this post was submitted on 19 Oct 2025
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The cult experience had nothing to do with ram dass, if I haven't made that clear.
But yes, it was exactly what it was. The whole thing felt gross. I just wanted to do yoga for a weekend, not get manipulated into living there. Don't get me wrong, I had retreat where it was just a bunch of middle age lady doing meditation and silent walks without any expectations.
I'll keep in mind that "Stay as much as you want" could be a cult thing.
Religious messaging saying that that's a follower's job is a total breach of individual autonomy. That's just pimping using fake religious rules.
It's always good to be aware of manipulation / brainwashing technique. It was very secluded, huuuge land plot with tipis and domes. Paradisiac, really. But then it became apparent they wouldnt let me alone lmao
interesting experience tho
The "work through your issue" part seems creepy to me because why aren't they being direct and ending that phrase with "sex/sexually"? If they really were experts wouldn't they make sure communication is direct to help ensure only fully consensual things happen?
What creeps you out about them saying "work through your issue"?
It wasn't even the only mechanism to try to make me stay. After the thing, they "got covid" so the group attempted me to "stay isolated in the community". And then the guy offered me a flat for the night. It really felt like they were creep who wouldn't see me alone.
Southern portugal is very beautiful though. Too bad there's no portugese people left there
Did they check in on you too much? Seems like they would've gotten covid forever until you chose to stay forever on your own.
That's sad to hear. Did the Portuguese people mostly get driven out? I tried looking up if they're still there, and the internet says they are.
They tried but I bugged out real quick.
It is sad. Mass tourism and "expats" / retiree are taking a huge drain on the country overall. I only heard portuguese when talking to workers, nobody on the street spoke it.