I don't normally post on notice boards or forums either, but I too felt that something needed to be said about the Template (although it is an alternative view to the previous two posters!).
CVK -what I said was my actual experience. I gather that I am not the only one to be dropped once I left the 'Template Family' either. Just because you might not like what I say does not mean that what I've related '...is not the whole story', we have obviously just had very different experiences of the Template.
I havent thought about all of this for some years but it has got me interested in what has been happening with the Template lot in the meantime. I've spoken to a couple of people who are still involved but seem to be in the process of also pulling away (and I think because of this have become a bit more approachable).
The chap in Australia mentioned by juliavalon earlier has certainly been fired, but the general view seems to be that it was more for 'Asking awkward questions' and disobeying Juliet rather than the official reason that seems to be circulating ie inappropriate behaviour. Someone of the same name and the partner of an ambassador (a very nice woman that it turns out I've met previously) was in trouble for his wandering hands... but then later invited back to ceremonies as if nothing had happened.
To be honest, it is all a bit confusing: my view is that if someone shows unsavoury tendencies then they need to be booted out pronto and not allowed back.
It also seems that at least 2 ambassadors have quit, one as recently as last year.
I was left in no doubt by both conversations that Juliet is to be obeyed completely and her authority never questioned, or else....
To me, cults are not just about making money, they are primarily concerned with power and control.This is what I see going on within the Template. In the talks before the ceremonies are actually carried out, if one of the participants queries Juliet then they can expect to be on the receiving end of her very explosive temper (see earlier re vegetarianism, but I also saw another one when someone questioned about dispensing with guides, angels etc).It is a strong and effective incentive not to question whatever you are told. It was seeing this that first alerted me that all was not well with the Template.
For goodness sake, what is wrong with asking questions? If people want to say something they should be able to, particularly when they are paying to attend and learn.
I would say that it certainly has cultish aspects - the figurehead for the Template is Juliet (understandably, as she channelled the ceremonies, wrote the books etc and is a very charismatic speaker) and she keeps a very tight control over the people involved with the organisation.People are worried about 'upsetting' her and having her (and some of her acolytes) set about them if they step out of line.
Playing on some people's fears of being inadequate or incomplete if they don't take part in the latest ceremonies and have this or that newly discovered circuit 'reconnected' is another aspect of control and is very effective at getting people attending. As is the idea that by participating we are doing something great for humanity and because of this should be encouraging our families, friends etc to take part.
As for rules, there may not be a physical rulebook but there certainly are rules - do not question being the main one, closely followed by vegetarianism, no guides, angels, other religions etc.
The money - they are always asking for it but unless you are their bank manager then nobody knows for sure what it is or isnt spent on. Yes, they live part of the time in Bali, but also in australia (think there was a son and grandchild there??) and in the UK.
So just on the control, figurehead and rules scores I would say that the Template has cultish aspects.
I've also been thinking about the ceremonies; yes, the ones I attended were beautiful, but when you look at what is behind them... Having 'circuits reconnected' to make you 'Immortal'??? - FFS. If these are offering immortality then why has Juliet always looked so ill, miserable and uptight when I've seen her? Didnt look to be doing her much good...
Just re-read juliavalons previous post - I've come across a few people who have been mixed up with cults (Rajneesh one of the main culprits, unsurprisingly, plus some French/Swiss healer guy who's name escapes me)and there were similarities with some of their experiences and the Template stuff ie the figurehead, control etc.
Will try to get hold of the Cults Inside Out book and give it a read. It has surprised me just how many people have been involved with different cults and how they became entangled, came to realisations and eventually (some) made their way out.
It was some years ago when i did the ceremonies so you would be better asking someone with more recent experience and in your own country if you want to contact any ambassadors.
The ones I came across all that time ago were really nice people who totally and honestly believed in what they were doing. It was the incidents that went on in the ceremonies with Juliet and the fawning and worship around her that put me off and started me questioning.
As I said before, my involvement with the Template was a massive lesson in discernment for me, but all of us will have our own experiences of and perspectives on it.
If it is working for you, then fine enjoy it; if it isnt, get out.
CVK -what I said was my actual experience. I gather that I am not the only one to be dropped once I left the 'Template Family' either. Just because you might not like what I say does not mean that what I've related '...is not the whole story', we have obviously just had very different experiences of the Template.
I havent thought about all of this for some years but it has got me interested in what has been happening with the Template lot in the meantime. I've spoken to a couple of people who are still involved but seem to be in the process of also pulling away (and I think because of this have become a bit more approachable).
The chap in Australia mentioned by juliavalon earlier has certainly been fired, but the general view seems to be that it was more for 'Asking awkward questions' and disobeying Juliet rather than the official reason that seems to be circulating ie inappropriate behaviour. Someone of the same name and the partner of an ambassador (a very nice woman that it turns out I've met previously) was in trouble for his wandering hands... but then later invited back to ceremonies as if nothing had happened.
To be honest, it is all a bit confusing: my view is that if someone shows unsavoury tendencies then they need to be booted out pronto and not allowed back.
It also seems that at least 2 ambassadors have quit, one as recently as last year.
I was left in no doubt by both conversations that Juliet is to be obeyed completely and her authority never questioned, or else....
To me, cults are not just about making money, they are primarily concerned with power and control.This is what I see going on within the Template. In the talks before the ceremonies are actually carried out, if one of the participants queries Juliet then they can expect to be on the receiving end of her very explosive temper (see earlier re vegetarianism, but I also saw another one when someone questioned about dispensing with guides, angels etc).It is a strong and effective incentive not to question whatever you are told. It was seeing this that first alerted me that all was not well with the Template.
For goodness sake, what is wrong with asking questions? If people want to say something they should be able to, particularly when they are paying to attend and learn.
I would say that it certainly has cultish aspects - the figurehead for the Template is Juliet (understandably, as she channelled the ceremonies, wrote the books etc and is a very charismatic speaker) and she keeps a very tight control over the people involved with the organisation.People are worried about 'upsetting' her and having her (and some of her acolytes) set about them if they step out of line.
Playing on some people's fears of being inadequate or incomplete if they don't take part in the latest ceremonies and have this or that newly discovered circuit 'reconnected' is another aspect of control and is very effective at getting people attending. As is the idea that by participating we are doing something great for humanity and because of this should be encouraging our families, friends etc to take part.
As for rules, there may not be a physical rulebook but there certainly are rules - do not question being the main one, closely followed by vegetarianism, no guides, angels, other religions etc.
The money - they are always asking for it but unless you are their bank manager then nobody knows for sure what it is or isnt spent on. Yes, they live part of the time in Bali, but also in australia (think there was a son and grandchild there??) and in the UK.
So just on the control, figurehead and rules scores I would say that the Template has cultish aspects.
I've also been thinking about the ceremonies; yes, the ones I attended were beautiful, but when you look at what is behind them... Having 'circuits reconnected' to make you 'Immortal'??? - FFS. If these are offering immortality then why has Juliet always looked so ill, miserable and uptight when I've seen her? Didnt look to be doing her much good...
Just re-read juliavalons previous post - I've come across a few people who have been mixed up with cults (Rajneesh one of the main culprits, unsurprisingly, plus some French/Swiss healer guy who's name escapes me)and there were similarities with some of their experiences and the Template stuff ie the figurehead, control etc.
Will try to get hold of the Cults Inside Out book and give it a read. It has surprised me just how many people have been involved with different cults and how they became entangled, came to realisations and eventually (some) made their way out.
It was some years ago when i did the ceremonies so you would be better asking someone with more recent experience and in your own country if you want to contact any ambassadors.
The ones I came across all that time ago were really nice people who totally and honestly believed in what they were doing. It was the incidents that went on in the ceremonies with Juliet and the fawning and worship around her that put me off and started me questioning.
As I said before, my involvement with the Template was a massive lesson in discernment for me, but all of us will have our own experiences of and perspectives on it.
If it is working for you, then fine enjoy it; if it isnt, get out.