and its Influence in the Writing of 'Betrayal of the Spirit'
Contact: Arnold S. Weiss, Ph.D., director of the Foundation and
Institute for the Study of A Course in Miracles, (310) 478-8088
Contact Nori Muster, author of Betrayal of the Spirit.
Dr. Arnold S. Weiss, director of the Los Angeles Institute for the Study of A Course in Miracles, praised Betrayal of the Spirit by Nori J. Muster, calling it "a fine historical report." He said, "As a parallel witness to some of these events, I agree with the fairness and even-handedness of the perspectives and characterizations."
Dr. Weiss critiqued early versions of Betrayal of the Spirit for the author and due to his influence, the book embodies the principles of A Course in Miracles, such as forgiveness, faith and unconditional love. Dr. Weiss further stated, "Much insight can be gained from a detailed psychological analysis of the actions and reactions of the book's main characters into what really happens in a cult." The story takes place at the Hare Krishna center on Venice Boulevard; the main characters are the author, her father, her husband, and several men who directed ISKCON publishing and public relations matters. Dr. Weiss is depicted in several chapters of the book.
Dr. Weiss came into contact with the ISKCON public affairs office while conducting research for his dissertation, "Mental Health and Personality Characteristics of Hare Krishna Devotees and Sympathizers as a Function of Acculturation into the Hare Krishna Movement" (California Professional School of Psychology, Los Angeles, 1985). He published articles based on his research in journals such as Educational and Psychological Measurement, Journal of Personality Assessment, Personality and Individual Differences, Psychological Reports and Journal for the Scientific Study of Religion. After finishing his doctorate, Weiss started the ACIM institute in West Los Angeles for the purpose of applying the Course to psychological counseling.
Nori Muster said, "ISKCON leaders lost their moral balance in the 1980s, yet our p.r. effort portrayed the institution as a pure and orthodox path to Krishna. I felt guilty and co-dependent covering up for ISKCON's failures, which included murder, money laundering and child abuse. Reading A Course in Miracles helped me get over guilt and blame, and appreciate the value of my experiences. My book will help others who were betrayed by an institution or trusted role model."
