This report was prepared based upon the documents, research, experience, interviews, and other information listed in the report. This investigator reserves the right to amend this report at a later date. This report is not meant to be exhaustive, and may be amended based on the receipt of additional information or credible evidence. This investigator offers professional opinions based on research, experience, and the data obtained. This investigator assumes no responsibility for the dissemination of this report by others.
Re: Dahn Hak, a/k/a Dahn Yoga, a/k/a Dahnhak Tao, a/k/a Dahn Center, a/k/a Dahn Meditation Church, Inc., a/k/a Dahn Institute, Inc., a/k/a Sedona Dahn Retreat, a/k/a Tai Chi Yoga Health Center, a/k/a Healing Society, Inc a/k/a Sedona Dahn Retreat., a/k/a Tao Aerobics, a/k/a Tao Aerobics, including Ilchi (Seung Heun) Lee a/k/a Grand Master Seung Heun Lee, a/k/a Sung Hung Lee and their parties, John/Jane Does (not identified at this time).
Introduction and Overview
This investigator has a PhD in Psychology, and has been qualified as an expert in courts of law in several states. Areas of expertise include: identification and analysis of cults and high demand groups; mind control, thought reform, and/or undue influence; long and short term affects of cult involvement; impact of cults and/or mind control, thought reform, and/or undue influence on the individual and on the family. Additionally, this investigator has researched and evaluated many groups and/or systems to determine if they are currently and/or historically a cult or high demand group, and if they are utilizing components of mind control, thought reform, and/or undue influence.
As a basis for this report, this investigator reviewed materials available on the internet regarding the above-referenced individual/groups; interviewed available past members of the group; applied psychological theory and research to the data obtained; visited two centers affiliated with the above-referenced group/individuals in the Denver area; reviewed primary source documents obtained from these centers; and briefly interviewed two current group members at each of the two sites visited.
According to the Dahn Yoga pamphlet provided at both Denver-area centers, the following explains this aspect of the group:
Dahn Yoga practice is scientifically designed to work every muscle, tendon, join, organ, and gland while moving fresh, oxygenated blood though the whole body. Practitioners learn to access their Ki-energy and balance the flow of energy within their bodies. The conscious action of focusing Ki-energy inside the body stimulates innate natural healing powers.
On Monday, April 10, 2006, I made an unannounced visit to the Dahn Tai Chi and Yoga Center located at 5005 S. Kipling Avenue, Littleton, Colorado a few minutes before 9 am. Upon entering the lobby portion of the Center, I was greeted warmly by a young woman. She asked my name, which I provided, and I stated that I wanted to learn more about Dahn Hak. I then proceeded to take a few pamphlets from the lobby area. She showed me a large room, stating that “this is where we do our classes,” then showed me a table at the side of the suite and pointed to a few items I might like to look at. She placed her hand on my shoulder and forearm several times. At one point, she picked up a rolling device with pointed pieces sticking out, and rubbed them on my arm up to my shoulder area, explaining that she was “accessing meridian energy points for acupuncture”. I picked out two books that I stated I wanted to purchase, and she sat at the desk near the back of the lobby area. I sat in front of the desk. She asked for $50 for the Brain Respiration book and CD. She told me to be sure not to listen to the CD in my vehicle, as “listening to it will cause an accident, it is so relaxing”. She told me repeatedly that I had “good energy, but we can make it better”. She mentioned that “you need to sign up for a month of classes starting tonight”. She stated she would “give you a discount because you bought some books, but the classes are $150 a month”. I asked her what classes she was referring to, and she stated “all classes are the same – you need to get started right away’. I asked her if there was a contract I could see for the classes, and she replied, “Oh, no, we don’t have any contracts”. I asked if Master Lee would be conducting any of the classes, and she said “Oh, no, he won’t come here”. I asked her what side effects I might expect from the classes or reading the books, she replied, “none”. I asked her what her methods were in the classes, and she replied, “We do our own form of Tai Chi and Yoga here – that’s the best”. She asked several questions of me, such as did I live close by? Did I have any friends I could do the classes with? Was I able to pay for a month at a time? Did I know anything about energy work or chakras? She must have asked me at least 6 times to sign up for classes beginning that very same day. When I said, “I need to think about it and read these materials,” she responded, “No, you don’t need to think about it. You need to start classes tonight”. My impression was that even though she appeared to be happy and enthusiastic, she became less so when she thought I was not doing as she wanted. Whenever I asked a question or two, she became suspicious, guarded, and irritated with me.
Things were similar when I visited the larger Dahn center at 88th and Wadsworth in Arvada, Colorado the following day. From the first few minutes of looking at books in the lobby, the young man there pressured me for the entire time to subject to an energy analysis so that I could “get started in classes right away”. He was also extremely defensive and suspicious when I asked him questions about the philosophy of Dahn Hak, the methods used in Brain Respiration, and the schedule of classes. He also told me that there were no levels of classes, that everyone started on the same level, and stayed the same. When asked directly, he denied that there were any levels of instruction at all. He also mentioned that I did not need to read any books before starting classes, in that he and the other “masters” would teach me everything I needed to know. I did ask him at one point about Master Lee in terms of what were his qualifications, his training, etc. This young man physically bristled at the question, and told me “You don’t need to know that”. I asked him if he knew that Master Lee was controversial, to which he replied, “No, he’s not.” I told him that I needed to read the books and think about it, to which he stood in front of me asking me for a final time to sit in the “special area” for an energy analysis, which I declined.
Overview of Relevant Research/Literature
The term “cult” is a widely misunderstood term. Certainly, over the years, “cult” as a descriptor has taken a pejorative cast, and is often used lightly and inappropriately by the media and the average person. However, I will use the term “cult” as a type of shorthand, along with the more euphemistic forms of the term, such as “high demand group or relationship” or “high impact group or relationship”. It is a myth that cults are always religious in nature. Many cults are political, commercial, or involve psychology or counseling. I will summarize briefly the usefulness of the term “cult” and will sometimes use it interchangeably with its euphemisms.
When we discuss cults, the following elements are present to one degree or another. First, there is often a self-appointed leader who inspires devotion, and who makes decisions and limits choices in a top-down, authoritarian manner. Second, the cult leader (usually enlisting the help of current adherents/followers) practices deceptive recruiting, where a potential client/adherent/follower is not provided with the informed consent or information necessary to make a rational decision about affiliation or “joining”.
Third, the group, relationship and/or leader practices a form of unethical mind control, also called coercive persuasion, thought reform, and/or undue influence. This is a deliberate attempt to alter the reality of a person by manipulating their environment. It may also unethically use trance induction or hypnosis as a form of rendering an individual more susceptible to the leader’s influence or imprint.
Of additional concern is the use of use of physical or medical issues to manipulate clients/adherents/followers, such as control over diet and intake of food, sleep deprivation, excess devotion to an idea or mysterious process, alienating a person from their former life and interests, deliberate alienation of family members who do not ascribe to the cult’s teachings, etc. Also, it is important to carefully consider how a cult leader, and by default, the adherents/followers handle criticism and dissent. Legitimate, psychologically healthy groups and relationships are open to criticism from the outside and from within, and they welcome dissent, view it as part of the process of change, and view open feedback as an opportunity to grow and develop. Cult leaders and their adherents/followers tend to react with anger and defensiveness when criticized, and take extraordinary efforts to quash dissent within their own ranks. They often use projection (blaming others for their own behavior) when confronted with criticism. Often the process is subtle to the unsophisticated, and you can spot the quashing of dissent when you hear current clients/adherents/followers answer questions in an amazingly similar or exact way, such as denying everything out of hand. Another red flag is the practice used by many cult leaders and adherent/followers of deliberately creating disinformation about critics or defectors. This is accomplished by attacking peripheral friends or family members of the involved client/adherent/follower. The cult leader wants sole allegiance to only her or him, not to others. Finally, the lack of transparency (an unwillingness to allow others to see the inner workings or know the true teachings of a cult), and the abuse of power are other factors to consider in evaluating whether a group or relationship is cultish in nature and function.
For purposes of definition and theory, and in utilizing the term “coercive persuasion,” I refer to Ofshe (1992) in which he describes four key factors:
The reliance on intense interpersonal and psychological attack to destabilize an individual’s sense of self to promote compliance.
The use of an organized peer group.
Applying interpersonal pressure to promote conformity.
The manipulation of the totality of the person’s social environment to stabilize behavior once modified.
I also use Hassan’s (1988, 2000) BITE model, which analyzes groups according to the B (Behavior), I (Information, T (Thought), and E (Emotional) control. A detailed analysis of this group according to the BITE model is available here.
In addition to Ofshe and Hassan, I will use Lifton’s (1981, 1989, 1991) theory of cult formation, along with his eight criteria of thought reform, briefly explained below. Thought reform can be thought of as the mechanisms by which cults are formed, and how adherents/followers stay within the system. Lifton’s (1989, 1991) criteria are:
Milieu control: control of communication within the environment resulting in a significant degree of isolation from surrounding society. Nonmembers to a group or relationship are labeled as ignorant, misled, or harmful.
Mystical manipulation: The claim of absolute (or divine) authority that allows the leader to reinterpret events as she or he wishes, or make prophecies, predictions, or pronouncements at will, all for the purpose of controlling others.
Demand for purity: The world is viewed in black and white, and adherents/clients are constantly exhorted to strive for the leader’s definition of perfection. The leader creates a narrow world of guilt and shame for client/adherents/followers.
The cult of confession: Serious (and not so serious) infractions, as defined by the leader, are to be confessed and behavior is to be monitored at all times. The cult of confession makes it virtually impossible to attain the reasonable balance between worth and humility.
The sacred science: The teachings of the leader are considered the ultimate truth, beyond all questioning or disputing. The leader of the group is considered above all questioning or criticism. Any personal, private quests for knowledge are suppressed.
Loaded language: The leader and the clients/adherents/followers develop a jargon unique into itself, often non-understandable to outsiders. This jargon consists of numerous words and phrases which the members understand, but which really act to dull one’s ability to engage in critical thinking.
Doctrine over person: The personal experiences of the clients/adherents/followers are subordinated to the “truth” held by the leader. The teachings of the leader are always more important than any individual. Past events are retrospectively altered, wholly rewritten, or ignored to make them consistent with the current “truth” held by the leader.
Dispensing of existence: The leader has the prerogative to decide who has the right to exist and who does not. Usually held non-literally, this means that those outside the group or relationship are unspiritual, worldly, unconscious, lost, dying, stupid, unreachable, or whatever. Current clients/adherent/followers are always conscious that, if they stray too far from the leader’s truth, that the will also lose their right to existence.
Data Reviewed
Lee, I. (2005). Human technology: A toolkit for authentic living. Sedona, AZ: Healing Society.
Lee, I. (2002). Brain respiration: Making your brain creative, peaceful, and productive. Las Vegas, NV: Healing Society, Inc.
Lee, I. (2002). Brain respiration. CD. Sun Arts Group: Healing Society, Inc. (read by Judy Lebeau)
Dahn Yoga “Tai chi, Meditation, Healing” Schedule for April, 2006.
Dahn Energy and Yoga pamphlet advertising “Brain Respiration for your Kids!”
Superior Court of California, In and for the County of Alameda, Sun Hee Park, Plaintiff versus BCC Consulting Company, Dahn Hak Won Co., Ltd., et al, Complaint for Restitution, Damages and Injunction Based on Undue Influence, Fraudulent Concealment, Unfair Business Pracices and Failure to pay Wages.
Very Rough Manuscript “A Western Look at Dahn Enlightenment” dated December 25, 2005 (provided by Nathan “Gordon” Lane.)
Veronica Silvers-Dunham, individually, and as Proposed Administratrix of the Estate of Julie Margaret Silverls, Deceased, et al., Plaintiffs versus Seung Huen Lee, et al, Defendants, Summons and Verified Complaint, Supreme Court of the State of New York, County of Bronx.
The 12 HT Maxims for Authentic Living provided by Dahn Yoga Center.
www.newdahn.org (not working as of March 8, 2006).
Lengthy email from ex-member Melanie Cookson (named used with permission) outlining aspects of her involvement with the above-referenced group(s).
My appearance and interviews at two Danh Yoga centers in the Denver area: first at 5005 S. Kipling Street, Littleton, Colorado and 7621 W. 88th Avenue, Arvada, Colorado.
Review of lawsuit against BCC Consulting Company, Dahn Hak Won Co., et al. from the Superior Court of California, dated October 2, 2002;
Review of lawsuit of Silverls-Dunham, et al, Plaintiffs v. Seung Huen Lee, et al, Defendants from the Supreme Court of the State of New York dated 7/11/05
Press statement of Jiha Kim retrieved from website: www.freedomofmind.com
Telephone conversation with recently exited member from the Dahn group who wishes to remain anonymous for the purposes of this report (hereinafter called EX-M-A).
Albuquerque Tribune article dated March 15, 2006, entitled “Adherents of Dahn Yoga praise its approach to body and mind. But others say they were pressured about money and commitment” by Maggie Shepard.
Former member of Dahn Hak group states, “Dahn Hak moves masters around so they do not become attached to members” dated December, 2002
Former participant and researcher statement, “What is Dahn Hak: business, practice, movement, or corporate scheme?” dated June 2003.
Several aspects of the data collection, information, and the experience of interacting at the two Dahn centers are troubling and raised red flags to this investigator. First, the defensiveness and suspiciousness adopted when questions of any type are raised show an inability or unwillingness to promote the practices of these Centers in an honest and open manner. Second, the emphasis on collecting money from the outside is indicative of an organization using “health” practices to pressure people into signing up or giving over money quickly. Third, the lack of transparency, manifested by representatives of the group at the Centers telling this investigator numerous times that she did not “need to know” any more information.
Additionally, there was a noticeable violating of personal boundaries by the two current members. They asked several questions of this investigator, some of which were quite personal in nature, and which were inappropriate to the context. At the Littleton center, the woman was strangely physical with me during the short “explanation” of materials and classes. Within 5 or 10 minutes of walking into the centers, this investigator was asked to (1) sign up for an energy analysis at the cost of $29; (2) sign up for a month of classes for $150, (3) change from my street clothes to a robe to ostensibly make this investigator more amenable to “analysis”; (4) asked my name several times, where at the Arvada Center, the young man would not tell me his name; (5) lack of response to basic consumer questions, such as Q: What is brain respiration? A: A clearing of the brain. Q: How do you do that exactly? What are your methods? A: You don’t need to know that. Q: Who is Master Lee? A: He is our master. Q: What are his background and qualifications? A: You don’t need to know that – he is our master.
I read the book, “Brain Respiration” and listed to the CD of the same name. On the CD, the 10 stages of the process were listed as:
5th stage – brain mastering – feeling the earth exercise
Power brain training
These exercises on the CD consists of fundamental trance induction. An extreme relaxation pose was brought about through music, guided imagery, and focused attention. During the later part of the CD, suggestions (ostensibly from the doctrine of Dahn Hak) were made during this hypnotic or pre-hypnotic phase. This CD is an overt attempt to increase and solidify the power of suggestion through the use of trance and hypnotic techniques.
The book, “Brain Respiration,” consisted of pictures and explanations for the same type of trance induction as conducted in the CD. There are a lot of physical exercise techniques, lots of waving of arms, and rubbing a “rubber” brain model between your fingers. These are attempts at focused attention, and the process of doing something physically drives the suggestion home. Of concern to this evaluator is the observation that the reasons for doing brain respiration are not mentioned; nor are the side effects discussed; nor is the philosophy behind these techniques and principles discussed; nor is there any indication that you might need to know you are placing yourself in a self-hypnotic state. These are issues of informed consent, and in discussing choices and options with people, one of the red flags that this group may be operating as a cult, limiting choices and information.
In reviewing the book, “Human Technology,” the author, Ilchi Lee makes mention of the following, disclosed in pertinent part:
“Today’s world has many messengers working to tell people about life and how to make it better.”
“I believe that a habit of good breathing can prevent much unhappiness” (p. 45)
“The true meaning of responsibility lies in accepting that you are the creator” (p. 90)
“When you are trapped inside the “I” that you know, the “I” that you have experienced, you cannot use your own creativity” (p. 109).
and
“Becoming truly self-confident involves an overhaul of the basic operating system that runs our brain.” (p. 143).
These terms and phrases are very vague, and would qualify as to what Lifton calls “loaded language”.
Of concern to this investigator is the observation that people must change their brains (hence, their thinking and perception) to model the standards promoted by Mr. Lee. At the very least, a discussion should be had about the risks of self-hypnosis and trance induction in terms of our abilities to critically evaluate new information and the suggestions of others.
In terms of the two ex-members I was able to talk to, both confirmed that the hard sell and the quest for money was the major thrust of this group. Melanie Cookson states, “I was recruited through a deceptive front that Dahn uses to attract new members, by Dahn posing as a fitness center” Additionally, Ms. Cookson states:
I was attending class every day…After about three weeks, I was told that Dahn is actually a group working toward World Peace and saving the Earth from being destroyed by pollution and maltreatment….They clearly stated that they don’t tell people this right away, because if they told “the truth” about what they really are, people might not join.
I feel that Dahn used deceptive recruiting practices in that people think they are joining a fitness class when they first arrive. They also will do almost anything to get you to attend workshops, meetings, etc. They begged and begged me to stay late for a meeting one night and I really couldn’t but they would not stop. I was in tears in the washroom, and I felt very disoriented and confused. They literally wore me out.
My instructors would tell us that anyone that challenged or questioned the organization was less evolved than us and would hold us back “spiritually”. They were very critical of any other philosophies or even exercise practices….Another point I feel I must share is that my instructors would tell us we were not “special” and then take me aside and whisper to me that actually I was special, but they didn’t want the others to feel jealous. Eventually, everyone, in and out of Dahn, could be viewed as a potential threat to my “growth” and enlightenment.
Now, compare the above statement to the “About Dahn” section on their webpage (www.dahnyoga.com).
“We like to think about it as preserving the planet and healing society one person at a time. The four components of our Healing Family Approach reflect this belief: Individual (healing starts with one person) – Family (once an individual is healed, that person’s family, in turn, is positively affected – Society (As more and more families enjoy health, happiness, and peace, it becomes easier to bridge a gap between reality and the ideal – a stronger, more peaceful culture – Earth (strong, stable families ensure the strength of society…).
The question is: This is a great philosophy, but does the behavior of the organization reflect this philosophy (I saw no mention of money, or energy analysis procedures, or classes in that description)?
According to the account of Ex-Member A, s/he was recruited from a pamphlet placed in his/her door. As s/he was interested in improving her/his body through yoga, s/he decided to visit her/his local center. S/he states that s/he started the same day, and within two months was attending more than one class per day. S/he ended up going to the advanced Dahn classes in Sedona, Arizona, where lots of physical activity, constant lectures, and little sleep aided her/him to make a higher commitment to the group. Ex-Member A told me that s/he learned early on that “trust always equals obedience without questioning”. S/he also mentioned that s/he was told by the leadership in her/his group that their group “was superior” to the other groups in the country. In terms of leaving the group, Ex-member A reports that is was extremely difficult, that s/he had to read carefully on the subject of cults and mind control, and that those people who s/he thought were his/her best friends at the center completely rejected her/him when s/he presented contradictory evidence to them. S/he also mentioned that the group operates by using behavioral modification – if you agree with the other members and/or the leader, you received happy, serene, and enthusiastic responses. If you are questioning in any way, you are treated as a negative, untrustworthy individual not worthy of spiritual development and attainment.
This investigator recommends a careful review of the multi-layered website critical of this group located at http://selectsmart.com/ilchilee.html for more in depth analysis.
The two 3 newspaper articles I mentioned above provide confirmation and some additional information regarding this group. All three articles are located at http://www.rickross.com, searching under “Dahn Hak”
The California lawsuit document contains pretty startling information, including discussion of levels of commitment, pre-master trainings which were thought to be abusive in nature, prompting by the leadership of the Dahn organization for members to commit illegal acts, severe isolation from family, friends, or any outsiders, misuse of group funds, undue influence, forgery, fraudulent concealment, unfair business practices, and failure to pay wages and overtime.
The New York lawsuit alleges that the Dahn Hak group uses several aliases in its “business practices,” uses coercion and undue influence on its members, and that members of the Dahn Hak group caused the death of Dr. Silverls at the Dahn Hak Sedona Retreat through the use of “strange” rituals, use of illegal drugs unknown to members, endurance hikes without access to adequate food, water, mountain gear, supervision and other necessities.
Review of the lengthy, rough draft document of Mr. Lane contains insider information on the group, including, the presence of discrimination (including the debasement of women), focused recruitment on the young and unattached, that Dahn discourages maintaining contact with outsiders and even students and teachers at different centers. Additionally, Mr. Lane reports that money is the driving force, with financial investment going up with each level of commitment. He reports that the money collected in the Dahn organization is called “vision” and “Lee has been seen in pictures on stage encouraging teachers to hit their set vision goal. Each center has a set amount for a month; the teacher that does not hit this has been known to be physically punished.” (emphasis added)
Conclusions and Recommendations
In summary, it is my overall opinion that individuals do not engage in behavior that goes against their own self-interest. If someone engages in behavior that appears to serve the agenda of another, and is not borne out of true affinity and caring, then extraneous factors and agendas are motivating that behavior. It appears that Dahn Hak has recruited individuals and then whole families, and has many adherents/followers. This would not be the behavior of a conventional doctor-patient or practitioner-client dynamic.
Therefore, it is my professional opinion that Dahn Hak, in all its incarnations, operates as a cult or high demand group, and employs unethical mind control, meets the BITE criteria for a destructive cult, uses undue influence and coercive persuasion to attract and retain members, and subjects members to a thought control program/process (see Lifton above). As a result of their involvement, members are not provided informed consent, are deceived as to the true nature and purpose of the group, are coerced into remaining in the group, are isolated from family, friends, and their former lives, are subject to increasing demands on their time and livelihood, are preventing from exercising free, unbridled choice, and live in an atmosphere of fear, shame, guilt, and may be subject to phobia indoctrination about criticizing or leaving the group.
The examples I provided from ex-member accounts, my personal experience, and the information contained in primary and secondary documents support my contention that a thought reform program is being strenuously implemented.
My opinion would have been informed if I were to see resumes or CVs of Master Lee indicating his educational level, specialized training, and employment history.
Insofar as the litigation process has commenced against this group and its leader(s),
this complicates careful, thoughtful comments from current members, if they are aware of the litigation…I would also recommend that the concerned family member currently involved in this group undergo psychological testing with a qualified, licensed practitioner agreeable to them and their family for the same reasons as stated above.
Within reason and the confines of scheduling, and as long as it leads to useful information, I would also be willing to personally interview current or former clients/adherents/followers of Master Lee that would provide something new and different to contribute by way of confirmation or demurral. Additionally, with his permission and that of his attorneys (if any), I believe an interview with Master Lee and me could inform my opinion as he is the main focus of this case, and has remained mostly in the background.
If possible, it is recommended that a voluntary intervention from an experienced and qualified cult interventionist be arranged for anyone who is deeply enmeshed with this group, where he/she can obtain information and re-engage the critical thinking process, and, ideally, spend some time away from the constant demands of this group. If indicated, professional counseling may be needed on an ongoing basis if an intervention is completed successfully.
As this case is ongoing, this expert investigator reserves the right to amend her report at any time upon receipt of additional information and evidence.
Very truly yours,
Cathleen A. Mann, Ph.D., LPC, CAC III
d/b/a Purplepeak Counseling and Consulting Group
1880 S. Pierce Street, Unit 7
Lakewood, CO 80232
Phone/VM: (303) 934-2828
Fax: (303) 934-2892
Email: cathleenmann@comcast.net
Freedomofmind.com fully supports religious
freedom and the United Nations Universal Declaration of Human Rights.
The fact that a person’s name or group appears on our website
does not necessarily mean they are a destructive mind control cult.
They appear because we have received inquiries and have established
a file on the group.
The Freedom of Mind Resource Center Inc. was established by cult expert Steve Hassan.
