Dahn Yoga named in suit alleging ‘psychological manipulation’
New York — Thousands of city public-school students and teachers are participating in a “Brain Education” program run by a group with ties to an alleged cult.
Suit against Dahn Yoga alleges ‘psychological manipulation’ (June 2, 2009)For the past three years, the Department of Education has shelled out nearly $400,000 for 44 schools to participate in the Power Brain Education company’s lessons and workshops.
But dozens of former employees of an organization called Dahn Yoga — whose founder developed the teachings for Brain Education — said the school program is run by a group that is part of a vast web of interrelated companies conning participants into investing all their time and money in unproven health and healing activities.
[…]Although Dahn Yoga officials claim there’s no direct link between Lee and the city schools’ program, one of Lee’s own Web sites describes Power Brain Education as “Ilchi Lee’s Brain Education,” and he wrote a book called “Power Brain Kids.”
[…]Foes said the organization reels people in with lovey-dovey, group-building activities before steadily ratcheting up the pressure for more involvement and money.
This includes taking expensive training courses and retreats that cost as much as $10,000 per week to become “Dahn Masters,” who help operate the health centers and recruit new members under high-pressure quotas, according to the ex-workers’ lawsuit.
[…]“There do not appear to be any allegations against the company that offers [the program],” said DOE spokesman David Cantor. “Given the allegations, however, we will discontinue the program until we determine whether it is inappropriate or improper.”
[…more…]
See Also:
• Suit against Dahn Yoga alleges ‘psychological manipulation’
• Dahn Hak: Yoga Program Or Dangerous Con?
• New Questions About a Controversial Yoga Group