update on sweat lodge deaths: James Arthur Ray refusing to speak to authorities, left state

[Liberal_in_LA]

Yavapai County Sheriff Steve Waugh said Saturday his detectives are focusing on self-help expert and author James Arthur Ray and his staff as they try to determine if criminal negligence played a role in the deaths. Waugh said Ray refused to speak with authorities and has since left the state. No charges have been filed.

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Between 55 and 65 people were crowded into the 415-square-foot sweat lodge during a two-hour period that consisted of eight 15-minute rounds and various spiritual exercises led by Ray, Waugh said. After each round, the flap to the crudely constructed structure was raised to allow more heated rocks to be brought inside.

Authorities said participants were highly encouraged but not forced to remain in the sweat lodge for the entire two hours.

The participants had fasted for 36 hours as part of a personal and spiritual quest in the wilderness, then ate a breakfast buffet on Thursday morning. After various seminars, they entered the sweat lodge lightly dressed at 3 p.m.

Two hours later, a woman dialed 911 to say that two people, whom Waugh identified as Brown and Shore, did not have a pulse and weren't breathing.

A nurse hired by Ray was directing rescue efforts including CPR when emergency crews arrived, Waugh said. Shore and Brown were pronounced dead when they arrived at a hospital.

Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/n/a/2009/10/09/national/a093921D00.DTL&tsp=1#ixzz0TZL8FiMh

[Warpy]

1. Heat stroke

Since the people were seeking altered consciousness, they likely mistook the disorientation of heat stroke for their goal.

Likely they were poorly hydrated after the two night, one day fast. If they were over 60, they could easily have had electrolyte disturbances, also.

This is why saunas at spas generally have time limits.

Sweat house marathons are generally not very good ideas.

[postulater]

3. Whoever was supervising sure didn't know what they were

doing.

It is way too dangerous to do long sweats without proper monitoring.

[Liberal_in_LA]

6. They had a nurse on site

[L. Coyote]

2. Drugs? n/t

[Bobbieo]

4. Greed and stupidity were involved. These ceremonies should be left to Native Americans

who have been doing them for centuries.

Ths is going to end up in one helluva lawsuit.

[L. Coyote]

5. Some mediations contra-indicate this activity!!

And, participants signed releases acknowledging they assumed the risks.

[Desertrose]

7. This whole thing should have never happened.

The sweat wasn't properly built. Too large & too low- only 53" high at the center? WTF? Covered with plastic it wasn't able to breathe. Too damn many people in it...not even with extra "facilitators" could you monitor that many. A lodge for 12 is usually considered large.

Two hours...are they crazy? So they raised the flap every 15 minutes just to add more rocks. I repeat, are they crazy? Usually there are 4 rounds lasting about 15 minutes and you go out between rounds to cool down. The idea is not to cook people. Those people didn't go out & come back between rounds? How many times can I repeat...are they crazy...or just plain ignorant...or more into control than concerned about the people they purport to help?

"Authorities said participants were highly encouraged but not forced to remain in the sweat lodge for the entire time." To that I say "Spiritual Warrior" my ass.

I've done my share of sweats and it seems to me they did just about everything wrong they could have. And James Ray should know better and so should Angel valley owners. I hate that they mix all these things together and act like its teachings they've come up with themselves. I know there are many NA who hate that whites have taken their sacred ceremonies and "corrupted" them. I can totally understand that...but there are also some who feel their white brothers & sisters can benefit from these sacred ways.Its all about intent. If you do these from the heart and not for profit or for self then there is much to be gained. If you sell the ceremonies/teachings there is no respect and you are not in alignment with truth.


For those who judge Sedona, let me add that it is usually those who come from elsewhere and want to use Sedona's name for their own gain that cause the wacky reputation. Most of us who live here know better. We know you don't come to a sacred place and dump your garbage here with out some serious repercussions.

Peace
DR

[Liberal_in_LA]

8. "The idea is not to cook people" It does seem like people roasting