report both sides of this story fairly, but it looks like they have taken sides and are not doing true investigative reporting. Where are the interviews with satisfied employees? There are many more satisfied employees than these few ex-employees that expect money for their dissatisfaction. Face it, many large organizations have disgruntled employees, but how many of them are investigated by CNN and labeled as a "cult"? This is sad.

I am so glad that CNN is spotlighting this organization because for several years I have watched my sister go through a complete transformation while she was involved with Dahn. At first I thought it was a good thing for her because she had just lost her job and gotten out of a bad relationship but in hindsight I realize that those events only made it easier for them to gain a tighter hold on her. She almost completely stopped communication with the rest of the family and worked all the time. I work a lot but she was "working" as an instructor for 18 – 20 hours a day, seven days a week. I went to visit her three times last year and she could only leave work one of those times for an hour very late at night after her last class and before meditation.
I asked her once if she thought it was normal to work so much, never get time off, and never get to visit her family. She told me that Dahn was more of a lifestyle not a job and they were her family now. I was heartbroken that she would get so sucked in. She had always seemed like the one who had it all figured out when we were growing up.
It is very difficult to explain to someone that isn't familiar because it does seem like they should just be able to leave whenever but it is more difficult. As family we didn't even know where she lived because they move the instructors into group homes and then move the group homes all the time so they never really set down roots and you can't even send mail or visit. She moved at least 5 times in the 2 years she was with them.
Finally she called one night and told me that she was thinking of leaving and I told her that I would be there to help no matter what. She asked me to come get her but it had to be a specific night and not to text her. We packed what little she had left and moved her away in the middle of the night. All the time her "boss" called on average every 20 minutes to get her to return. Tell me does that sound normal to you. She cried the first 2 nights about how she guilty she was that she had left her responsiblities. That is emotional torture. I don't know much about Yoga but enough to know that Dahn is not just any Yoga studio and they can be very dangerous to anyone that starts "working" there.

I have been practicing Dahn Yoga with many benefits for 7 years I have never been pressured to do anyting I did not want to do.

Thousands of people from many different backgrounds receive many benefits from Dahn Yoga daily, maybe you should include their opinions.

The cult issue legally was not even let into court when they first proposed it because it lacks no basis.

Lucie Vogel illegally embezelled money from Dahn Yoga and members and she is the kind of person who would be causing this negative rumors. Jade Harrelson had serious mental issues before even practicing Dahn Yoga.

Campbell Brown and CNN please report accurately befor just posting something negative as a title.

Trust your heart,
Robert – LA

I started Dahn Yoga almost 2 years ago purely for the physical benefits. I had chronic headaches, constipation, pain in my joints from sports injuries, bad circulation in my stomach and intestines, and my back was severely uneven. I took other types of yoga before but they didn't really help me with what I was truly looking for for myself.

When I became a Dahn yoga member, my thought was, "yeah this is on the pricier side for typical yoga, but this is not just typical yoga, it's so much more than that." Based on my feeling that day, I knew this practice was something really good for me and I willingly paid for 6 months membership.

Like I said, it has now been almost 2 years since that day, and I tell you now, I've never been healthier, happier, and living with a more sound state of mind in my entire life, even as a child.

I'm not saying that the pain in my body is completely gone or I just always feel happy and floaty. I'm a human being, I have sadness and anger too. I'm also uncovering so much pent up tension from my injuries that I never knew I had inside. Regular physical therapy just doesn't help me as much, plus it cost a lot more for the same amount of time. I now understand my body so much more and I keep learning everyday.

I am so happy that I've found a practice that has helped my physical condition get so much healthier. And because of Dahn Yoga, I also feel so much happier. They've showed me how I can really feel my inner happiness and truly do what I want to do. I've learned immensely about how I can change myself and truly live my life the way I really want to, to always make choices based on my inside and not based on outside influences. That's what really one of the most important aspects of Dahn Yoga. It's the power of Choice, and the discovery of your full and complete potential as a human being.

Some advice: make choices for yourself, believe in yourself. Trust yourself, only then can you find the real truth.

Ilchi Lee's principles and practices have helped me improve health condition and find peace of mind. Before I met Dahn Yoga, I was wondering in my life and did not know what is the meaning of my life. Through Dahn Yoga practices, I started to love myself and cherish my life. CNN, please do a fair and balanced portrayal of all parties concerned.

I am a dahn yoga member.
CNN has to know true about dahn yoga.
I think CNN has to apologize to dahn Yoga member and instructors.

Why does the company (D.Y.) encourage (pressure) its employees to "make vision" (i.e. produce a certain amount of sale (money ) or else give it from your own pocket or credit)? Why do they expect employees to work in excess of 12 hours per day and live with other employees? Why are so many employees cut off from family/friends who don't practice D.Y.? I have practiced yoga elsewhere and no one pressured me to attend costly seminars in Sedona Arizona. Think about it. It doesn't add up. perhaps abuses aren't occurring at all D.Y. centers but they were happening at the several centers where my sister worked during her time with D.Y. Thank God she's out now.

CNN when you say something you need to have the responsibility of your words. With these stories, you are killing people's minds, you are hurting people's brains with bad information. You are using your words and repeating other people's words as weapons for hurting humanity and hurting America. Why don't you realize that you've made a big mistake?

How much do you REALLY know about the story? How much do you really know about Dahn Yoga and the millions of happy and satisfied workers, members and community people in the world? Don't you think that's something better worth reporting?

I am a lifetime member of Dahn Yoga. I have met many people associated with the organization across the U.S. Generally speaking the leaders are very focused on physical/spiritual growth and not so much with the fiscal aspirations of the "company". I have also encountered leaders that are more about the business of Dahn Yoga. I have to say, I believe the enthusiasm with which training is approached is genuine, and leaders only want for success for members....to that end it is the responsibility of each individual to decide for themselves what is the right choice for themselves. Do you push yourself? Your choice. Do you stop bowing, get a drink and then resume? Your choice. Do you pay thousands of dollars for additional training? Your choice. How far you go is entirely up to the individual, there is no punishment or shame attached to anyone. I would suggest that anyone who felt like they were "forced" to do something, was in fact just testing their own limits. The leaders would encourage, but members have the ultimate responsibilty of knowing when to say when. Just like any coach rooting players on to victory, leaders of Dahn Yoga only want the best for their members.

Luv Dahn Yoga. As a senior, I searched to find a fitness center that would help to keep me as fit as possible. I found what I was looking for. After a year of three times a week, I feel great. Can do much more than friends who are younger. How crazy to call this a cult. I hope in your next report you will make more effort to find the true meaning and question the plaintiffs about their motives in this case. Visit us in in Oradell, N.J. and see a session and talk to members, so you get a true picture of Dahn Yoga, Happiness and wellness

I'm very disappointed in CNN. I've been doing dahn yoga for 5 years and after suffering from depression my whole life. Through dahn yoga I found health, happiness, direction, purpose for my life. I respect Ilchi lee who has continuously helped millions of people in positive ways. Even my parents and sibling's relationships improved. If this is a cult that create positive in the world than why not air something GOOD next time!

I have been attending the Dahn Yoga Center in Rolling Hills CA and I LOVE THE WORK. No one is ever coerced me into doing anything. It is the most powerful yoga technique I have ever done and I have done all kinds of yoga for over 20 years. This is ludicrous!

I hope we could live in a fair world. but till then hope we could be fair to each other , I think it is very hard to have a CNN job! I do'nt know about 27 people which I have heard their claim dismissed!! but I can smell MONEY is envolve big time, is'nt that true? I am practicing Dahn Yoga for almost 6 years and all I can say I had Fibermaylsia and I was spending my life and money in doctors offices 2 or 3 times a week and I know Dahn Yoga helped me to get healthy again because I chose to. My family and my friend could not believe just with doing yoga I can get my physical health back . I hope CNN be very fair and talk to other 500000 members how they like Dahn yoga also. Till then peace to all of you,,,,

I would like to add my voice as a strong supporter of Dahn Yoga, I have been a member for over 5 years, and have never been subject to coercien of any kind. Yes, some of the masters have encouraged me to participate in additional workshops, and on the occasions I agreed, I was given far more than I paid for. Because of the changes in me (and my relationships), my partner, son, daughter-in-law, and best friend have joined – with no urging from me at all. They love it as well, and participate only as often as they wish to. None have taken additional workshops, and none are treated differently than I am.
I will not negate anyone else's negative experience, except to say that it has not been mine. I would suggest that anyone who is interested find out for themselves, and not through CNN's unfortunately biased series as told by disgruntled ex-employees. I am surprised and disappointed that my favorite news program has not researched both sides more carefully. On a final note, Ilchi Lee is a teacher and a kind loving person, whose primary interest is to promote peace in our world through individual health, happiness and unbiased spirituality.

On Sep 11, 2001 my life like many others changed for the worst. Ever since, I had a really hard time taking a plane to go anywhere and it was unthinkable to fly for more than 5 hours.
On February 25, 2009 I joined Dahn Yoga because I wanted to lose weight and find a way to release my stress from work. Little did I know that in only 1 month and a couple of workshops I was going to find the courage to fly again. It's not easy, but now I do it (I have taken more than 10 flights during this past year – many more than I did in the past 8 years all together!). The workshops are expensive but each time I have said "no" to them, they have respected my decision. I save money and then I spend it – something people in this country are not used to do, sorry to say –
During this past summer, a very big event was taking place at the Radio City Music Hall for Dahn practitioners; my husband and I were not able to go because we simply didn't have the money to go. A few weeks before the event, one of the instructors called me and told me that they had received a donation from a fellow practitioner and that we had been chosen to attend this event in New York, all we had to pay was the AIRPLANE ticket (irony or coincidence???).

January 6th, 2010 1:29 am ET
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I know Jade from Dahn Yoga. She came to my house after this lawsuit had started and tried to convince me to believe her story. I invited her to share, and after listening to what she had to say, I am convinced that she is lying.

And another thing, those camera people from CNN were so rude. They were told that they could have an interview later. I can see how they were attempting to patronize Mr. Lee so that he would lash out and they could paint him as a bad guy. He acted with dignity and class, and so didn't his son (not bodyguard) who pushed your camera out of the way. I am a peace loving guy, but if you attack my father like that I might punch you in the nose.

When and CNN does even a little research they would find a huge number of great things that Il Chi Lee has done and people that he has helped. Thank you Il Chi Lee for your endless efforts towards humanitarianism.

Also, I, for one, love bow meditation. I practice bows regularly as a way to center my mind and exercise my body. I know Liza, and there was a time when she too really loved this training. I am sure she still practices some aspects of it. She is certainly exaggerating for the sake of supporting her lawsuit. I mean after all her and the plaintiffs are asking for tens of millions of dollars. It does not surprise me that they would act unethically or lie for that sum of money.

Hope to see your fair news.
Wow~ how can it happen in thesedays?
You are amazing to show the news based on one side information from nowhere.

So the day has brought us to our opinions and our judgements. Here is someones opinion, to a quote I made earlier.

Is this similar to "World is not evil because of the ones who do evil, but the ones who turn a blind eye to evil"
These "new age" groups see the opportunity of making a quick buck by brainwashing these "unhappy people" they tell them the rest of the world does not know their spirit and only these people can show you the way...They then break you down like a soldier is broken down and "re-wired".

I thank CNN for creating the forum where people of whatever backgrounds and affiliations can make judgements on people and things they have not experienced. To have fear of what you don't know is cowardly, to judge it without seeking understanding for yourself (relying on others to bring you truth) is irresponsible. When will we realize that the beginnning of conflict starts with the judgement and assumtions of others. It is not the nature of Unhappy People to do anything positive for themselves or others. Unhappy people want to make other people unhappy (I could be wrong). The only thing I have seen in this practice is Happy people do something for the community to one day make this world a happier place.

I have personal experience with Dahn, I was a former member and two of my family members are ex-masters. I can tell you that Dahn is absolutely a cult. It took 2 years to get my family members out - and when they left, they were in the worst physical condition you could imagine; malnourished and sleep deprived so badly that their organs were in danger of shutting down.

The thing people don't realize often is the way mind-control works. I would strongly recommend people do a little research before making some of the comments that I see here in this post. This is a good place to start: http://www.freedomofmind.com. One surprising fact is the type of people that fall prey to mind-control techniques–they are often the brightest people that truly want to contribute to worthy causes.

Dahn really doesn't offer any *new* kinds of meditation techniques, training, healing, etc. Everything they do is a derivative of some practice that actually does show benefits, which is why some people say that it helps them. However, the motives behind this organization are not to help people or "mother earth" as they claim. And yes, they do pressure you for money–I was being pressured to pay $20,000 for some ancestral healing and told to sell my car if I had to. When I didn't I was told my soul would not go to heaven and that I was marked.

I'm happy to say that we are all out of this organization–however the price paid was higher than any dollar figure you could dream up–all of our mental, physical and emotional health was at risk. Something that people don't take into consideration is how long recovery from a mind-control experience can take. In our case, it took about 3 years for my family members to recover from the experience of being a master at Dahn and get on with our lives in a productive manner fueled by their own choices.

I feel very sad. It's not true. I am doing Dahn Yoga for 24 years. Dahn Yoga is not cult. I think if Dahn Yoga is cult then everything is cult.

When I joined Dahn Yoga about 4 years ago at age 58, I wanted to be healthier and stay flexible as I aged. I also suffered from several very painful diverticulitis (a colon inflammation) episodes a year at that time. I had tried everything Western MDs offered except to have a foot of my colon removed. Nothing worked. I never expected Dahn yoga would cure my diverticulitis. However, I only had one further diverticulitis episode after joining Dahn, and the condition resolved after that. I am so grateful. I now teach several Dahn classes a week and continue to feel strong and re-vitalized. I enjoy helping others feel healthier and happier, too. I teach one class especially for senior citizens at an assisted living facility. They enjoy the benefits, especially improved bowel and bladder control, plus improved stamina, balance, and flexibility.
There is a weekly ongoing "Earth Citizen" class accessible to those of all ages who join for a one-time $12.00 donation. Very affordable, you must admit! Hardly the expensive situation portrayed on CNN.
While I have paid for some expensive workshops, personally, I have benefited greatly,and I was never forced. I spend about what I would have spent if I were traveling on vacation. I have had wonderful, caring, loving, wise Dahn teachers who have helped me, and I am very grateful for their guidance.
I realize it is difficult to express how much I love and appreciate Dahn Yoga without sounding "extreme," but I am simply passionate about it, like some of my friends who are passionate about golf, and/or eating at good restaurants. Dahn Yoga has been a wonderful, positive experience in my life and relationships. My children tell me they enjoy the change.
I do hope that CNN will do their homework and talk with the overwhelming majority of Dahn members who are happy with the exercises and programs just the way they are.
Ilchi Lee is a visionary who has created and implemented many fine programs for personal growth to recover inner peace, so we can live together in peace and harmony on Mother Earth.
Please, CNN, become part of the solution. My opinion of CNN has certainly declined with the first of these segments on Dahn Yoga.

I am sad and very disappointed in this so called "investigation" about yoga.

Instead of giving people confidence to take the step to live a healthy life, for example through yoga, CNN is now bad-mouthing yoga.

If this kind of "show-the-viewers-what-the-wiewers-want-to-see" reporting continues (and we Americans are very good at it?!), we cannot look forward to a healthy and peaceful society, but rather one where people are too afraid to stand up for their hopes and dreams.

We have to do better!!

Ah, I see that Dahn Yoga has sent their followers here to fill the comments section with glowing praise for it. Actually, I know that they have, because their WordPress site tells them to. I'm sorry, but Dahn Yoga sounds like a cult to me, and a pyramid scheme. I've had enough experience with cult/pyramid schemes to be able to see the signs.

Many people benefit from self-help organizations. However, many people also use these organizations as an addiction like any other, and they allow those organizations to take over their lives completely. If it helps some people, fine. But don't Dahn Yoga, or anything else, take over your life. Think for yourself, take whatever positive experiences you've had, and don't ruin yourself financially or emotionally in order to achieve an elusive, unattainable goal.

Most of the positive comments are from current masters. And yes, they demand they be called Master.
Many former, now poorer practioners are not coming forward to support the ex employees. They are fearful of this group. This group expressed an intent to protect its community till death. That means they are willing to die for Ilchi Lee.
Other former members and masters just want to fade away not wanting any publicity. They feel stupid.
CNN KEEP GOING THESE GIRLS ARE BRAVE.

I have been a member for 5 years. I watched your show last night and the focus was on former employees who have sued the organization, only to have their law suit dismissed for lack of evidence Yet, despite this you let them share their complaints. Interesting response by a show that claims to be a news show.

Not everyone likes everything, and Dahn is not for everyone. But for those of us who attend classes and workshops, the training is great. The staff are warm and welcoming and well trained. The classes are challenging as well as relaxing. The whole philosophy of Dahn, to attain peace within oneself and then share that peace with one's family and community, is a philosophy I believe.

I hope in the next 2 days you plan on having people on your show who have had a positive experience of Dahn. There is a reason that the organization is growing and perhaps you should discover why. Using inflamatory language like "Yoga Cult," is not an indication that you are approaching this in an unbiased manner.

We as individuals all have the right to choose. When one places all of their needs on one thing, to me that means that they are simply looking to be fixed. If they are not "fixed", then rather than look inside themselves, they will automatically blame. If I allowed myself to become a victim of anything or anyone, and followed them in the belief that they would make me whole, and I wouldn't be responsible if it didn't work out the way that I wanted it to, then "Shame on Me"
I am a member of Dahn Yoga, and recognize the true meaning of it's voice. In no way shape or form is anyone trying to make me be anything other than who I am. The tools that they teach and share with me, have only allowed my mind to recognize that the world does not exist only on evil. The media loves to find and dig up negative information, and there are many people who love to listen to negativity.
However, the big things in life, that can change the way PEOPLE treat one another, or news that can be positive, gets alot less attention, unfortunately.
Dahn Yoga is no more than a vehicle to finding a better self, viewing the world as a happier and healthier way to live. People whom I share my classes with, have everyday lives, with everyday challenges, no better or worse than anyone else. Yet, for me, I see joy, pure intention and a wonderful environment, that can only lead me to become a better person. We enter this world very pure, unaffected by ignorance, hate, evil, crime and anything else negative, yet as we grow up, our views become tattered and we experience disappointments, difficulties and many lessons that don't feel good. Basically we are all human.
When I enter my Dahn Center, I get the opportunity to hear myself in so many other people. I am reminded of the good in people and the love of this planet we all live in. I get to share this with people of all ages, all cultures and learn of the potential that can exist in this world.
So, what I am trying to say, is that rather than live in world, where we have to teach our babies "not" to talk to strangers, where we have to live in a world in which we have to be frightened of who may be on an airplane with us, when we are going on a family vacation, and all of the negative aspects we are living amongst,,,,,,,,,,MY CHOICE IS TO BE IN A PLACE THAT IS TRULY TRYING TO MAKE OUR WORLD A BETTER AND HAPPIER PLACE TO LIVE IN . AS A RESULT OF THE MANY PRACTICES,AND CLASSES TAUGHT TO US, OUR HEALTH AND OUR MINDS BEGIN TO IMPROVE AND EXPAND.
So sad, that the media is filled with junkies who only look for the negative or bad PRESS.
Remember, first we are a person, from their it is our choice to choose the path in which we prefer.
I have chosen this practice for myself, as it continues to help balance out the parts of myself, in which I RECOGNIZE need attention.
This of course is not something that one gets in a week or a year or 10 years, as the reality is we are all growing and when we stop, we no longer occupy this place we call earth. One's journey is as much individual, as it is united. With each day we learn and improve, yet the part that I love the most, is not recognizing this growth and just staying on the path in which it leads and never stopping, JUST SHARING...........
AGAIN, WE ARE ALL JUST PEOPLE WHO ARE TRYING TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE FOR THE BETTER AND RECOGNIZING THAT IT IS A REAL POSSIBILITY.
IT IS EASY TO FIND FAULT, YET IT IS ALSO SIMPLE TO "JUST BE".

Never heard of Dahn Yoga before today. Just from reading the comments from the people defending Dahn, I will never let anyone I know go near that place.

Why Dahn Yoga? Because it provides a service people need. Guidance and support for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Young people not yet sure about who they are, get a chance to find out a lot about themselves, not all of it is going to be nice. It is up to the individual to educate themselves on the spiritual life, beginners may think that whatever they are doing now is the ONLY way to grow, but they are still in the realm of illusion. D Y encourages people to let go of preconceptions; there is no need to take up new preconceptions regarding ways to grow, but beginners often do due to lack of experience. Dahn gives everyone experience, the goal is freedom from fixed ideas and opening up to possibilities. It is not a panacea but a place to find yourself. Don't shoot the messenger.

I can only speak from my experience.

I joined Dahn Yoga about 3 years ago.
At that time I was struggling with stress, anxiety, and tiredness. I didn’t have a steady job, and my relationships were so far from perfect.

Since I’ve been practicing Dahn Yoga, I have improved many aspects of my life.
I am able to control my thoughts and emotions. My relationships with my family and friends have grown into more loving and understanding relationships.

Dahn Yoga has given me the tools which help me to be more mentally, physically, and spiritually stable.

I wish the prices would come down that more people can benefit from Dahn Yoga.

I am not a Dahn practitioner, but thanks to the publicity I have become more curious about it and will look into it. So, there is a benefit to the 'negative' publicity after all.

So what exactly IS a cult, anyway? Seems to me that that the Pat Robertson people are a cult, perhaps the Rick Warren group is a cult, and, frankly, most evangelical groups. Joel Osteen, perhaps? What is a cult? If you're talking about blind faith, then these seem to me to be more cultish than any yoga groups. If you're talking about indoctrination, then these groups certainly do that. If you're talking about not being able to question the so-called "authorities", then these groups definitely do that as well (for clarification, I mean Pat Robertson and evangelicals; I am not lumping Rick Warren and Joel Osteen in this group). Again, what is a cult? Seems to me that most people of the conservative christian persuasion are the ones accusing other religious groups of being cults. Is it because Christian religious groups feel threatened? Really, what's typical is that any religious group that tries to show that there is a greater peace and happiness beyond that of accumulating wealth and material possessions, that dares to show compassion for enemies and the down-trodden, is deemed a cult. Ironically, religious groups that try and actually DO what Christ taught are cults!

On another note, I am surprised that Brit Hume didn't accuse Buddhism of being a cult when he 'suggested' that Tiger switch religions. (Imagine the reaction of the Christian right if someone suggested that Larry Craig, Ted Haggard, Gov Sanford, Newt Gingrich, Karl Rove, etc., should switch religions!)

I feel bad for those here who are so filled with hate and anger, so closed, that they "will never let anyone" they "know go near the place".

I have been practicing Dahn for 2 and a half years. During that time the healing experience I have had and have also witnessed for others has been beyond words. I suffered with suicidal depression, anxiety and spent thousands of dollars on the party that was my life. Coming to Dahn changed all of that for me. I became an instructor within 6 months and was able to overcome my fear of teaching. The healing I have experienced has changed my life and ultimately who I am. I now have an amazing network of people that are like family to me. I couldn't imagine my life without Dahn. Dahn Yoga is not a cult and any person who practices Dahn practices by their own choice. Out of 27 disgruntled employees 26 cases were dropped out of court for insufficient evidence. There are two sides to this story and truly hope that the thousands who do practice Dahn will ring out and make a joyful noise to overshadow the lies that 27 people are telling for their own personal gain. It is so sad to see that the media can be manipulated and that CNN would resort to tabloid journalism.

By the way, the 'physical exhaustion' which the plaintiffs complain of, pertains to the practice of doing prostrations, which is a common Eastern religious practice. Tibetan monks will sometimes do thousands, even tens of thousands, of these prostrations during a retreat. Other practitioners, instead of walking, will do prostrations-for miles and miles, even hundreds of miles, as a spiritual practice, across all manner of obstacles, including mountains, streams, streets, garbage and excrement. The Tibetan style of prostrations is especially physically demanding.

Prostrations are wonderful means for developing humility, inner strength and character and prepare the body for meditation, something that we Americans especially need work on. They are often accompanied by prayer or the recitation of a mantra, or the wish for other beings to be released from suffering.

I don't know what happened with these practitioners. It sounds like sour grapes to me, and that their lawyer is trying to exploit something. It is like complaining about saying too many prayers. Regardless, I hope these plaintiffs find relief from their suffering.

It is very obvious that a number of the pro-Dahn commenters are not native English speakers – Dahn employees? Or perhaps the same employee commenting under several names?

I know for a fact that a couple of months ago, the wages already earned by the non-Korean employees were cut without warning in the Dahn Yoga organization and other organizations like IBREA etc. that are connected but have different names to hide the connection with IlChi Lee. These employees were not told that wages would be cut and when they received less money than expected, they had checks bounce and other difficulties. This happened because of a sudden drop in business due to the scandal but IlChi Lee's lifestyle of luxury continues as before. Furthermore, these and other employees were called to emergency "retraining sessions" where they were asked to express their hatred of the people suing Ilchi Lee and his organizations and they were told what to think and say about the ongoing scandal. Employees were not given the option to not attend the Sunday meetings out of fear that they would lose their jobs if they did not. There were other similar meetings at which the employees were made to stay until 2am. If CNN interviews employees anonymously they will learn the reality of how bad this organization really is and that it is indeed a cult. I am not putting my full name here because I do not want to put in harm the people who have provided me with this information and because I used to have a direct business relationship with IlChi Lee's organizations and myself fear their retaliation for putting these remarks here. But anyone who wants to know the truth can go to the HQ in Sedona and interview employees individually and anonymously. The truth will become very very clear to all. Finally, the attorney for Dahn Yoga, Joseph Alexander who is also a spokesperson has told others of his intention to dig into the past of the main plaintiffs to get so much "dirt" on them as to make them afraid and drop the suit, or accept a payoff. Failing that, Mr. Alexander is hoping that the smear campaign will discredit the plaintiffs...this is the same thing that happens to rape victims who are attacked by prosecutors and made victims again in the process. Hopefully this time justice will prevail and I look forward to following this with CNN.

I learned of Dahn Yoga only due to controversy about its allegedly coercive and abusive practices here in Albuquerque, New Mexico (USA). It seems to me that there are too many people reporting abusive practices and undue pressure for these former members allegations to be dismissed. I have practiced yoga, but have no experience with Dahn. However, the allegations of abusive practices reminds me of my one experience with the introductory Landmark Education workshop. Landmark is similarly divided between those who swear by it and those who have found it suspect (to say the least). My experience with Landmark was that it was unbelievably coercive: the followers unreasonably (persistently ignoring an emphatic "NO") pressured me to attend its workshop and during the workshop exhorted us to sing its praises to family and friends, even at late night/early morning hours so they would likewise "sign up." Thus, I can well believe these women's allegations about Dahn.

Wow – All the people defending Dahn Yoga are really convincing me this place is definitely a cult. I feels like a mass e-mail went out to its members to go online and leave messages. A lot of the syntax in the shorter messages make it seem like their coming from the same person.

By the way ... Dahn Yoga is exercise. A little bit of exercise goes a long way. I am saddened that a lot of people are blinded and are crediting Dahn Yoga for the common sense benefits of exercise.

The people featured in this CNN story used to be clients of mine but when I realized that I recognized many of the alleged behaviors as being real issues their organizations needed to address, they acted in anger, terminated their contract with me and hired instead a "Reputation Doctor" whom I heard is also no longer working with them either. They also later sued my company in retaliation and we are in the middle of a court battle with them, so my opinion here is biased though I believe it is based on sound facts and direct experience.

I applaud Campbell, Kyra, David and others on the CNN team and encourage them to keep digging. The issues they have broached so far only scratch the surface and anyone who actually wants to get an idea of this organization's mentality only has to try and have a conversation with IlChi Lee himself, who is worshipped by those who work under him as some sort of God or demi-God, though I am not sure how clear the distinction is for them. I did have a one-on-one in person meeting with him once and to be honest it was a huge disappointment because not only was he "just a man" (of course), but the conversation with him was extremly mundane and Mr. Lee's comments and questions were very shallow, not those one would expect of even a thought leader, much less a spiritual one. The gap between what I was told about this man and what I saw with my own eyes was HUGE!

One other observation: I was shown a huge house on top of the highest point in Sedona and told that it belongs to IlChi Lee but that he has "donated" it to some other group called the Tao Fellowship. I believe, however, that this was another case of subterfuge and legal maneuvers being used to hide the real story of Mr. Lee's life of luxury at the expense of his underpaid workers and overpaying clients. Another area ripe for further investigation.

Everyone reading these posts should know that the Dahn Organization calls on their members and their staff to act against any perceived outside threat when it happens; in this case that means apparently having as many of their supporters as possible post comments on this blog to counteract the negative press they are getting. In the case of a story in the Santa Fe Reporter (www.sfreporter.com) a few months back, angry Dahn Yoga supporters went to every newspaper box, took all of the available copies and got rid of them in the hopes that that would keep outsiders from reading the damaging article. They apparently do not understand that eventually the truth will come out.

Thousands of dedicated Dahn masters work tirelessly to help Dahn yoga members and the communities around the world. If CNN suggests finding one’s true self and making positive choices for oneself and the world is an act for a “cult” group, it is insulting to these Dahn masters as well as hundreds of thousands of members including myself, who have received great benefits from Dahn yoga trainings. By providing a mean to a very small number of people who might have an alternative motivation to harm the reputation of Dahn yoga group (to pressure Dahn yoga to settle the lawsuit which they will not win due to the lack of evidence), CNN undermined the noble mission of Dahn yoga group.

The manner in which CNN approached Dr. Ilchi Lee was also very disappointing. Throwing a question at him clearly designed to stir an emotional reaction rather than seeking information, in a place where many were gathered to celebrate the mother earth and to congratulate Dr. Lee for his contribution to humanity, it was a good example of media trickery looking for entertainment, not information. I hope to regain my belief that this type of journalism is beneath CNN.

About 3000 bows. Ask anybody who are familiar with Buddhism or meditation. Bows are done to show your humility and sincerity in front of God or Universe, and when you have a sincere desire to show your conviction or achieve a certain goal, one does 3000 bow meditation to show one’s deep commitment. To call this any other than a sincere form of meditation is to show an utter lack of understanding for the culture that you are reporting on. A credible mass media operation, such as CNN, should have educated itself not to obscure the intention and meaning of this thousand year long tradition.

I've watched the recent coverage about Dahn, and I know that the Dahn organization is not as pure about it's intentions as it would show the world. How many people realize that this is not the first lawsuit against Dahn? A few years back a woman from Brooklyn DIED in Sedona during a group hike with ROCKS in her backpack instead of water. Look it up, and see how an educated woman got sucked into the vortex.

I AM a Dahn member. I've been there about 2 years, and have seen the "masters" single out people for special attention- getting them to sign on to classes, which costs $$$. Young single folks are particular victims of this attention. I've seen people go from being relatively healthy young people to being too thin and too involved with Dahn, spending all of their time and effort advancing the Dahn agenda.

I looked the other way at first when I was approached for "special healing" classes and sessions, weekend seminars and whatnot. But I started to get creeped out by the pressure I felt having to say NO all the time to their constant advances... Even though they always had a line to feed you like "You need to take care of yourself first. You can't be a good mother if you don't do that." But of course, it meant that the only way to care care of myself was to further indoctrinate myself into their culture- and to spend $$$. I watched others transform into Dahn wannabe masters, and realized that I'm outta here.

It is NOT YOGA. And the organization renames itself from time to time, hiding behind a variety of names to funnel money to it's leader, Mr. Lee.

Google "Dahn Yoga Cult", and see for yourself.

Thank you CNN for allowing the positive comments about Dahn to be part of your broadcast and blog. I pray that they will hearten you to do a more in depth report on the thousands and thousands of people all over the world who are living fuller, happier, and healthier lives. It is so sad that we in America have become like the Romans with the media devouring people like the lions did to the Christians. Dahn Yoga has saved my life. I am a highly educated 46 year old CIO with a wife and 4 children. We all practice yoga and healing. I am fine with anyone who wants to call me brainwashed or part of a cult. Whatever. I know from very deep experience that the principles and practices taught by Dahn can make a difference in anyones life. It has happened to me, my wife, many friends, and scores of acquaintences. I am mentally and physically healthier than I have been since I graduated from high school. I have been practicing Dahn Yoga and Healing for 3 years and have been to many advanced trainings. I have been to the Arizona training facility and apart from my wedding day and the birth of my children, it was one of the handful of times in my life I truly experienced the rapture of being alive. I am also deeply Christian and a deacon at my church. Dahn practice and Christianity and different leaves of the same flower. They complement eachother completely and totally and in fact have helped me understand the teachings of Jesus more deeply, especially in a gnostic sense. Dahn teaches us to re-inhabit our physical bodies thru various (and yes intense) exercise, reconnect to our breath, re-vitalize our energetic life force (prana, energy, cosmic energy, whatever you want to call that), and ultimately connect to our souls very deeply so we can live the lives we were meant to live. Joseph Campbell once said that bliss is when the life you are living and the life you think you should be living are one in the same. If you want to really understand what he meant by that, Dahn can help you come to that realization as can any spiritual practice. The paradox of spiritual practice is that you can't understand the essence of it unless you take up the practice. That's why mystics and saints thru the ages have been so misunderstood. Does Dahn have quirky business practices? Yes Do they understand Western culture? Not as well as they need to. Are the trainings expensive? Yes, but how much would you pay to live the life you were meant to live? How much do you spend on your favorite vice annually? Is this training for everybody? It is available to everyone, but it is not for everyone. You have to be ready. You have to have come to the realization that something is missing in life that is more than your job, your house, your car, your identity. So anyone who thinks bowing 3,000 times is crazy I have a question for you. What is the right number of bows?
Do you know that according to PBS the average 12 year old has seen over 20,000 simulated murders in their short lifetime. Now that's crazy. CNN, you have an opportunity to help Dahn. This is truly extraordinary work and can help make our world a better place. I think we'll find in the end that being anti-Dahn is not good for your Karma! less

One can practically see the glazed eyes of the pro-Dahn writers...sounds like the "true believers" from The Forum. Of course, they're all being urged to write in;a number of them are obviously following a suggested template, because they're showing little to no variation or creativity, and often repeating the same phrases. A few apparently still have enough minds of their own to come up with their own messages - cults like Dahn (and The Forum) love recruits like that, who let them present a "sane" face to the rest of the world. I feel sorry for the intelligent people who are being duped in this particularly cruel way by an organization they've obviously given a great deal of love and loyalty to. Hopefully no one but them is being fooled.

Dahn Yoga changed the yoga school I used to attend. Located in a wealthy community, they indoctrinated our yoga teacher who then proceeded to convert the studio into a Dahn healing center. Traditional Yoga gave way to Dahn exercises and very expensive classes I could not keep up with; $300 each for 2 beginner sessions, then $1k if you want advanced classes; often students are encouraged to shell out these large sums of money for "once in a lifetime opportunities" to attend sessions with Masters. I attended two beginner sessions and came out feeling that I overpaid to receive shallow group therapy sessions and was taught a new philosophy but nothing really tangible; teachers talk in circles and never really answer questions with any depth, they encourage letting go of doubt and using their exercises to bring you where you want to go- feels like a bit of brainwashing to me. Dahn Masters have invested a lot in this community as patrons of the studio mostly are very wealthy and would not have to think twice about putting down that kind of money for very little return. Working class folks like me simply cannot afford to pay for their version of "Nirvana". A successful "business" it is. Why should salvation only be for the rich? If it really was out to heal the world, it wouldn't be so elitist.

I was a member of Dahn Yoga for a number of years until I attended one of their "seminars." While I like yoga itself, the "seminars" was enough to turn me off from this bunch. At the "seminar" we were worked into a wild frenzy of motion that went on for 45 minutes straight. After that, in the very hot hotel ballroom, all of us were exhausted and very thirsty. The "master" took that opportunity to try to convince us of all sorts of things that seemed a bit odd to me. Later that day, we had to do a sort of "laying on of hands," which I reluctantly participated in. The point of that, they said, was that we were sending positive energy from the universe (which was supposedly collected by our bodies) into the other person and that we could use that energy to heal any other person in the world. I left the seminar having concluded that everything I had heard that day seemed extremely cultish and I never returned for the second day of the "seminar."

Not long after the above mentioned "seminar", the center instructor really began trying to pressure me into spending many hundreds of dollars on more of their so-called seminars (according to the instructor, the seminars ranged from $195 to $495). When I said I couldn't afford it, I was told that "money is only energy," and that whether I could afford it was irrelevant.

Others at the yoga center I frequented did not have the same experience I had. Many of them were never asked to attend seminars, nor were they hounded and pestered the way I was. And when I say hounded and pestered, I really mean it. No exaggeration. During my years of going to yoga classes, I was constantly pressured to spend more money on seminars, books, retreats in Sedona, 3 or 5 day "cleansings" where people fast and take part in who-knows-what at some center in New York, and all sorts of nonsense.

In retrospect, the classes started off nicely, but the hard sell tactics used by the instructor soon kicked in and became extremely off-putting. I don't believe in all the new-age hoo-ha that a lot of these people seem to. And I never wanted that sort of stuff (or anything spiritual, for that matter) out of a yoga class. All I wanted was to increase flexibility and focus, and have a relaxing experience a few days a week after work. The instructor's relentless pusuit of another sale made each class extremely unpleasant and I found myself bolting out the door immediately after the last exercise so as to avoid any conversation with her. Not exactly the relaxing experience I had hoped for. When my membership expired, I left and have no intention of ever going back.

All that said, I can only speak from my personal experience. My immediate instinctive reaction after the "seminar" was that what they were doing seemed very cultish, and that their "leader," Ilchi Lee was (in my opinion, inovking 1st Amendment) likely a ridiculous, self-important fraud. Frankly, come to think of it–and this is also my opinion (again, invoking 1st Amendment)–I think I'd place James Arthur Ray in the same category as Ilchi Lee. Who knows, maybe these people really honestly do BELIEVE they are all about self-help and helping people become self-aware. For me, though, all this falls under the category of "self-beware." Join, spend money, and play follow-the-leader at your own risk. My advice would be to go into everything with eyes wide open and brain on red alert.

It's obvious the Dahn organization has asked all of it's brainwashed employees to post rebuttals. Get a life people!

Cult – "a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc" – "a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader" – "any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific" Just a few definitions of "cult". So yes it is a cult by definition. Name me an organization (from the US Government to your local McDonald's) that doesn't fall into one of the definitions. Now hopefully the article will focus on any illegal activities going on and not just that it is a cult.
I must say, I must have had the greatest parents ever because most of the things the pro Dahn people have said they have "learned" through the practice, my parents taught me and I didn't have to pay a dime!

I'm with Joe. I had never heard of Dahn before this article, but reading the comments section sent chills down my spine. The alternating stories of people who had suffered with people who clearly would do, say, or be ANYTHING to justify Dahn... wow. Just wow. Go get 'em, CNN!

it is very simple, people can choose to do whatever they want in this country. If you like Dahn Yoga, join them, if you don't, leave. I don't think the organization would keep you from leaving, right?
In this country, anything associated with any kind of 'spiritual' practices could be called a cult. Very sad! If I used this definition, I think 90% of the people in Hong Kong would be cult members, just based on our culture practices from thousands of years.
wake up CNN! here's the fact: there is a lawsuit. (which we don't know who's speaking the truth, and we may never know) But saying that organization is a cult is so inaccurate. CNN and Campbell Brown could also be called a cult if enough people blindly believe in what you say.

Does anyone else see what's wrong with this? A group of foolish people spent lots of money on something they didn't really want, and they get to sue the company for above and beyond the cost of the services that were provided and paid for? How could someone *force* you to spend money on yoga exercise classes? As well to say that my ballet teacher is a cult leader–she wants us all to dress the same, do the same movements (grueling physical activity) and pay her for it (people think yoga is expensive ). By labeling the organisation as a cult they invalidate any defense of it, because anyone who defends it is dismissed as being brainwashed. Yet the plaintiffs are no longer involved with the group, healthy and wealthy enough to pursue lawsuits. Give me a break. This should be thrown out and they should be fined for court fees. If there are concerns about the treatment of employees they should be addressed in a criminal investigation–ensuring that the organisation is conforming to our labor laws, etc. (I worked 12 hours a day and they didn't pay me is a much bigger deal than I worked 12 hours a day).

What is cult?
Is cult bad or good? How do you know? What is the point?
If dahn yoga is good to people it doesn't matter if that is cult or whatever. Dahn yoga is not cult. I feel sorry to see people who talks about cult or not cult without any consciousness. Please be awaken.

I think this report is way too biased. Hey, Campbell Brown, how about interviewing some real members and get OUR perspective, instead of making this into some "sensational" piece of news. I've joined Dahn Yoga in September to deal with debilitating chronic pain. I've tried physical therapy for a year and it did nothing to calm down the pain or minimize it. My first 2 weeks at Dahn Yoga gave me more benefits than a year's worth of physical therapy. I signed on for six months. To date, I've gained more flexibility and has kept my pain to a more moderate level. The staff is incredibly supportive, very friendly, and always there to give you advice. I find great comraderie in my classes - something you will NEVER find in some big class gym. And, when I don't attend for several days, my instructor will call me and check in with me and asks if there is anything she can do. All of the instructors are really fantastic. It's a shame that a few money hungry ex-employees are looking to destroy the reputation of this yoga.

I think that everybody is confused between two major issues. There is the excersice part of Dahn Yoga and there is the business deal behind the organization. In order for an organization to get so much money out of there members they have to have something to sell their members with a lot fo added value.
I have been a member of Dahn Yoga for 2 years. Their excercise routine is excellent and it does make you physically feel good because it was copied from ancient martial arts and yoga practices. However behind of the feeling good there is immediately give me more money. They are very well trained on how to manipulate people and using their weak points to get more money from them.
I went to their Master Healing School in Sedona last year and it was 10% training and 90% scary brainwashing. One of the Masters in Sedona claimed that I owed her $3,000 and I must pay it in cash immediately. When I asked for explanation of how do I owe so much money without knowing, she did not give me any logical explanation, she just kept on insisting to get the money from me.
At this point I was very disappointed because this was a person that I thought very highly of and she ended up being a crook.
After this experience I decided to totally get away from this orgnaization because their purpose is to get as much money as they can from their members by making them feel better from physical excercises.
I am really disappointed that Dahn Yoga turned out to be a money making organization capitalizing on Human weakness.

i was a dahn member for about 3 years. i stopped attending because i could no longer afford it – i traded my yoga, car payment and frequent weekend getaways for a mortgage payment...

while i was a member i heard and read many stories about dahn being a cult. i never understood that. i personally loved the classes and various trainings. through them i was able to recover from depression and come off of several medications. i was encouraged to attend various events, workshops and activities, but i never felt any pressure. i went to some and declined on others. were some of the activities over priced? yes, of course. but it was in these overpriced activities that i learned a lot about myself. and for that i'm thankful that i chose to make the investment in myself. also when i look at what i spent on the various activities, it's not any more – and in some cases less than other motivational workshops or retreats that i've looked into.

that being said – dahn is not for everyone. not everyone will enjoy the classes. not everyone will want to participate in everything they offer. and if it's not for you – then that's your individual choice. all i can say is take a class and judge for yourself. if you like it then cool, if not then just move on.

I'm very confused Isn't cult a word for extreme religious activity?? Why is CNN referring to business a cult? Doesn't make sense at all.. Besides, This seems like a very biased story.

@ jennie
Look at a dictionary:
Cult:
1. a particular system of religious worship, esp. with reference to its rites and ceremonies.
2. an instance of great veneration of a person, ideal, or thing, esp. as manifested by a body of admirers: the physical fitness cult.
3. the object of such devotion.
4. a group or sect bound together by veneration of the same thing, person, ideal, etc.
5. Sociology. a group having a sacred ideology and a set of rites centering around their sacred symbols.
6. a religion or sect considered to be false, unorthodox, or extremist, with members often living outside of conventional society under the direction of a charismatic leader.
7. the members of such a religion or sect.
8. any system for treating human sickness that originated by a person usually claiming to have sole insight into the nature of disease, and that employs methods regarded as unorthodox or unscientific.
It is not just extreme religious activity

I was a member of Dahn Yoga. I will tell about my experience. On the first visit I was invited into a small room and asked to lie down. I did and the instructor began prodding on my stomach, my chest bone and lower abdomen. She told me my chakra was closed and she then began some music and started pounding on these areas. I felt like she was beating me up. After that I went to class. She told me about other workshops and I did attend one of them. It was a bit wierd. There was a lady that came out after we had our break of about 2 hrs of jumping, chanting, reciting and meditating. Everyone was praising her and clapping. It was like a cult. I was thinking this the whole time. I sweated alot and felt like I had been to a workout afterward. I was in a different frame of mind. Sort of "stress relieved" and carefree. I was offered another workshop.."Shim Shung" (sp) training where you would basically come in and pour out all of your inner feelings to people you don't know (2 days). It was very expensive. Before I decided not to go I went out and googled Shim Shung and saw all of the comments about it. It scared me so I didn't do it. All I wanted to do was relieve stress and manage my weight and water issue. I don't like to stay and have tea afterwards. Yoga,, and "see ya next time"..! That's it. I'm still exploring other places and hope to come up with one that suites my needs. I pass this place everyday going to work and will not be going back. It's not for everyone and certainly not for me. Something is just not right about it. They were constantly asking for money. Even when I gave a logical excuse like, I have bills to pay...I wasn't being heard. The trainers "Masters" do want to know about all of your personal business, but you know nothing about them and it's always going to be that way. They have a way of "buttering" up people.

I'm with Joe and Rob on this one... Never heard of Dahn before but it strikes me that defenders here are overlooking testimonies of friends and family of former members or ex members and just saying how they have benefited from yoga. That stuff- cutting off from family, exagerated high prices, etc- sounds real fishy. Yoga is good, that is not in dispute, but maybe Dahn isn't so good? Sounds real scary.

I find this very interesting. I like how there are a lot of people on here with very American sounding names, but they post in the same odd English and generally say the same thing about 'bad mistake'. Fishy much? I'm a very open minded person, and I typically don't judge people even when they do join a definite cult. But some of the responses on here are just plain creepy.

Also, people aren't saying that YOGA ITSELF is a cult. All yoga, when done correctly, can help immensely in mind, spirit, and body. Lots of people have gotten off of certain medications by practicing all sorts of types of yoga. Not just Dahn. I haven't experienced Dahn, but what would they say if one of their members came in and said 'why don't I go to the cheaper XYZ Yoga down the street instead of this?'

Really, what more do you get from Dahn than any other yoga center, other than an empty wallet and a creepy indoctrination? It's not like this guy is the first to have made multi millions with yoga. Why is this particular yoga center under this type of fire, when others aren't?

Just something to think about...

My experience of dahn yoga: after decades of yoga instruction by qualified, compassionate beings that were true to the core, i moved to a new area and went to some dahn yoga classes. while i was paying by the class, the instruction was at the point of pressure not going into destructive pain, and fairly competent, if not what I would call yoga. I was in a state of shock from trauma at the time. I was trying to be cautious but was feeling vulnerable.

After deciding to pay for a contract to receive a lower rate per class, the instruction gradually but definitely changed. When I was the only one who showed up for a class, which happened often the "teacher" used a derogatory tone of voice, on the verge of hatred, and encouraged me to do things to a point that would have broken my bones if I had complied.
Each time I left the class and complained to the person in charge and she gave me a lot of bs and tried to defend her employee. when i wouldn't take that, she encouraged me to try classes with other teachers, but they didn't seem too regular and it was not clear who would teach when. The other teachers seemed to follow the same trend.
They were unconcerned that i had signed up assuming i could go to classes at certain times.
I had written a list of any health conditions for them, which they worked with quite competently until I signed the contract. After I signed, they seemed to target these areas, not for healing or maintenance, but as if they enjoyed trying to put me down and trying to get me to physically damage my body, even long term.
They made derogatory comments about "Americans" and how unfit they perceived us as a nation, and how they thought we were a lazy nation.
If I have been unfair it is in making them sound more positive than they are. If I had been feeling well enough, I would have taken action against them.

I have been a Dahn employee for over 2 years and a member for 4 years. Dahn is not a cult.
A cult is asystem of religious worship and ritual.
A religion or sect considered extremist or false.
(yes I looked it up).
We are a business, which promotes health and well-being.
Humans have physical, emotional and spiritual needs.
Dahn offers numerous programs and training to its members.
Our fees are competitve to other organizations offering similar programs.
(yes I looked that up too).
What kind of cult leader asks "Please dig deeper"?
I saw the footage of your 'interview with Ilchi Lee'.
A man I hold in extremely high regard, not worship or idolize.
I just respect him and his work/vision. That is why I have choosen to spend my time and energy helping achieve that vision.
I am soooooooooo pissed at how poorly you are portraying Dahn Yoga and Ilchi Lee.
In the first segment, CNN does not even mention all the charges except the sexual assault, have been dismissed.
Is that fair unbiased journalism?
Do your job and "Please dig deeper".

I have been a member of Dahn Yoga since 08/2008.Before I went to Dahn my day's were spent in bed.I had no energy,no hope to go on.Dahn Yoga has changed my life,I am feeling so much better physically and mentally.Just by taking deep breaths in and out I can focus and go deep down to my heart.I feel the truth and no one or nothing can change that.
I wish the whole world would choose to see,feel and act like Ilchi Lee.We would have a beutiful world,unlike what we have now.
All the nations claim to believe in God,my God,your God.look-look again...
We are using power to control and kill one another.
It's time for change.Please dont just say it,act on it.
Only LOVE can create a better world.
Billion's are waisted on war when billion'scould be shared to stop the hunger in our world.
The day we all see that we are ONE,we will create a better world.
We come in to this world with nothing and we leave with nothig.

Please let go of the negative.
It's time to change...
Make a new begining.

well, just by reading these comments, the ones supporting and the ones with bad experiences... my current opinion is that this is indeed a cult... I've seen people from my own family get sucked into comparable pyramid schemes and the like... they always start out making people feel amazing and creating dependence... they they start sucking the money... sad, very sad... I would love to see this go to court, and all these people with bad experiences take the stand as witnesses, so we can see at least one of the hundreds of cultish schemes fall for the world to see!

So Sad for these Americans. They inheritantly lack cultural spiritual awareness and are marginalized lost people. They tend to satisfy their fix by joining these exotic groups in which they know nothing about. We have seen it over time and again: Heaven's Gate, Jim Jones and James Arthur Ray.

I try to watch news shows that attempt to remain somewhat neutral like BBC or 60 minutes. I had always put yours there too, but am troubled by your really negative approach to the Dahn Yoga / Ilchi Lee story. With employees and participants in the tens of thousands, you (so far) have talked to two troubled, negative (but sensationalistic) people and have not talked to any of the multitude of those that have been helped by the organization.

I am 64 and have been a member for about 6 years (starting in Marietta, GA). The program and people have helped me to physically remain young, and to help me set goals for myself in finding ways to help others. I see so many others helped by his methods. People do come and go; they are not coaxed to stay or to put themselves in debt. It's definitely not a cult.

As to the bowing, I do it regularly. It's a wonderful way to waken the body's muscles and to also quiet the mind. It's enjoyable. Most times it's 103 bows and takes about 20 minutes. If Obama can bow in respect to someone, I can bow to respect the earth and its people.

I can say that I was impressed by your discussion at the end of the piece where you did discuss the many positive e-mails that you received. Since then, you've probably gotten many more, because you see, the programs help so many people to feel better about life and help them learn to enjoy it. Please remember this in your follow up... let's not hurt an organization that helps so many people throughout the world... thanks.

I don't really understand the big issue here. Yes, some people who spent a lot of money on their training are upset because they didn't get what they wanted. But from what I hear, there are many many more practitioners of Dahn Yoga who enjoy the exercises. I decided to do a little research on Dahn Yoga because after hearing the story I was curious to see what it's all about. It turns out there are over 3000 instructors of Dahn Yoga. The 27 people who are disgruntled former employees are less than 1% of that number. I wish I could have a company with that good of a retention rate. It sounds to me like most of them must be doing what they enjoy.

One other thing, I watch CNN because I feel it can be more fair and balanced than the other stations but I would have to say this story is pretty one sided. The only members of Dahn Yoga who they interview are the ones in the Lawsuit. If you really want to report something factual why don't you bring one or two of the many members in who I see posting positive comments on this blog. This can only mean that you have an agenda behind the story and you are more interested in producing something that is "big" rather than correct.

People who are genuine spiritual adepts are not out for money, fame, and power (not to mention sex). The vow of poverty exemplified by Christian and Buddhist monastics, as well as their humble service to their spiritual endeavors are examples of true spirituality. Religious teachings should be free and open to all. As it is said in Buddhist circles, "the Dharma is not something that can or should be sold for money." Whenever one runs into a so-called spiritual teacher who charges large sums of money for his teachings and/or makes grandiose claims for himself- you know that this person is a phony. This is clearly stated in many ancient Buddhist texts. A true practitioner of the spiritual path is not out for wealth, nor do they aggrandize themselves.

Dahn yoga has helped me in tremendous ways, not only has it improved my focus but also made me more calm in stressful situations. I do not believe Dahn yoga is a cult, the definition of a cult is; “followers of an exclusive system of religious beliefs or practices”. This type of yoga does not even come close to being a religious organization. People that join Dahn yoga are people who have free will and a choice to decide to be a member or yet even a master of this practice. Dahn yoga has changed my life in finding out my strength and weaknesses, for anyone to think other wise, must first see from their own eyes and experience before judging in such awful manner.

Edwin,

You need to take a good look at yourself. You cannot say every former practioner who says you're a cult is out for financial gain, as it shows you lack the depth of understanding you claim this so-called religon of your provides you. The fact is that with any experience, some people will have valid positive experiences and some will have valid negatiev experiences. For you to dismiss the negative experience is to devalue your positive experience as well. It also cheapens you personally and in pure logical terms is simple an ad hominem attack, which is an underhanded way of trying to prove a point and only shows you actually have no point to prove.

And to be perfectly honest, you sound like a cult member defending something he knows is B.S.

I was involved with Dahn Yoga for a year in Sedona, AZ. I don't know if it is a cult by the strictest definition (alienation from one's former life and complete obedience to the leader) but I do feel that they are deceptive in their ways. It's starts off innocently enough with "yoga" exercises but within a year has definite religious indoctrination. My experience went from positive to negative. I was on a weekend retreat and actually had the master shush me up when I was expressing a thought in the company of some other attendees. We had to take a pledge not to reveal anything that happened that weekend. Some bizarre activities in my opinion. Another negative experience was having a therapy session with the master for my back problems. She didn't give me any warning that what she was going to do might have negative results. That night I was violently sick and took several days to recover. They certainly are focused on getting people to pony up big bucks and after one year they raised their rates very high. In short, a wolf in sheep's clothing!

This is very sad, i have been practicing for seven years. it has been the most humbling experience in my life. i have taking every training that DAHN has, why not? For me, for my happiness, for peace. it's my choice how i want to invest my money and Yes, on my self. You may want to buy a jag, porche, hay that's your choice, but will you be happy really. Well not me, my health, happiness and me come first. This is my life insurance and i have not had a cold, fever, and sickness since i've started. Shame on you CNN for hurting good people. i really hope you do more research and take a class. experience for your self, you may even want to become a life member. We only have this body this life time, why not take care of it like it's the most precious thing in your life. What is the most precious thing in your life? GOOD LUCK

I personally some of the people suing Dahn. My child was Master and deeply immersed in Dahn. My child was damaged emotionally and financially–not a little, catastrophically. Only a minority of Dahn members are victims such as this. They comprise the staff of Dahn–which has 5,000 employees. These people give enough free labor and extorted money to Dahn (along with the money from "casual" Dahn members) to produce their $34 Million profit. It is without question a destructive cult, modeled on the Moonies. But it is important to remember that the vast majority of members are not victimized to this extent and probably derive some benefits from Dahn practices. In a sense, whatever good Dahn delivers is accidental. The purpose of the organization is to support the extravagant lifestyles of a very few at the top of the pyramid. They stole well over a hundred thousand dollars from my child.

I request CNN to air voices from Dahn to be fair.
CNN need to be responsible to provide information from bothsides.

Make another report from hundreds of people who gave a totally different exprience from the replies which sounds like very beneficial and special gift.

CNN, respect those voices and mine,too.

After watching these first two segments, it appears to me that there is a lack of balance in how the Dahn program is being portrayed. For example, the depiction of bow practice did not include its true purpose, benefits or history.

Twenty five years ago I had knee surgery and after that time, I lost the ability to bend my knee fully. I was told that perhaps another surgery could help, but there was no guarantee. After months of Dahn classes and bow practice, I regained the ability to fully bend my knee and now I am able to sit comfortably on my legs. Besides the physical aspect, bow practice also helps me to quiet and calm my mind. I continue to enjoy it on a regular basis.

I actually started with Dahn Yoga over five years ago when I began to experience the early signs of Parkinson’s Disease. I was looking for an alternative path to the medications and surgery. I experienced many improvements in my health and well-being, including better digestion, the elimination of chronic sinus infections, and less stress and fatigue. Last summer, the scores on my balance and movement tests began to show improvement. My physical therapist tells me to continue what I am doing.

I have chosen to take training classes and have found them sometimes quite challenging, but also very helpful in many ways. Always, the trainers and staff have been very supportive and never have I been asked to attempt anything beyond my abilities. I continue to learn and experience what it means to truly take control and responsibility for my life.

I would encourage anyone ready to make a judgment, to do it based on their own personal experience. I truly hope before this series ends, that you will also take a close look at the benefits of Dahn Yoga and the good that this organization has created. I would like to believe that the programs and segments CNN broadcasts depict an honest, accurate and fair viewpoint. Please, make good on your statement to hear from both sides.

I have been practicing Dahn Yoga for more than 9 years. And I have been running my center for 7 years. And I am happy. DahnYoga is not a cult. I chhose to do this work knowing that it would be more difficult than the work I was doing previously.

I was the office mamager for a small construction company and I was happy enough with my income my co-workers and my home life. But It was not all that I wanted. I wanted to contribute to the world some how. I wanted to teach classes and let people feel the benefit I had from the classes. This was not a new dream but one that Dahn Yoga helped me atain.

My healing through Dahn was not as dramatic as some I have seen or read about but I found I have tremendous energy inside that I can use. I began to see myself as strong instead of weak, I became a lot less emotional. But the best thing was that I was able to make good on a dream I had for many years.

I deeply appreciate the programs and cercomstances that Ilchi Lee created by his hard work and example, so I could do this. Yes I work hard, but it is for something that makes me so happy and satisfied in my heart. Do you know what it feels like to watch someone life get better or their body heal from your guidence? Well it is priceless.

I really want to be part of a world that can go behond the need for human beings to hurt and blame each other so they can feel in control and secure. I want to live in a world where we can be ourselves and all get along and care for this suffering planet we all live on together. That is the dream I want to create. Along side all my friends and and Ilchi Lee I believe we can creat such a world. You can be a part of it or not. It is your choice and it is my choice.
Thank you

These are amazing people at the grunt level so to speak, this is what brings you into the inner circle, you so want to be like them, they soon start taking your money, isolating you from your former life and telling you that you are special, you are hope, you can make a difference in the world, and you want to believe this. Soon you are spending a lot of time in classes, workshops and then comes the turn that this is not worth while unless you share it with others and than starts the push for you to be a grunt for vision. Nobody has mentioned the music that is played over and over during your training sessions I believe this is where the mind control is induced along with other rituals. After long training sessions
the push was for you to write your 1month vision 1year vision, and then you had to go back to your master and it was discussed if this was in line with Seuse nim's,( Ilche )vision. Does this sound like a cult to you?

just today we receive an e-mail telling us :
to be the voice of Dhan Yoga
Let's take concrete action against CNN for their unethical and illegal behavior
Campbell Brown can you please show attorneys telephone #s or e-mails
Thank you for such a grat report. its a "cult" but they are brainwashed

i have no words to express how grateful i am for DAHN YOGA, I am self employed and this is my health insurance. i am a happy that i've been with Dahn for seven years and am a life member. Please don't hurt good people, doing good for the world. 27 bad seeds against 800, 000 members. what a sad thing.

i am proud of my daughter that is a Dahn Master in training. What a great thing to know that my child is doing good for others. She is very happy, more stronger and very peaceful. Thank you Dahn for all that you do, everyone should take your classes. Her life is priceless and has changed for ever..... negative mind makes garbage brain, positive mind makes power brain....

Several years ago I signed up at Dahn for what I thought was yoga classes. I am not sure if they misunderstood me but I ended up pounding on my stomach throughout most of the session, chanting and doing several other things that I had never done in any other yoga class. We weren't allowed to speak during the whole session. At the end everyone got up and left and I stood there and thought "that's it?" As I was trying to leave, they followed me as if they were not going to let me out.

I had spent several hundred dollars for this. I went to two more sessions in case things changed. It only got weirder. They continued to follow me out the door. Finally I decided to take my financial loss on that third night and just be happy I was able to get out the door.

A cult, I don't know, but yoga, not in my book.

Let me ask you something: Do you want to know the truth or just blindly believe in what other people say? If you want to make a profound and solid decision in what you want to believe, then read up on the facts about Dahn Yoga and see what they have to say. Go to dahnyogavoice.com
and then make your own decision. There is a lot of detailed information as I found out myself. Check it out.

What would have CNN mount an attack on a Yoga organization based on the claims of 27 ex-employees who have filed lawsuits against the organization, knowing that 26 of those suits have already been dismissed in court? Oh, gee, could it be pure sensationalism that sells news which equals MONEY? So CNN must be a cult – lying and trying to tell people what to believe for money. This is such a poorly handled story. Where is the research into these allegations? Where are the allegations of the hundreds of thousands of practitioners of Dahn Yoga who love the practice? Where is the information about Ilchi Lee's recognition by the United Nations, the South Korean Government, and many cities in the US that have declared Brain Education Days prompted by his work? Where is the CNN reporter who actually went to Dahn Yoga training for a few months to find out what it really is from the inside? Of course that didn't happen, because there is no interest here in truth, just sensation and hatred. If CNN is out to promote hatred in the world, well, congratulations, you're doing a great job. If anyone reading this wants a little information about all this, try dahnyogavoice.com

CNN, Please make another investigations from hundeds of voices who shares their great and amazing experiences with Dahn Yoga.
Also Let me listen from Dahn masters.

CNN, You should fair to spread informations to be helpful.

CNN , take your responsibility to be fair.
Remember your mission.

I want to hear from Dahn and those countless Dahn members who has enough experiences and who keep saying how great their experiences with Dahn was.

I am extreemely upset by the piece on Dahn Yoga. To even suggest the possiblilty of it's being a cult is rediculous and smacks of trying to sensationalize a senseless story. Fox News – a right wing rag not deserving the name news. MSNBC – just as biased on the left. I used to look to CNN for some shred of objectivity or neutrality in cable news, but I'm affraid that you have shown your true color now and that is yellow, i.e., anything for a buck, hype the story, the corporate bottom line is what matters.

Did anyone at CNN take the time to read the books written by Dr. Seung Heun Lee? One would only have to read the prayer with which he opened the General Assembly of the United Nations on August 28, 2000 (reprinted in Healing Society, copyright 2000) to know that this man's spiritual perspective could in no way lend itself to cult like development.

I have been participating in Dahn Yoga for the last four months. There has been no pressure to believe anything, to submit to anything, to follow anyone. I am an ordained member of the clergy of the Episcopal Church and I would not become involved in anything that seemed cultish. My experience has been that the employees of Dahn Yoga have been loving and sincere people anxious only to help me feel better physically, emotionally, and spiritually. And I do. A weak and aching knee that was keeping me from playing basketball without a heavy brace is already much better. I am down to a light brace and just about ready to eliminate that. I am 69 years old and am feeling better than I have in years.

I will now look at any of CNN's stories with a very critical eye, and I will not be watching as much CNN as I used to. I hope that you try to be more objective in the future. 27 disgruntled employees does not stack up against the good done for millions of participants.

Owen Kunkle, Santa Fe, NM

I was initially undecided on this issue, but seeing the sheer amount of positive comments about Dahn Yoga now popping up on this blog, I am now much more inclined to believe that it is a cult than before.

Generally speaking, the comment section of this site is filled with people making negative or inflammatory comments about the subject at hand, or the other posters. The amount of posts I have seen espousing the virtues of Dahn Yoga is disproportionate, and most sound like they belong in a TV paid advertisement. Either Dahn Yoga is paying people to post positive things here, or these people have a religious attitude towards it, implying the possibility of a cult.

They could also just be really satisfied, but as the saying goes, if it sounds too good to be true it probably is.

I find all of these comments very interesting. As a yoga instructor from the Krishnamacharya lineage (teacher of Deskichar, Iyengar, Pattabhi Jois, Indra Devi and Ramaswami), I find it interesting because yoga can be interpreted in many ways. Yoga is different for everyone. And of course with anything there can be corruption and I'm sure in some lineages there is a cult aspect. The yoga that I practice and teach is non-dogmatic and brings up questions. There is also something called Jnana Yoga (the yoga of questioning, or yoga of wisdom). It's not a specific school or group, it's literally just a term to describe people who do questioning in their journey. No one in particular is an authority, you can have teachers or mentors that help to guide you on your journey of yoga, of life...which is a process, but they are not gods, or the absolute! And that's how I teach. I think it's an important step for a student to learn this. Many times students get sucked into believing that their teacher is the end all and be all and this can be very disappointing when they find out that their teacher is on the same journey that they are. And that the teacher struggles with the same things they do and that they are only human too. I try to show this human side to my students so that they don't put me on that pedestal. When a student asks me a question I tell them that some people may say this, but ultimately it is for them to decide and to go with what feels right to them. Same thing with their asana (physical) practice. Listening to their body and knowing when to stop and knowing what they instinctively know is good for them is what it's about. Being in tune with these subtles is yoga...finding their inner truth, not someone elses truth. Every one and every body is different! These are many reasons why so many people do find yoga. In the yoga sutras Patanjali says "Yogas Citta Vriti Nirodaha" which translates to mean, "Yoga is the cessation of the mind fluctuations". In order to find your truth, the mind needs to quiet. That's what we're working toward. It's all toward the same goal, we just all have different ways of getting there. And everyone's truth is different. It's important we know this! And I think it's important that I mention that all of this above comes from the ancient Indian yoga lineage.

Plese read ALL the comments supporting DY. It will become clear fairly quickly that these are shills. The poor grammar, use of repetitive phrases (CNN make big mistake), and general "sameness" of them makes it very obvious that DY has folks simply commenting over and over again with different names....

I have NO knowledge or experience or ever heard of Dahn Yoga. But I do know one thing for sure – Slandering of Eastern and/or alternate thoughts through un-substantiable public villification including legal recourse is a well known technique. Picking through the unseen strands and tough to connect dots will be the church. Yoga is perceived as a threat to Christian domination in most European and American churches. Yoga is perceived as a Hindu thought and consequently its spread in popularity is viewed as a potential threat to the "Tithing" Churches recieve .....

Four Years ago I suffered a blood clot in my left leg. Doctors could not find a reason why I got the clot by doing various intensive testing. Six months later I decided I need to do something to change myself. I started reading books from Ilchi Lee “Brain Wave Vibration” and many other of his books that made me realize that I need to change myself and my habits. I started taking Dahn Yoga classes along with receiving Acupuncture treatment which allowed me to release a lot of tension and stress from my body. Through the exercises and stretches I was able to release negative energy from my brain and body and become more clear and relaxed. I lost 60 lbs and reduced my cholesterol from 280 to 170 points.
I took various Dahn Yoga training courses like “Healing”, “Shim Sung” and “Bowing”. The Healing training allowed me to go deep inside my body and heal areas that had been neglected over the years. Shim Sung, training allowed me to realize who I truly am and taught me what I need to do every day to stay with my true self and detach myself from the everyday stress that the world we live in creates.
Today I believe that every human has two “self’s”. The true and the false self. It took me 38 years to realize this. If it was not for Dahn Yoga my suffering would have still continued unconsciously. Today I suffer and struggle with myself to consciously change my old habits that hold me back and harm me, but what I hold today in my hands is a tool that I learned from Dahn Yoga which is my true potential. A potential energy that gives me all the power I need to change my old habits and become a person with filled with happiness, love and joy.
Bowing was another training course that helps me clear my mind of all thoughts; it helps me quite the mind and helps me connect to my true self. Dahn Yoga is a fair and honest business that tries to offer everyone many tools on how they can help them find their true selves. Every day we struggle between the true and false self and are not even aware of this happening. Our focus is geared to looking for happiness from the material things in this world and never once do we try to look inside ourselves for happiness. Dahn Yoga did not teach me who I am, they just helped guide me to find my map of life and helped guide me find the right direction in my life.
Dahn Yoga does not inflict torture to any person, they may encourage you to try your 100% and may use some intensive exercises, but this is only used to strengthen your body. If someone does not want to participate they are not forced to do so. Dahn Yoga is no form of cult. I am very sad to see that in the world we live in today we have created systems that work against us. I am sad to see that people choose to live with their false self and use lawsuits, money and the media to destroy something so pure and helpful. There are many ways to do something or accomplish a goal, what determines the outcome good or bad is if the goal follows universal principles and making correct decisions or choices. Today the world we live in suffers because people choose to live with the false side or are not aware of the true potential. Dahn Yoga will offer everyone knowledge and wisdom to learn a better way of doing things it is up to each person to make their own decision to accept the information or choose to ignore it.
I am scheduled to take BMC “Brain Management Consulting” another Dahn Yoga training course this May. After taking Shim Sung I was able to see something inside me which I call vision and through my vision and great experience I want to help others find their vision in life, to become one with all and love from our hearts. I believe this is what the world today lacks of Love from the heart.

So what have we learned? 1. Dahn practice is beneficial. 2. Dahn is a business. 3. Dahn is not cheap, and they are aggressive at selling their expensive programs. 4. Dahn is a hollistic, alternative practice, not a religion. 5. Dahn comes from an Asian culture. 6. Ilchi Lee is Dahn's grand master, just like Judo's Jigoro Kano, or Jeet Kune Do's Bruce Lee. 7. Dahn is good for many people, but not for every body. 8. Dahn is a hollistic practice, and you should not put 100% of your trust into it. When in doubt, you should always seek a second opinion. They're not God, and they can be wrong, too. 9. Buy their expensive programs only when you think you can afford it. If you learn something from the experience, good for you, if not then it's probably not for you.

Would I recommend Dahn to my friends? Definitely yes. I'm a lot more healthy and peaceful by practicing dahn. I think dahn practice works for me, and as in medicine, dahn practice may help many but not all people. I think some people are hurt and disappointed because they put all their trust in dahn and expect so much from it. Dahn, just like any organizations, does have its own flaws. I hope they recognize their flaws and make any necessary improvement when possible.

All I have to say is Dahn is no more a cult than Scientology or Peoples Temple.

Wow! There is a large amount of brainwashed folks associated with this yoga cult, protesting online.

Use yoga to strengthen and tone your body. Give your heart and soul to God. Not some yoga "master".

Dahn Yoga is absolutely a cult just as is the church I got suckered into attending. I watched helplessly as my little brother got sucked into their clutches, and I've seen many others just like him fall victim to Churches and the like predatory cult. At first, they proclaimed the transformative powers of Church. Not a stretch to me, since I love Religion.

But then, suddenly, he was quitting his job, moving out of his apartment and into a Missionary group home, and writing "Dear John" letters to the friends and family he could not persuade to join him. He was spending money he didn't have and essentially indenturing himself to Church just to keep attending classes and to fly out to Dahn Master trainings in the Sedona, AZ compound.

Some are probably saying my brother must be a weak-minded, desperate soul if he got suckered in this way, but that is not the case. My brother is a highly intelligent, self-assured, talented person. These Church people are very good at what they do and they know just how to exploit a person's vulnerabilities to suck them in.

In the end, my brother escaped Church, though he has never talked about why he finally chose to leave. But more than five years later, he has still not recovered financially, though he does seem to have healed emotionally.

I am so glad CNN is shining the spotlight on this money-hungry, exploitative cult called Church. I'm sure there are probably people who have joined Church just to take religious lessons and have managed not to fall victim to its wiles. But so many more have been taken in and, in my opinion, enslaved by this group that I am thrilled that they are finally being exposed for what they really are. Thank you, CNN.

Well, I see the cult leaders have sent scores of their own people on to this board to spout out the benefits without addressing the charges.

Does Dahn Yoga want $$$$ for their classes? Do they use high pressure sales techniques like timeshare sales??? Do they tell people to make a quota or else give them money out of their own pocket to make it up???

Dahn Yoga's statue will not survive beyond this year. For the Lord God will destroy all that is not of His Son, Jesus Christ.

To the wonderful, kind, caring, helpful, supportive people at Dahn Yoga, Fremont Ca. Center, I thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am a sixty-six year old man and I have been a member since last October. I immediately experienced many physical benefits. I had considerable chronic pain; low back, hips, neck and shoulder, and the plantar surface of my feet. Within two weeks of joining the work-outs, usually four days a week, most of the pain completely disappeared! I have also become much more flexible and I am re-gaining much of the strength that I have lost over the last decades. But for me, the most significant benefit is on a very personal level. From the very beginning, in every way the instructors made me feel welcome and truly cared for! When I arrive at the center, I receive a warm welcome and a hug! During the work-out sessions the instructors are firm and supportive, encouraging members to try harder. There is never any sort of negative words said of regarding any members performance, just encouragement to do more!
The staff at Dahn Yoga are also concerned with my spiritual growth. Over my life, I have not thought or considered much of the spiritual aspects of my life. In the last few years, I have been reflecting upon this oversight and feeling the void. In general the Western European Culture, of which I am a part, is more concerned with the physical and intellectual aspects of life, rather than the spiritual. The spiritual guidance that I have received has not been coercive in any way. They are not trying to win me over to a specific religion or ‘cultist’ way. The philosophy espoused is of kindness and caring for all people. They are teaching me to find my true self and to be emotionally strong. To control how I react and respond to information coming to me from outside is the is part of the teaching. How could that be bad?
If CNN does not do a complete and accurate story of the work that Dahn Yoga does it would be a shame for CNN and an injustice to Dahn Yoga. It is well known that stories of people doing good are not nearly as ’sexy’ and compelling as those of people behaving badly! CNN get it right!!!

I had never heard of Dahn before looking at this article. I thought to myself "How rediculous – yoga as a cult?" Now, after reading through all of these comments, I am horrified. There are so many bad stories that all portray the same types of abuse – the beating, brainwashing, malnutrition, pushing for more and more money – to discount them. Whether or not they are a cult is a philosophical arguement that could last until the end of time – but they are definitely creepy as hell. They make their employees live together? They cut them off from the outside world, particularly family? They force their employees to pay for their own training (why do employees pay to make money for their employer)? They beat on people and use over-excertion and malnutrition to "make people feel better physically and emotionally?" I don't get it – that all sounds pretty cultish to me.

But, if someone goes into Dahn, and sees all of this, and still joins, then who are we to judge? I get the mind control part – but how could anyone of sound mind be convinced that it is a good idea to pay your employer for skills that earn them money? Or that getting their chests and sternums beaten is good in any way? It sounds like Dahn is preying on the weak.

This may sound harsh, but let them drink the kool-aid.

It's not like someone else won't come along and take advantage of them in another way. Look at all the pyramid schemes and similar bs across history – another will come along after this, and more after that. Human civilization is based upon the strong dominating the weak, and normally I am no social Darwinist, but in this case, if you believe these Dahn teachings (or at least what I gather their teachings are from the pro-Dahn posters and a little bit of internet research), you will beleive almost anything.

When i joined Dahn Yoga three years ago I was at my lowest physically, mentally and emotionally. I have experienced profound changes with this practice and I don't know anyone who hasn't. I no longer feel the need to take prozac, i have resolved much of my emotional issues related to being abused as a child, my health and happiness have improved exponentially. I continue to be married, own a home and work(more happily) as an RN as I have for many years. Yes, some of the programs are expensive but not more so than others, such as that one in Arizona (not far from the Dahn center) where several people died from a sweatlodge. I attended a program in Sedona and it was the most transformative experience I have ever had. We were fed and treated very well. I truly want to thank Ilchi Lee and everyone at my Dahn Center for one of the best things that has ever happened to me.

I agree with – and share same impressions – as "Voicebox" – classes started with a "free session" that was posted on my car near a library one day (they were also calling themselves Tai Chi at the time – I'd done Tai Chi before – this was NOT Tai Chi) and then some easy to more difficult yoga TYPE exercises (not traditional Hatha Yoga either – but other slow poses held for period of time), some "energy" work and sharing tea at the end of the session blah blah.. and then the pressure to do the weekend workshop – which, after time in therapy where you get ACTUAL help and insight into your life, lot of expectation of yelling like EST or Landmark Forum or whatever (pretty stupid/contrived in my view) and as soon as it was over – increasing pressure to do special "morning classes" before work... thank god I'm not a morning person, that was it for me. It was obvious where it was going, some people were already glazing over. It had all the elements of a cult. The "masters" conveniently barely understood English – supposedly, so sat a stared oh-so-wisely at anyone who was talking but could never really answer any questions about their "great purpose" or whatever. Sedona was also being talked about as some 'great retreat' that one could do, someday, after enough training. I began to suspect a Moonie connection, but was long gone before I needed to worry about it.
Cult? Yes.

you people are very ignorant. Anything that people enjoy that is against the norm you will call a cult. But in reality, I bet most of you don't realize that the largest cults on the planet originate from religion. In your minds that last statement is wrong, but in reality its the truth. Do research and you'll find out.

I believe these claims are rather sensational to say the least. I have practiced both traditional Yoga as well as Dahn Yoga and although I am no longer a member of a Dahn Center, I certainly benefited from the experience physically as well as emotionally for well over a year.

I participated in several retreats to the Sedona Center mentioned in the article above and they were simply that, retreats. Never did I or anyone I know feel coerced to spend money we did not have. I expect to pay for services rendered. Dahn is, after all, running a business. In every case, I received exactly what I paid for.

The idea that Dahn Yoga is being called a cult due to physically demanding training for instructors I find particularly fascinating. Is qualifying for any physical training position not at least somewhat physically demanding? I would certainly hope so. Leaving trainees without adequate food or water? I never witnessed anything even remotely like this.

In regards to Tim's comment at 9:11 am ET ... I find myself rather baffled that you would ask readers to review the grammar of those posting comments on this article. This alludes to your apparent belief that the less formally educated are less deserving of an opinion. This type of elitism is saddening on so very many levels and CNN viewers and readers deserve better.

I still know a number of members of Dahn Centers and remain convinced that this is clearly a case of sensationalism. I look forward to a fair report on the issues that have been raised.

I have never heard of Dahn Yoga in my life, but after doing a bit of research, sounds like the whole Falun Gong thing that came out of China. At any rate, reading these comments, I have noticed a very creepy disparity between the "yays" and the "nays."

I don't see anybody in the middle.

All the pro-Dahn Yoga go on lavishly about how wonderful it is in these odd sentences that would probably sound very monotone if spoken. On top of that, they all sound the same like it was scripted.

I would watch the special to see what all the hoopla is about but my method of thinking is that people do not do what they don't want to do. They allow themselves to be eaten up into this because they WANT it. Something is missing in their lives and they need to fulfill it by any means necessary.

If they are sad or lost and they want to be sucked into a so-called cult, let them. If they feel like they don't have any meaning to their lives and some yoga group makes them feel important, who are we to begrudge them?

If you want to be poor, thin and malnourished living in a sweaty commune folded into a pretzel, by all means, please do so, and I hope you have a happy life. It's better than turning to drugs or committing suicide.

I was once caught up in a cult. I was led to believe that if I left messages on boards that people would care for me more. It left me with a hallow existence where all I did all day was leave messages on different boards. While it cost me no money, the emotional strife that it caused has never ceased.

Thats when I turned to Dahn Yoga...

I have been a Dahn Yoga participant for 1 year and have attended one of the trainings in Sedona. there are many benefits to the practice, AND the business practices include pressured sales and comments that facilitate personal questioning when there is a decision not to participate in a high priced training.

there are trainings offered at the local level that are at no cost; however, many times will contain a sales component and with additional time or committment requests.

prior to the CNN report, I have spend the past 6 months contemplating my future as a Dahn practioner (not a master). I have decided to take what works for me, leave the rest, and practice very strong FREE WILL to say no. my eyes are open, but after some struggle and resistence. right now, the benefits outweight the negatives

I decided to go into the Dahn Yoga Center nearby. Just few months earlier, I had been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer that had invaded my lymph nodes. After extensive surgery, 39 treatments of chemotherapy and 39 treatments of radiation, my body was thin, weak and I could barely walk 50 feet without becoming short of breath. In addition to the horrible physical impairments I Truly near DEATH, I knew no where else to turn, out of desperation and curiosity, experienced after all the treatment, I also suffered from a severe stress disorder.
Initially, after walking into the Dahn Yoga Center, the instructor asked me to list my goals in terms of improving my condition. Afterward, he told me very kindly, that I had a lot of hope. With tears in my eyes and fear in my heart, for the first time, I really believed that there was hope and that was the beginning of a challenging, yet successful journey to my recovery. I began attending classes 2 times a week, graduating to 5 times a week, as I became stronger. Special body strengthening exercises were suggested, that would detoxify me as well. I followed my instructor with devout allegiance, as I felt my body becoming fortified and invigorated. The instructor taught me how important the body, mind and spirit serve as a unit, communicating, resulting in a balance, restoring good health.
Within a year, I was able to resume my normal physical activities as I had done before the diagnosis of cancer. After my training at Dahn, I was at a point where I could ride my bike up to 20 miles in a day. Body weakness was dissipating and I had increased my breathing capacity to the point where shortness of breath no longer existed on exertion, or at rest. Gradually, my anxiety disorder was dispelled and no longer is a part of my life. Truthfully, it was the hard work and dedication from the instructors at the Dahn Yoga Center that literally helped me find my true self, deep inside and get my life back. Through their inexhaustible patience, a deep understanding of human need and great compassion toward humanity, I was blessed in getting a second chance at life again. There is NO other organization, not a school, a hospital or fitness center that could ever provide or compare to the healing and restorative techniques that Dahn Yoga offers. Truthfully, these are the most consecrated group of people who literally pledge their lives and who’s aim is to purely heal and preserve humanity and the earth. It is time to recognize the truth about what Dahn Yoga stands for and not allow a coalition of deceit and corrupt defamation plaque an exemplary, most honorable society as Dahn Yoga.
Very Sincerely,
Marilyn Kumra

Truly near DEATH, I knew of no where else to turn, out of desperation and curiosity, I decided to go into the Dahn Yoga Center nearby. Just few months earlier, I had been diagnosed with stage III breast cancer that had invaded my lymph nodes. After extensive surgery, 39 treatments of chemotherapy and 39 treatments of radiation, my body was thin, weak and I could barely walk 50 feet without becoming short of breath. In addition to the horrible physical impairments I experienced after all the treatment, I also suffered from a severe stress disorder.
Initially, after walking into the Dahn Yoga Center, the instructor asked me to list my goals in terms of improving my condition. Afterward, he told me very kindly, that I had a lot of hope. With tears in my eyes and fear in my heart, for the first time, I really believed that there was hope and that was the beginning of a challenging, yet successful journey to my recovery. I began attending classes 2 times a week, graduating to 5 times a week, as I became stronger. Special body strengthening exercises were suggested, that would detoxify me as well. I followed my instructor with devout allegiance, as I felt my body becoming fortified and invigorated. The instructor taught me how important the body, mind and spirit serve as a unit, communicating, resulting in a balance, restoring good health.
Within a year, I was able to resume my normal physical activities as I had done before the diagnosis of cancer. After my training at Dahn, I was at a point where I could ride my bike up to 20 miles in a day. Body weakness was dissipating and I had increased my breathing capacity to the point where shortness of breath no longer existed on exertion, or at rest. Gradually, my anxiety disorder was dispelled and no longer is a part of my life. Truthfully, it was the hard work and dedication from the instructors at the Dahn Yoga Center that literally helped me find my true self, deep inside and get my life back. Through their inexhaustible patience, a deep understanding of human need and great compassion toward humanity, I was blessed in getting a second chance at life again. There is NO other organization, not a school, a hospital or fitness center that could ever provide or compare to the healing and restorative techniques that Dahn Yoga offers. Truthfully, these are the most consecrated group of people who literally pledge their lives and who’s aim is to purely heal and preserve humanity and the earth. It is time to recognize the truth about what Dahn Yoga stands for and not allow a coalition of deceit and corrupt defamation plaque an exemplary, most honorable society as Dahn Yoga.
Very Sincerely,
Marilyn Kumra

It’s true the masters at Dahn push too hard at times. I’ve seen it and I’ve experienced it. But let’s not forget that they are individuals within an organization who face their own limitations and struggles. It’s a fine line to walk providing each individual within a group the right measure of challenge and encouragement.
I have been a member of Dahn for 2 1/2 years. During this time I have experienced some pressure by my center master to take workshops I did not feel I could afford. In some cases I agreed somewhat reluctantly to take the work shop, in others I firmly told her no and she accepted my answer. In both kinds of scenarios I made a choice. I was not coerced.
It is my responsibility to tend to my finances and make wise choices for myself. Likewise, the time, energy and attention I give to Dahn is my choice.
I have struggled with in my practice at Dahn and have even had conflict with the center master, but I have never felt that it would result in being ostracized from the group. I have also never had anyone even imply I should disengage from my family and friends.
One other thing I must point out regarding the explanation given by the former masters about doing 3000 bows. From what I have seen, it is generally recommended that a person begin with as few as 9 bows and work their way up to 103 bows a day. The bows can be modified to fit the individual’s current physical condition.
On occasions when I’ve heard of people choosing to do 1000+ bows, it is talked about much the way I hear runners talk about marathons- there is fear and excitement leading up to it, and a great sense of accomplishment and relief when it is done. It’s a physical and spiritual challenge that requires dedication and training. And I do believe I have heard of people moaning and wailing on the sidelines of marathons as well.

It is clear to me that there are vast extremes in people's experience with Dahn. Some get great benefit, others experience great trauma. This is obviously an interesting and complex story.

CNN—you presented one side of a complicated story, which is a classic description of poor journalism. I hope you take the time to do a better job next story.

Dahn—I hope you read these comments with an open mind. As a life coach I can tell you there is a lot of really good feedback here. No person or organization is perfect. Take in what is being said here, understand where it is coming from, and you can make your organization much better.

I have been practicing this yoga for close to three years. When I first started I was suffering from severe bouts of depression and was extremely stressed to the point of being ready to have a heart attack. I have only experienced love and kindness from the masters who work for dahn yoga. And to call a retreat center a compound is an over exaggeration in the wildest. Have you ever been there; have you ever experienced any of this for yourself, cnn correspondents? Let me know if you have, you have my email. A one sided debacle is pointless, and that is what you are trying to lead, cnn. Share the truth with the public. Report what is actually going on instead of creating a side show attraction.

Dr Sanjay Gupta, I take my children to the Westerm Medical Doctor at first sign of anything. I can't afford your health insurance myself, but get complete Western medical checkups in good hospitals in my native country. I found this form of exercise something I can stick to and remain healthy. I also teach these exercises as a volunteer in a senior center and they all go to their Doctors regularly. What made you assume that just because someone thinks they are preventing desease by placebo method or exercise, they will ignore going to the Doctor. And are Americans allowing universal health care. It is my own responsibility to remain healthy or pay ransom to health industry. Do you think that what health professionals and pharmaceutical companies charge in this country ethical?

Dahn Hak in the USA has characteristics of cult, yoga, and therapy. But none of those are its purpose. Its purpose is to make money for its owner. The rest is just there to hook the money sources in whatever way works, and to maximally extract money from each member.

It took my wife a couple months (while I worried and hoped she'd see the light) to realize what Dahn Hak was really about.

Most of the people at the storefronts are truly sincere. They believe in what they are doing, and they truly care. They are dupes. Every center also has a dragon lady or man, who understands it is a money-extraction business and who mercilessly strives for that singular purpose.

I joined Dahn yoga in Seattle for a brief period a few years ago. I got a very creepy feeling about the place, and it is very money oriented. It was only a week or so into the yoga sessions, that they tried to “sell” me on various events that cost extra and they seemed very dissapointed when I did not buy. They were also into some very unusual touching. They seem to think they have healing power of some sort through these techniques. This type of wierd touching might be where the assault charges in the lawsuit are coming from. I quit going to the yoga classes after only a few weeks.

I experimented with a place in Westchester County and learned that it was actually a Dahn Yoga Center. Same here: poking and prodding the abdomen, lots of breathing instruction, and a strong sales pitch after to sign up for an expensive package. While I couldn't tell you whether Dahn Yoga is a cult, this much is clear to me:

1) They are not Yoga from the Vedic tradition
2) They have strong/pushy sales practices
3) Many people think they are a cult

Well, if my experience is any indication, Dahn Yoga gives fanatical Christian Evangilists a run for the money! I am hardly a yoga aficionado, but I do attend classes once in a while and find benefit in the stretching, breathing exercises, and meditation. In an effort to improve my health and de-stress, I decided to try the local Dahn Yoga studio. They offered a one-hour, private initial session for only $25. My impression of yoga was forever changed for the worse! The session went fine, and I actually enjoyed it and was considering signing up for a few classes. To my dismay, this level of commitment was not sufficient for the woman who led my session. After we finished with the hour session, the instructor all but refused to let me leave without committing to a year subscription of Dahn Yoga for over $1000! She was so insistent, that I honestly started to feel intimidated! When I told her that I would like to take the literature home and think about signing up for classes, she literally told me, "Don't think. We don't want you to think. Thinking only causes stress." That is a direct quote. I was horrified that they were so persistent on trying to SELL me yoga. I thought the purpose of yoga was to relax and center you. This experience left me feeling more stressed than when I entered the studio! I have no doubt that Dahn Yoga is a cult!

I started with dahn 5 years ago. At first, I thought it was weird. Differernt types of exercises and whole new way of learning about the body. Being Ameican, I thought it was strange. but I stayed with it. I began to realize many changes for the better. I began to feel more calm, and gradulally, I noticed that I didn't get sick( colds, flu) as often anymore. I thought my digestion was good but now I noticed that it wasn't good. I attended many dahn workshops and I have to say, there is no other self development type workshops out there. I had osteopenia and took fosamax. At my next bone scan, my bones were 8 % better. I don't take any meds now. I am a better, more compassionate person. I understand more things about my life and I am grateful for EVERYTHING. I have come to many awakenings and realizations, not through thoughts but through the all knowingness. this is someething that cannot be explained and can only be experienced when one is not consumed with thoughts. This is why the dahn masters say don't think. Because thoughts are based from fear, doubt and worry. Just read the opinions here on this list. Many left the center because they got scared of the uncertainty, and differences that they felt. Even Eckart Tolle says our thoughts have become a disease. Too many thougts based on fear doubt and worry cause depression and anxiety. Dahn masters want the members to experience the workshops because this is a rare opportunity for people to go inside and see their life, relatioinships and have a clearer understanding about everything. You can't experience this is a 1 hour class.

I am Catholic and work as a Sales Person in Southern Ca. I have been a student, instructor and employee of Dahn Yoga Health & Fitness for 8 years. To this day, the practice continues to enhance my physical well being via breathing stretching and relaxation techniques that help balance my emotion and calm my stress & anxiety. I have much more positive disposition dealing in high stress work environment, got off anti-depressants 100%, lost 79 lbs., better relation with my self, better relations with my family, better relations with friends & clients and better relation with God. I am a better person because of Ilchi Lee and will always support and be grateful for him bringing this wonderful and challenging practice so that I can be the best, strongest person I can be to make my business successful and help as many people as possible. I have personally experienced & witnessed too many healing conditions recover for my self and many students ranging from 4 yrs to 84 yrs from getting off anti-depressents to drug addiction to cancer recovery to stabilizing diabetes to improved ADDD/ADHD. It was not easy for me to change however via Dahn Yoga practice I had a great support system and overall have saved more money with Dahn than going through with surgeries, rehabilitation and medications truly. This is such a precious gift for anyone who want to create a better life for themselves depending on how much a person is willing to work at it. Throughout the years I have learned through my choice and action I will create my life to be the best it can be.

dear CNN, Dahn yoga is cult that manipulates people by making them feel good then breaking them down pyschologically while coercing them into paying lots of money even to the point of destroying their financial and emotional life. I would testify in court to this having witnessed dozens being affected and myself almost ruined. People went through hell trying to get out and pay debts $20 to $50K . You only see it once you get into employment or get deeper involved, it's intense. They keep profiles on students, identifing their weaknesses, they use "energy" and hypnosis techniques to command students and take advantage. Also keep in mind they are very organized and controlled, i would guess half the people supporting Dahn are "masters", most of the new students are made to feel good, give them a year and most will get a glimpse of the truth.
PS Dahn does NOT do Yoga, never have. But if you pay them $20K they get rid of your Karma for you!