Most of Gilbert's 'insights' are evolved from the Hindu-based teachings of Gurumayi. Gilbert does not think critically but cultic-ally (!) As in most cults, the overt & covert instruction is that we should not think. Instead, empty of the small personal 'self' we should allow ourselves to be 'guided' to act by God or the Divine Beings.

What is amazing to me is the power that these beliefs have when introduced to an audience that have never encountered them before. In the TED talk video that Sean posted above, there is an almost immediate suspension of belief and before we know it, people are practically falling over in the aisles as though its a tent revival!

Why are these ideas so immediately powerful? I succumbed to them myself at one point but I still fail to fully understand why even the scientific-minded fall thrall to this stuff.

I have read the book 'Eat, Pray, Love' and part of it focusses on Gilbert's time living at the Siddha Yoga ashram in India. Gilbert paints a pretty, rosy portrait of the ashram and of 'Gurumayi', the supposed Living Saint who runs the show (nowadays from a distance).

Gilbert's experience at the ashram was overwhemlingly positive; yet by the time the book was published, numerous disciples had come forward with emotional acounts of psychological abuse at the hands of Gurumayi herself as well as physical & other abuses by various ashram staff in positions of power.

So many people were hurt by things that happened in Siddha Yoga and the continuing refusal of its leader, Gurumayi to acknowledge and make amends for the wrongs done. Yet Gilbert still happily appears on Oprah, selling a book that disseminates the teachings of Siddha Yoga apparently without concern for the victims of that cult; only interested in her own pleasant feelings of 'light and love'.

This is not my full comment! Having trouble posting the whole thing, will try agan later.