by Lee Green, Australia
The word ‘cult’ was incorrectly used in the article by Heath Aston titled ‘Cult’ Cures on Medicare, published in The Sydney Morning Herald, 22nd July 2012. With any event, presentation or healing associated with Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine, I walk in of my own free-will, I pay my own money and I leave with the opportunity to choose for myself what I have heard or not. Simple.
For me the following questions must be asked to assess whether Universal Medicine is a cult.
- Is Serge Benhayon a ‘cult leader’?
- Is there a compound that Universal Medicine operates from?
- Do I send a large amount of my income to support Serge’s lifestyle and compound upkeep?
- Am I required to ‘get new followers to support the cause’?
The answer to all the above is No.
I have grown up in a time where the word ‘cult’ is about brainwashing, taking away another’s rights, kidnapping, influence over others, violence and deaths associated with groups. This prompts me to ask whose ‘cult’ are we living in when alcohol, drug abuse, violence against women and children, women being trafficked for sex, paedophilia within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more goes on in addition to the soaring health issues facing individuals.
Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest. With illness and disease on the increase, not to mention the lack of connection people feel to others on a daily basis, is it such a silly question? Without imposition, Serge Benhayon simply presents the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live.
Words on Serge Benhayon 
Having watched this media trial over the years it’s opened my eyes up to greater levels of corruption in the world I previously didn’t want to see.
With all the conjecture about Universal Medicine the business being a cult it diverts attention away from the real issues in society, many of which are listed here including corruption, soaring rates of illness, violence, abuse, crime, pedophilia – the list goes on and on. What Serge presents is about responsibility, about living in a way that is caring and loving of self which becomes then how we are with others. Serge’s work is about decency, respect, and committing to life with purpose for humanity. Based on society’s current normal this might seem weird to some, but that may just show how far we have separated away from our true nature. Despite what has been said in the media or in a court of law about Serge and his business, my experiences of Universal Medicine have been so incredibly awesome, I know the truth from my own experiences which is why I’ll continue to use their services and attend their workshops.
Serge Benhayon is a extraordinary ordinary beautiful man, who has reminded me and many others of the dignity we are truly from.
What is the number of people that have been tarred with a brush, that were innocent? The scars never go away. The accused: paedophile, rapist and people in controlling cults are forever branded with that label even when proven innocent.
This has been rumbling on now for years, crescendoing in recent months whether Serge Benhayon is leading a cult. It feels like the witch hunts of old, when someone presents something different, another way for us to live by our own volition, there will be equal and opposite forces against that way. It is completely ludicrous that Serge Benhayon has been vilified the way he has, when he offers us a way to live to get us out of the mess we have created in this world.
I read a quote the other day that said ‘What Susie says about Sally, says a lot more about Susie than it says about Sally.’ and I feel in this instance this is exactly that. What is being carelessly brandished regarding Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine and students of Universal Medicine to me says nothing of Serge or Universal Medicine or the students but instead makes me question the people that are doing the brandishing. As people we need to be a lot more discerning with regards to what people are saying.
It’s totally absurd that someone comes along and presents a possibility of healthier and more loving way of living and by virtue of that exposes the limitation and the level of abuse that we have been accepting as “normal” – and they get attacked. We say we want a better life, but when the real deal gets presented we actually attack, and that’s when we see where our true interest lies.
Attacking Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine is protecting an arrogance that doesn’t want to admit it caused the worlds malaise and equally has no answer for them. When actually Universal Medicine has proven results.
“Without imposition, Serge Benhayon simply presents the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live.” – and this is the foundation of what is being offered. This could not be further away from the cult picture than you could possibly try. Thank you Lee for your sharing.
Whatever people hurl at you, if it doesn’t describe the way you live your life then it does not have to have an impact on you. However, we live in a world where the intensity that people hurl at one another is beyond imaginable. We gossip, and talk about people who are not present in the room; we share stories and intimate things which others have told us in private without blinking an eye. We create these webs of complication, gossip and whispers about our friends, family and colleagues and then wonder why our relationships are dysfunctional…
And spread those lies globally through the internet so that those who don’t know the person can also hurl abuse with no truth behind their vitriol. Yes a group presenting love and harmony within our relationships is to be attacked – shouldn’t that not be the case? Considering how horrible we all know abuse to be.
Yes 100%. We all know the pain of being abused, not all of us may have experienced physical abuse but we all know what is like to be called stupid, ugly or anything like that. We know what is like to have the children at school talk about you because you made a mistake or did something which the mass disapprove of. Yet, when it happens to another we are the first to jump and create a drama, spread the lies and bring them down. What kind of a society do we live in?!
Using the ‘cult’ label is a cheap shot because people become fearful and the media knows this. The Benhayon’s live an exemplary life and are the kind of role models the world needs right now because let’s face it we are pretty much lost.
Lets go there. When is there going to be a proper, formal, intelligent, rigorous, enquiry, whatever words or actions it requires to fully investigate the truth of Universal Medicine. I will be very interested who that is going to be too ??
It is easy to take a word and throw at someone but who in this world still knows or even considers what a word truly means, or goes beyond that and has the integrity and knowing that it is not only the word we speak but the intention we speak this word in that carries the quality another will be hit or embraced by.
When we feel a lie is coming our way or is projected into our society, we have the power to see it and break it.
It is amazing how the word cult puts fear into everyone without feeling what it means and what it is suggesting. By labelling someone or an organisation a cult it guarantees to put a negative spin on what ever is termed as a cult. Serge Benhayon is the complete opposite of a cult leader, he offers the truth plain and simple, but this for many they find too difficult or too painful to accept..
I have never felt so free as I do since finding Universal Medicine. I lived my whole life beholden to what others expected of me until I started to care for myself and live my life from my body and soul rather than my head. This is the key to freedom, not fitting in and trying to belong.
My mother has had some experience of cults, two of her close friends children were in cults for many years, the children didn’t do so well, the families lost touch with them and the children’s behaviour changed. If my mother had any concerns whatsoever that I was involved in a cult she would be saying something, instead she tells me about the positive changes that she has seen and felt and how beneficial the Universal Medicine courses are to me.
‘… everything that Serge Benhayon does is an open book available to be studied’. Yes Doug, and the fact that he doesn’t have anything to hide makes available to everyone the truth that a few ones don’t want to see. The thing is, no matter how anyone wants to explain or distort what is clear, this remains transparently emanating for all to see when their time arrives or they simply choose to receive it.
“Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest.” Yes and this seems to be crime and for people to feel the necessity to label Universal Medicine a cult and Serge Benhayon a cult leader, which is not only not true it is a million miles from the truth. Serge should be studied and not vilified and judged.
If Serge is simply asking the question whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest, and for this simple fact he is labeled a ‘cult leader’ then it proves to me that what he has to say has the potential to be life changing, and speaking for myself what Serge Benhayon presents is life changing, I have gone from being given up and withdrawn to living a vibrant and full life. That in my books is definitely life changing and one that I whole heartedly embrace. To me all that Serge Benhayon is offering to the world is that there is a possibility that there is more to us than we currently understand. And if that is so then isn’t it worth exploring. And if there is such a tidal wave of resistance to this then I feel that Serge is on the right track and that there are those who do not want to know or understand the extent to which they live a lesser life. And if people want to live a lesser life great so be it but please don’t stop me from living to my full potential because if we all did live to our fullest potential then the world would not be such a mess that’s for sure.
I find it astonishing that Universal Medicine is called a cult when it’s simply a business people patronise. Not only that it’s also won the local Lismore business awards for “People’s Choice” acknowledging both the fact it is a registered business and that people love what it offers. The fact the media is calling it a cult doesn’t make it one, it just intentionally influences the minds of those that read the lies by the journalists.
Since when is living a healthy life where love for yourself and for others is the focus, where it is presented how much we all love to work and how important this actually is for our health and for us working together and where you realize that every choice you make has an impact on yourself and on others, to name but a few examples, since when is this living in a cult?
Ditto. Great sharing Lee, no amount of lies shall hide the truth of what is happening to a person who deserves only the best treatment for this is how he treats everyone else or put in other words Serge Benhayon will always treat everyone as his equal brother.
You are correct when you say Lee we are all living in a cult, we have chosen to be brain washed into believing that this life is ‘it’. How much money do we all spend on such things as alcohol, recreational drugs, sporting events, music events, going to the cinema, holidays, really the list is endless and then add to that food that actually killing us rather than sustaining us. And it seems to me that we have reduced ourselves to such a degree that we think getting smashed on alcohol at the weekends is great fun and something to look forward to.
Sure sounds like a cult to me; one, I have to admit I have been part of and I am very grateful to be no longer have this as my daily experience.
I’ve known a fair few times Universal Medicine help those with financial issues with free or payment arrangements for sessions/workshops. If UM and Serge Benhayon were about the money this wouldn’t make sense. That’s because they aren’t. Simple.
Every time I am with Serge Benhayon be it at a workshop, course or in conversation I can know that he offers and reflects another way of being. It’s up to each and every individual to either respond or react to that.
Isn’t it strange how rattled people can get about something they know very little about and instead they want to believe in the ‘Chinese whispers’, Gossip and hearsay. I say this because if they did know they would find it very hard to write the article that appeared in the newspaper. The truth of the matter is that Serge Benhayon unlike anyone else I have come across supports anyone who is interested to question our reality of life. Life as we know it today isn’t working our bodies are racked with illness and disease and the figures are getting so much worse. We as a society are finding more and more ways to check out on life. Why are we doing this? What is going on? Why are we more concerned for example about populating Mars and spending trillions of dollars of equipment to get us there, why are we not focusing our attention on the fact that as a race of human-beings we are getting so very sick? Rather than vilifying Serge Benhayon we should be sitting up and taking notice of what he is saying because he knows the answer to these questions and more.
Perhaps it is not everyones cup of tea to ask themselves where are they not living there fullest.
I know without a doubt what Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine presents is the truth – no doubt. From the first workshop I ever attended in late 2005 it was clearly felt in my body. What is amazing is how much I have grown in my awareness — 13 years of living the love I now know and have reconnected back to. Serge in all that time has not imposed what he lives and presents. He just is. I to this day have not fully grasped my understanding how to present what I now know as love back to all I come into contact with without imposing telling others who they are. Serge Benhayon is an inspiration — a true leader who is changing the world by presenting just who he is.
The very fact that Serge Benhayon asks us to consider that there is much more that we can live and a level of integrity that we are responsible to uphold is the reason many would like to silence his un-silenceable true love for all.
Questioning what society has accepted as normal is very necessary for our evolution. Outing the normal’s insidious harm and saying it is not ok takes courage but offers others an amazing opportunity to consider whether that might be also true for them.
Why is it that when our way of life gets questioned, we baulk, re-act and carry on like toddlers in a sandpit? Why don’t we simply look at our way of life honestly?
If you have ever had anything to do with Universal Medicine, your questions are laughable 🙂
Is Serge Benhayon a ‘cult leader’? Absolutely not, he is a man that offers us something different, a way to live knowing ourselves, the love that we truly are, the only problem is he exposes the comfort we have all been living in, and that makes many of us feel very uncomfortable.
Awesome Blog Lee – Serge is clearly not here to control and manipulate, but rather to inspire and reflect that the way we live can have an incredible and amazing effect on our well-being, vitality and our connection to Soul, and that it is simply a choice that lies in our hands and hearts for every one of us.
What is there is there.. we can go around many many cycles, but wherever we go we will come back to the same point — healing our way forward by feeling our truth.
Serge Benhayon has supported life-transformations for people from all over the globe, no lie on the internet and the media can change this.
First hand experience is what makes me clearly know if someone like Serge Benhayon is a ‘Cult leader’ or not, and I definitely can say that he is not that thing by what is accused for. In my experience, after attending his workshops since 2013 I feel much free, alive and ‘Me’ than ever before. It is my choice to attend to his workshops whenever I go, and everytime, I feel the joy of freely chosing it.
Brought to the point. We can easily spin many thoughts and opinions about someone or something influenced by our own personal needs and agenda, and this is what we have made life about, allowing everyone to express what they think however absurd it may be, and sell it under our right of the freedom of speech. So life is not about truth anymore but about individualism and everybody’s personal needs.
The fact that someone could even consider let alone write that Serge Benhayon is a ‘Cult Leader’ shows me they have absolutely no clue or awareness about him and just write/print what they want to which is very irresponsible. I have known Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine for over 11 years now and have attended and continue to attend workshops, presentations, courses and retreats. Nothing is pushed, nothing is owned, no one is forced. I and all others attend what we choose to from our own free will. And yes Serge does very simply ask ‘whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest.’ hence maybe why there is so much force and resistance from some people like Heath Aston who maybe do not want to look at or feel this in any way shape or form. To me what Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine present and teach is very sensible and very real in a world that is not so sensible and not so real and honest. Surely this should be welcomed not bastardised.
This is short, sharp and brilliant. To add, I have never been kept up or sleep deprived, which is classic Cult tactics, making followers vulnerable and susceptible to influence. In fact, the opposite is promoted, with most talks based around taking more care of yourself and getting to bed early. Why would you constantly offer information that empowers people to know their worth and promotes incredible health if you were trying to control them? Why would you never follow up call or email anybody that attends a workshop unless they went out of their way to ask to be on further updates? Why would you educate attendees on making sure that they do not impose their choices onto others, if you were trying to recruit? So many holes, if it was a cult, it is failing on every front, it would be great to have a media outlet that was willing to expose all the other false articles that were written over the years.
We have to be clear on this. There is a taylor-made model of accusation of being a cult whose main goal is to accused one on the spot. Those applying the model know that the devastation is the accusation itself because it forces you to go on the defensive and to justify yourself. So, it is all about cornering you. Truth, to them is utterly irrelevant.
Instead of stigmatising an organisation with a word, that in itself has been changed in its original meaning, it is wise to openly and honestly look at what this organisation truly brings.
Yes so true Esther, words can easily be thrown around and misinterpreted yet the light of truth stands unaffected and in clear view for all to see.
Yes, we have lost integrity in words and it seems to me that we are fighting many more wars with words nowadays than we have ever done with weapons.
I don’t even feel to give this airtime as these days people can literally make up what they want and with the lack of social structure on the internet you can be allowed to say the same thing over and over no matter the cost to anyone else. This is a ridiculous situation and here we have a deliberate attempt to divert people from actually gaining the true support they may need. Why all the focus on this? Surely there is more going on then the sensationalised tag of “cult”, so many people doing so so well and turning their lives around what an amazing story or like anything else a small few can critique from the sidelines and we can miss the real appreciation for the blessing that is here.
Could it be that some people are afraid of being exposed in living their illusionary ways. Ways of living they try to protect and foster at any cost as they feel so comfortable in it. If someone comes along, like Serge Benhayon, who lives the complete opposite in transparency and love, could indeed be very exposing and a challenge for those who have chosen that comfortable way of living in the illusion that temporal life is as their way of being.
“Without imposition, Serge Benhayon simply presents the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live.” Yes, so very true and how very simple and what an opportunity to be offered to look a bit deeper and closer as to what there is to life.
Gosh how we hate to hear it, but it’s not enough to just coast through life, to find a level of comfort and settle for that, to compromise on what you know is true and glorify the smallest breadcrumbs of attention we get. We are designed to constantly expand, to go further not with climbing mountains or jobs, but with Love. There is a part of us that fights this truth with every last cell, and so as you show Lee we have a history of attacking anyone who dares to lead the way. Serge Benhayon is no Cult leader but a shining example of what it’s like to live Love, every day.
Many moons ago I have sat at the feet of gurus and spiritual leaders, and if anything that is where you will find the ‘cult’ energy, as they want followers and to be worshipped. I have been attending presentations and workshops now for 11 years which are run by Serge Benhayon and his team, and not once have I sensed there is a need in him or his team for followers, and in fact the opposite is true – he encourages us to take full responsibility for where we are at in any given moment.
What is a cult? When I hear the word ‘cult’ I associate it with some eccentric belief system and behavior choices that are quite different from what I consider to be ‘normal’. So when the society’s normal is gravitating towards more abusiveness, I would gladly be a part of a cult.
Serge Benhayon is the opposite of a cult leader. He has no interest in leading anyone as everything that he presents is about learning to take responsibility for one’s own life. There is nothing cultish about that.
Applying a word like “cult” to a group of people who attend presentations and workshops in order to develop a more loving and purposeful life is ridiculous and without a skerrick of truth.
Simply, powerfully and beautifully said Lee.
Using the word ‘cult’ is a cheap way of attracting readers who seek sensationalism to stimulate themselves. I sense it won’t be long before people see through this and feel how sensationalism is a cheap thrill rather than something that delivers truth. The demands of the readership will change and then so will the approach of the journalist.
‘Do I send a large amount of my income to support Serge’s lifestyle and compound upkeep?’ The answer is NO. It is so wrong there have been criticisms that those attending Serge’s presentations or workshops ‘waste’ money. I do not feel I have ever wasted a penny on the wisdom I hear when I attend an event. Each one is completely different and full of gold. I also have to say that recently just 5 minutes with Serge Benhayon saved me an enormous amount of money as I felt empowered and clear in what was true and what was not. There was no doubt in my mind and therefore I did not need to be paying for expensive advice as it was clearly felt in my body.
Using the word ‘cult leader’ to describe Serge Benhayon is a mere distraction from the truth. There is absolutely nothing resembling a cult or cult leader, there are teachings that ask us to take responsibility for our lives, our choices and the way we live. Perhaps it is this that others react to because comfort and indulgence seem on the outside a more attractive option?
“Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest. With illness and disease on the increase, not to mention the lack of connection people feel to others on a daily basis, is it such a silly question? ” It is deeply saddening to hear how people would rather call a man a cult leader who is sharing that through love and truth one can connect to their own path of healing, yet they are happy for sex abusers and drug abusers to roaming around doing what they are doing.
I agree Amita, it makes no sense whatsoever that Serge Benhayon should be vilified when he is willing to stand up and speak the truth about why it’s simply not working. We can all quite clearly see that the world is a mess be it with wars, illness and disease, natural disasters, financially etc., how far do things have to go before we wake up to honest conversations about the truth of what is really going on?
It is deeply saddening that the word cult has been used indiscriminately to describe Universal Medicine and Serge Benhayon. It is so far from the truth. To use such words freely is very damaging and all in the name of selling a story. What is the point of selling a story based on lies and who takes responsibility for that?
It is so cruel how the word cult has been mis-intepretated. . In truth Serge presents truth, there is no rule or roles to follow, it is our own choice what we choose to hear or not, do or not do, no one controls our movements but ourselves.
It is so cruel how the word cult has been mis-intepretated. . In truth Serge presents truth, there are no rule or roles to follow, it is our own choice what we choose to hear or not, do or not do, no one controls our movements but ourselves.
I agree Lee Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine are the very antithesis of what we call a cult. It can’t get simpler than that. But what is interesting to me, is that the questions Serge poses about the link between our choices and health are conveniently side stepped and dismissed out of hand. Isn’t that interesting? I am yet to hear someone actually address what Serge presents, this in itself is to me very revealing.
When there is no cult, there is no cult leader. When there is no cult, there are not followers. When there is no cult and yet what is not a cult is labelled a cult, what we have is simply a false statement issued under the intent of harm.
Well said Eduardo, no cult, no followers only an intent to harm by sowing a seed of doubt in the mind of the observer. This is truly evil and it is time it was stopped.
Interesting how the media choose to label Serge Benhayon a ‘Cult leader’ totally untrue and far fetched, which goes to reflect the lack of understanding the media has in regard to Serge Benhayon and what he brings and offers to humanity as a whole.
If asking myself to be more honest, more responsible, more caring, more loving in my life is a cult, what then is this world really asking for? A life of horror, complication, illness, disease, abuse and more? Have we really wandered so far as to agree that such a life is what we find normal, and so withdrawn to say that there is nothing we can do?
Spot on Lee. The accusations, are of course all completely false. More recently I’ve been made aware of the cycle we are all stuck in when it comes to persecuting those that are willing to stand for truth. It’s basically a bi-product of choosing more love and not being afraid to tell it like it is. A sad state of affairs really. My experience of Universal Medicine has been nothing short of life changing, and certainly not in some over the top dramatic way where lights and glitter have fallen through fairy-floss clouds. The choices I make on a daily basis to support myself are remarkably different to what I used to choose when I had very little care or respect for myself.
The use of the word cult applied to Universal Medicine in this way could not be further from the truth I agree Lee. In my long experience the organisation is exemplary in it’s conduct, offering a wide range of services to the community openly and transparently. Having spent 17 years learning, listening and receiving healing sessions of my own free will, I am living testimony to the fact that for just starters IT WORKS… I have never been healthier, more clear-headed, vital and hard working in my entire life, and I just keep getting better. Hardly the product of a dangerous cult methinks!
Absolutely Lee I was thinking about this just the other day and how the stigma of that word is so effective in shutting down anything that is different to the cultural norms. I have several friends who have done level one healing and haven’t attended anything else, I have never asked them to go to anything else, it is absolutely about free will and that is honoured in every aspect of Universal Medicine.
Really depends on your definition of cult. A cult in its true meaning as defined by sociologists in the first part of the last century simply referred to a group of people whose religious viewpoint could not be tied to any mainstream religion, and were in a minority. From that point of view, Universal Medicine is unashamedly a cult. If, however, you take the modern and socially accepted version of a cult, which is characterised by abuse, including sexual abuse, and manipulating and brainwashing followers, then nothing could be further from the truth.
Serge Benhayon is a leader, without a doubt, of how we all can live in connection to our Soul and as such with the Divine, with God. The culture of God and our Godliness has never been so alive and through the religion The Way of The Livingness we have the opportunity to explore living this way for ourselves. This I claim to be part of with all that I am, for I now know that living less than this is existing in the cult of reductionism that has got us to the state of turmoil of where we are today as a humanity. And existing in this cult is far from living who we truly are.
To label Serge Benhayon as the leader of a cult is not just false in itself, but also a deliberate attempt to reduce what Serge is here to do and to confine, limit, any exchange on him so no one can connect to the bigger picture. Very insidious.
Is Serge Benhayon a cult leader, I am absolutely positively certain not. A beautiful reminder Lee to not be distracted by the false and misleading energy that constantly comes our way. Thank you for the simple yet powerful expressing of who Serge Benhayon is and who he is not.
Lee – A great call on the truth of the use of the word ‘cult’ in relationship to Serge Benhayon – Students of the Way of The Livingness are taking responsibility and care of themselves to not continuing the ‘cult’ relationship you describe with abusive and harming distractions as the majority of the world are.
“This prompts me to ask whose ‘cult’ are we living in when alcohol, drug abuse, violence against women and children, women being trafficked for sex, paedophilia within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more goes on in addition to the soaring health issues facing individuals”.
It is a sign of the ridiculousness of our times when someone can challenge the status quo of our often poor choices in life and as a result be classified as a cult leader. Clearly people don’t like having the rot that they either live in or are surrounded by exposed and as such prefer to discredit those that speak truth through false labels in an attempt to silence them.
The word ‘cult’ has a specific meaning and a set of characteristics associated to it. So, there is the definition and the reality against which we have to assess the usefulness of the proposed label. If we proceed in good faith, when the reality does not fit at all the concept, we cannot use the label even if we want. This is the case of Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine.
Thank you Lee for a simple and to the point sharing, like you I come of my own free will, and i am able to leave of my own free will, and I am free to do with what has been presented as I wish, whether to accept or reject. This alone wipes out the cult label.
If Unimed is a cult and Serge Benhayon is a cult leader, then l’m a monkey’s uncle. Such a throw-away line intended to inflame and instil fear. 16 years since meeting Serge Benhayon and my life could not be much more amazing… and I only say ‘much more’ because it just keeps getting more amazing every year. What Serge presents, the Ageless Wisdom, is profoundly simple, sensible, live-able and holy-cow, it works. We are not human in our origin but divine, and when we live from that knowing, life changes completely, as do we, and our bodies. Health, vitality, joy, aliveness, awareness… the list goes on. All available to every one of us equally. He just shows us the facts… and allows us to wake up to the full realisation of it in our own time. Sounds like a sinister cult to me!
The word cult, is inflammatory….everyone of us makes a choice what we do or not align with in life, everything is choice. Follow or not follow, but we can to be brain washed. It is word that creates a fear of having our choice sucked out of us, impossible. Universal Medicine is awesome because it reflects another way, not because people follow it or lose themselves. The exact opposite has occurred for me, attending presentations and courses, I have developed a level of self-determination I had no concept of in the past. Liberation and free will is what Universal Medicine reflects in truth, alongside other powerful elements for change starting with responsibility and love.
I simply love the question is the world in a cult? As a large group humanity are you indirectly involved in what goes on by holding back and not speaking up?Are you a part of not being in your fullest? Are you aware of that term? Are you aware of what goes on? Could you play a major role in changing the world by giving back a quality that Reflects we are more… !
The fact that such an alarmist response, crying ‘cult!’, can come from such a simple question – are we living to our fullest? – shows the degree to which we as a humanity are fully invested in the way of life we have created that is nowhere near the magnificence of who we truly are, even though this created way has led us nowhere except further into the separation we have sought away from the light of our true self (Soul). If evidence is needed of this we need look no further than the war, greed, misery, isolation and loneliness many of us feel on a daily basis across the globe. We as a humanity have swallowed hook, line and sinker, a poisoned bait that will not let us know we are far more than who we are currently playing ourselves to be. If we do not begin to explore this at least as a possibility then we are in effect saying yes to more abuse, more wars and much more misery at the human level even though we are each pure love and thus true divinity at our deepest core.
I am so glad that Serge is asking us these questions so that we can be prompted to look at what we are choosing. Otherwise we would be forever stuck in the fog of the mind and its distracting ways.
To call Universal Medicine a cult could not be more ridiculous… which exposes fully the ill-intention of those who have named it so. It is actually an organisation that is above reproach, not perfect, but exemplary in every way of the integrity and true care a business can offer. They have raised the bar on what this means in a world that is exhibiting little true integrity in it’s dealings. For some this is very challenging… and if you can’t genuinely critique something, then lies become the only way to attempt to muddy the way it is seen.
There is nothing that is asked of me, no rules, no agendas, I can attend as much or as little as I like, I can take on board what is presented or not. I am welcomed back regardless of my choices.
Another brilliant article that shuts down the insinuations and allegations made around Universal Medicine. Simply crazy what goes on in our world and how we sit back and allow it.
It was about time that someone came along to address all the abuse and injustice that is going on within our society and call us into responsibility. Of course anybody is quick with pointing the finger, but to actually personally take responsibility and look at how we contribute to the wrongs is a step not many want to take, but Serge Benhayon is willing to go all the way and highlight the mess we have gotten ourselves into taking full responsibility for the part he plays.
It is easier to point a finger at an individual and make up all sorts of stories than to face all that is really going on in the world…as you say” This prompts me to ask whose ‘cult’ are we living in when alcohol, drug abuse, violence against women and children, women being trafficked for sex, paedophila within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more goes on in addition to the soaring health issues facing individuals”
Thank you Lee for simply sharing how Serge Benhayon is not a Cult leader. It is interesting that when people hear the word Cult used to refer to a group of people that they do not take the time to truly investigate if it is true or not, such is the energy behind the word Cult.
No more than Steve Jobs was when he was at Apple. He also inspired many people and had a devoted following – that some might even say was religious – and yet no one called him a cult leader that I can remember. How interesting that we save such a word for that which we refuse to understand but instead wish to ridicule, and yet do not look at the hypocrisy that dominates the way we live our own lives.
Yes calling it a cult implies there is not free will to choose to be there, or not, but rather coercion and manipulation. After 15 years applying the teachings and presentations of Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine, not only is my life unrecognisably amazing in every way since then, but I am as free as l’ve ever been to listen, take on, partake or live any part of what is presented. In truth it couldn’t be further from what I understand a cult to be. For me the question isn’t whether or not it is as that is crystal clear, but why someone would label it so.
Here Here.
Calling something a cult introduces the connotation of suspicion and judgment which immediately undermines the true assessment of the situation.
Thank you for your clear-cut ‘cult’ buster blog Lee
Of course when someone who stands up and speaks the truth and doesn’t hold back, comes out and says the obvious like the fact the way the world is living in a loveless way and very disconnected. Then suggests that self love, care, responsibility, self healing are some of the ways to come back to a truer state and curb the irresponsible / abusive ways humanity has been living. People will react because of the need for comfort, numbness and distraction in a world that is constructed in a way that supports falsities. So the being called a “Cult “thing is just a well calculated cheap shot or decoy to create fear or panic hence keeping people further from the truth.
When in truth the world is and has been running as big “cult “of ignorance, and irresponsibility, which keeps people separated from themselves and others. With people playing out the part of giving their power away to distraction, temptation, false truths etc whilst global corporations, governments, institutions and corruption grows bigger.
Its a case of shoot the messenger again, as it has been many times before in history -but now the truth is here in these platforms -websites and blogs for people to discern what is truth for themselves.
Much appreciation to Serge Benhayon , Universal medicine and the many volunteers and contributors to these blogs and IT mediums as it is important to not hold back and express what so needs to be expressed, without perfection that is .
It’s becoming more and more and more clear that so many people are living under the influence of what has been created around them, be it drugs, alcohol, fashion. music, sport, coffee, sugar, religious beliefs, wars and the list goes on. Most of all this is seen and accepted as life and that’s what happens, how we live, it is our choice. Offer someone a different choice and it’s considered unusual, different and even challenging to understand. Why is connecting to a deeper meaning in life considered to be anything else than what it is? Have we moved that far from the essence of our true nature that we don’t even consider having one is possible?
Totally agree – it is cheap and easy to wield the word ‘cult’ and instil fear in people. trying to keep them away from what might just genuinely support them; and yes, mainstream culture is definitely a cult, bound together by poor lifestyle choices and atrocious, cold and cruel behaviour. Why doesn’t anybody feel to question that?
Serge Benhayon has simply presented another way of living that includes greater self-regard and that there is a way of living that supports the body to be vital, healthy and joyful and a way of living that supports deeper, more caring relationships. Sure this is not for everyone, but those that make derogatory comments about him are defending what exactly… exhaustion, stress, illness and disease rates that are going through the roof, alcoholism, abuse and the current way we live that is not working?
“Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest.” To define someone as a cult leader for asking this simple question suggests that there has not been the remotest inkling of research into what he is actually presenting. By dismissing such a simple question also suggests there is no willingness to consider that perhaps the life being led is not working, or to accept that there may be adifferent way to live.
There are some who are not ready to accept what Serge Benhayon simply presents: the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live.
When you are branded as a cult, there is very little you can do. When people speak up and present the Truth, they in turn are branded as cult followers who are brainwashed. Anything that is said is then dismissed. It is a very effective way to dismiss an entire group of people as well as the teachings of an incredible man. But the proof is in the pudding. Take a look at the “cult followers” and discern for yourself.
Lee, what you have shared provides such a simple explanation and clarity to the whole cult thing. To say that Serge Benhayon is a cult leader is ridiculous.
It is so simple: Without imposition, Serge Benhayon simply presents the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live.
Yet, by those who are living in denial of truth will question and fight it. So will it reveal the eyes of people who are open to receive and life truth and those who are not. Simple it is.
To those willing to turn a blind eye to corruption, all that is true is going to look very, very strange…such is the human eye masked to not see all that is truly there to see if only we renounce our chosen blindness. Removing the blindfold is a choice no one can make on our behalf. I have known Serge Benhayon for nearly 5 years now and there is nothing sinister about him, only a willingness to live as true as he can to the best of his human ability, which comes with an openness and humbleness to see things as they truly are and not as we might wish them to be. Truth will always look ‘strange’ to those not willing to live it. And those that live it have no need to sell it for they understand each person makes their own choice as to whether they want to live this or not.
So true Lee… “Without imposition, Serge Benhayon simply presents the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live”. There is nothing remotely cult-like about Universal Medicine and l’ve been involved for over 14 years. I am just as free to attend, listen, take note, walk away, like or dislike what I hear, involve myself to whatever extent suits me and my life, and have whatever relationships with others I choose to have, whenever I choose to have them.
In fact, I feel supported in a way I could never have imagined to be the most well-rounded, active, engaged and contributing member of society, a far cry from where I was – quite the opposite effect to the usual impact of a ‘cult’ I would say.
Well said Lee.
I know for a fact we are definitely not living our fullest and so who are we to question someone who simply points this out and then gives us the steps we can choose to take, if we want to, to actually live as who we truly are. We see how babies can be and how they freely just express themselves yet we grow up measuring our expression. Is Serge Benhayon simply just presenting the fact that we all are innately love and so if we choose to express anything otherwise, it is going to have a detrimental effect on the body. For him to then be called a cult leader is absurd!
Well said Lee, there is much much more to ourselves then we, as a one humanity, currently live. You only need to see another for who they are and then hear the absurd words that can come out of them about themselves and who they ‘think’ they are, to realise we are living very far from the fullness we are.
Yes Lee, it is actually very incoherent to be busy with falsely accusing a person of being in a cult etc. when real abuse, corruption is happening at this very minute, and very evil.. As by every minute spent on lies – the confirmation of evil is set on earth (no matter where you are) and every minute we do a truth has not been supported to be brought to light – and so, we must take lying and not standing in truth is very serious as we think we can get away with it and that it has no effects (visible on others) but it has – hence the big trouble in the world now. So the thing of ‘ well I can not help any of that, is very incorrect and we know so”.
‘Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest.’ Imagine if everyone in the world asked themselves this question, perhaps we would begin to get some honesty in the world.
I guess to write ‘just’ about a man who is living in full integrity and a lot of people who choose to be inspired by him and how this looks like, is not sensational enough for a headline … thereby I found my life changes and the choices I live very sensational. And so does my family and friends. You just have to look at the ‘before and afters’ on the UnimedLiving.com website to see sensations all over.
My, how horrendous indeed are the images and activities that immediately come to mind when the word ‘cult’ is used. All the more reason to display absolute integrity when such a word is utilised, whether by way of direct association with a person or an organisation and body of people connected with it.
This is irresponsibility in journalism at its lowest ebb.
It is a ridiculous notion Lee, absolutely agreed. Yet one deliberately utilised to smear, taint and discount the voices of anyone associated with the great work of Universal Medicine in our local and global communities, let alone the voice of Serge Benhayon, the organisation’s founder and director himself.
I love your straight to the point-ness it is so simple really really simple!
Strange world we live in when someone who only presents the truth, and has dedicated his life to humanity, is branded as a cult leader (?)
It is easy to pigeon hole someone with a term than seriously contemplate on the nature of what they are presenting. Ridicule is for those too lazy to ascertain the truth for themselves.
Yes there is so much more for us to live and experience and Serge Benhayon is not shy to state the fact by living it.
Since meeting Serge Benhayon I feel free-er to make my own decisions than ever before – he is literally the antithesis of a cult leader. The question is – are we living to our fullest? And is there another way? But don’t call someone a cult leader because you don’t like the questions they’re asking!
Serge Benhayon rocks the boat, but what he exposes and you have also done here Lee, is the ingrained and limited thinking that pervades most of the journalism we are presented with. There is a deep unwillingness to want to know that much of what we accept in human life does not actually make sense. That we are in fact capable of much more wisdom and intelligence than is currently being displayed, and that to question this lack of wisdom, as Serge Benhayon so masterfully manages, is to expose something that needs to be uprooted and thrown out. It is no longer and never really has been acceptalbe that we have so much corruption in our lives, and anyone choosing to address this should be supported, not ridiculed, undermined and persecuted as currently is blatantly the case.
Responsibility in journalism is not being lived. The word cult is a sure fire sensational hook to get people to read the article. Yet had there been true investigative journalism the story to tell is quite remarkable.
It is interesting that cult is the word used. Since I have come to Universal Medicine I have a lot more clarity on how the way I was living was quite a trap and that I was blinded. Society accepts and encourages many vices. Take alcohol, a known poison that damages the body. If I say I do not drink, not because I am an alcoholic or because I have a drinking problem but purely because I do not want to, there can be a lot of reaction and encouragement to just have one. I do not like the word cult, but what is trying to be insinuated from using the word, I find happens in society. Universal Medicine has supported me out of the hold the “cult” of society had on me.
I agree with your article Lee, Serge Benhayon is no cult leader rather a dedicated man in serving humanity
It is a very curious thing that when a man (Serge Benhayon) talks about the current state of humanity that he gets called a cult leader and suspicion is placed upon him. Is this not telling us that there are those who do not want to face the crisis we are currently facing with the rates of illness and disease, crime, drug abuse, violence etc and instead want to shoot the messenger so to speak?. This has been going on for time immemorial (shooting the messenger that is) but surely it is time to stop this and face up to what is before us all and work together to change it.
Serge Benhayon is the antithesis of a cult leader. He always tells people, if they don’t like what they are hearing, they are free to leave and can get their money back. There are no rules, no dogmas, no expectations and in fact no leaders. Serge is simply a presenter of truth who happens to be a bit further along the path, and so is able to share his own life experiences, and impart them to all while encouraging everyone to do the same. He treats everyone as his equal and meets everyone with the same depth of love every time. This simple and true way of living couldn’t be any further from a cult, there is simply no comparison.
I have never understood the cult connotation, other than the fact that people seem to be suspicious of anyone that listens to another speak about how to live life. Interesting however, that no one questions the media, celebrities, brands, and other institutions such as sport in the same way – as though they do not equally have some sort of influence on the way people think. I would rather take my chances listening to Serge Benhayon, knowing that he is completely unimposing in the way he presents life, than any of the aforementioned, which all in their own way impose and manipulate their views on the world for self gain.
This is one of the key reasons that what is presented by Serge Benhayon is able to be lived and create lasting change because he “invites people all the time to speak up, to question him, to feel their own truth in their own body”. Once the truth is felt in your body, there is no going back. You may not choose to live it all the time but it is there and an incredible foundation in your body to make loving choices from.
Anyone, journalist or reader of what he/she writes lives in total ignorance if they believe what is written without knowing what the facts actually are. Some may like to flow along in such ignorance without getting a taste for what truth actually is, prescribing to the old saying ignorance is bliss, but waking up and seeing, that there is a better way, a truer more natural way to live that couldn’t be further from being a cult.
Who hasn’t thought that ‘there’s got to be more to life than this’ at some point in their lives. This is where many people find themselves attending a presentation or having a session with a practitioner etc involved with Universal Medicine. People come to Universal Medicine seeking to better understand of themselves and the world generally. Whether they stay involved or not is up to them but there are too many documented stories, including those backed up by medical evidence, of remarkable turnarounds in people’s lives to discount as rubbish what Universal Medicine offers everyone. This is the opposite of what a cult offers its followers and there is no comparison between the two.
“Without imposition, Serge Benhayon simply presents the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live”.
Cult, Universal Medicine is certainly NOT. As you say Lee what Serge Benhayon presents is an invitation for us to live another more healthy true way. The choice, and free will, is always ours, always.
The word ‘cult’ brings up a lot of fear in people specifically to a lack of control and power being given away. The media seem to love sensationalising a story with this word and in doing so leave all traces of human decency behind. These accusations are pure evil because the truth is the opposite; Serge Benhayon actually presents a way of living which is empowering to the individual, empowering self-loving choices and how living responsibly is empowering to ourselves and those around us.
There are a lot more cult like activities on the street and in schools and universities than in the Universal Medicine arena. By this I mean behaviours that are taken on because of peer pressure and convert and often overt bullying. There is a pressure to conform even if it is conforming to join a rebel or terrorist group.
Serge Benhayon is not leading a cult in any way and is being presented as this purely because he is exposing the disease and lack of care and honouring of ourselves the world is living in and some people do not like this as it is bringing a new trend of living a different way, a true and real and loving way. This is threatening to those who do not want to feel this and make loving choices in their lives and so they call it out as being different, abnormal and attack it when in fact it is so normal so true and natural to who we are when honoured inside us all. This brings attention to how we are living and where the world is going and what is true health, vitality and livingness. Showing that there is a way here for us to reflect on, Serge Benhayon is inspiring the world with his amazing level of responsibility, honesty and love.
This is a great blog and understanding of being in a cult and what this really means. Serge Benhayon is simply offering us the possibility of another way to live being all we are fully to the world and our lives and showing what is really going on. It is a gift we are free to explore for ourselves and the benefits to health, life and our well being are becoming apparent to everyone.
I love the questioning of whose cult we are all living in. We find it very easy to become focused on those things which are different to the status quo and to see them as a problem rather than bringing an awareness to the truth of the situations in which we are living.
Being able to walk in of our own free will, pay and then leave when we want does not set off alarm bells of being in a cult. The only cult there is, is that in the minds of the journalists trying to sensationalise what they choose to not investigate properly.
Only reading the title of this blog made me laugh. Is Serge Benhayon a cult leader? Are apples pink? No, Serge is not a cult leader. He is actually one of the very few men walking on this planet earth that makes sense and shows us that there is another way of living. If it wasn’t for him, the world would be even in a bigger mess than it is already.
Perfectly said Lee, indeed Serge is honestly asking us, humanity , questions that are reasonable and actually very important. These days we are not even asked such questions anymore. I am glad that Someone asks us these fair questions for the better and to support our society to become more healthy. This man should not be sued, but get our full support of what he brings and how we can develop this, what he is presenting to us. And then as we see it works, we can all implement it in our lives. The Way Of The Livingness is my forever way, just like Serge is presenting to all. Thank you Serge.
Spot on Danna. Obviously it is very threatening when someone starts to ask questions that challenge our comfort levels despite the fact that these issues so badly need to be looked at by us all. There are many angles that the media could be taking that would support people to start to question the status quo of their lives but unfortunately in this case it has been easier to go for the ‘cult’ angle for the quick sensational headline grab that creates the least disturbance to the majority.
A very simple short and honest blog Lee. There is no way I would be part of a cult ! I have been connected with Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine for the past 8 years, the best years of my 69 that I remember! So much love and support from all Practitioners and students alike. What I have learnt about Love, Relationships and true Brotherhood in these years I could never have learnt anywhere else except through the Ancient Wisdom, The Way of The Livingness as presented by Serge Benhayon and family.
Media have such an ability to influence people’s opinions with nought but the use of a single word. They hide behind the facade that they are there to be objective, and to bring a balanced view to the world, but show me a truly balanced journalist, who refuses to compromise in this regard, and I will show you a journalist most likely out of a job.
The fact that there is not an ounce of investment in people coming to the courses and events marks that Universal Medicine is not a cult, Serge Benhayon not a cult leader, and none of the gorgeous people who freely choose to listen to the presentations are therefore cult members.
Something remarkable about Serge Benhayon is the absolute absence of any imposition whatsoever. This is felt in the stillness and humility of his presence. The reverse of any gurus I have met, he does not tell you what to do rather empowers you in recognising what is true for you – there are no subtle hooks. You are invited to be yourself with Serge Benhayon, and in a world that constantly looks outside for answers that can be confronting – we are not in fact used to being ourselves.
If Serge Benhayon is a cult leader then Father Christmas really does exist and I am the real life Cinderella! What fairy tales these journalist write and expect people to believe them is ridiculous. They cannot be based on any kind of personal experience because if it was then the author of this article published in the Sydney Morning Herald would be no doubt whatsoever that Universal Medicine is NOT a cult and Serge Benhayon only speaks and presents the utmost truth, and this I would stake my life on.
I have experienced this feeling of Brotherhood too Simon, many times, within my involvement with the many facets of Universal Medicine. In the past I have been involved with spiritual groups too and the feeling of brotherhood that emanates from the consciousness of these groups feels more like a separative energy to me, which can only mean that the ‘new age movement’ is populated by many who are not truly dealing with their issues and choosing to look outside of themselves for salvation.
How grubby does this “news” story feel? I checked out the webpage and I notice there are a lot of adverts alongside this made up sensationalist story. This would explain why they aim with the sensationalist angles, to ensure page views which equals dollars. How cheap is it to lie so viciously about Serge Benhayon, to try to destroy his personal image and business, all for the sake of some advertising dollars? It’s about as low as you can get, especially by misusing the very calculated word “cult” to create an instant reaction.
How fascinating that here we have a man presenting that there is more to us all than how we are currently living, essentially giving us the keys to our own salvation, and yet he gets labelled as a cult leader. This is very revealing of just how far from living who we all are, we actually all are living at this time to be not even be able to see such a great opportunity.
What a great line here Lee “This prompts me to ask whose ‘cult’ are we living in when alcohol, drug abuse, violence against women and children, women being trafficked for sex, paedophilia within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more goes on in addition to the soaring health issues facing individuals.” Not only ‘whose’ cult are we living in to be experiencing the society that we have and where so many damaging activities are promoted as normal, but ‘how many’?!
Well said Lee. I have always avoided groups that venerate a leader and have financial or other expectations of its members, and can say that absolutely none of these things have been my experience in the last 10 years of attending presentations by Serge Benhayon. He is an man well-loved, because the love he shares with everyone equally is extraordinary, but he is not a leader on a podium, just one he presents the truth of his lived experience for us to discern if it is something to bring into our lives or not.
There is such an absoluteness in the way you write Lee that one can be left in no doubt that to label Serge Benhayon a cult leader is the most heinous miscarriage of truth. What Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine present challenges so much of what is accepted as true within society, and it is this that many struggle with as it highlights so deeply how far we have moved away from living in true brotherhood and with true responsibility.
Well said Jade. What Serge Benhayon presents confronts so many ideals that we live by and that simply are not serving us. It is not always comfortable to face the truth at first, but it is the only way to cut through the illusion that we are OK when clearly individuals and humanity as a whole is in a mess.
I feel that in truth most people would actually struggle to accurately define what a cult is and maybe that is because of the way the word has been used. When looking at the definition institutional religions all fit the bill too, sport fans following their particular team must come close. We’ve even labelled a film genre as cult films. Therefore in using the word people tend to assume the connotation that fits the particular situation and in this case those responsible for placing this label are trying to influence people into assuming that Serge Benhayon or Universal Medicine can be compared to other groups recently labelled as cults and the acts and practices associated with them. This could not be further from the truth and simple investigation actually reveals the depth of true care that Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine bring to all.
Thank you Lee. This is very simple and straightforward. There is no doubt in me that everything I do is my own personal responsibility. This cult accusation is ridiculous and merely a distraction from the much more important business of life. It’s like a desperate and unhinged person flinging whatever insult that comes into their head in the hope that something will stick. In the meantime we still work from love and continue to deepen our commitment to love on all levels as Serge Benhayon inspires us to deep love and care of ourselves and others.
When we know that all is energy, then we know that people who accuse or insinuate Serge Benhayon is a cult leader are not coming from an energy that is true, but an energy of fear, arrogance, ignorance jealousy and above all void of love.
It’s not a silly question no. It is a question much needed with how the world is today. we don’t know what we don’t know until someone has presented it. Great point with the ‘whose ‘cult’ are we living in when alcohol, drug abuse, violence against women and children, women being trafficked for sex, paedophilia within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more goes on in addition to the soaring health issues facing individuals.’ This reveals a lot and in fact much of the world can be seen as a cult.
Newspapers should be more concerned about the real and devastating issues in society than conjuring up sensationalist and slanderous stories to sell more copies.
Completely agree Melinda.
In a cult people give their power away to the cult leader. Serge Benhayon shows people the way to stop giving their power away. What was the question again?
Couldn’t have put it more simply myself Lee. Serge Benhayon is the furtherest thing from a Cult Leader.
I agree, this is an absolute non-silly question, and yes we should never hang any one up for actually stepping up against the lies and ask for the truth. In the case of Serge Benhayon, this is what happend, and that is absolutely not OK. We have right of free speech and for sure if this is actually truth and is pulling us all up to me more truthful in life. Therefore we can learn a lot from people that speak and come from truth and we can only support them, if we want a world to be less corrupt, if not, we should just continue to take down everything that is true.
Serge Benhayon is the antithesis of a cult leader. Serge Benhayon is a world leader in offering humanity true support in self-care, self-love and self- nurturing and self- responsibility. And Serge Benhayon is a man of solid integrity who walks his talk and reminds us all of who we truly are.
Imposition and abuse, in all and every of its varieties is something that is not part of the Universal Medicine landscape. On the total contrary, total exquisite respect, and support to come back to the real us is what we get if we want to get there. This is for everybody to see and feel. So, there nothing o-cult in here, nothing weird. Everything is of an immense beauty.
Why do we live in a world where false accusations of someone being a cult leader are preferred to be spread by the media instead of the beauty of an excellent business that is supporting people to be responsible and loving in their life. Can it be that people love to be entertained by misery, lies and false stories, just to not have to look at their own lives and assume responsibility for their choices?
Great question Rachel, I feel it’s more that people love being entertained by misery, many are living in their own versions of misery and somehow want to hear of others doing worse in the vain hope it will make them feel better, and our media feeds off the drama of this. The messier and more out of control from their perspective the better. It’s cruel and fails to ask people to consider where they are and if they are more, which is exactly what Serge Benhayon asks as Lee notes in his blog – could it be we are not living to our fullest and how could that be? It’s the absolute opposite of all that is offered in our media and society today, where people are compounded in their misery and a victim culture is pervasive and encouraged. What Serge offers is different, that we are more and that we have a choice, that we are the masters of our own destinies, and we can choose to live that. For many this is challenging to hear that the misery they live in does not have to be, but that they themselves had a part in choosing it, and so they react and point figures and say this is a ‘cult’ when in fact it’s the opposite. Anyone can listen to a Universal Medicine presentation and walk out if they, (you can even request your money back), with nothing trying to keep you there and no follow-ups to bring you back – you’re offered absolute choice. With that choice comes an understanding that we are responsible and there is no-one to blame, but a choice to make to be love or not – it’s that simple.
I am sure “choice” is not a word used in cult circles. Serge presents to us all, choice, the choice to come or go as we please, freedom. This definitely does not exist in cult circles.
Serge Benhayon is as much a cult leader as I am nuclear physicist….
I’m pretty certain your not a nuclear physicist Dean
On the other hand I am fairly cluey and I can tell you for certain that Serge Benhayon knows up from down, right from wrong and truth from lies like nobody’s business.
What is going on in the world when a man who is standing up for and calling out things that the mainstream are just not wanting to listen to then deems him a cult leader. It is just so dismissive and a very convenient way to demean. Well all I can say is that the life changes that have occurred due to Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine are just phenomenal, so if the journos don’t want to report on ‘that’ then more fool them!!
Serge Benhayon is quite ordinary as he is like you and me but what makes him so extraordinary is that he is a man who does not turn a blind eye. He is a man who sees the world for what it is. He is a man who asks the right questions and points out the obvious. He is a man who simply speaks the truth he sees without fear. He is a man who holds every single human being equally and he is a man who does not live his life the way he does for his own sake and good but for all. He is a man who does not want nor attempts to convert or convince anybody as he understands that everyone needs to come to their own understanding in their own time.
This for me is very extraordinary and worth writing about.
Lee this is a brilliant simple blog which brings to light important points, particularly…”whose ‘cult’ are we living in when alcohol, drug abuse, violence against women and children, women being trafficked for sex, paedophilia within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more goes on in addition to the soaring health issues facing individuals.” Good question! And your simple, true distinction that…”Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest. With illness and disease on the increase, not to mention the lack of connection people feel to others on a daily basis, is it such a silly question? ” Absolutely not!
Those who accuse Serge of being a cult leader, show that they are ignorant of what a true cult is. Serge is totally not a cult leader. What cult leader allows you the freedom to come and go, and the freedom to choose what to accept or not accept, just on there 2 points alone, show that Serge is no cult leader.
As the Vietnamese would say ‘No way Jose’ – or in other words Absolutely not!
Thank you for bring the truth about Serge Behayon and Universal Medicine Lee, and making the facts clear. A great point about who’s cult are we living in with the atrocities that happen in the world ?
I love the simplicity that you have shared here Lee. It really is very simple – Universal Medicine and Serge Benhayon are not a cult, and as you said Lee, ‘Serge Benhayon simply presents the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live.’ Beautiful.
Great blog Lee. I can totally reiterate what you are saying, how can an organisation that is based on love, honesty and truth be a cult when all that Serge Benhayon presents is for the benefit of ALL of humanity and not just the chosen few.
Well said Sandrahenden, there are so many different religious groups out there which encourage people to be separate from each other, you only have to look at the hate crimes done in the name of religion – whereas Serge Benhayon leaves no one out and treats every one equally and in that he doesn’t present himself as being special or any different from the rest of us.
Very irresponsible for this journalist to title his piece “Cult cures..” It’s obvious to me all he cared about was a sensationalist headline and had utter disrespect and disregard to the people it would affect. Journalism of this kind holds humanity like chess pieces on a board, to be shifted around and organised based on winning the game of profit. There is no truth in an ounce of this article. It’s not just irresponsible it’s utterly criminal to lie like this and then publish it.
I find it extraordinary that when a journalist stands up and imposes their opinion on the world, and people buy the paper to read their opinion, we call that capitalism and the exercising of freedom of speech. But when a man stands up and delivers a speech in a hall that resonates with hundred of people, and those people choose to be inspired by what he has to say – because it makes sense – we call that a cult.
Well said, it really is ridiculous how a newspaper can print what ever they want and get away with it and when Serge Benhayon speaks for the better of humanity he is called a cult.
Yes Adam it is quite bizarre and makes no sense at all. The journalists picks a word that they know the world will react to in order to sensationalise an article – Cult . And the job is done, fear is born in those not willing to see and discern truth for themselves.
Ageee Adam, you are right it makes no logical sense. This is why we can’t be at the mercy of the apparent surface level of the out plays of life.
Clearly there is more at play.
OH
Right on Lee, I wish these totally inaccurate journalists,cyber trolls and hate campaigners could get their facts right, learn what truth is and move on to something that is actually dangerous and is really causing harm, like the government we have re-elected in the Uk or something.
It is amazing how following gentle healthy lifestyle choices and having a growing awareness of what is true can be labelled “cult”. What Universal Medicine presents is the way forward for people to start taking responsibility for themselves and their own choices in life, and clearly there are some that find this difficult to understand or offensive and so label students as being in a cult. The door is wide open, there is nothing secretive or hidden, but it seems that society now responds to sensationalistic journalism and fear mongering. The truth will show that we are normal loving down to earth people, choosing to live life from our own understanding and not from what is fed to us.
There is no cult, no cult leader, no recruiting of members and no sensationalist news. There is simply the stories of hundreds of people, through their own free will, who have made and continue to make self-loving choices and are thriving in their lives, all inspired by Serge Benhayon.
YES to your comment and many, many others. Thank you for exposing the norm, and that we, as a world are living in the abnormal – “whose ‘cult’ are we living in”? When there is so much abuse, and turmoil, on the grand scale but also in our own homes, in our own relationships with ourselves. Serge Benhayon can be ridiculed on the outside- but for what? In truth- for presenting (not teaching!) that there is another way, to be love with ourselves and to all? Not lovey-dovey love. But true connection, expression, and being ourselves, in a world that has yet so much catching up to do, and change to make to accommodate and support a new way. It is time we question everything and how the world functions today. For what future are we heading towards?
To accuse Serge Benhayon of being a cult leader is utterly ridiculous and laughable as anyone who has ever met him would attest to. EVERYONE he meets is greeted with the same level of love, respect, integrity and very importantly, equalness and Serge is simply presenting to us a way of living that allows us to be all the love that we innately are.
History has shown us how when someone presents us the truth of what is really going on that we do our best to silence them and put them down only eventually to discover that they are correct. This is the case here for what Serge Benhayon does, what he presents rocks our boats and shows us that we have been living far from the truth of who we really are and how we can really live with each other. We will one day discover for ourselves that we have been killing ourselves in all the ways that we do, for no reason at all other than to perpetuate the illusion most people choose to live in. Cult? Not one little bit.
Well said Lee.
Based on the current understanding of what a cult is and what makes a cult leader a cult leader, I would say that Serge Benhayon is anything but what a cult leader is. Presenting a truly loving, harmonious and rich vitality of living to the world is providing a true benefit for everyone everywhere.
It s true Lee the word ‘cult’ is such an easy word to use, especially if you want to incite fear because people take notice of the word, we have an instant picture in our head of control, brainwashing, that we have read and been given to us by the media.
Thank you Lee for sharing such simplicity , when the facts are laid out the accusations do not make sense , Serge Benhayon delivers the truth which can be a bitter pill to swallow for some as it exposes the good life as not so good .
Serge Benyahon is definitely not a ‘Cult’ leader, to suggest that is completely insane. I totally agree Lee, when we look at our current world situation and how countries are being run and by whom, it does beg the question of what state are we actually living in globally and why is it acceptable? An environment that is full of sickness, depression, war, conflict, crime and the list goes on and on. So, when someone like Serge Benhayon and his family stands up and shows us that there is another way to live and that we don’t have to choose suffering or harmful behaviours, we can choose to live life to the full in love, this is very simple and true. Serge speaks truth and love continuously and consistently and has inspired people globally to live in harmony. This simple loving way of life should be celebrated and embraced by humanity but this is not the case. Why? It is all down to responsibility and choice.
I totally agree with you Suzanne, and luckily for us, our own bodies can tell us what is true or not, we can feel it within every cell of our bodies. And my body tells me, that no-one that I have ever met holds as much deep love, truth and absolute commitment to humanity as Serge Benhayon. My body and my own loving heart are the judge and jury on what is true or not and I have committed myself to living my absolute truth thanks to Serge and his absolutely Divine reflection.
Like every other comment here, the simple answer is that Universal Medicine is not a cult; Serge Benhayon is not a cult leader. What you wrote 3 years ago Lee stands equally today. The world is in a mess; and that Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest, is there another way?
The label ‘cult’ is particularly damaging for some reason. Nobody, least of all me, wants their old friends, new friends, colleagues, family, acquaintances to think that they are in a cult. There is something very scary about what that means. But dig a little, attend a Universal Medicine presentation, or listen to one of Serge Benhayon’s thousands of hours of audio presentations, and you will find the absolute antitheses to a cult. The door to Universal Medicine is always open, and I mean always. Whether that’s for you to enter and begin your own journey back to a simple life of respect, integrity, responsibility and care, or for you to walk back out through, and return back into a world where it is all about glossy illusion, living within a society that is and has been disintegrating before our very eyes, you are always given that choice.
The fact is that I know, I know without a shadow of a doubt, that I am not part of this thing loosely labelled a cult, and that should be enough. Unfortunately though, I find it still hurts me, to have others assume that because I choose self care and to ponder on the big questions of life when I see misery and overwhelm all around me, instead of going to the pub, having a double shot latte in a mug, or reading fifty shades of grey. This does not make me part of a cult and it does not make Serge Benhayon a cult leader. It’s that simple.
Your article has been straight to the point Lee. Is Serge Benhayon a cult leader? No, Is Universal Medicine a cult? No. Why is that so hard to believe when there are groups and activities that fit more of the modernised version of a cult that get away with their behaviour and harm like you mentioned, seemingly scot-free, and with protection from many places?
So simple Lee. There is really nothing more to add. As a race we love to indulge in drama and complication. It’s very sad. Why did we choose to leave ourselves behind, only to end up in this big mess we’ve created as a society, who for the most part can’t see their own contribution. Universal Medicine shines a bright light on what it means to take responsibility for yourself and your choices. It’s pretty simple.
Yes Lee and Elodie it is simple. Why do we choose complication over everything else, is it possible that people can’t believe it is that simple? Everyone should try it before they knock it. It is simply the single most amazing choice we can make for ourselves and it leaves complication dead in its tracks.
Yes, so simple indeed. I agree with you Elodie, what we choose is what we are living with right now. What Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine are showing us is to take responsibility and choose to live in love and harmony all of the time. It is so simple, this commitment to life requires honesty, consistency, truth, unity and making loving choices in all aspect of our lives.
What I am increasingly becoming aware of is how important the connection to people is and Serge Benhayon is all about people. Being dis-connected from ourselves and the rest of humanity goes against everything that we are and within that dis-connection horrific deeds can happen. When that connection is there in full, the last thing you would want to do is hurt another.
Yes Lee, the question “could there be another way?” seems to make people run the other way. What Serge Benhayon offers is evolutionary and the thought of that for some creates fear. Some also find it dis believable that people are choosing by there own free will, to answer this question and others. Should they not be asking themselves why they don’t want to answer, this I find dis believable.
I understand why it’s hard to take responsibility for the disharmony in my body or life, because I would have to admit that I created it in the first place by wanting to live and make choices in my life that were not self-caring and loving.
I agree Lee, the poignant questions that Serge Benhayon has asked are in fact common sense questions the world en masse should be asking.
Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine actually show people how to be truly free if they choose to be so. No other organisation or individual I have come across offered this, Universal Medicine is the antithesis of a cult. Thanks for demonstrating this so succinctly Lee.
Thanks Lee, why should I have to even say anything in respect to such an targeted media article. There is no association between the word ‘cult’ and the man Serge Benhayon which is clear. But what remains hidden is the way the media and others have wielded the word cult to flavour articles and comments to suit their own agenda. An agenda that is aimed at discrediting and harming people, if the truth be told the media has already much to answer for and in time this will be known.
I love your simplicity Lee and straight to the point. Serge Benhayon is not a cult leader and those who attend courses at Universal Medicine are not followers. Serge Benhayon simply offers another way of living and some people (including me) have chosen for themselves that this way is a whole lot better than what they have lived before. These choices are made for ourselves.
So simply true Donna.
Lee, I love your very straight forward way of speaking. Simple, clear and truthful. It feels clear to me that anyone who accuses Serge Benhayon of being a cult leader has not met him. Because although he is a very captivating person, he is so in such an understated way and when he speaks it is without any notion of trying to influence others.
Nice one Lee, It is absolutely absurd to class Serge Benhayon as a cult leader or Universal Medicine as a cult. As a student of Universal Medicine I have been shown the responsibility we each hold for our own choices, I have never been told to do anything which is something I would run a mile from as I totally do not like and never have liked been told what to do.
It is a real concern to see how flippant we have become with words to carelessly throw them around without any respect or regard to how this may impact those who might just perhaps be lighting the way for change to come about in the form of truth and exposing how we are living in a world of hurt and suffering allowing alcohol, drug abuse, violence against men, women and children, sex trafficking, paedophilia within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more, this is not a normal life, so how is it that Universal Medicne is a cult exactly… Just wondering
Great question Lee, whose cult do we live in? The world as it is today could be a cult, the goings on that you describe in the blog are all the sorts of things that go on within the cults that we hear about on the news etc. What if Universal Medicine was offering a way out of the cult we are a part of? Now that is another question to think about.
A very good article with some important points, with some much suffering in the world, is it a bad thing that Serge Benhayon asks the questions that offer us the opportunity (should we choose) to look deeper at how we are living and choices we are making. Thank you Lee.
Thank you Lee. Here we have in Serge Benhayon a man who cares very much about the well-being of every person on this planet. A man who shares practical ways that we can make changes in our lives. A man who has brought countless healing modalities to the world. Could the mere fact that there is so much bad and untrue press about Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine show just how resistant some of us are to not seeing and accepting that we are living less than well?
You have to wonder why so much attention has been directed at Serge benhayon and Universal Medicine, when he has simply presented that our true way is energetic responsibility, integrity, truth and love (not the emotional kind we have all been misled by). There are so many abhorrent issues in the world that we simply turn a blind eye to and barely raise a blip in the media, from the atrocities of sex slavery to the lack of real love and connection in our families, schools and workplaces.
Lee I agree totally with you, Serge Benhayon is definitely NOT a cult leader. A more sane and caring person I have yet to meet . The teachings of Universal Medicine are so needed right now on this planet, Love and especially self responsibility and self nurture make a huge difference in the way we evolve as humans and relate to each other, and not one nation against another but together as one people, to bring harmony.
Serge Benhayon most definitely is not a cult leader but instead I would call him The world teacher. Teaching the world about Love, Truth, Stillness, Harmony and Joy. These qualities are so very much needed in our world, and in the lives of our fellow human beings.
Is Serge Benhayon a “cult leader”? most certainly not.
I cannot agree more Lee. It seems too simple that Serge Benhayon could be offering a service like anyone else offers a service and that people will choose that service or not. Unfortunately a headline that reads “Man goes to work” does not sell newspapers.
Very True Lee. Serge works harder and with more ease than any man I have meet.
The comments and blogs on this site and the numerous other blogs sites inspired by the teachings of Universal Medicine and comments that follow them are a living testament that the possibility Serge Benhayon presents – that there is more to who we are and how we can live, is possible and actually happens. No cult here. Nice one Lee : )
Mm, Leigh, posing the possibility that we are not living to our fullest. This is exactly what Serge Benhayon is offering us. And yes it certainly challenges us to let go of some beliefs and ideals and to begin to live tenderly and lovingly. I personally struggled for some time with this so very profound truth. I didn’t want to believe that I had not been living from my true power. Now though I can feel that I wasn’t and living with my tenderness and love certainly is way more beautiful than living without it. Serge is not a cult leader. He is a man that shows us all by his living ways the true power of living with our love in a world that has forgotten how to do just this.
I love how clear and to the point this article is, thanks Lee.
Thank you Lee, I agree as you so clearly present, under the current way in which the term cult is used Serge Benhayon is absolutely nothing like a cult leader and Universal Medicine has not an once of cult energy in the way it is presented.
Is Serge Benhayon a cult leader – ABSOLUTELY NOT!
Hearing that Universal Medicine is being accused as a ‘cult’ just sounds completely off the richter scale. However Lee has called this accusation to account, by posing the questions of what Universal Medicine students should be doing if we were a ‘cult’ and as Lee said the answer is no to these questions.
I love this, it so simply states the facts as it is. Sometimes there’s no need for long and detailed comments and arguments about the lies that have been posted about Universal Medicine. Instead we can just state it as it is, Universal Medicine is not a cult and Serge Benhayon is in no way a cult leader. Reading any one of these blogs across seven Universal Medicine student body websites or meeting anyone at all involved with Universal Medicine it is very clear to see that no way is there a cult here.
Love it Danielle, Serge Benhayon is not a cult leader, end of story!
Right on!
As Serge Benhayon has asked – ‘Is there another way?’. A simple question that asks each of us to take responsibility for the choices we make in life and to look deeper in true reflection regarding what is really going on in our world today. A simple question that appears to elicit fear and denial even a backlash. Not such a simple response and one that warrants more consideration and honesty rather than rejection.
The absurdity of Universal Medicine being called a cult is laughable!
Unfortunately, the intention behind it is malicious, vindictive and a direct attack on a man and a flourishing business.
I have been involved with Universal Medicine for 5 years and am more independent and self-empowered than I have ever been, (and I’m 50!).
Being involved with UM is my choice, and I’m free to make it 🙂
Surely we can all say there is more to life than meets the eye – and recognizing this fact makes you aware and alert. Being in a cult is where you are made to believe everything is alright when it’s not.
The question to me is not so much, if Serge Benhayon is a ‘Cult’-Leader. What is of my interest is more: Am I a follower of any sort? This is where my power lays or where I give it away. I certainly don’t give my power away to Serge Benhayon, he would never allow that to happen. I do give my power away though to certain foods, ideas – and I’m working on it.
Felix, a very good question to ask ourselves, Am I a follower of any kind, and what do I give my power away to. I certainly don’t follow Serge Benhayon,but your question has giving me food for thought. thank you.
Brilliant Felix! People all over the world give their power completely to religion, altering major choices such as their diet, the number of children they have, and other decisions affecting relationships and health. Then we have folks who tirelessly follow celebrities, pop stars, sports stars, etc and their decisions are highly influenced by these people (and don’t forget brands – people actually follow brands!). Basically, we are all giving away our power to some group or thing, ideal or belief, and following and not looking within. For me Serge Benhayon has taught me to look within, rely on myself, find my own truth and not give my power away. There is nothing whatsoever about Serge Benhayon that is like a ‘cult leader’ in fact, he is a very normal guy and family man, but he is saying extraordinary things.
“Whose ‘cult’ are we living in”?
I really like this question, Lee! In this case people like Heath Aston would be the agents of the ‘cult’ we’re living in, who try to stop Serge Benhayon from exposing the true cult leaders. Haha!
Great article Lee and as you say the answer to all your questions is a huge NO. I agree with what you say, I attend the workshops, courses and presentations by choice and am living a much more
productive and loving life because of the support of Universal Medicine.
Serge Benhayon leads us to truth, to be responsible for ourselves and to be honest about the way we live. It is clear not everyone wants to hear this.
Great clear article ! Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine just offer a natural and very supportive way to live. There is no imposing, but full integrity!
Thanks Lee I completely agree
Me Too Rebekah.
I have attended my fair share of workshops and presentations run by Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine and one thing that always stands out is that there is no one trying to convince us about anything or sell us anything, we are free to take it or leave it. It’s as simple as that.
I love the simplicity of this article and agree with it 100%.
I too walk in of my own free will, pay by credit card (because there are different pay options, not just cash as has been erroneously stated) and walk out again, taking with me what I choose to continue living with more love in my life than ever before.
I have a deeper understanding of why there is so much pain on this planet and welcome the teachings as presented by Serge Benhayon that allows me to see through that and accept that the majority of us have got stuck in a way of living where we allow ourselves to forget that God is real.
“Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest.” Simple, truthful and to the point.
People are not easy with being honest especially when it comes to our own choices and the not so good consequences thereafter. To be open to review and examine one´s choices, to realize how loveless we are at times with ourselves and others, to let go of one´s protection and pride all can be easily avoided by blaming it on someone else, by dismissing and discrediting the person who reflects to us what we don´t like to see for ourselves. This strategy of avoidance has a long history and the media plays a major part in it.
That’s a great point Alex and well explained. It can be uncomfortable to recognise our own not so good choices and their consequences but it is always possible to work through them and start afresh. It does damage when we lash out and blame others instead.
I agree fiona55, when we blame others for our situation, there is choice we’ve made to not recognise something in it that we can learn from and move forward making different choices. It can be hard to do, but so much better that staying cemented in old patterns that play out over and over again.
Thank you Lee for your Blog, it sums up very well what is a cult , and I know from my experience in Universal medicine that there is absolute freedom for me to come or go, and also to accept the teachings or reject them. I find freedom and love amongst the students to express who I am and what I think. No cult offers that.
Brilliantly summarised, Lee. And a point very well made. Anyone who actually has their eyes open to all of the cruelty, suffering and abuse going on out there in the ‘real world’, and who has actually taken the time to investigate Universal Medicine and what it is really about – I challenge them to ask themselves: if we are going to throw the word ‘cult’ around here, which is the real cult?…The world as it currently is, Or Universal Medicine?
For me, and for countless others, Universal Medicine is the real deal, and ‘the world’ as it currently is can learn a lot from it.
You have a great point there Conor, and certainly, Universal Medicine is NOT a cult.
The Oxford Dictionary of the definition of the world ‘cult’ –
1. A system of religious worship directed at a particular person or object
2. A small, unconventional religious group
3. Something popular or fashionable among a particular group of people.
Firstly, we don’t worship, and it is certainly not directed to a particular person, as all are equal, no one higher or lesser than anyone else, and we all respect that.
Secondly, what we do as esoteric students may seem unconventional to some, but it is a true living way that is natural and normal, and again, open to all, and based on self-loving choices which ultimately benefits everyone, it is not exclusive to the ‘chosen few’ or the ‘special ones’.
Thirdly, The Teachings of the Ageless Wisdom is not a fad or a fancy, or the fashion of the moment, it has been around for aeons, we are just returning back to a life once lived.
If we stop and take a good look at ‘the real world’ out there, we follow, we give our power away, we allow abuse and swallow lies. We feel controlled and manipulated.
So yes, I agree Conor, which one sounds more like a cult, Universal Medicine or the ‘world?’
Brilliant comments, very well said. I love how you have expressed truth so clearly and to the point Sandra and Conor. Thank you!
I agree Conor, which is the real cult? The world driven by ideals and beliefs of how we should be – or Universal Medicine whose philosophies offer a true, honest and loving way to live? For me also, Universal Medicine is the real deal, open to all who are willing to re-learn how to be loving and authentic in everything they do.
Thanks Lee. Heath Aston’s article published in the Sydney Morning Herald was misleading and manipulative journalism. The media has a lot to answer for in spreading this type of propaganda which is much closer to cult like behaviour than anything I’ve experienced in Universal Medicine.
Ha, love this Annie – spot on.
I have been involved in many different groups from childhood on: protestant church, catholic scouts, a group of shaman practitioners, a Yoga Ashram… these groups harmed me.
And I have joined groups out of free will like a tennis club, fitness center… these section of groups didn’t change my life for the better.
Universal Medicine is a group that I joined out of free will and nothing in my life before has had such a freeing effect on my life. True freedom. Thanks to you, Serge Benhayon.
Succinct and straight to the key issues Lee – love it. And yes – it’s not uncommon for those who rant about ‘cults’ to not actually know what one really is by definition. Its one of those words that gets thrown around and twisted and reinterpreted time and time again. I appreciate what you’ve shared here – thanks for the article.
Top blog Lee. You make a good point when you ask ‘whose cult are we living in’. Is it possible that the whole world is in one big cult and what Universal Medicine and Serge Benhayon present is a way to get out of that cult? Surely living a way that improves our health, vitality and wellbeing is something to be considered?
So true Tim. Maybe us removing ourselves from the “one big cult” is challenging the norm and what the world has just allowed to be their everyday.
I have known Serge Benhayon for well over 10 years and there has never been a moment in that time where I thought that Serge Benhayon or Universal Medicine were a cult. Serge Benhayon has shown me nothing but love and respect and I never felt forced into doing any of the Universal Medicine courses or workshops. Thank you Lee for putting this blog out there so that others may find the truth for themselves and not just be lead by the misgivings and untruths told by others.
As soon as you mention the word cult, alarm bells go off in a persons mind and it creates instant suspicion. If you want to discredit any organisation just brandish the word cult around and hey presto job done. Cheap shot but very effective.
I consider myself street and worldly wise so I find it quite offensive that anyone would insinuate that I could be duped in to following some charlatan or cult.
The word cult was used intentionally to grab headlines in a drama hungry, media driven society. The hundreds of free thinking members of the public who attend lectures with Universal Medicine often choose a healthier way of life and start to make more loving choices in their lives. One only has to look and see for themselves – the proof is in the pudding so to speak.
The word cult conjures up so many preconceived ideas, feelings of intense discomfort and leaves such a bad taste in your mouth it is no wonder the media and cyber bullies who are wanting to put a slant on their words and manipulate their readers, that they use the power of such labels as cult to slander another. In a world with escalating rates of disease and illness that despite Conventional Medicines very best efforts it cannot seem to arrest, and the challenging social and domestic issues that are dividing humanity both individually and collectively more and more with every passing year, humanity needs to know that there is another way. The world is a mess and someone has to say it. Because he states this truth Serge Benhayon is a leader, but its not a cult leader. Well said Lee, great article.
This is such a great blog and your sentence ‘Serge Benhayon simply presents the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live.’ says it all for me. In it’s simplest form we are asked to consider that we can live a different way, more of ourselves in everything we do. We are then left free, completely unimpeded to explore this for ourselves or not.
The word ‘cult’ was cunningly chosen in order to craft an immediate, specific and fearful response into the mind of the reader as it instantly conjures up popular images of darkness and depravity. It was the weapon of choice when it was carefully and deliberately chosen to describe the practices of Universal Medicine and its founder, Serge Benhayon. Yes, the word ‘cult’ was incorrectly chosen for the article published in The Sydney Morning Herald on the 22nd of July, 2012, but it was by no means an accident. It was maliciously used to discredit a thriving global business that aims at providing an exemplary level of health care. One that seeks to service all of humanity with true love and care and is currently unparalleled and very much needed in our society.
Brilliant Lee Green, so powerful and to the point. Where supposed religious beliefs are responsible for war, terrorism, genocide, rape, paedophilia, money laundering, etc. surely there are more serious concerns than a man presenting love as a possible way forward?
The world is a mess and it has become so normal that when someone stands up and says ‘maybe we have it wrong and there is another way’ people are horrified that someone would dare question the way they live to the point they try to discredit them by calling them a cult – it’s just crazy.
It is really interesting that ‘cult’ was the all-encompassing label used to describe Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine. There are so many other labels that may have been chosen was the article not written purely to shock, create drama and sell newspapers. Had due journalistic research been done and members of this so-called cult been interviewed (not only detractors with an agenda), they may have been open to amazing stories from hundreds of people. People who have chosen more self-love and respect for themselves and for all others. People who have chosen to eat & exercise with love & respect for their bodies. People who have turned their lives around having heard the simple teachings from Universal Medicine. How does this make it a cult?
Great blog Lee. Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine have shown me that there is more to who we are and to how we can live. It’s laughable that the word ‘cult’ could even be in the same sentence as ‘Serge Benhayon’.
Awesome Mary, when something makes sense and supports you, why leave?
Catchy title isn’t it “Cult cures on Medicare”. It brings to mind sensationalism, recognition (to the journalist) and like one of those cheesy movies where you would have the headline of the newspaper panned out on the screen. But it is worthless, meaningless, baseless and defaming because none of it is true. Maybe the journalist in question has watched too many cheesy movies or fantasised about how their career can be promoted instead of what they should be doing which is publishing the truth to serve their customers/readers.
We all know that Serge Benhayon is not a cult leader. Just a decent human being that wishes to see changes in this world, for the great of all mankind.
“Whose ‘cult’ are we living in when alcohol, drug abuse, violence against women and children, women being trafficked for sex, paedophilia within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more goes on in addition to the soaring health issues facing individuals” – WOW, this is an EXCELLENT question. When you put it into perspective like this, it is clear how ridiculous the allegations about Serge Benhayon being a leader of a ‘cult’ are – he is presenting on self care, self love and the fact that there could be more than the experience you describe above – oooh, better watch out because someone is defying our collective way of living that should never have been accepted as normal in the first place
Nicely put Jessica, when you put it like that all of the wayward behaviours which we have accepted as normal, make us all look not so intelligent.
Then a very ordinary regular guy comes along and actually says it as it is and asks us why we are living in the way you have described and he gets branded a “cult leader”. It makes no sense to me!
Absolutely Julie – it makes absolutely no sense
A great article Lee, simple and to the point. No, Serge Benahyon is not a cult leader, he is a man that presents truth, lovingly to a world that is so desperately in need of seeing that there is another way to live that supports us all.
The label of ‘cult’ attempts to paralyse, gag and stigmatize people for choosing an alternative.
I really appreciated this quote “Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest.” It is so true, simple and unimposing.
The fact that any group with unorthodox values is called a cult shows the very divisive nature of the long established organised religions. If a group presents something we don’t like we have a solution to discredit its participants and ostracise it from it’s local community. That solution consists of one word – cult. So much damage is done by words and especially when people wield them out of fear, it can create so much devastation and even go as far as war.
Very true Jinya if something that is presented to us does not meet our expectations or needs, does not fit in with main line thinking then there is something wrong with it, and labelling it a ‘cult’ conveniently puts it into a box that can be recognised. Labelling an organisation a cult without knowing what it truly stands for and what it represents is extremely damaging, and is used to deliberately impose fear into people.
Yes isn’t it interesting that the one way to dis-empower a group of people and their views is to label them a cult, then everything after that is fair game; they can be villified and abused in any way and somehow it’s all right because they’re a ‘cult’ or more truthfully someone doesn’t like what they say or how they live, and had labelled them a cult – it’s easier than really looking at how you live when challenged by anyone living differently to dismiss them. Lee raises a great point here, someone has come along and asked us how we live, and asked if perhaps we could be living more fully and the response of some (a vocal small minority) has been to label them a ‘cult’. Are we going to let that minority dictate to us? Why not investigate for ourselves? And consider the question asked – can we live in a different way, one that is more loving, more inclusive of us all? I’d say yes.
Thank you so much for so clearly pointing out the absurdity of Universal Medicine being called a cult, I love how you say you walk in, pay, and when you leave you choose whether to take what you have heard with you. I also love the way you point out Serge is simply asking – are we living to our fullest? Who can honestly say yes to that? It shows just how much the world needs businesses like Universal Medicine.
You ask a great question Lee, “Whose ‘cult’ are we living in when alcohol, drug abuse, violence against women and children, women being trafficked for sex, paedophilia within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more goes on in addition to the soaring health issues facing individuals” It’s quite wonderful to hear Serge Benhayon present on another way of living that supports our choices to live from our fullness.
Exactly Lee your article, echoed by everyone commenting, confirms that there is no Cult Leader in Serge Benhayon. But it does raise a point that the word “cult” incites fear in the minds of everyone that reads the words and so immediately puts people off finding out the truth. Which is simply a man with absolute integrity reminding us all that life does not have to be the drama, mess and survival of hiding from our hurts that I must certainly knew it once to be.
Serge Benhayon is definitely not a cult leader. You ask anyone what is a CULT and it’s meaning, you would not get a definitive answer.
This is a great blog Lee. It is simple and to the point. If Cults are characterised by ritualistic behaviour, then just living life for many people qualifies as a cult. Ritualistic consumption of alcohol, tobacco, coffee and huge amounts of self-abuse, are the norm for many people. By simply presenting a healthier way of living, Serge Benhayon is doing us all a favour!
I also feel this is a beautifully written article Lee. You have done a great job of summing up the facts. In no way does Universal Medicine resemble a cult, for a start people come and go as they please but most stay connected as the health benefits alone are massive. I still don’t get why some people find it strange when you start caring for yourself and cut out things that are not doing you any good.
Beautifully written Lee. “Serge has simply asked whether there is the possibility that we are not living to our fullest.” That is all Serge asks us, not of us, there is no imposition, no pat on the back, no chains or whips, nothing but love and an honest reflection back to us should we choose to look, hear and feel.
Absolutely Jenny, we always have that choice.
Throughout my life I would say to myself ‘There has to be more to life than this’?, and by 48 I had given up on life. I was existing rather than living my life, it looked fine on the outside but it never felt true, it always felt like there was something missing. It was only through the presentations of Universal Medicine that I began to make sense of my life. As you have clearly written here Leigh, “Without imposition, Serge Benhayon simply presents the possibility that there is more, much more perhaps, to who we are and how we can live’.” So very true.
My experience of Universal Medicine has been exactly the same Lee. I am a responsible, intelligent adult who has studied and explored many different religions and philosophies on life. I have always brought a healthy amount of skeptiscim and suspicion to this exploration. I have always felt completely free to come and go from Universal Medicine and its teachings and I frequently have done so. The irony is of course (as you have put it so well) that Universal Medicine is assisting many people to actually be truly free from the belief systems that are ruining us as a race of beings.
Very true Andrew and Universal Medicine is like no other, I have always been resistant to say I am religious until being a student of Universal Medicine and now I see why. As for me religion is a freeing action as it is simple, being in a relationship with yourself is all it is, there are no hidden agendas and there are no control or requirements of you just a deep connect to what you feel at any one time.
Well the journalist of that paper did not do a very good job at all. As you so rightly say should we not be asking the question “whose ‘cult’ are we living in when alcohol, drug abuse, violence against women and children, women being trafficked for sex, paedophilia within one of the world’s largest organisations and much, much more goes on in addition to the soaring health issues facing individuals.”
Let’s get real and be honest about what really goes on in the world.
Serge Benhayon is certainly not a cult leader he, is the COMPLETE OPPOSITE, he has inspired me in seeing there is a more loving way we can live. It doesn’t cost anything, it’s about taking responsibility for ourselves, the choices we make and how we treat ourselves and others. He walks what he talks, simple. To me that is true inspiration and living in a world where we are in a complete mess wouldn’t it serve to have that in the paper instead!
So interesting how the word ‘cult’ is branded on to those who in some people’s eyes appear to be ‘different’. Quite ridiculous that choosing to take care of yourself and your body is deemed ‘different’ and therefore cult like. It is the simplest and most basic thing to want to take loving care of yourself and to choose to live lovingly with yourself and others.
Great article and exposure of the ridiculous suggestions concerning Serge Benhayon. It is all choice. I feel. I am aware of my choice to attend a Universal Medicine course and although the benefits to my life have been immense I would never attempt to pressure another person to experience it. This is the opposite of any ‘cultish’ stereotypes…it is all about individual informed choice. Thank you.
I love how simply put this is – there’s nothing cult-like about asking people whether they’re living to their full potential. Serge doesn’t even tell people to live to their fullest.. he can only suggest it and then we make our own choices.
I agree Tim, there has never been any coercing, not even the slightest from Serge or from anyone within Universal Medicine. We have always been encouraged to make our own decisions and feel everything for ourselves and then we choose. Simple.
Thanks for this blog Lee. When you look at the comparisons of life as it is now for most people and what Universal Medicine and Serge Benhayon is presenting, the question has to be asked… Who, exactly, is in a cult? If, by living a life where I make self-loving choices to care and nurture myself, take full responsibility for my actions and say no to any form of abuse means I am in a cult then I will put both hands up and say, YES I am in a cult. When I attend a Universal Medicine event there is no obligation for me to do anything other than just be the real me. Serge Benhayon only presents a different way to live and it is our choice then to discern whether what he says feels true for us or not.
During the time I have attended the presentations of Serge Benhayon, of my own free will, no one has said I should or shouldn’t, can or can’t , believe or follow. To me Truth is presented by this man who’s integrity, honesty and way of living I find is a continual inspiration.
Serge Benhayon is no more a cult leader than the man in the moon.
He is a leader of truth, humanity,openness, honesty, and sharing with all people the true meaning of getting back to one’s own truth. The world could learn so much from Serge Benhayon.
Simply put, and true Mike. If only the world could see the truth and stop casting aspersions on a man who is totally devoted to humanity.
FANTASTIC CLARIFICATION LEE. I love your question who’s cult are we in with life and society in the current state it is, that is a very good question. We are in a total muddle and as you share Serge simply asks pretty sensible questions about this ‘norm’ and I like yourself have from my own free will paid to listen to Serge present these questions and share another way to live life that is full of purpose, love and joy. Money well spent, as I in the ‘normal’ life I lived spent my money on having fun, mostly on drinking which only gave me a headache and often regret at my behaviour! If it just comes down to the maths, I am onto a winner.
Absolutely Vanessa, I was talking to a friend only last night about the amount of money I have squandered away in my life on nights out with copious amounts of alcohol where all I got in return was a a wasted day on the sofa and a hangover. I now pay, often as little as £5 to attend Universal Medicine presentations, and have far more clarity steadiness and love in my life. It’s a no brainer surely?
Thanks Lee, If universal medicine was a cult I have to say I would be in it, simple as that. No other organisation I have ever come across or been involved in is built on love, tenderness and gentle breath. None of these things cause harm to anyone involved or anyone who’s not involved. So these people who for some reason can’t handle this just go away, go away and ponder on why you don’t want your fellow man to live in a healthier, more loving way that is bringing about such positive change to so many peoples lives.
A really simple but thought provoking blog. As you say Lee is it possible there is more to who we are and how we can live. The presentations I have heard from Universal Medicine ask us that ‘Is it possible?’ No imposition, no believe this, just ‘Is it possible’ and discern for yourself always.
Great blog Lee, with Universal Mediciine there is always a choice, I choose to be there or not. I choose to apply what I hear in a way that works for me or not, and at any stage I can choose to walk away. It’s that simple, I don’t walk away as I’ve found the principles as presented by Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine have allowed me to live a fuller, more committed and harmonious life, with a greater degree of vitality and health. And there are many like me.
True for me too Monica. I choose to stay. My life has changed enormously since discovering Serge and Universal Medicine and thus the people I meet now receive a different reflection.
Thank you Lee for your post. I have attended workshops and presentations now for 8 years and not once have I ever got the feeling that Serge Benhayon or his Universal Medicine team wanted anything from me. They do not have an agenda – I know this may be hard to believe, knowing the world as it is but it is true.
From my understanding of what a cult is and my experience of Universal Medicines, there could not be two polar opposite types of organisation.
Thank you Lee for expressing the truth so simply. I first attended a presentation with Serge Benhayon in 2006 and was very reluctant and resistant to being there as I felt ‘this is not my sort of thing’. How wrong I was. From that first meeting I knew this was something very special and I was hearing the truth as I had never heard it before. I have received only love, support and amazing healing from everyone at Universal Medicine. My life has completely changed and I now feel the love, harmony and joy in myself. I have re-connected to myself thanks to the teachings and care offered by Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine.
Thank you Lee Green.
Your blog is simple, clear and to the point.
How on earth can anyone even come up with Serge Benhayon being a Cult Leader.
In fact he is the total opposite.
I was into spiritual new age stuff for around 20 years and became a follower to many guru’s and teachers as I was desperate to belong to someone or something.
Having met this man Serge Benhayon and attended his presentations and workshops with my own free will, I have come to realise he really only speaks true Truth and never wavers from this Truth. His integrity and the way he conducts himself is what this world needs to study. He is a living science that one day will be accepted as normal.
I am no fool today and I would never ever follow anyone and what I really respect and appreciate about Serge Benhayon is that he does not market or advertise in anyway. Now that to me speaks volumes as I have seen the steady and strong growth of participants worldwide who now attend Serge Benhayon workshops and courses.
A true testimony and that is enough for me.
I agree Bina, Serge Benhayon is a living science and what he presents now will become normal and, what is, and always will be, a sad indictment of the human race’s reluctance to hear the truth when it is presented, like all great messengers throughout out history, his voice will only be heard when he dies.
“A true testimony and that is enough for me”, and enough for me too! You only have to read these comments to see that there are many shining examples of people who have changed their lives due to the presentations of Serge Benhayon. He is a living example to us. And Universal Medicine is certainly, NOT a cult. I am a rational, sensible human being and I would certainly not be taken in if it was. Full stop.
To use the expression Universal Medicine Cult is laughable. As you say Lee – in what possible shape or form is Universal Medicine a cult? It’s the least imposing and restricting presentation of material that I have ever come across. There is a huge amount of misunderstanding and jealousy for anyone to brandish the term “Serge Benhayon cult leader”. Yes, it is amazing the amount of people who have chosen to make extraordinary changes to their lives as a result of attending UniMed courses etc, but anyone who jumps to the conclusion that Serge is therefore a “leader” or exerts a level of control of any sort simply doesn’t understand the power of inspiration.
Since there is so much evidence that Universal Medicine is not a cult and that Serge Benhayon is not a cult leader, it exposes the article by Heath Aston titled ‘Cult’ Cures on Medicare, published in The Sydney Morning Herald, 22nd July 2012 as being full of lies. How does someone come to publish such an article? I imagine there is total lack of care and consideration, with a precedence on sensationalism and making sales.
This kind of journalism is not acceptable anymore so thank you Lee for taking the time to write truth. We all need to speak up about unacceptable behaviour in our society in a responsibly way and this website is a great example of how to do so without retaliation or reaction.
Yes Anna, there is an enormous amount of jealousy of Serge and the student body, it’s there because deep within them is a regret and anger that they haven’t chosen this as a way of life for them.
Thanks Lee, exactly who’s cult are we living in? There is sooo much that is not right in our world – it’s crazy when one man stands up and says it so that he gets labelled a cult leader. Serge is an amazing man with so much to share – his wisdom is greatly needed at this time.
It’s ironic, when what the world is inherently craving is love and truth a man comes along that presents just that, he is then labelled a ‘cult’ leader (?). Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine, and the many who are affiliated with that are at the beginning of a new dawn, or dare I say, a new renaissance. Serge has no followers, we are all equal, and as you say Samantha, it is needed at this time. Universal Medicine have presented to humanity that there is another way to be and its for all and its FREE!
Very true Samanthaengland – Serge’s wisdom is very needed. In the past I was very lost – only in my world, not open to anybody. And thanks to him and Universal Medicine I’m on a good way to re-connect to myself and to everybody as well.
I’m so impressed with all the comments about this Universal Medicine. I’m not a doctor, I was not looking for it for myself, but I just bumped into this work, and found the comments very inspiring.
I agree Renato the comments and blogs are so inspiring.
Yes, I do too, the comments and blogs are incredibly inspiring, so many people have literally turned their lives around thanks to the teachings of Universal Medicine.
I am truly impressed too, Renato. All the comments on this blog ARE very inspiring. People are talking from their truth and their lived experience, and that it is available to ALL if they choose. I like it when you say “you bumped into this work”. When I found Universal Medicine it was rather like diving headfirst into a warm pool of bubbles of joy and truth!