Author: David Christopher Lane
Publisher: Alt.religion.eckankar
Publication date: 1996
Twitchell's Travels to India and the Problems with Steiger's
Time-line as given in IN MY SOUL I AM FREE.
Brad Steiger, Twitchell's official biographer, writes in the famous
book, IN MY SOUL I AM FREE, that Paul first went to Paris, France at
the age of 15, just after he graduated high school. However, he had
to come abruptly home to attend the death of his mother, Effie. Paul
Twitchell then went back to Paris and then on to India.
Steiger says Twitchell was 16 when he was at Sudar Singh's ashram in
India.
Steiger further says that Twitchell spent over a year with him.
MISSION CONTROL: WE GOT A DATE-LINE PROBLEM.....
Here it comes:
1. "Wilson Gantt, dean of admissions and registrar, says the
school's records show Twitchell graduated from Tilghman High School
in Paducah in May 1931 and entered Murray that September. He
remained a full-time student until March of 1933." (Quoted from
Tipton's article on Twitchell).
Yet Twitchell claims in Steiger's book that he went to Paris after
high school and not onwards to college.
Indeed, even when he came back from Paris he didn't go on to college
but back again to France and then onwards to India for a year.
Yet the official high school and college records of Paul Twitchell
show that this time-line, as illustrated in IN MY SOUL I AM FREE,
DID NOT occur.
What this means is that Twitchell NEVER took a year off, as he
claims, between High School and College. Indeed, right after he went
to Murray school he attended another College and registered in 1933
at the recorded age of 22.
Thus, given Steiger's narrative, the supposed trip of Twitchell's to
Paris and India COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED as it is retold IN MY SOUL
I AM FREE.
Rather, we know that Twitchell did not graduate at 15 like he
claims, but much older (anywhere from 18 to 22).
We know further, given Twitchell's account, that he lied about his
claim of going to India between high school and college.
We also know that he did not go to India at the age of 15 or 16.
Remember that Twitchell's mother died in 1940, making Paul at least
27 if not 28 or older.
And in the midst of all this
we got SUDAR SINGH.
I think we should re-title IN MY SOUL I AM FREE.
New title?
IN MY SOUL I AM BULL SHITTING!
P.S. What is the poor reseacher to do?
When you take Twitchell's narrative seriously it proves itself
contradictory and wrong.
But all of that does not matter, some may protest.
That this does not matter, I would argue, is the biggest problem
confronting Eckankar and its future.
:
eMail The Neural Surfer directly
at dl...@weber.ucsd.edu
Sent via Deja.com
http://www.deja.com/
Author: David Christopher Lane
Publisher: Alt.religion.eckankar
Publication date: 1996
Twitchell's Travels to India and the Problems with Steiger's Time-line as given
in IN MY SOUL I AM FREE.
Brad Steiger, Twitchell's official biographer, writes in the famous book, IN MY
SOUL I AM FREE, that Paul first went to Paris, France at the age of 15, just
after he graduated high school. However, he had to come abruptly home to attend
the death of his mother, Effie. Paul Twitchell then went back to Paris and then
on to India.
Steiger says Twitchell was 16 when he was at Sudar Singh's ashram in India.
Steiger further says that Twitchell spent over a year with him.
MISSION CONTROL: WE GOT A DATE-LINE PROBLEM.....
Here it comes:
1. "Wilson Gantt, dean of admissions and registrar, says the school's records
show Twitchell graduated from Tilghman High School in Paducah in May 1931 and
entered Murray that September. He remained a full-time student until March of
1933." (Quoted from Tipton's article on Twitchell).
DOUG:
Just to revisit an old story here, Wilson Gantt was not the dean of admissions
and registrar of Paul's High School. He was dean at Murray State. So his
records of Paul's stay at Murray are credible, but not necessarily those of
Paul's high school.
In fact, the 1936-1937 edition of the Kentucky Who's Who, shows Paul graduating
high school in 1928. It also shows Paul at Murray in 1931-33. The later part
agrees with Gantt, the first part doesn't.
I have a xerox copy of the page from the Kentucky Who's Who, but we've never
seen any documentation about Paul's high school records from Gantt. So, at best
we have two differing accounts.
DAVID LANE CONTINUED:
Yet Twitchell claims in Steiger's book that he went to Paris after high school
and not onwards to college.
Indeed, even when he came back from Paris he didn't go on to college but back
again to France and then onwards to India for a year.
Yet the official high school and college records of Paul Twitchell show that
this time-line, as illustrated in IN MY SOUL I AM FREE, DID NOT occur.
DOUG:
We have not seen any official high school records, so how can David claim this?
In fact the Kentucky Who's Who also makes another reference. It shows Paul
living in Paris, Kentucky in 1929. That was the year after Paul graduated high
school, just like the story in Brad Steiger's book. However, it is Kentucky not
France.
Why would Steiger mix the two up? According to David Lane, Steiger admits that
he changed the names and places in his book, and that such a practice was
common in biographies in those days.
DAVID LANE CONTINUED:
What this means is that Twitchell NEVER took a year off, as he claims, between
High School and College. Indeed, right after he went to Murray school he
attended another College and registered in 1933 at the recorded age of 22.
DOUG:
According to the Kentucky Who's Who, this is wrong. Paul in fact appears to
have taken 2-3 years off after high school before going to Murray.
The Who's Who does agree with David about Paul going to another school after
two years at Murray. It shows that Paul went to Western State Teacher's College
and graduated in 1935.
DAVID LANE CONTINUES:
Thus, given Steiger's narrative, the supposed trip of Twitchell's to Paris and
India COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED as it is retold IN MY SOUL I AM FREE.
DOUG:
Based on the Kentucky Who's Who, this conclusion is wrong again.
DAVID LANE CONTINUES:
Rather, we know that Twitchell did not graduate at 15 like he claims, but much
older (anywhere from 18 to 22).
We know further, given Twitchell's account, that he lied about his claim of
going to India between high school and college.
We also know that he did not go to India at the age of 15 or 16.
DOUG:
It appears, from the Kentucky Who's Who, that Paul was 18 years old when he
graduated high school. So, David is right that Paul's age was inaccurate.
We know that Brad admitted to changing the names and places. We don't know
whether he intentionally changed the dates as well. We also don't know whether
India was a changed place, or whether Paul ever went to India in his youth.
These are open issues.
DAVID LANE CONTINUED:
Remember that Twitchell's mother died in 1940, making Paul at least 27 if not
28 or older.
DOUG:
David is refering here to a reference in Steiger's book that Paul returned home
from India upon notice of his mother's impending death. Clearly the timeline is
indeed messed up here, since this was long after Paul graduated from high
school, unless this was referring to an earlier illness that Paul's mother may
have had, since the Who's Who also shows that Paul did work at his own High
School, in Paducah, as a Track Coach after his stay in Paris, Kentucky.
DAVID LANE CONTINUED:
And in the midst of all this we got SUDAR SINGH.
I think we should re-title IN MY SOUL I AM FREE.
New title?
IN MY SOUL I AM BULL SHITTING!
P.S. What is the poor reseacher to do?
When you take Twitchell's narrative seriously it proves itself contradictory
and wrong.
But all of that does not matter, some may protest.
That this does not matter, I would argue, is the biggest problem confronting
Eckankar and its future.
DOUG:
David's question about what is a poor researcher to do, is a good question.
First off, it helps to have solid facts before making a bunch of accusations.
The facts are still sketchy, but it appears that Steiger's account shows that
he did indeed change names and places and apparently some dates as well.
Steiger apparently thought that this was common practice with the writing of
biographies in those days, and in fact he seems to be right about this. I've
given some examples in the past to show this.
So, if this is the biggest problem that ECKANKAR is confronting, then I guess
it can't be doing that badly afterall.
Doug.
...and Twitchell OKed these changes, since it's true that Twitchell:
1) Chose Steiger as his offical biographer.
2) Endorsed IMSIAF as his offical biography.
3) Never issued any corrections to this biography.
This puts the onus on Twitchell.
>
> DAVID LANE CONTINUED:
> What this means is that Twitchell NEVER took a year off, as he
claims, between
> High School and College. Indeed, right after he went to Murray school
he
> attended another College and registered in 1933 at the recorded age
of 22.
>
> DOUG:
> According to the Kentucky Who's Who, this is wrong. Paul in fact
appears to
> have taken 2-3 years off after high school before going to Murray.
>
> The Who's Who does agree with David about Paul going to another
school after
> two years at Murray. It shows that Paul went to Western State
Teacher's College
> and graduated in 1935.
>
> DAVID LANE CONTINUES:
> Thus, given Steiger's narrative, the supposed trip of Twitchell's to
Paris and
> India COULD NOT HAVE HAPPENED as it is retold IN MY SOUL I AM FREE.
>
> DOUG:
> Based on the Kentucky Who's Who, this conclusion is wrong again.
It says Paulji went to India and France? Really? That's really
something!
Whoops. It doesn't say that.
Try not leaping so far Doug.
>
> DAVID LANE CONTINUES:
> Rather, we know that Twitchell did not graduate at 15 like he claims,
but much
> older (anywhere from 18 to 22).
>
> We know further, given Twitchell's account, that he lied about his
claim of
> going to India between high school and college.
>
> We also know that he did not go to India at the age of 15 or 16.
>
> DOUG:
> It appears, from the Kentucky Who's Who, that Paul was 18 years old
when he
> graduated high school. So, David is right that Paul's age was
inaccurate.
>
> We know that Brad admitted to changing the names and places. We don't
know
> whether he intentionally changed the dates as well. We also don't
know whether
> India was a changed place, or whether Paul ever went to India in his
youth.
> These are open issues.
There's no evidence from Paulji's past that even suggests he went to
India or France during his youth.
Instead, we have Paulji's official bio that says he did.
Do you really think that Paulji went to India just as Steiger (i.e.
Paulji) says he did?
Why would anyone think that, when part of your argument is based on
Steiger -- enlisted by Paulji, of course -- liberally changing
Paulji's biographical data?
Face it Doug -- IMSIAF is a corrupted bio. And this corrupted bio was
ENDORSEd AND PROMOTED by Sri Paul as his official life story.
And Twitchell either authorized these changes, or provided incorrect
info to his official biographer.
Either way, where does the buck stop?
Paul Twitchell.
Actually, it seems like you are the one wasting time reading things
that you think are useless.
I don't hate you, Paul Twitchell, or Eckankar.
I actually have a deep fondness for Paul Twitchell.
As for what I have done for the past 23 years, Eckankar hasn't been my
focus.
I just type really really fast so I can multi-task a lot of things.
I just happen to have fun debating this stuff.
I certainly don't hate anybody here or in Eckankar.
I think it is all kinda of groovy, actually.
Well David, for what it's worth, you've actually been
more civil than a lot of others on this group. If nothing
else, thank you for that. Hey, if you think surfing is
a blast, check THIS out! I plan on owning one of these
beautiful machines by the time April rolls around:
Check out the photos, especially. This guy and his
shop are within driving distance from my house. :-)
Frank
Nothing could be safer: You always have an inflated
parachute above you. Even if the motor totally goes
tits up, you simply float to the ground. :-)
Frank
Here it comes:
New title?
Doug.
---------------------------------------------------------------
Doug, I think every eckist knows that Twitch lied his way into the Kentucky
Who's Who with a bunch of phony information. Harold admits that. It
amazes me that you're citing this as a credible source.
Secondly, considering how Twitch had this little "thing" about his words
and "work" being presented accurately, I think it's highly unlikely that
you can blame any "inaccuracies" in IMSIAF on Brad Steiger. For example,
I believe it's in "Difficulties" that Twitch wrote something about not
wanting to sell a book to Hollywood because he'd lose control over it, or
something. Which I think is a big lie, considering his whining & jealousy
about others who were making more money & getting better agent
representation than he was.
Now, there's a big difference between changing the name of the home town to
the fictional China Point for "privacy", and implying that the "Paris"
Twitch visited was Paris France.
Twitch conned Steiger, too. Unless maybe Steiger, like Twitch, wasn't very
ethical and only out for the bucks too.
Sharon
--
Center for Twitchellian Plagiarism:
http://vclass.mtsac.edu:930/phil/center.htm
http://members.delphi.com/sharon2000
http://www.iguild.com/homes/eckcult
DOUG:
Sharon, I didn't bring up this old point again, but I guess I should have.
Although Harold thought that this Who's Who was the result of Paul's great
ability to promote things, including himself, I disagree with Harold on this.
First, because the birth date in the Who's Who bio is off by one year. Now you
might think that's no big deal, but in this case it would have made Paul one
year OLDER, and I don't think even David could imagine Paul doing that! <G>
Secondly, the Paducah Library files were literally stuffed with news articles
about Paul's activities as a Recreation Activities Director, Track Coach for
high schools and colleges, and a number of other similar positions that he
filled. Paul was quite good at getting events started, including some great
community meetings for sports, from basketball and baseball, to wrestling and
boxing, swimming and tennis, even events for women and those of other races.
His teams won some tournaments, and some of his team members got a lot of
attention, thanks to Paul.
This list ran to over 100 articles, all before the Who's Who bio was written.
It would seem odd, rather, that the Who's Who would NOT run a very short bio on
Paul.
To further prove this point, when I brought this up before, I showed another
bio from the same page of a farmer who sold wholesale lifestock. That was all
the farmer had ever done, yet they still had a bio on him in the Who's Who.
That's why I think the info is credible. And the fact that the wrong birth date
was one commonly quoted from the family bible also suggests that it was
independent of Paul.
SHARON CONTINUED:
>Secondly, considering how Twitch had this little "thing" about his words
>and "work" being presented accurately, I think it's highly unlikely that
>you can blame any "inaccuracies" in IMSIAF on Brad Steiger. For example,
>I believe it's in "Difficulties" that Twitch wrote something about not
>wanting to sell a book to Hollywood because he'd lose control over it, or
>something. Which I think is a big lie, considering his whining & jealousy
>about others who were making more money & getting better agent
>representation than he was.
DOUG:
First about blaming Brad Steiger - I have never blamed Brad for anything. He
was the author, but if it was something that Paul felt was important to
correct, Paul certainly had every chance to do so. So, I see them in it
together.
I was only referring to Brad, since he was the one who wrote the biographical
sections of that book.
As for the story about selling a book to Hollywood, well Paul just never fits
our stereotypes, it seems. It so happens that Paul related this same story in a
letter he wrote back long before be started ECKANKAR. I remember reading it in
his files.
There were also records of his poem, The Lamp, becoming recorded as a song,
more than once, and becoming quite popular. There were references to hundreds
of his writings that were published, in the Paducah files, and a number of them
were full length books. Getting someone interested in Hollywood is not that
rare. Hollywood agents pick up options on books all the time. It is much less
common for them to actually make it into film. A lot of them just don't ever
make it.
So, I see nothing odd or extravagant about his statements.
As for Paul complaining about other writers getting better representation, that
is simply another case of misinterpretation. As far as I can tell this comes
from one of Paul's talks where he was casually talking about Lobsang Rampa
(sp?) who wrote some popular spiritual fiction books. Paul was in a whimsical
mood when he was talking about this, and was half chuckling when he pointed out
how successful the bloke had been with his books.
Paul's point, by the way for bringing this up, was simply to show how important
distribution and promotion were. That was what made the Rampa books so
successfull, and that was Paul's point - that you could write a great book but
if it didn't get the right promotion and distribution it would never make a
success.
SHARON CONTINUED:
>Now, there's a big difference between changing the name of the home town to
>the fictional China Point for "privacy", and implying that the "Paris"
>Twitch visited was Paris France.
>
>Twitch conned Steiger, too. Unless maybe Steiger, like Twitch, wasn't very
>ethical and only out for the bucks too.
DOUG:
If you knew them very well, I think you'd see that they were two birds of a
feather. Brad's books ran down the same line of romanticizing his subjects in
many of his books. It was not uncommon back then, and they were both promoters
and experienced writers who knew how to make headlines.
They were also both interested in building a long term career in the field of
spiritual studieds and psychic phenomenon, and had both studied those fields
very well.
As for China Point being so much different than Paris, well I think a lot of
the reason it seems that way is because we've become used to the idea of China
Point really being Paducah. However, when ECKists first learned this, it was
startling to them and some were confused why anyone would change the name like
that. Later, it became no big deal.
Of course, referring to France rather than Kentucky clearly makes the event
seem more exotic than the name China Point, which no one knows.
Doug, let me just lay things on the line here.
Back in
the Eck Gestapo, well...I was a good little eckie (as you yourself said)
and I didn't say anything, but I was *revulsed* by things there...including
your cute little comment about "taking care of Lurk" here.
Everything you write is basic bullshit. I think it's cute, though, how you
try to appear so "nice" and sanctimonious, but...you let things pop out.
to put it a bit more simply, you're a big phony and you can't always pull
it off.
Your "book" is a hoot.
And...the Paducah library files aren't a good source, since Gail made a
special trip there to make sure it appeared that Twitchler looked good.
Just as he conned his way into the Who's Who.
Now...hey, I skim through your bullshit.
What would REALLY interest me, Dougie-Pooh...IS THOSE UNPUBLISHED WORKS OF
TWITCHELL. You phony lying scumbag son-of-a-bitch, you know *EXACTLY* what
I'm talking about. And so does your good buddy, old "masterly power flow"
Weird Fucking Asshole Harold!!!!
Now...go HU yourself into zombiehood. Tell me...when you were one of
Darwin's little ecksheep, did you go jerk off in the bushes just like he
did?
SHARON
Baraka Bashad! :-)
Len
<Sharo...@playful.com> wrote in message
news:20010130013238.061$b...@newsreader.com...
Love
Michael
"len" <sv77...@yahoo.com> wrote in message
news:vuLd6.78450$Wq1.33...@nnrp5-w.sbc.net...
Very shaken I did speak about it to some Eck friends, one was Helen Frye.
Helen was in great doubts about Eckankar herself. She noticed that 5 of 7 (or
8) recent $100,000. checks donated to Eckankar were deposited into Darwin's
account,not Eckankar's.
Helen had me get in contact with Brad Steiger himself. He lived in Scottsdale,
Az at the time. Three of us were invited to Steiger's house where he had still
over 100 hours of taped conversation with Paul. Brad played about 3 hours of
these tapes for us. Paul was creating his history outloud, on tape..sounding
out different events that might sound good. Steiger kept saying outloud to us,
"Why did Paul say that, he knew I was taping all this?"
Mike Noe was furious about my contact with the Twitchell family. He contacted
Steiger for the tapes. I don't know what ever happened. Darwin was upset with
Steiger because Brad was to do Darwin's life story but changed his mind
because, as Steiger told me, "there is nothing there." Later Helen Frye was to
do his story.
Gail Twitchell, last I heard from her in 1981 stated that "Paul made up the
whole thing."
I suggest to those with questions ask those that have the info...namely, get
copies of the tapes from Brad Steiger and hear for yourself in Paul's own voice
how he made up his life story. Also ask Gail. She was very open with those of
us that contacted her for answers.
I am not sure if many of the old Twitchell's are alive. Camille died in 1980 I
know. Twitchell's nephew, John,lived in Evansville, Ind. he had a stack of
Twitchell's manuscripts that he got from his mother, Mattie.
Maybe if you offered something credible, like who you are, and have someone
back this up, then there may be someone who will look at what you say
seriously.
So far it looks like 'someone' is making something up, the only question is
'who"?
Love
Michael
"DAVIDP111" <davi...@aol.comnospam> wrote in message
news:20010208150647...@ng-fa1.aol.com...
Get a real name, document what you say above, and then MAYBE
someone should take some of what you say somewhat seriously.
Ken
DAVIDP111 wrote:
>
> I spent the Summer of 1979 with Twitchell's family. After spending time with
> many of them and discovering basically nothing in In My Soul was true I called
> Mike Noe at the Eckankar Office...He demanded all the files I got from the
> family be turned over to Eckankar immediately and that I not talk of what I
> discovered to anyone.
I wonder if Doug Marman still wants to claim there was no cover up!
>
> Very shaken I did speak about it to some Eck friends, one was Helen Frye.
> Helen was in great doubts about Eckankar herself. She noticed that 5 of 7 (or
> 8) recent $100,000. checks donated to Eckankar were deposited into Darwin's
> account,not Eckankar's.
>
> Helen had me get in contact with Brad Steiger himself. He lived in Scottsdale,
> Az at the time. Three of us were invited to Steiger's house where he had still
> over 100 hours of taped conversation with Paul. Brad played about 3 hours of
> these tapes for us. Paul was creating his history outloud, on tape..sounding
> out different events that might sound good. Steiger kept saying outloud to us,
> "Why did Paul say that, he knew I was taping all this?"
Thanks for the honestly here.
Many people have been making the claim that Paul had told tall tales.
Your story here supports this notion.
>
> Mike Noe was furious about my contact with the Twitchell family. He contacted
> Steiger for the tapes. I don't know what ever happened. Darwin was upset with
> Steiger because Brad was to do Darwin's life story but changed his mind
> because, as Steiger told me, "there is nothing there." Later Helen Frye was to
> do his story.
>
> Gail Twitchell, last I heard from her in 1981 stated that "Paul made up the
> whole thing."
Are you the person Lane quotes in his book as having heard Gail say
this? Interesting.
Lurk
That's an interesting response because Lane documents his assertions and
eckists still don't take what he says seriously. So what you are
suggesting is an exercise in futility, eh?
Lurk
Spin your yarns all you like, but you will find little support from
those here that were there too, unless you provide some real substance.
--
o
|
~/|
_/ |\
/ | \
-/ | \
_ /____|___\_
(___________/
Rich~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~Sailing the CyberSea~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As for offering REAL people and REAL proof. I did suggest those that want some
answers (I suspect many that are struggling with Eckankar's past DON'T want to
really know!) to contact Brad Steiger themselves and ask to hear the
tapes...Listen for yourself... I am not a library. Do your own investigation
if you really are interested. I sat in his home with Charlie Wallace and
Carmela Primavera (Powell). Not sure where Carmela is now but I am sure
Charlie is around somewhere.
Gail Twitchell Gross--etc was in the Palm Springs area last I spoke with her.
Does someone know where she is now? Maybe some of the members of this list
would like to talk to her themselves... I know Charlie Wallace has a tape
telephone conversation with her talking about Paul and the beginning of
Eckankar. Anyone know where Charlie is?
About Paul and Kirpal Singh...it was COMMON knowledge when I was new in Eck
that Kirpal and Rebazar was one and the same. It was discussed at our Sat
Sangs. We just accepted it figuring Paul had his reasons. The High Initiate
of the area when I was new in Eck had known Paul when he was with Kirpal in the
1950's. That is where they met as she too was with Kirpal. Her name is
Vandella Walker of Cincinnati, Ohio...Is she still alive? Call her up and ask
her some questions. Other Eckists of my early days that knew all this include
Bertha Sweeney and Betty Junk...are they still around? Talk with them.
Mary Hald of Middletown, Ohio printed up fake press releases for Paul in her
own print shop...on news print with fake news headlines on the back so when
they were clipped looked like real news articles about Paul's miracles he
performed. I seen them myself. Is Mary or her husband, Charlie still around?
Call them on the phone..Her grandson was going to take over Hald Press in that
city. His name is Tad. Check it out yourself.
Pat Yarbourgh,Vandilla and Chet Tuttle said Paul told them that Dr. Louis Booth
was to be the next Eck master. Both Pat and Vandella were 7th initiates at the
time. Last I heard Pat moved to the San Francisco area. Look them up and ask
them yourself.
As for the checks of Helen Frye's that Darwin cashed, ask Charlie Wallace or
better yet the estate that she left everything too. I believe her family is in
Tennessee. Check records at the courthouse in Prescott, Az...esp with the
court case of Eckankar vs the estate of Helen Frye. Paul Schoolcraft and
Darwin Gross ON TAPE offered an x-eckist $50,000. to lie under oath so Eckankar
would get the rest of her estate...was in the Phoenix newspaper..October, 1980.
Call the paper and get copies...check it out for yourself.
I know what I went through in the early days...I have come to my terms with it
all. Seems like so much petty arguments here over books and manuscripts...how
about getting out and ask questions from those that can do something about it
all... Ask Gail, Brad, Vandilla, Pat, Mary, Mike Noe. Chet Tuttle (is he still
alive?).
If this is REALLY important to you get off the computer and make some phone
calls and talk to those who were there. Talk to them NOW while those that were
there are still around.
I keep hearing the word "rumor." I am just wondering those that question are
they really seeking some answers or just enjoy the chat on line? I know SOME
of these people are still around. How about checking them out and ask what
they have to offer.
I gave a list of names that have come to mind, I am sure there are others. Up
to you if you want to take it farther or not. Take some initiative yourself
and ask these people, and others who were around questions yourself.
I can't speak for "Eckists" who don't take Lane seriously as I take David
VERY seriously. I think David is a very serious person who demands
seriosity at every level possible whenever possible.
I believe every single fact that David documents. It's his wild-eyed
conclusions I have trouble with from time to time <g>.
Ken
Ken, you seem so 'seriousity' in this post. <G> Is Dealing with the
good Doctor's 'seriousity' a reflection of very verbal verbosity?
Or notity?
ECK love,
Dave
--
http://www.eckankar.org/freeBook.html
> I am suprised of the response to my posting. Funny how easily it is for some
> to swallow anything that is mystic and untouchable yet refuse to listen to
> something so simple as human faults.
I am in neither of those categories. Sure Paul had his foibles. It's
just that my experience has shown me that opinions and others
experiences have too often proven to be very deceptive and contrary to
my own.
> As for offering REAL people and REAL proof. I did suggest those that want some
> answers (I suspect many that are struggling with Eckankar's past DON'T want to
> really know!)
I'd like to know, as I believe most of the Eckists who post to this NG
would, but it isn't that important to me.
<SNIP what is all hearsay about and from people that I, and apparently
no one in this NG knows how to contact>
> About Paul and Kirpal Singh...it was COMMON knowledge when I was new in Eck
> that Kirpal and Rebazar was one and the same.
At that time it was apparent to me that Paul had changed Kirpal's name,
but not that Rebazar did not also exist and his name was just
substituted instead.
Have you read Doug's book?
http://www.littleknownpubs.com/DialogIntro.htm
It might give you an expanded understanding about this and many of the
other issues you are bringing up. Much of what what was 'common
knowledge' is shown in this E-Book to have been misinformation or
opinions derived from lack of information. Doug brings out a lot of new
facts that significantly change previously accepted viewpoints.
"Dialogs" is an eye opener to those that are open to objectively viewing
this history.
> It was discussed at our Sat
> Sangs. We just accepted it figuring Paul had his reasons. The High Initiate
> of the area when I was new in Eck had known Paul when he was with Kirpal in the
> 1950's. That is where they met as she too was with Kirpal.
I met Kirpal too and found that although I saw the spark of mastership
was there in his eyes, Paul was offering something that was more in
alignment with my spiritual inclinations.
<SNIP more hearsay(some of it which certainly has some truth in it) and
more people that I wouldn't know how to contact if I wanted to.>
> I know what I went through in the early days...I have come to my terms with it
> all. Seems like so much petty arguments here over books and manuscripts...
I agree. What is it in you that brings you here to make allegations
about such "petty" things, be they true or not?
> how
> about getting out and ask questions from those that can do something about it...
Do what? "It" is history, shrouded by time and perception, that has no
effect on the spiritual principals taught in Eckankar today. Nor does
it change my knowledge of my Self as Soul. Sure it's a curiosity about
illusions but does it change your perceptions of Spirit, Soul, God?
<SNIP more names and suggestions that I do the work to prove your
perceptions>
> I keep hearing the word "rumor." I am just wondering those that question are
> they really seeking some answers or just enjoy the chat on line?
I'd say both. I am just wondering why you are making these questionable
statements in the first place?
DOUG:
DavidP, I would love to hear some more about your conversations with Camille.
You once said that you had taken notes from your meetings with her. Do you
still have them? Would you be willing to share from those notes?
As for your run in with Mike Noe, I've had my own as well. Sometimes the only
thing you can do with those who think they know what they are doing is to
simply walk away and leave them with their own creations.
DAVIDP111 WROTE:
Very shaken I did speak about it to some Eck friends, one was Helen Frye.
Helen was in great doubts about Eckankar herself. She noticed that 5 of 7 (or
8) recent $100,000. checks donated to Eckankar were deposited into Darwin's
account,not Eckankar's.
DOUG:
I knew Helen as well, although from a couple years earlier than the time frame
you are talking about. She was a strikingly unique person. A number of people
who worked closely with Darwin about this time were having some doubts.
DAVIDP111 WROTE:
Helen had me get in contact with Brad Steiger himself. He lived in Scottsdale,
Az at the time. Three of us were invited to Steiger's house where he had still
over 100 hours of taped conversation with Paul. Brad played about 3 hours of
these tapes for us. Paul was creating his history outloud, on tape..sounding
out different events that might sound good. Steiger kept saying outloud to us,
"Why did Paul say that, he knew I was taping all this?"
DOUG:
I think that is a very good question that Brad is asking. In other words, Paul
didn't seem to see anything wrong with what he was doing. He wasn't trying to
hide anything.
I'd love to hear those tapes. Brad also claims that in some of those tapes Paul
described how he saw the future of ECKANKAR.
DAVIDP111 WROTE:
Mike Noe was furious about my contact with the Twitchell family. He contacted
Steiger for the tapes. I don't know what ever happened. Darwin was upset with
Steiger because Brad was to do Darwin's life story but changed his mind
because, as Steiger told me, "there is nothing there." Later Helen Frye was to
do his story.
DOUG:
Darwin was very upset about the whole thing. From what I heard, Brad only
agreed to write the book on Darwin because he wanted permission to write a
second book on Paul, and draw from the tapes he had from Paul. Brad especially
wanted to get into Paul's vision of the future of ECKANKAR. I hope Brad is able
to share those thoughts some day.
However, Brad did write a draft of a book about Darwin. I don't know if he
finished it or not, but when Darwin read it he did not like it at all. I think
Brad wrote the best that he knew, but was never impressed with Darwin. There
were some strong feelings expressed over this, since I believe Brad had been
paid some money for the book and had signed a contract.
DAVIDP111 WROTE:
Gail Twitchell, last I heard from her in 1981 stated that "Paul made up the
whole thing."
DOUG:
Did she say this to you in those exact words, or are you remembering something
that David Lane said about this? I'm just curious, because the last time you
said this you indicated this was something you got from David Lane.
If Gail felt this way, why hasn't she been willing to make such a statement
publicly? Also, why did she record a private tape in which she wanted to
describe her personal spiritual experiences with Paul surrounding his death?
And why did she ask others to send in their personal experiences as well, so
that these stories could be preserved for posterity.
Those were reflections of Gail's sentiments at the time of Paul's death. They
don't seem to be indicators of someone who believed it was all made up.
Perhaps she changed her mind?
As for offering REAL people and REAL proof. I did suggest those that want some
answers (I suspect many that are struggling with Eckankar's past DON'T want to
really know!) to contact Brad Steiger themselves and ask to hear the
tapes...Listen for yourself... I am not a library. Do your own investigation
if you really are interested. I sat in his home with Charlie Wallace and
Carmela Primavera (Powell). Not sure where Carmela is now but I am sure
Charlie is around somewhere.
Gail Twitchell Gross--etc was in the Palm Springs area last I spoke with her.
Does someone know where she is now? Maybe some of the members of this list
would like to talk to her themselves... I know Charlie Wallace has a tape
telephone conversation with her talking about Paul and the beginning of
Eckankar. Anyone know where Charlie is?
DOUG:
You know, reading what you've written here, DavidP, I can see how differently
we approach these things.
Looking back, it's strange that I knew all these same people, but for me it was
almost accidental, since I never really sought out trying to meet these Friends
of ECK.
I've met Brad Steiger a few times, but don't know him very well at all. I
thought he was a good speaker and an interesting writer.
I miss Gail and think of her from time to time, and would love to sit down and
talk with her again.
I remember Charly well from the time I spent in Sedona.
But I never thought of even one of them as an authority on ECKANKAR. Strange. I
trusted my own inner experiences and lessons learned. Either I was able to
verify the validity of the Spiritual Path of ECK, or I wasn't.
I guess I realize, after reading your comments, how little I really cared about
the outer issues. I've never made the effort to track down and try to spend
time with these people because, for one, I always feel that I will be an
intrusion in their lives, and secondly I would only do so because I like these
people.
I always love to hear stories about Paul, so I am always a willing listener and
would encourage anyone to share from their own memories or experiences.
However, I always think of these things as stories, not some kind of historical
record.
But that's just me, I guess.
DAVIDP111 WROTE:
About Paul and Kirpal Singh...it was COMMON knowledge when I was new in Eck
that Kirpal and Rebazar was one and the same. It was discussed at our
SatSangs. We just accepted it figuring Paul had his reasons. The High
Initiate of the area when I was new in Eck had known Paul when he was with
Kirpal in the 1950's. That is where they met as she too was with Kirpal. Her
name is Vandella Walker of Cincinnati, Ohio...Is she still alive? Call her up
and ask her some questions. Other Eckists of my early days that knew all this
include Bertha Sweeney and Betty Junk...are they still around? Talk with them.
DOUG:
I think the relationship between Kirpal and Paul is well known to this group.
We've discussed it at length. In fact, your point about how many knew about
this in the early days is exactly one of the points that I've made. That's why
I find David Lane's accusations that Paul was trying to cover this up is fairly
ridiculous.
I agree that Paul stopped referring to Kirpal after his relationship with
Kirpal fell apart, but that's a far cry from denying it or trying to convince
others that he never studied with Kirpal.
DAVIDP111 WROTE:
Mary Hald of Middletown, Ohio printed up fake press releases for Paul in her
own print shop...on news print with fake news headlines on the back so when
they were clipped looked like real news articles about Paul's miracles he
performed. I seen them myself. Is Mary or her husband, Charlie still around?
Call them on the phone..Her grandson was going to take over Hald Press in that
city. His name is Tad. Check it out yourself.
DOUG:
I think the last time you mentioned this you didn't realize they were fake
headlines at the time this was going on, but assumed they were real stories
that were just being laid out for reproduction.
What is it that convinced you this was not true? How long after these events
really happened did you begin to think differently about them?
DAVIDP111:
Pat Yarbourgh,Vandilla and Chet Tuttle said Paul told them that Dr. Louis Booth
was to be the next Eck master. Both Pat and Vandella were 7th initiates at the
time. Last I heard Pat moved to the San Francisco area. Look them up and ask
them yourself.
DOUG:
I think that at one time Paul did think Dr. Bluth might be his successor.
However, at the Fourth World Wide, Paul made it quite clear that the one They
(meaning the ECK Masters) had been training didn't work out. That was when Paul
realized he was going to have to look to the youth in ECK, which is when he
started the Youth Program. I cover a lot of these things in my book, with
quotes from Paul to show his actual words.
In Gail's private tape recording of the events surrounding Paul's death, she
stated quite clearly that Paul and specifically mentioned that Dr. Bluth could
not be selected as his successor. She gave some of Paul's reasons for this as
well.
DAVIDP111 WROTE:
As for the checks of Helen Frye's that Darwin cashed, ask Charlie Wallace or
better yet the estate that she left everything too. I believe her family is in
Tennessee. Check records at the courthouse in Prescott, Az...esp with the
court case of Eckankar vs the estate of Helen Frye. Paul Schoolcraft and
Darwin Gross ON TAPE offered an x-eckist $50,000. to lie under oath so Eckankar
would get the rest of her estate...was in the Phoenix newspaper..October,
1980. Call the paper and get copies...check it out for yourself.
DOUG:
Fascinating stories. I can certainly believe they might be true. Darwin was
making all kinds of mistakes at that time.
DAVIDP111 WROTE:
I know what I went through in the early days...I have come to my terms with it
all. Seems like so much petty arguments here over books and manuscripts...how
about getting out and ask questions from those that can do something about it
all... Ask Gail, Brad, Vandilla, Pat, Mary, Mike Noe. Chet Tuttle (is he still
alive?).
DOUG:
I always enjoy hearing these stories from the old days, but they hardly
describe any source of truth for me. They are just stories.
I always found it amazing how many people had such different experiences in
ECKANKAR. But those were their experiences. My experiences were different. Why
should I use their experiences to define my reality?
I don't think their experiences even define anything of historical value about
ECKANKAR, since there were so many varied and different experiences.
I remember Harold mentioning to me once that when he spoke with some of the old
timers about their memories of Paul, that they all saw Paul so differently.
Sometimes it seemed hard to imagine they were describing the same person.
Some saw Paul as their friend and that he loved to gab. Others found him always
philosophical and distant. Others were impressed with his kindness, some with
his incredible drive to bring out the teachings of ECKANKAR.
They all did describe one thing in common, according to Harold. They described
Paul as someone who seemed to care a great deal for people, those who were
studying ECKANKAR in particular. He seemed to always keep a watchful and caring
eye out for ECKists. They always described the feeling of love they felt from
Paul.
But I guess I've wandered from my point, which is that everyone's experiences
are different. None can be used to define the reality for everyone else. That's
exactly one of the things I've always enjoyed about this Path.
Doug.
It is only when he gets sinserious that we really have to worry, Dave.
But I too take David's document seriously... It is just that I can't stop
laughing at the conclusions he creates from them!! <G>
Love
Michael
Very True Michael. An exagertation/lie/misrepresentation repeated often
enough becomes the truth for so many as history can teach us. In that
way, Doug's writings are valuable. In order to understand more about
ourselves and God, we need to transcend the human consciousness into
the spiritual consciousness. That transcendance can occur when fear is
replaced by love. So responding to those who create fears in others is
a valuable thing especially since many that do respond to those who try
to create fears and doubts in others, seem able to do this with
detachment. To their credit, I might add.
Thats as 'Seriosity' as I can get about the Good
Doctors 'sinseriosity.' <G>
ECK Love,
Dave wrote:
>
> In article <3a85...@news.iprimus.com.au>,
> "Michael" <wallyboy@.iprimus.com.au> wrote:
> > It is only when he gets sinserious that we really have to worry, Dave.
> >
> > But I too take David's document seriously... It is just that I can't
> stop
> > laughing at the conclusions he creates from them!! <G>
> >
> > Love
> >
> > Michael
>
> Very True Michael. An exagertation/lie/misrepresentation repeated often
> enough becomes the truth for so many as history can teach us.
I believe you are attempting to refer to Lane here but it jumps out at
me how this statements seems to apply more to Paul and his religion.
In that
> way, Doug's writings are valuable. In order to understand more about
> ourselves and God, we need to transcend the human consciousness into
> the spiritual consciousness. That transcendance can occur when fear is
> replaced by love.
Love never replaces fear. There is fear and there is love.
So responding to those who create fears in others is
> a valuable thing especially since many that do respond to those who try
> to create fears and doubts in others, seem able to do this with
> detachment. To their credit, I might add.
So you would agree that responding to Paul's fear laden statments in the
Shariyat and other works is valuable thing? I know you want to be
consistent, eh?
Lurk
<snip> Lurk's POV which I mostly disagree with.
> Love never replaces fear. There is fear and there is love.
You indicate a Sort of a black/white, "good"/"bad" POV. To each his/her
own.
<snip> More of Lurk's POV which I mostly disagree with.
>I know you want to be
> consistent, eh?
>
> Lurk
Part of being consistent, to me, is applying a mindset or a
consciousness and or a behavior pattern to exact or similar
events/things rather than what I feel you often do when you try to
apply a mindset or a state of consciousness and or behavior pattern to
two or more unlike events/things. We will probably never agree on the
topic of ECKANKAR or any type of religious subject matter this
lifetime. Which is fine and 'dandy' also! <G>
ECK Love,
Dave
It keeps it simpler to remember this, hey?
I liked Doug's analogy of opening up the sail to catch the wind, not
stripping it down to see what fibre it is made from <G>
Love
Michael
Well, if the fibre is corrupted it will sink and you won't be able to
sail.
neural...@my-deja.com wrote:
>
> In article <3a85...@news.iprimus.com.au>,
> "Michael" <wallyboy@.iprimus.com.au> wrote:
<snipped>
<vbg>
Peace and Love
Sean
"Gruendemann" <gruen...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:3A85F51F...@worldnet.att.net...
That's exactly right... If the fibre in the sail is no good, the first storm
blows it out. The 'real' test is the experience we have, not the theory we
hold.
Obviously, you check out a boat before taking out into the ocean... that's
common sense. But catching the wind (Shades of Donovan!) means to stop
checking the details, and start sailing.
Love
Michael
We like to think of david as an example of those who were passed to the
next level for social reasons... we didn't want to break their little
hearts. <vbg's>
I bet if they were telling positive stories of Paul this would be some
kind of historical record. <gg>
Of course Gail will denounce Bluth as the new master and invoke it as
Paul's wishes....that way she gets to maintain power. She needed another
wimpy male to prop up as eck master so she could still call the shots.
It appears Darwin eventually became that for her.
>
> DAVIDP111 WROTE:
> As for the checks of Helen Frye's that Darwin cashed, ask Charlie Wallace or
> better yet the estate that she left everything too. I believe her family is in
> Tennessee. Check records at the courthouse in Prescott, Az...esp with the
> court case of Eckankar vs the estate of Helen Frye. Paul Schoolcraft and
> Darwin Gross ON TAPE offered an x-eckist $50,000. to lie under oath so Eckankar
> would get the rest of her estate...was in the Phoenix newspaper..October,
> 1980. Call the paper and get copies...check it out for yourself.
>
> DOUG:
> Fascinating stories. I can certainly believe they might be true. Darwin was
> making all kinds of mistakes at that time.
>
> DAVIDP111 WROTE:
> I know what I went through in the early days...I have come to my terms with it
> all. Seems like so much petty arguments here over books and manuscripts...how
> about getting out and ask questions from those that can do something about it
> all... Ask Gail, Brad, Vandilla, Pat, Mary, Mike Noe. Chet Tuttle (is he still
> alive?).
>
> DOUG:
> I always enjoy hearing these stories from the old days, but they hardly
> describe any source of truth for me. They are just stories.
Kind of puts a kink in the armor of the modern days Myths, eh?
>
> I always found it amazing how many people had such different experiences in
> ECKANKAR. But those were their experiences. My experiences were different. Why
> should I use their experiences to define my reality?
Define your reality anyway you like, but if eckankar is made up as Gail
suggest, that is significant information to know, in my opinion and not
something you should keep from other people.
>
> I don't think their experiences even define anything of historical value about
> ECKANKAR, since there were so many varied and different experiences.
If the information these people provide is accurate, it is valuable from
a historical perspective.
Lurk
"Gruendemann" <gruen...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:3A869522...@worldnet.att.net...
> Well honey, I don't know about you.... but I like mine [metaphors] to at
LOL Now this makes sense. <vbg>
Peace and Love
Sean
"Gruendemann" <gruen...@worldnet.att.net> wrote in message
news:3A8805B2...@worldnet.att.net...