When Spirituality Goes VERY Wrong... The Mac Parker Story.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Anyone Interested in this topic and similar documentaries check these out, some are surprisingly similar: Holy Hell - About the Buddhafield cult. Similar type of "spiritual teacher." Bad Vegan - A very recent release that is as mind-bogglingly bizarre as this case, and with very similar motifs. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened - The central character in this story has the uncanny ability to earn people's trust and raise money. Great videos from ex convicts who woke up in prison: kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJzTgpx7Z7uWipY kzbin.info/www/bejne/mZuThmSbndmDd6c Also one point of clarification I would like to make. When Mac described Lou as “fried” and useless upon his return and ascribed it, in part, due to kundalini practices, I very much doubt that was the case. It was far more likely due to evolving multi-infarct dementia and/or straight up bad living (severe drug and alcohol abuse). This is just based on my medical experience. There are some traditions who believe you can cause damage to yourself through the use of energy practices such as kundalini work. Dzogchen is one example and it is partially why they have secrecy around certain practices. With that said, I’ve never seen anything that would convince me it is the case that you can permanently injure yourself or cause mental decline through energy practices.

[@prior2yourstory]

It reminds me of something I read in an astrology book. The advice given for whatever particular sign or birthdate was, "Do not take advantage of others for your own personal gain." I am like, "Why else would you take advantage of others?"

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@prior2yourstory indeed!

[@benkelley84]

Did you link to the movies/docs/books about the fbi’s most wanted guy who became enlightened and the guy in jail who became enlightened?

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@benkelley84 thanks for reminding me kzbin.info/www/bejne/nJzTgpx7Z7uWipY

[@benkelley84]

Wow! Kenney’s interview, the Last Hustle, amazing! Thank you

[@macparker3549]

Thank you so much, Angelo, for providing the attention and the space for this conversation to happen in your forum. Since we talked, I have realized that my answer to your question about what I might say to anyone else caught up in similar dynamics was not as incisive as I would like it to be. I have not listened back, but I believe my answer was to “Trust your instincts.” The problem is that in these highly manipulative situations, one’s instincts have almost certainly already been compromised and undermined. This was certainly the case for me. So, if asked this question now, I might say, “Be honest with yourself as soon as you possibly can.” Even if you’re not ready to do so immediately. Some part of you already knows something is wrong, but it may feel overwhelming to face this right away. Your sense of well being, and commonly even your LIFE, may feel threatened. And you may have become too isolated to face the horror of how far off track you have gone right away. Again, this was certainly the case for me. But know this: eventually this will need to be faced, and generally the sooner the better. Cult-like dynamics are like addictions, they have real life consequences. People get hurt, and as in any destructive situation, the sooner we can face and own this, the sooner more healthy pathways can begin to open up. To anyone who may be caught up in a destructive teacher/student relationship similar to this, if I can be helpful, please feel free to reach out. If you post a comment under this, I will get it. One thing is certain: you are not as alone as your situation has been set up to make you feel. Finally, my deep gratitude to the many people who have made kind and compassionate comments about this interview. And equally to those who understandably question my motives and my integrity. All of this is important for me to see in this ongoing process of reflection and atonement. Thank you Angelo, and thank you all… Mac

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Thanks for your reflections. One additional thing I might say to someone who isn’t sure: What would a third party or objective view of this situation see? Or what do your fronds and family think of the situation/people you are involved with? Both approaches could have potential flaws but can definitely get at some more objective data points.

[@nicolabishop996]

Bless you Mac Parker, we all make mistakes, don't we. After all, Angulimala, a mass murderer in the time of the Buddha, became a monk, staying close to the Buddha, and may have attained Enlightenment. The story is in the Angulimala Sutta.

[@macparker3549]

Thank you Nicola. One of many things I learned through this is the blessing of kindness in deeply painful experiences. Thank you for yours. And for the Angulimala story, which I did not know. 🙏💜🫥🦋

[@ellenj8896]

Great interview, and hi to Mac from Ellen in VT! Mac is a genuine, thoughtful, intelligent, articulate and very likable person. His gentle nature compliments his inner strength of steel, and combined with his positive outlook, has enabled him to get through so much and to rise above extremely difficult situations. Mac, thank you for being who you are, and I know you’ll always carry an innate wisdom. Thank you both for this interview and for sharing some of that wisdom.

[@macparker3549]

Thank you so much, Ellen. Lovely to hear from you. Yes, you were a friend through some of the darkest times of this. I’m touched that you still are.., 🙏💜🌻🐭🦉

[@christinaguimond1706]

What an incredible story! A dear friend who introduced me to Buddhism twenty five years ago came from a wonderful Jewish family in Long Island, attended Sorbonne in Paris, and in spite of being one of the wisest and most compassionate people I’ve ever met, in her mid-twenties fell into what was being presented as a Tibetan Buddhist group. This was back in the 1980’s. The fellow who started this community was a classic cult leader. Handsome, charismatic and highly manipulative. Before long he had a community around him of dozens of people. It was incredible how he even gained the respect of the religious establishment here in Montreal. Religious leaders believed he was completely legit and were even giving him free space in monasteries. Before long he was sleeping with all of the women in the group ( although it was unknown at the time). Eventually there were about 20 children and it came to light he was molesting some of the children. There was a trial and he was sentenced to four years and went to jail. It was something of a scandal that the sentence was only four years and he served only one. My friend went through hell when she discovered her firstborn child ( there were two daughters) was molested by this cult leader. That child is now in her 40’s and has serious mental and physical health issues. My friend suffered a great deal of guilt and shame around the years she was in this group. Her health deteriorated during the trial and she had an aneurysm, recovered from that, but then was diagnosed with cancer died at only 54. She was convinced that her health troubles were related to the stress and trauma surrounding this chapter of her life. Even still, I consider her to be one of the most highly realized people I have ever met. She had spent a couple of decades doing 4-5 hours a day of Tibetan meditation and practices. One thing I do know - cults tend to attract people who are decent people who are motivated to help others. This makes them particularly vulnerable to these sociopaths.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

I agree. Thanks for sharing.

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, Christina. Really touching for me to hear your friend’s story, lovingly told. Bless her…and you! 🙏💎💜🦋

[@JoSpring]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake So in my work I sort of specialize in shame trauma and personality disorders and I don't know where to "fit" psychopaths "into" non-duality.

[@macparker3549]

Hi, Chris, Just listening to your excellent interview with Angelo. For some reason I’m moved to ask if you’d be willing to have a phone conversation with me? I have a sense that this could be helpful for me at this point. Don’t know if you’ll see this, but thought I’d try here first. Best to you, Mac

[@christinaguimond1706]

@@macparker3549 Hi Mac, yes I would be delighted to chat with you. Would Zoom work for you?

[@lindaszlagowski8888]

Listening to this mind-boggling life story I cannot believe why life gives this devastating experience to a deeply honest loyal fellow who had been risking everything. Life is not fair, it just is. Sounds cynical but this story seems to proof that's the truth!?! Even more amazing is the equinemity the way he takes about his faith. It might be helpful to start fundraising among the viewers, to support this honest soul who had run into a life changing failure, ending up broke but not broken! Amazing, thank you for sharing!

[@macparker3549]

Linda, What a deeply touching response. Thank you, truly, for this kindness… 🙏🔥🫥⭕️💜

[@shannonderby2223]

I can’t say I “enjoyed” this for slowly watching the train wreck occur, but this soul deserves so much respect for his willingness to fully own his part. He never, not once blamed Lou in this talk. He took responsibility. He grew. Thank you Angelo for sharing and thank you Mac.

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, Shannon. 🙏🔥🤬🦋

[@peterfarrell66]

I don't know about spirituality but whenever anybody says "Don't worry about it" I run for the hills. I'm serious.

[@LightandJoyDesigns]

So glad you had the courage Angelo to allow Mac’s story to be told on your channel. Mac - I hope that one day you have all the forgiveness from your community. Wishing you well.

[@macparker3549]

Thank you so much, LJ! A funny story: Just the other day, I saw a listing for an apartment that appealed to me here in my community of Montpelier Vermont. So I sent an email to the owner of the property, expressing my interest and seeing if we could set up a viewing. A little over a day later, I got a rather formal reply, saying that because she worked for the department of financial regulation, which was the state agency that basically put a stop to this whole fundraising operation, she was going to politely decline my request. So I had the opportunity to feel another wave of the shame and heaviness that tends to get triggered when this whole thing gets dredged up like that. But after a day and night of letting it pass through me, it’s pretty much gone, not lingering anywhere near as long as it used to. I sent her a polite reply, thanking her for being direct, and even thanking the department of financial regulation for helping put a stop to this insanity. And I included a link to this interview, saying that it must’ve been puzzling or even troubling for all of them to try to figure out how someone could do something so crazy and hurt so many people in the process. It seems to be an ongoing process of continuing to face this whenever it arises, allowing it to clear at deeper and deeper levels. And yes, I am able to live and work and pretty much be myself right here in the community pretty much at the heart of where it all happened. Thank you for your response and your kindness. It matters… 🙏🏼🔥🫥🌻

[@LightandJoyDesigns]

I’m really glad to hear that Mac. As messy as your story is, as I heard you tell it, there was this feeling that it was just as it was supposed to be. Time will reveal all the answers. Wishing you all the best.

[@macparker3549]

🙏🏼🔥🫥

[@emmabischuk9739]

I am honoured to be able to call Mac my dear friend ... he has helped and supported me in ways no-one else has or have been able to do ... through his absolute honesty and integrity and his willingness to go to the shadow parts that most people fear to tread ... as he says sometimes we have to smash some eggs ... the true path is painful but worth it... even when its really really hard and we don't understand at the time why... its always worth it... His words coach me on a daily basis and I am forever grateful to him. It was beautiful to be able to hear him tell his story because I know how much it means to him to try to put right his wrongs ... genuinely and sincerely. The last part is truly wonderful ... thank you to both of you. Much love from your friend x

[@macparker3549]

Ah, Emma, makes me cry! Yes, so blessed to share that window into the shadows. And to experience what lives and hides out and has been banished in there. Fear, fury, unexpected joy and tenderness. Thank you for your courage and your friendship! 🙏💎🔥🌻🦋

[@noviantihanan]

I know the guy, and he's a very very wise guy. All experiences he had were just meant to be a light into his soul so he could give his light to other people. 💜💜💙💙💙

[@macparker3549]

Thank you. So glad to know you, whatever the adventure brings… 🙏🔥🤬💜🦋🌻

[@myrealnameisawareness]

Was just on my way to text my boyfriend whom i broke up with 3 days ago. Ill watch this instead. Thanks for saving me😭😭❤️❤️🙏

[@macparker3549]

Hi, Maya, Thank you for watching. Breakups are wrenching, plus you have to list to everyone’s platitudes and bad advice! 😳😂 So I won’t give you any. 😎 Just want you to know I notice, and wish you the very best… 🙏💜🦋🌻

[@dar_jada]

This gentleman's story is why it is so important to do inquiry. Life events, societal conditioning, family of origin socialization results in the formation of unconscious constructs that drive our behavior. He was blind to what was driving his fears and his longing for the father he lost at nine. This unconscious vulnerability left him prey to the manipulation of a charismatic sociopath. Angelo's book has helped me greatly with inquiry but I still struggle to do the work and am often in a state of resistance to it even though I know it supports my awakening. I was blind but now I can see.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Exactly right. If we don't see unconscious drives and motivations based on repressed emotions and overlooked beliefs, those drives will run us and we won't even realize it.

[@macparker3549]

True, and well said. 🙏💎🔥

[@Kim-sherie]

OMG what an incredible story. I’m so glad you chose to do it. The floaties😂😂 Its so easy for anyone to get entangled with sociopaths, they can talk the talk, but really are just trying to find their way like any of us. Credit to you Mac for sharing and exposing your self to your self

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, Yeeta. Means a lot from you.

[@Kim-sherie]

@@macparker3549 😊

[@macparker3549]

And I agree with you about “sociopaths” just trying to find their way like anyone else. Takes a big heart to see this. Thank you. 🙏💎💜

[@Kim-sherie]

@@macparker3549we all have those we need to forgive for doing us wrong. The freedom lies in being able to forgive any wrongdoing by those people. I know what it’s like to be caught up with someone like that, they slowly suffocate you and the moment you break free it’s like discovering the ability to breath again. ❤️

[@madamfairy197]

Very good story Mac.

[@humanbeing4995]

I don't know what to say except that forgiveness of the self is a noble divinity. There's no need to hold on to the guilt, which can be seen, if one is truly become not that person any longer. I'm absolutely sure, because this is the way nature functions, that much "Good" came out of your "bad" experience. Think of the people you have affected positively, the families that suffered financial trouble, yet that drew them closer to each other etc. I love you just the way you are now, Mac. Thank you for your teaching and your hard work.

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, HB. Grateful for your kindness… 🙏🌻💜💎🦋

[@humanbeing4995]

@@macparker3549 You're always welcome.

[@Sashas-mom]

Wow, thank you. Every single one so far has added some beautiful element.

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, Kathy. Yes, I learned invaluable lessons, albeit by making staggering mistakes. It is heartening for me to find that there can be some value in these experiences for others, as well. All the best to you… 🙏🔥🫥

[@Koort1008]

I just put my Netflix on pause to stay tuned to this. I'm excited by the setup. Let it begin...

[@mitrarashidi4945]

I was so touched by this story!!! I could see myself falling into that spiritual guy’s trap in many different ways. Really admire his courage to share this for the benefit of others. Thank you both! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, Mitra. One of the many things I’ve learned from this is how precious kindness is, even (especially?) in the places we may not feel worthy of it. Thank you for yours… 🙏💎💜

[@mitrarashidi4945]

And thank you for your kindness! Sharing this with us is a big act of kindness! 🙏🏻🙏🏻🙏🏻

[@macparker3549]

🙏🔥💎🦋🌻

[@KK-qd6ro]

Love ya Mac ❤ Thanks for sharing your story. I know from experience it's tough being an innocent in this world.💜🙏

[@macparker3549]

Love you, too, K K. Thank you for your 💜 presence here and in this world… 🙏💎🌻

[@lynbrowne931]

I remind myself now that responses and comments I make are just my opinions, all coming from thoughts. Thank you Angelo, you always mix things up for us to ponder over.

[@nevermind5228]

Stayed up past midnight watching this. It’s absolutely mind boggling 🤯 It’s like we are in the movie making a movie. Wake up people wake up!

[@prior2yourstory]

LOL, me too.

[@noviantihanan]

What a journey you had, Mac. And it's fascinating how people can learn from your story. Thank you for sharing it. And I think, by telling this story and share it to others, at some point, there will be some new layer of lessons that we both can find and it's evoke our "evolution of thoughts". Our perspective . Can you imagine how beautiful is that?

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, Hanan! 🙏💎💜🌻

[@CasenJames]

🙏 Thank you for sharing your story. You showed a lot of bravery to participate in this interview knowing there are those that will pass judgements. Its a wonderful and strange mystery that we participate in. Much love ❤️‍🔥

[@macparker3549]

Thank you so much, Casen. You have a special place in my heart for that timely and wise bit of perspective and kindness you offered some weeks ago. 🙏💜 As for any judgments that might come here, I’m not too worried. I don’t think any of them have the power to send me back to prison! 😄😎😂😎

[@CasenJames]

@@macparker3549 😂😂😂 You've earned a lot of wisdom, that's for sure. 🥂 Here's to the eternal now. ❤️‍🔥

[@supeshalawithinwithout]

Thank you for this interview! May this experience be a catalyst for Mac's awakening. I felt like he did what he did wholeheartedly, even though it negatively impacted a lot of people in hindsight ... Imagine if he used that kind of intensity and heart for inquiry?

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, SW, for your kindness. Yes, I hope I have graduated to wiser spiritual practice and expression. I am touched that you can feel my intention, even as the expression of that intention became so terribly distorted. 🙏💎🔥🌻🦋💜

[@dvdmon]

Finally watched this and was really fascinated by it. I'm always interested at home people can kind of ignore what should be obvious signs of manipulation. Sometimes though, they are really subtle, I guess. And at a certain level you don't want to contemplate that someone you've gotten very close to is playing you, is a "bad" person, or just not quite all there. Confronting that friend/mentor/etc. must be excruciating, especially if you are close to them and are a business partner, so you just make excuses to yourself that something "higher" is at play? Anyway, I'm really interested now to see the film, but I couldn't figure out what it was called? How can I find it?

[@macparker3549]

Thank you for your comments and observations. Film is called “Birth of Innocence.” At the time of its creation, it was a sincere attempt to express spiritual truth. As you can imagine, my experience of truth has changed a lot since then.

[@Mevlinous]

It’s interesting that, to delve into the spiritual world, one needs an open mind, but at the same time, a skeptical nature. Yet the skeptical nature cannot be so closed or nothing will be allowed to occur. It’s truly a fine balance. I find myself on the more skeptical side at times, yet also find there is an openness to this in me, and the two are actually not mutually exclusive. They can be separate functions in a person.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Well characterized. The balance is critical or one will be fixating in mind/skepticism/cynicism/non-acceptance or on the other side, indulgence/willful ignorance/ greed

[@miniphanies7512]

Open-minded skepticism 👍

[@marinaskiadaresi6939]

What a story! Thanks for the conversation. 🌻

[@justmeee777]

Thanks for the video. It seems an old parter of mine has joined what appears to be a cult. Cults have always fascinated me, but its so heartbreaking to see people who are on a genuine awakening be taken advantage of.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

I wish them luck

[@justmeee777]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake me too! Its their journey to realize this for themselves, all we can do as loved ones is ensure they know they arent alone!

[@macparker3549]

Hi, Trent, It sounds like you have a healthy relationship to this situation. I wish them - and you - the best. 🙏🌻

[@justmeee777]

@@macparker3549 thank you Mac. I think you are brave to tell your story. One thing my awakening taught me was how the stories we tell both about our own suffering and that of others dictate our reality. Dropping the story allows others to live their life as they need while still maintaining the compassion to truly help.

[@macparker3549]

I appreciate the kindness in your response to this. 🙏

[@oneom8158]

Just finish seeing the Holy Hell doc.... hell indeed, for lost of better word. On a social scale, it is a sad hell, but only one aspect on the collective human hell each goes true to wake the f...up from all of it....but you already know this for having gone through your own havent you. 💙

[@macparker3549]

Yes, One Om. Funny, but I’ve had no interest in watching these other documentaries. I think you’re absolutely right, I’ve been down that road, and have no desire to do so again. Interesting, a trio of filmmakers is working on a documentary about my case. I may not even watch that one! 🫣🤨😁

[@macparker3549]

Hi, One Om, Just read your kind note again, thank you. I experienced this as a horrifying but ultimately very effective forest fire 🔥 that burned away a whole lot of identity structures I didn’t even know I was hiding behind. While I still feel regret for the harm this caused for others, I pretty much only feel gratitude for what it cleared away in me. Best to you… 🔥💥🫥⭕️

[@nomadishere]

Wow. So grateful to you both

[@citizenenak]

Surrender inward never outward.

[@macparker3549]

Yes. Well said. So obvious in hindsight. And ultimately valuable for me to learn how deeply and easily I could be fooled, even as I saw myself as confident and independent. Not a path I would recommend, but one that did burn away so much nonsense and delusion I didn’t even know was running me. Best to you… 🙏🔥🫥⭕️

[@Amaterasu77306]

This brother seems like a tortured soul, I hope he can find peace.

[@macparker3549]

Thank you. Finding it indeed… 🙏🔥💜🫥⭕️

[@KK-sg5gl]

I’m only five minutes in but… Are there really mistakes? Don’t we always hear “this is it” and “this is what’s happening”? I’m sure his story will be great and a learning experience for all. And it is his own words that his “mistakes” were spectacular. If my questions or comments are seen as me trying to justify my own decisions, I can say that even if it is, it’s not stopping me whatsoever.

[@nat998]

Hello Mac! Thank you so much for sharing that sensational story. Wow ... Just speechless. I'll tell you what! You promised a tale, and boy did you blow my mind, with the _sheer_ lunacy of all it of it. Cult messianic guru in the making, that Lou. Fundraising 150k. Embezzelment. EYE-WATERING amount, OMG. Ramtha (that sect has Heaven's Gate written all over it!!! Floaties ❤️ White collar crime & imprisoned. You can't even make this stuff up! Beggars belief. I'm still semi-shocked, a bit because it's like something out of a film in and of itself ("Catch Me If You Can" with Tom Hanks and Leo, for eg). I remember reading Robert Evans' Hollywood memoir, "The Kid Stays in the Picture" ages ago, and that blew my mind. Some people lead Walter Mitty-esque lives. Fascinating to me. It was lovely having a face to a name, and you seem like a genuine, remorseful, well-traveled and articulate raconteur. I just KNEW you were a story-teller, Mac! 😁💛 I really appreciate your pearls of wisdom, and opening yourself up, in quite a vulnerable way, like this. I think you're very brave and I hope for the very best for you going forward in life. I'm happy you found, "The End of Your World" by Adya. I'm just recently finding that book to be my saving grace as well. Adya is wonderful. 💛 Thank you so much Mac, for your earnestness and your kindness. You're a kind man. Godspeed Xx❤️✨🤗

[@macparker3549]

Thank you for your kind heart, Nat, as always. I so appreciate our conversations around the “breakfast table” at Angelo’s online retreat. With your inner wisdom, and guidance from the likes of Angelo and Adyashanti, I don’t expect you’ll have to walk such a foolish path. Such a sincere and generous heart you have! 🙏💎💜

[@nat998]

@@macparker3549That's right!! 😂 Our breakfast corner chats 🤗💛 Thank YOU Mac! Thank you for always being a kind, friendly and lovely chap. You're the one with a generosity of spirit. Very helpful, always! I appreciate you saying that, Mac. ❤️🙏 That truly means alot to me. Take the utmost care! 🔥💝😎🤗🙏

[@Koort1008]

Nice comment thread here. Enjoyed it.

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, Koort, Appreciating all of yours, as well… 🙏💎🔥

[@nat998]

@@Koort1008 Cheers Koort! 👍 I so enjoy reading your comments as well; gleaming insights into the Absolute. 💛 Your citations are impeccable (Nisargadatta, Nagarjuna & Wolinsky)... any more recs, send 'em my way... 🙏

[@mah3223alia]

What a truly lovely man 🥰

[@macparker3549]

Thank you for this kindness. Means more than I can express… 🙏💎💜🔥🌻

[@knishiyama]

Even in my small country I've almost been recruited into cults twice , (this was way before I even got into "spirituality")

[@tutorial9322]

How to really know, if someone is an authentic non duality teacher is beyond my capability of knowing. If I don‘t know truth, how could I ever know if I am being deceived? I feel like a small child who can‘t know what to make of things and can be easily fooled into any idea about life… Can you please make a video just about that topic where you precisely talk about what to look for in a teacher?🙏🏻

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Your best resource for that specifically is my book

[@tutorial9322]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake That comment feels like you’re just trying to sell something to me, to be honest…

[@tutorial9322]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I’m not saying that you really try to sell something to me, 10$ isn’t much money at all. I’m just in a lot of doubt right now. So please don’t get me wrong here. I’m not trying to be a dick to you🙏🏻

[@tutorial9322]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake Just had a talk with my sister, she’s in the exact same place as me doubt wise… I can now see clearly that neither you, nor the “teacher” I’m with from time to time is trying to fool me in any way. It was a clear mirroring of my own inner conflict - amazing how life does that! Much love ❤️

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

When there is a lot of self doubt, the world looks "painted" with doubt. Learning to trust your intuition and listen to your body is key :)@@tutorial9322

[@grantgaylord9490]

What did you think of Osho? That might be an interesting video esp if you’ve seen his doc

[@JoSpring]

I think the word "surrender" is kind of loaded and may mean something different to some people than others. Probably best to define what it means to you when having a discussion about it with someone.

[@macparker3549]

You got that right!

[@sacredechos]

Unfortunately the spiritual community is full of these predators .

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Unfortunately there are quite a few out there. That's one thing i'm trying to address by making this process transparent and available to anyone regardless of whether you gain favor from some "spiritual master,."

[@evian.]

….Angelo, how something can go wrong? It is only an experience. The ego will judge the experience as wrong or right. Experience is. Spirituality is another label within the mind. Also, who is the doer? Who is I ?

[@elaineremains]

i thought this was going to be about demonic possession! the guy seems fine after all he has been through, he's sane, he has ahold of himself, things could be worse... thanks for doing this video though, it made me think of therapists i had submitted to, not good...

[@prior2yourstory]

This story points out to me the importance of neti, neti. I am not sure that Angelo is the biggest fan of it, but I would not this, not this, the heck out of any guru's words. Angelo, if you are not a fan of neti, neti, maybe you could do a video about developing a spiritual b.s. muscle. It's about the same thing.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

I don't have a problem with it but it has limitations for sure. For one thing it is easy to use it to spiritually bypass, "There is no one who could do harm, there is no one who is guilty" etc. This is the classic trap that Zen teachers endlessly warn their students about. When you realize the Absolute nature of all phenomena it is indeed a true realization, not a view or paradigm. It is experienced as fundamentally real. But it is a mistake to think that is the end of the realization process. If you are familiar with Tozan's 5 ranks it really is only the second rank. With that said I don't correct people on it frequently because when you've been in the desert of mind-identification for a looooong and painful time, it's nice to drink a lot of water once you reach the spring of the absolute. At some point however, it is time to move on ;)

[@myrealnameisawareness]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake love you Angelo!!❤️❤️

[@prior2yourstory]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I am not trapped. Nor am I bypassing anything. I refuse to believe any objective knowledge. I appear to exercise, eat well, have relationships, make investments, get mad, make choices, etc. Whatever I appear to do or think is only for this apparent livelihood. Whatever activities I do, there is nothing to gain from them. I appear to know that I am not the doer of anything nor do I claim merit for anything. I have to give it up to the words of Nisargadatta over Tozan's ranks. Nothing was ever created. No pundit, scholar, or religious teacher will agree, and that is fine. As the Unborn without knowing I appear to dissolve, yet I am here without any consciousness, awareness, or identification with anything at all. Whatever I say is not the Truth. I automatically reject everything even when I appear not to. I do not even claim to be the Absolute even if I appear to do so, As the Absolute, I appear to know that there is no Absolute. Existence, itself is just an imagination, an idea. Along with birth, death, bondage, awakening, space, time, real and unreal. My state appears to be beyond knowing, without knowing. I appear to know that the net result of this is nothing and that there is no reason to create further illusions within the illusion.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@prior2yourstory I genuinely wasn’t suggesting you are trapped or bypassing. I don’t have that sense about you. I was directly answering your question about neti neti. That’s just my experience with the approach. I have a video called the awareness trap that addresses it as well as mentioning it in various places.

[@prior2yourstory]

@@dragonton4455 I would certainly say do not follow me, I am not a guru or a teacher. What I appear to know or do not know is not important even when I speak out of conviction. I found neti neti helpful and another may not. Use it, then throw it out if it resonates. Thorn removing a thorn. I think the moral of this video is not to blindly follow others. Question everything and everyone.

[@DontMindRyan]

I can't believe he hasn't seen it...

[@macparker3549]

Well, the film was nearly finished when the whole house of cards collapsed, so I was certainly very familiar with what it was then. But with the belated and agonizing realization of how deluded I had allowed myself to become, and how fundamentally corrupted the process was, I simply had no desire to see the final version.

[@keena1487]

*note to self* avoid kundalini practices 😬💩 Great interview Angelo and Mac!

[@macparker3549]

😄😆😂🤬😎

[@keena1487]

@@macparker3549 So bizarre! Lol 😆 Thank you for sharing your story ♥️

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, Keena. And thank you for having a sense of humor about all this! 🤬😳😄😆😂🙏💜

[@macparker3549]

I keep chuckling over “Avoid kundalini practice…” 😄😎 Perhaps avoid kundalini practice if that kundalini is being activated to serve a massive ego… 🙏🌻

[@Pamela_Sinai]

Sociopaths -- especially charming ones -- can be so incredibly insidious. I was taken in by the fanciful tales of an Irish sailor who later faked his own (heroic) death on the same day he married someone else. Sounds like I'm making stuff up, but it was in the Irish press and I was interviewed on live Irish radio (from an olive grove in Palestine, as it turned out) once the scheme came to light. (It came to light because I wrote to his mother to offer condolences. D'oh! Why of all things would he give me his parents' real address?) The funny thing about all of it was that his bullshit tales of adventure inspired me to embark on actual adventures. I think we all know who the winner is! 😆

[@macparker3549]

Yes, indeed. Beautiful story! Enjoy your adventures. I am enjoying mine, as well… 🙏🏼🔥💙

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Damn… thx for sharing

[@TB-jg2oq]

Wow. A cautionary tale on many levels. Very brave to share. Thank you

[@macparker3549]

🙏😳🌻

[@ssstrong529]

Strikingly similar to Bad Vegan. I have compassion for those who find themselves in these deep delusions, perhaps stemming from trauma/conditioning. It is incredibly complex. We are all searching for love. There are many, often destructive, ways to search for something that is already here. I'm very curious about the slight mention of Kundalini. I am currently dealing with a spontaneous "awakening" gone awry with a close family member. Deep delusions. The only way I've been able to understand it is energy getting blocked/misdirected and is expressed in these delusional states. I actually see similarities with Lou... Grandiose, desiring more self adornment (jewelry/clothes), perception of possessing spiritual gifts, "beings/guides" offering exclusive information, desperate need for validation, among many more fascinating yet painful attributes. It all happened very quickly, almost as if she is being controlled by a negative force beyond her... But was it part of her the whole time? Confusing and painful.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

I agree about Bad Vegan similarity

[@macparker3549]

Yup, Sarah, sounds familiar. On top of these, Lou had supreme confidence/certitude. If I have any encouragement to offer, it might be simply to trust what you see. Trust your clarity and instincts. And trust them knowing that this may not have ANY impact on your family member, at least not right away. In my experience, these delusions (including in myself) are well protected to the point of imperviousness. Painful, but this person MAY need to crash before they will look. I certainly did. AND, the astonishing thing is that even crashing may not do it. I have yet to receive an acknowledgement from Lou of his true role in this. And true freedom seems to require that we accept this. Your clarity may or may not help her. But it can allow you to be free, regardless of what she does or doesn’t see. Bitter pill to whatever remains attached in us. It can feel “selfish “ not to “hang in there with them” till they get it, but that can be a deep trap. And I need to keep reminding myself that I’m not hooked by “them,” I’m hooked within myself! 🤬😛 No snap answers that I know of, but profound lessons in true acceptance. Lessons which I am still learning, and even still fighting, to varying degrees! 🤬😳😆😂 All the best to you… 🙏💜💎🌻

[@macparker3549]

And, of course, she may not need to crash. Hopefully not. I’m just trying to speak to the potential trap of trying to get through to someone who may not be ready to open. 🌻

[@ssstrong529]

@@macparker3549 Yes, her confidence in her path definitely feels impervious. She is also very manipulative, beautiful, and brilliant, so I can see how someone could easily fall victim to her stories/mission. I think my saving grace in this is knowing her before her "transformation" so the red flags were clearer. We have already had a few minor crashes but she still persists, so my instinct has also been that she may need to lose everything and everyone before she sees clearly. Your response is helpful and your story is hopeful. I long for the day she will see clearly as you have. But in the meantime, her downward spiral has been my upward spiral (with the tremendous support of Angelo's channel). I have had tastes of liberation and a burning drive to know reality just as it is. For that, I am so eternally grateful!

[@macparker3549]

So happy to hear of your openings. If, along the way, there is anything in my experience that might be helpful for you, or even her, feel free to let me know. Just a thought: have you considered showing her this video? Not that it would necessarily penetrate, but maybe it would plant a seed? All the best to you in your unfolding… 🙏🔥💎🦋

[@Xyz-etc]

Wasn't Osho as Baghawan also holy hell?

[@herttuapelailee6654]

it would be intresting to see you and frank yang doing interview

[@AnnM847]

Sounds like the Will Ferrell movie, "The shrink next door"

[@scottscottlewis11]

Plz Angelo... can you see if you could talk with a guy by the name Aaron Abke... I would absolutely love so much to hear you guys talk together that i would pay for it 😅 plz don't make me pay for it tho. I would just really like to hear what you 2 could talk about together. If anything... at least check out his content. Plz tho... it would greatly benefit a lot of ppl I'm sure

[@TheInnerCastle]

wild

[@paul-my9ey]

What was the name of this teacher.. is it ok to know there name

[@shaybryant2355]

His name is Louis Soteriou

[@manoasky]

Wow

[@benkelley84]

What happened to Lou? Did he go to prison? What happened to the Story Teller? What’s he doing for work now? Does he live in the same community in Vermont? Did he pay any of the money back? Did he and his wife stay married?

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Only answer I know is Lou got 7 yrs ish

[@macparker3549]

Yes, Lou went to prison, as well. I have had no contact with him since we were both in court nearly a decade ago. I now live in central Vermont, and I regularly run into people who invested. I have not run away, because I knew I would never be able to run away from what is inside me. When I got out of prison, I worked for 3 years in a metal shop making maple syrup evaporators. I now work in a day program for adult young men with severe autism. My wife and I amicably divorced shortly after I got out of prison. She is happily remarried to a wonderful guy, and we are all on good terms. My daughter is a joy, and our relationship is a joy for both of us. She has retained her natural love of life, curiosity, and sense of humor. I learn so much from her, especially the joy of simply allowing a woman to be exactly the way she is. Don’t know if I ever would have learned this without her. I am also blessed to be in a now nearly 4 year long distance relationship with a woman who is a totally unexpected gift from the universe. Thank you for your kind questions and your human interest. Did I forget anything? 🙏🔥🦋💜🌻

[@macparker3549]

Oh, I see I forgot one: Yes, I make restitution payments every month, at least 10% of my gross income. I have thus far not been successful at selling books and other creative projects I had hoped might lead to more substantial restitution payments. Thanks again for asking

[@benkelley9810]

@@macparker3549 Thank you for sharing your story and filling in these details Mac, I appreciate it. Amazing that you continue to live in the same community, that takes courage- inspiring- thank you and good luck!!!

[@macparker3549]

Thank you, Ben, for humanizing this to another level.

[@JoSpring]

That teacher sounds like he learned from Scientology.

[@macparker3549]

Not that I know of. But there’s still a lot I don’t know, and probably never will. Thanks for listening… 🙏😳🤬🌻

[@synsynsy]

This is so strange to me. Thanks for the story.

[@birgit8996]

What is a mistake and where can one be found?👁

[@nat998]

Who makes mistakes 👁️ * who? 🙏❤️ ** thank you for the reminder, always ✨😊

[@birgit8996]

It's also interesting what beliefs appear as thoughts,, to this video 😉

[@nat998]

@@birgit8996 so true, Birgit... Her Majesty The Queen has just passed right now... and there is a reactivity of shock, even though we ask: who is this "I" /"character" in the middle of reactions/thoughts/beliefs? Can this person be found, or does the story just create the sense of a self... there are sensations, feelings. Sorry, I don't know what I'm trying to say... feel shocked somehow 😢 Just feelings... 💔

[@nat998]

@@birgit8996 it's ok to just have feelings, as they come... Feel fully, let it be, allow... Sensations are felt. It can stand as that... as simply feeling sensations. Beliefs are pretty powerful. Stories are powerful. Life is a beautiful play, and an amazing waking lucid dream... And yet, where is the self to be found, having this experience? What am I? Where am I? Where can I be found? In death, where does the I go? Who is this I? 👁️ no answers... no one found... just this aliveness and a sense of existence... a knowing... with no need to know... it's just a dream... Just ideas... Have a peaceful night, B Xx ✨😴🤗

[@birgit8996]

@Nat Yes, sensations can be quite "strong"! However, the body is very old and nothing is lost 💛 just changes... like everything

[@ami156]

Prettyyy crazyyy

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

It’s a wild ride of a story.

[@dar_jada]

What is the full name of the interviewee????

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Mac Parker

[@dar_jada]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake THANK YOU.

[@practicalgrooms6433]

Manipulation 100

[@christied425]

Bizarre story.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

To say the least 😁

[@cytuber]

I did not like this interview and don't believe a word 'Mac' says. I'm not suggesting Mac is an evil person; he's just deluded and totally consumed by his own self-importance. Mac describes himself as a 'story-teller'. He means a spin-doctor… a trickster... a conman... a charlatan and a convicted liar. The courts found they were two con men living off the millions they collected. Mac was a long-time participant and benefactor, not a victim to some evil psychopath. I had to skip through the long, boring interview because his claim to being a 'story-teller' was obviously just another lie… another delusion from a person who has no self-awareness. I find it strange that this interview is presented as a cautionary tale yet you, Angelo, have been suckered by this conman as much as his investors. I'm really sorry you failed to see this. It debases the quality of this great channel and makes me question your judgement on everything else.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

Thanks for your comments. Couple things: 1. Do you believe someone can do harm to others while truly convinced they are doing good? 2. In what way do you believe I was sucked in? 3. Is it possible that to some degree your upset is being projected outward onto him because it is a hard thing to accept that you too, just like the rest of us, have the potential to cause harm without knowing it? And further that having an identity as being someone who is a good person can actually result in that rather than prevent it?

[@cytuber]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake 1. Do you believe someone can do harm to others while truly convinced they are doing good? Yes, but this dude isn't one of them. 'Mac' may have been well-meaning at the start - stupid, but well-meaning -- but that changed as the money rolled in. The judge said: "If you follow the money, the money tells the story. This was not about alms for the poor or helping people in third-world nations ... This was about capitalizing on the goodness of people." I rest my case 😊 By believing Mac without researching the court case you have fallen for another one of Mac's scams. Mac scammed hundreds of investors out of $28 million dollars over a 10 year period. He's not an amateur. Now, that he's out of prison, he's scammed you into giving him a platform under the guise of warning others about scammers like himself. You should have trusted your initial instinct when he first wrote to you. 2. In what way do you believe I was sucked in? By believing Mac without researching the court case. Mac scammed hundreds of investors out of $28 million dollars over a 10 year period. He's not an amateur. Now that he's out of prison, he's scammed you into giving him a platform under the guise of warning others about scammers. Ironic or clever? You should have trusted your initial instinct when he first wrote to you. 3. Is it possible that to some degree your upset is being projected outward onto him because it is a hard thing to accept that you too, just like the rest of us, have the potential to cause harm without knowing it? And further that having an identity as being someone who is a good person can actually result in that rather than prevent it? You should ask the prosecutors and judge whether they're 'projecting' or whether facts have something to do with it. There was wire fraud, mail fraud, tax fraud, conspiracy, money laundering, trust and accounting fraud and it was operating as a ponzi scheme. How do you convince yourself - and others -- that you're really a good guy who doesn't mean harm when you've been involved with this level of fraud for 10 years? Sorry, I'm not buying it.

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@cytuber 1. Your assumptions are incorrect. I researched the case before interviewing him. I’m aware of the fact that he defrauded people to the tune of tens of millions of dollars. If you watched the video you’d know that not only did he clearly admit is several times , we discussed the red flags of conscience he ignored in detail. Further he pled guilty to the crimes so it was pretty obvious what happened. The question was more geared to help you reflect on what triggered you about this. The truth is that we all have the potential to believe ourselves a good person, to be doing the right thing etc and yet perpetrate harm. The history of humanity is full of examples and so is anyones personal history if they are ready to take inventory. I was trying to help you bridge that gap and realize hearing a story like this can help you to introspect and see what the blind spots are. Point number three was more directly pointing to this by explicitly stating that often our own reactivity toward a person or situation like this is actually a trail of bread crumbs back to what don’t want to see about ourselves. 2. My initial instinct when he contacted me and asked if I had interest in interviewing someone who had defrauded people for millions of dollars and spent four years in prison after being told to do it by a spiritual teacher was, “Hell yes I want to interview you!” Why wouldn’t I? My caution was I was concerned id point out things he may not want to see about himself as I can be pretty incisive in certain situations. In this setting my interest would be to dissect the dynamic of sociopathic “guru” and their followers and what all goes into it. I warned him it might not be a comfortable interview. I have zero qualms about interviewing someone who has committed crimes and/or done time. I know exactly why I make each video I make including this one. Many people got a lot out of it. If you didn’t that’s ok but it can still be valuable if you have any interest in looking into what triggered you so much about it. 3. Addressed above.

[@VladaldTrumptin]

I’m only part way in but I agree - alarm bells rung with his “story-telling” tale. Especially when he demonstrated his skills, he’s not particularly charismatic? People pay to hear anecdotes of farm life? Wtf

[@macparker3549]

Hi, Cy, Not easy to respond to this, but, wisely or not, I am moved to try: What is spirituality without kindness, forgiveness, compassion? What is life without the capacity to face when we are wrong, and the willingness to show generosity toward others when they are acknowledging how they were wrong? And, in practical terms, how do you manage to pass such casual judgment on what I am and am not doing, while simultaneously admitting that you didn’t even watch the interview? If you are ever forced or able to truly face your own fallibility, I hope you are able to offer more compassion to yourself than you are willing to offer to “another” here. I, too, have been a harshly judgmental man, and these tendencies can still play out in me. Might I suggest taking some care and paying attention to the harshness of your words? In my experience, eventually the realization will come that this harshness was always primarily directed toward yourself. Thank you for helping me see this in myself, yet again… 🙏

[@MarcP589]

This just sounds like defrauding people out of money which he got caught for and went to prison. Then trying to shift blame to get out of it

[@madamfairy197]

I like his story if you listen till the end you might get why he here to share his story🙏

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

He pled guilty, not sure he tried to get out of anything. However there are many people who fall prey to sociopaths and IMO hearing stories like this with the red flags pointed out can be helpful bc we are not taught this in schools. Also the message at the end is a very important one for anyone who has done harmful things and thinks there is no way forward or into living a life of authenticity and truth.

[@birgit8996]

Is there an intention for what is happening? What is it ,that controls?

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@birgit8996 happening happens. Foot step steps. Fingers type.

[@birgit8996]

@Angelo Exactly.... that's how it is👍

[@swhite8381]

This sounds like a lot of shifting blame . Come on man, at least own up. I don’t believe your version of events . This has nothing to do with spirituality, this was greed and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see this

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

He stated many times in the interview that he takes responsibility for what he did. Furthermore he went to prison for four years. I did not get the sense he felt he did not deserve the sentence or order for restitution.

[@swhite8381]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake it just sounds as if he still very much told the story in a way to make him look as innocent as possible . ( I was just a country boy, just a Farmer’s son) I could be wrong , I don’t know anything other than this . But I’m just stating my opinion on it. I don’t know anything anyway 😆

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@swhite8381 I think that is a valid point. I find this stuff fascinating bc humans are quite complex. Seemingly good humans can do some very bad things. I'm interested in how to see the tendencies we have in ourselves that can lead to greed, deception, selfishness, clearly enough that when conditions are set up for action based in delusion, we are able to avoid the tendencies.

[@swhite8381]

@@SimplyAlwaysAwake I wonder if that’s possible ? I used to be the type to do things that I would never do now . And when I was that type , I told myself it was ok to do whatever it was . I justified it . Now that I am more aware of things I have no desire to steal or lie or manipulate because I realize I don’t have to strive for anything . It doesn’t add a bit of value to me to collect more or steal more or hustle more . You know what I mean ? So what I’m trying to say is people that want to steal, or people running on greed are listening to different instructions in the head

[@SimplyAlwaysAwake]

@@swhite8381 I agree. Most importantly “listening to instructions on the head.” When we are thought identified we don’t even realize we are listening to instructions, the instructions appear as our own thoughts and motivations and this we will backward justify bad behaviors. This is why IMO it is critical to break the spell of mind identification of there is any hope to improve one’s character.