2 | Marlene
01/07/2010 at 12:36 pm

I am a Dahn instructor and have been a member for three years. I have had so many positive experiences since joining Dahn Yoga. I have been to Sedona many times and it truly is a beautiful and amazing place to be. The people are caring, genuine, and warm. You can meet people from all over the country who want to share their love of humanity and the earth. I attended the opening of Earth Park in December and was so proud and honored to have been a part of this amazing time. The statue of mother earth is truly beautiful and meaningful. We need to come together and respect eachother and this earth that we live on. We need to create peace and happiness for all and we need to do it NOW!

Our yoga is a wonderful experience for people. As an instructor I feel so happy and proud to help others feel better about themselves. People are so stressed out today and need to relax. After teaching a class I love seeing the transformation of the students. Everyone comes in so stressed and they always leave the center smiling, happy and hopeful! What an amazing opportunity I have been given. Thank you Dahn Yoga!

4 | Richard
01/07/2010 at 3:41 pm

I am writing this note to you in anticipation of the airing of today’s show on the Cult and Dahn Yoga. As I understand it there will be three evening airings and three morning airings which will allow public to have full knowledge of what I am anticipating is a one sided piece of news since I have not heard of anyone receiving equal amount of time coming from
Dahn Yoga. I realize that you have received memos from many Instructors, Practitioners and Members, please add my name to the list and I would like to trust CNN News to be the respected, intelligent reporter of news with good information.

I have been studying Dahn Yoga for Three (3) years. I am member and also an Instructor. I am also a Brain Management Consultant. I work part time for Dahn Yoga while I am unemployed. I have worked as an Electrical Designer in the Oilfield and Dredging industries.

When I started my stress levels were very high. Now I am more relaxed and focused than before. My cholesterol was over 250, even with taking medications. Now my cholesterol is between 100 and 150 without taking medication. I was overweight and had a spare tire around the waist, which the health clubs could do help me with. Now I do not have the spare and have lost 30 lbs and feel much healthier. I have had two knee surgeries and knee pain when I squatted. After special exercises I can squat without pain and set a longer period of time with legs crossed. This is just a few of the many benefits I have received from my practice.
The center instructors have helped me when I became depressed after being laid off. They have showed a great amount of love for me and other members. They have helped me become more focused. They have helped me become more flexible. They are someone I can go to when I have any problem and talk to them without being judged.

The principles and practice of Ilchi Lee has been a blessing to me. They have helped me to be better person. I do not think of only myself, I think of others when I do things now. We need more people who are like Ilchi Lee who are doing things for the earth and all human kind.

6 | Kurt Rickerd
01/07/2010 at 5:14 pm

Upon hearing about the airing of a CNN broadcast concerning Dahn Yoga, I would like to relay my experience. After enduring several months of stress due to personal issues I decided I needed to find a way to better cope with the stress. Recently I discovered a Dahn Yoga studio and I am very glad that I did! I have found the guided sessions to be a great resource in relieving stress and helping me to calmly face my fears. The training perfectly blends challenging postures with relaxing meditation which leaves me with a centered and calm feeling every time. It is the perfect compliment to a more intense workout. The instructors are caring and helpful people and the atmosphere is peaceful and fun. I really enjoy the experience and look forward to discovering my potential and the potential of others.

8 | Rose Brun
01/07/2010 at 6:11 pm

Dear CNN`s producer.
BY bringing Dahn Yoga into your myth thanking that you are bringing Ilchi Lee`s moral values down and together with his loving family and community, you are making a big mistake. He brings so much hope,smile and happiness to so many people`s life, young or old that he will never feel alone. Your negativity will empower him more for people who never heard about Dahn will now knowi. Absolutely, with no doubt they will want to join.
Ilchi Lee opened Dahn yoga for you, me, and us so we can learn how to appreciate our planet EARTH,also we can open our eyes to know who we really are, to love each other and to know that we are earth human. You can be forgiving, because it is something new to you.But I wisch that you could of found out who Ilchi Lee realy is and what kind of work that he is doing toward humanity before you acted on that unethical behavior toward him. WE love him very much and very appreciative.

10 | Sara C.
01/07/2010 at 6:43 pm

I started Dahn Yoga 2 years ago and began to work as an instructor about 1 and half years ago. Through training with Dahn Yoga I have become more confident and self-aware. The biggest benefit I received from training was being empowered to do many things I have never done before and empowered to do things I never thought that I could do, but always wanted to do. The programs that Ilchi Lee created really change people’s lives and I have the privilege of working with these members everyday. The training I have received here is priceless and I consider it life training. These tools and life lessons I will take with me everywhere I go. I am grateful to have this opportunity for this type of personal growth for my life.

I spent many years working in Social Work (and also got a Master’s degree in Social Work) and while I loved what Idid I was burned out and exhausted and not taking care of myself. When I started taking classes at Dahn Yoga I started taking better care of myself and then I could really find the best way for me to help others. The stornger I became the more I had to offer others and now I see Dahn Yoga as another way to help people overcome struggles in their lives.

12 | Lisa Job
01/07/2010 at 11:59 pm

Hello, my name is Lisa Job and I go to the Cherry Creek Dahn Yoga Center in Colorado . I have been going to this yoga for a little over a year. I just became an instructor and will be working for Dahn Yoga soon. There are many positive aspects of Dahn Yoga that was not addressed. There have been no positive contacts or interviews from anyone that has been in Dahn Yoga. Only the people that have negative things to say about Dahn Yoga have been heard. This is really a disappointment to me because I have been helped so much through Dahn Yoga, hence the reason I have become an instructor.

November of 2008 I found a Dahn Yoga center after I had experienced a severe migraine. Migraines were unfortunately common then but I never wanted to take medication. I sadly thought I could just deal with them, and I had for about three years. After a couple of weeks I had not had a migraine, to this day, I still have not had one. This is just a physical experience that has resulted. As for my well being, I am much happier. Before, everything was circumstantial. I could get angry, sad, irritated, etc. at just about everything, in just a moment. With Dahn Yoga I am able to manage my energy and stay focused on what matters to me. My well being actually matters, my health, my happiness matters. I am not swayed by situations; I have a new perspective that helps me live life instead of fighting it all the time. I know that I am not the only one that feels like this and I know I am not the only one that can be helped by Dahn Yoga. This is why I am an instructor, I know this works, I am positive.

I feel incredibly lucky that Ilchi Lee had discovered this way of management of the self, and then that he has shared it. That is all that he intended to do, share. He is not even in charge of Dahn Yoga anymore. These people had to of had good experiences within themselves such as I have, to want to become an instructor, “Master”. Unfortunately they got lost in the day to day routine of work. It is easy to manage yourself but it is up to you to keep it up. They have not kept up their own condition which has made them loose the whole purpose of helping people, the purpose of working as an instructor. Once this happens then you can easily look at this profession at a different view. Any person can look at any profession and make it a good or bad one. It was good and now they chose for it to be bad. It is very unfortunate for them. The truth will always be here. It will shine through all the lies.

14 | Amber
01/08/2010 at 1:48 pm

My name is Amber. I just started Dahn yoga class 1month ago. For me, It is really great to improve overall heath condition. I can sleep deeply & focus better than before. I got already lots of benefit from this practice & center.
The instructors in the center are very kind and warm.

I want to trust my experince than what CNN said about dahn yoga.

Thank you!

My email:ambernanana@yahoo.com

16 | David Plummer
01/08/2010 at 2:35 pm

I am Dave Plummer from Albuquerque, NM. I am a senior scientist working for TASC, Inc supporting the Air Force Airborne Laser Program doing advanced modeling and analysis for the High Energy Laser System. I have a Doctor of Science degree from M.I.T. and have been supporting Air Force High Energy Laser research for the last 35 years. You could say I have had a very successful career and am well respected in the High Energy Laser community. I became acquainted with DahnYoga from a long time friend who gave me a gift certificate for Christmas 2007. She felt that the practice of Dahn Yoga would cure my IBS, chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia-like symptoms that had forced me to be on total disability for the previous 6 months. This diagnosis of stress related chronic fatigue came after many tests including MRIs, Cat Scans, and numerous blood tests as well as Psychiatric evaluations. I was able to recover some functionality through psychotropic drugs but a cure was seemingly far away. When I went to redeem my certificate I felt hope even reading the information on the front window – we heal chronic fatigue. From the very first class I found improved energy and vitality. Of course, it faded quickly, but with continued classes and special healing sessions and programs like Shim Sung and Dahn Healer School, I made remarkable improvements to the point that on 1 Jan 2009, I was authorized by my doctor to return to work full time. The secret to my recovery was connecting to my true self and connecting to cosmic energy. I had discovered meaning for my life and understanding of my spiritual nature that was so lacking in my Catholic upbringing. I seriously considered suicide before I met Dahn Yoga. So I literally owe my life and soul to Ilchi Lee and Dahn Yoga. I read every book he wrote and felt a strong attraction to his views on heaven, earth, and humanity and his vision to heal the earth and create peace by awakening humanity to the simple fact that we are all connected, that we are all one, and that the divine creator is within each of us. Within a couple months I too became aware of a lot of negative information that can be found on the internet about Dahn Yoga being a cult and some of the allegations that former members had written. For me, I could only go by what my body and mind and spirit told me from my own experiences. They told me that what I felt was real. And the fact that I have had no recurrences of any chronic fatigue or fibromyalgia-like pains was the only proofs I needed to dismiss these claims. All I saw were dedicated masters wanting only to help heal me. This current CNN exposé causes me great sorrow and sadness because I know the truth from my on experiences, and I have concern that great harm will come from thoughtless reporters simply exaggerating falsehoods for only material gain. Many new members can be shaken by negative information even if later it is proven in a court of law to be false and not continue to train and grow their souls. I know this from my former wife’s reactions to the internet misinformation. She was not willing to experience for herself but willing to accept internet information as truth. I have read a few other spiritual authors including Deepak Chopra, Eckhart Tolle, Neale Donald Walsh and Silvia Browne and they all speak the same truth as Ilchi Lee. I see Ilchi as an enlightened soul seeking to make this world a better place for each of us here now and our children and our children’s children. Dahn Yoga and brain education are the best training methods for achieving health happiness and peace I have found and the only difference between a good, widely beneficial cult and a widely beneficial culture is the number of people who seek to achieve the values of doing heaven’s work for restoring humanity and earth to that of doing good deeds for people in need of healing and the earth that is in dire need of healing.

David Plummer
Albuquerque Dahn Yoga Center, NM

18 | Eileen Brennan-Martinez
01/08/2010 at 2:43 pm

As a CNN viewer I feel compelled to express in writing my disappointment in your network for airing the damaging feature regarding Dahn Yoga. I have come to expect sensational and narrow minded journalism from other networks but until now have regarded CNN as a place where one could receive news of current events of the nation and the world in an honest, fair and unbiased manner. I cannot understand the focus of the news media these days on negative, fear-based and sensational reporting. Weekly there is some new shocking story to grab public attention. This is a sad reflection on the media and our society but undeniably is what sells papers and boosts TV ratings. One can assume that a big splashy “expose” is also one way for an ambitious reporter to gain notoriety and advance a career. Is this CNN or Fox?

Please let us open our minds and our hearts. Wouldn’t it be better to engage in more positive messages, to relate stories that are uplifting rather than damaging, that give comfort and hope to a world already inundated on a daily basis with fear and dread?

I would like to offer my input on Dahn Yoga and specifically on the recent dedication of the Mago statue at Mago Peace Park near Cottonwood, Arizona. The Dahn Yoga practice is a system which benefits thousands of people not only in the U.S.A. but in Korea, Japan, Canada and Europe. Through this system so many, including myself, have gained health, well-being and yes, joy in a somber world. The focus of Dahn Yoga is to widely benefit humanity and bring about balance in a world out of balance. That a message of health, joy and peace for humanity can be misunderstood and depicted as sinister for the sake of TV ratings or monetary gain as in the case of the Arizona class action lawsuit, is sad indeed. The statue of Mago, the spirit of Mother Earth, is a lovely symbol not meant as a religious icon but as a reminder to us all to honor the earth. The park is a beautiful place where all are welcome to stop, rest, enjoy, reflect and celebrate life.

I am grateful to Ilchi Lee for designing this remarkable system that crosses the boundaries of race, culture and creed and embraces all of humanity as one. I respect Ilchi Lee for his courage, vision and unwavering efforts to raise consciousness and to spread health, happiness and peace throughout the planet. Although daunting in its enormity, this is a truly worthy vision and one that I share wholeheartedly. I hope that more people will open their minds and hearts to embrace a more positive outlook for humanity rather than being caught in a negative cycle based on separation, fear and hatred.

Sincerely,
Eileen Brennan-Martinez
Santa Fe Dahn Yoga center, NM

20 | Penelope Costanzo
01/08/2010 at 6:42 pm

To Whom It May Concern:

I want to share with you how Ilchi Lee changed my life. At age 50, I had been suffering for 9 years with severe fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue syndrome (following an attack by fire ants). I was in such pain, that I was crawling up the steps of my home and could not wear shoes because the pain was so great. I began taking Dahn Yoga and Tai Chi as a last resort. No doctor could help me. I wanted a way just to live with the pain and not give up on my life.

Within 3 months of beginning Dahn Yoga practice, I was pain free. After a year, I could honestly say that my health had returned. But, the real benefit I got from Ilchi Lee’s beautiful programs was much deeper than my physical health. I regained my confidence, excitement, and joy for life. And, I gained a new reason to be excited each morning for the day: I wanted to help others find Total health (physical, emotional, and cognitive) in the same way that Dr. Lee’s programs helped me heal.

As I learned to teach Dahn Yoga and Brain Education, I have seen so many people regain their Total health. I have taught every type of program, from children’s programs in schools and museums, to school teachers, to Seniors, to regular yoga classes, and even corporate stress release classes. The results are always the same. Through Dr. Lee’s programs, people reconnect with their inner ability to heal themselves and be happy… the way we are meant to be.

I want to emphasize that, through these classes, people are not “brainwashed”. Quite the opposite. Through Dr. Lee’s programs, people of all ages and body conditions, learn how to recognize and take responsibility for their own body, their own thought patterns, and their own healing. It is not something that is done to you. It is something that students very gratefully learn to do for themselves through the 5 steps of Brain Education System Training, based on the latest neurological research and invented by Ilchi Lee.

I hope that you can use your media to inform people who want to improve themselves about the beauty and power of Brain Education System Training. Through this information, you could change or even save someone’s life.

If you would like to contact me and let me tell you first hand of some of the miraculous stories of students’ changes through Brain Education System Training, you are welcome to contact me at my Body and Brain franchise in Vinings, GA. I can tell you of the many programs that I have been involved in in the Atlanta public schools, in Atlanta museums, nursing homes, and county recreation centers as well as the many volunteer programs in which I have taught (such as Star House programs for At-Risk children in the Fulton County schools and the Dorothy Benson Senior Center.) All of these programs were made possible by the genious, love, and insight of Ilchi Lee. You should thank him for these priceless contributions, as do I. Thank you for your time.

Sincerely,

Penelope Costanzo
Dahn Yoga Franchise Owner
Vinings Dahn Yoga Center
Vinings, GA 30339
770-432-3131

22 | HSP Soul
01/08/2010 at 10:04 pm

I have been a member of Dahn Yoga for 6 years, and an instructor for almost as long. Why, because through my Dahn Yoga practice, I experienced something that I had never experienced before and it showed me a different approach to life almost immediately. How, can this be? How can learning how to focus inside, focus on my breath and reconnect my mind and body change my life? In the beginning, I was totally smitten with my practice and then a little fearful. Perhaps something was not right, but time after time after attending class or workshop or special training, and coming away feeling healthier, having a better understanding of myself, and wanting to share this amazingly simple practice with others, I began to understand.

It is as my instructor kept saying. I was simply circulating my energy and instituting my “internal self healing system.” Not only was my physical body improving (I was no longer experiencing severe migraines), but my emotional well being and outlook was vastly changed. I learned how to accumulate and manage my energy.
Very quickly I was able to take these internal healing practices and after attending healing school combine internal and external healing techniques on my family and friends. My son who had severe allergies and intermittent seizures was healed. His pediatrician confirmed through these healing modalities his health condition was vastly improved and far better than what is typical for a child with his original conditions. So, how can I doubt? How even, could my family doubt, when whatever the origin, time after time when they were not feeling their best either physically or energetically, they would request a “mommy healing” and miraculously feel better. But I knew it was much more than a mommy healing it was the application of a healing modality that over centuries was created and proven time and time again.

Well, then comes the test for me as after a while I try to prove, either way, whether my improvements are something attributable to my Dahn Yoga practice or something that all yoga forms provide. So, if this is Yoga, it means that I can study and practice any form of yoga and have the same experience. I attended other yoga programs and attended many other yoga teacher trainer programs, but guess what? I found that not all forms of Yoga are created the same. For whatever reason, this Dahn style of yoga resonates with me, and I always have the deepest meditation and practice when I teach or practice Dahn Yoga. During another teacher training, Paul Griley explained this phenomenon I was experiencing as when Yoga came to the United States it became more water downed and more of a physical practice as the westerners could not necessarily accept all the practices of Yoga. Ahhhaaa….

While the Dahn practice is physical it is much more about the improved circulation of energy, about learning to focus inside and manage one’s own energy. And, the net is that one can find one’s own answers, simply. All forms of yoga focus on quieting the chatter of the mind. Dahn Yoga has many ways to assist with that process and gives you opportunity time and time again so that your are truly implementing a “practice.”

After that it is a simple process of learning to listen inside, first to your own body, and then naturally changing a lifetime of habits as you finally become more aware of them at a different level and listen to your true self. At first, it simply may be not eating that extra cookie or cookie at all. Because when you feel your body, you understand there is no nutritional value perhaps only an emotional void. (That’s not to say you don’t eat cookies ever again, but you are aware and choose when as opposed to being on automatic pilot.) Then you can start to apply this practice to emotions or any other life habits you would like to improve.

I have taught many classes and workshops outside of my Dahn practice, and people inevitably say to me that it has been some of their best yoga or meditation experience. (Of course, those whose only aim is to sweat and feel physically challenged will not have that comment.) That is because even when I am teaching typical yoga classes, my focus and connection to the class is different. Class participants feel the difference whether they are a long time practitioner or newbie.

After intentionally educating myself in other styles of yoga and after almost six years of experiencing classes and workshops, and watching myself as well as countless others receive great improvement in their physical well being, their emotional well being, and their overall happiness, how can I doubt? Countless Dahn Yoga class participants have shared their experiences from…”I don’t remember the last time I relaxed,” to “After only 3 months I no longer required my …fill in the blank…diabetes medicine or heart medicine.” Or, even more interesting, “My friends at work and family want to know what I am doing because they see such a positive change in me.” I have watched and heard these types of comments over and over again. Not because I have solicited them, but because people are so excited and happy they want to share how much their varying situations have improved. I can be aware and skeptical, but as an instructor I have seen so many participants with health or other concerns that they have tried to improve for years, but with no long term impact, until they began their practice of Dahn Yoga.

Is Dahn yoga perfect? Is it the best run business around? Perhaps not, but what business can claim they are, let alone what person. If you are not familiar with the culture of a yoga practice let alone the Dahn practice, it may seem odd. (Perhaps because as a society our resolution to issues, health or otherwise may be skewed …take a pill…let someone else tell you how to improve…)

As an individual who has had many positive experiences as well as an instructor who has assisted students with positive experiences, I can only confirm that there is much benefit for those who choose Dahn Yoga. Is it for everyone? Perhaps not. What business, career, religion, car or piece of clothing is fit for everyone? Aren’t we fortunate we live in a society that does not dictate individual choices for people, but rather allows each person to seek out and try different things?

Of course, it is healthy to have checks and balances in any system, and perhaps this will serve as a check and balance. I for one, have implemented my own checks and balance, and will continue to do so. I welcome anyone to try Dahn Yoga for yourself for a period of at least one month (of course 3 months would be better), and determine your own personal benefit. I am that confident. Of course there will be a certain percentage that may not enjoy, but there will be that many more who will see for themselves the benefit of Dahn Yoga and be able to live a better life.

This is getting way too long winded. But as far as this lawsuit goes, here is my viewpoint. As I explained to my 18 year old daughter, most people who start a yoga practice are seeking to improve something (or heal something depending upon your viewpoint). Through the practice these things improve, and then people start to have expectations. “If I do this, this will happen.” It may be about themselves or their place or value in an organization. Sometimes expectations are not met, for whatever reason. Then couple that with the fact that you are “working” in a yoga organization and it seems to get more muddled. (Anyone who has taught yoga understands this awkward experience of teaching yoga and still running a viable business.)

One of our lessons in life is to learn how best to handle a situation when our expectations are not met (the true measure of character); learning to take responsibility for ourselves and use it for one’s own growth. Moving away from a blame mentality. Really, when someone believes they may not have gotten what they deserve or expect, that is when the true yoga practice begins. How does one choose to react? I explained to my daughter that at that time of turmoil or disappointment, if one’s practice has not gone to a deep enough level (i.e. it is easy to be a certain way when things are going mostly your way), people resort to “old habits.” I explained that if we analyze the situation here more deeply with these people I am sure we would find they have returned to old habits.

One never knows what the next day, the next hour or even the next minute may bring, thus it is important to practice not only in the classroom but in our everyday life. I am so grateful for Dahn Yoga, Ilchi Lee, the Masters, fellow instructors and members. Thank you. I am grateful, very grateful.

24 | Jim
01/08/2010 at 10:38 pm

I am writing to voice my serious disappointment regarding the nature of the coverage given the Dahn Yoga organization. Over the years I have come to regard CNN as the clear source of news and information, generally unbiased and fair, America’s version of the BBC. This is, of course, all in contrast to methods employed by those news organizations dedicated to sensationalism and fear mongering, such as FOX and MSNBC. I find it difficult to express my shock at the size and nature of the injustice committed by CNN here.

Dahn Yoga is a large, worldwide organization dedicated to helping people develop health and peace. Yoga itself is growth through difficult forms of exercise, meditation, and stretching. It is natural in an organization this large, dedicated to difficult and important goals, that there will be some conflict, and with that some dissatisfied people. It is unconscionable that the good work of so many be tainted with fear and suspicion without the benefits of decent investigative journalism.

It is clear that the individuals who have banded together in this series of lawsuits desperately seek publicity, and this has been granted by CNN in the form of formal, personal interviews of the leaders and other individuals from this group. It is also clear that no such interviews were granted the leadership and management of Dahn; no equivalent opportunity to respond, no attempt at the fair and balanced reporting that CNN normally projects.

The application of the term “Cult” is so poisonous in American society. The tragedies of Jim Jones, Waco Texas, and any number of more minor examples stay fresh in the minds of Americans. It is incumbent upon CNN, if they are truly dedicated to the truth, to use such nomenclature only in those situations where the investigative work has been exhaustive, and little doubt exists. Any other use of this label can only be characterized as sensationalism; immoral, destructive, and unjust. All of this far below the standards historically adhered to by CNN.

I am a four year member of Dahn. I came to consider doing yoga after I developed serious arthritis in both of my hips. Yoga was recommended to me by doctors at the Mayo Clinic as a way of deferring hip replacement surgery until later in life. I located a Dahn Center by chance, and began training. It has been difficult, but very rewarding. I now teach classes, and have healed my hips to the point that replacement surgery is not even a remote consideration. I am very grateful to the Dahn organization for the new levels of health, strength, flexibility, and peace that I have achieved with their help. It will be a tragedy if others like me are restrained from receiving this kind of help for themselves by unwarranted fears and biases set in motion by poor quality work from CNN. Please do the right thing.

Sincerely,

Jim Garner

26 | Jane Fulcher
01/09/2010 at 1:49 am

It is really disturbing to know Dahn Yoga from the inside and to see CNN attempt to rip it apart with its unfair, unbalanced, sensationalized report (with so, so many factual errors!) How can you call this journalism?

Dahn Yoga helped me find a deeper meaning to my life–it restored my health and opened me up to new possibilities. I am a much more creative, authentic person now. I love the practice so much that I now teach stress management classes as a certified instructor, to share Dahn’s healing properties.

This organization is a very open and welcoming community.

In sincere appreciation & gratitude,

Jane

28 | jung Lee
01/09/2010 at 2:22 pm

Great sharing Richard.
Thank you so much.

30 | JungAe
01/09/2010 at 2:34 pm

Thank you for supporting Dahn and showing your compassion.

32 | yanni
01/09/2010 at 2:52 pm

I’ve been practicing dahn yoga last 10years, starting right after my horrible breakdown from my medication. Since then I have not taken any single pill ever.. so healthy and fresh. I believe my body, my health itself is a perfect evidence of dahn yoga. What can i say more… !!!!

34 | Mary C. McKinley
01/09/2010 at 5:18 pm

Thank you Marion… you are touching the hearts of many through your outreach activities!

36 | Hyeran Ihm
01/09/2010 at 5:32 pm

Thanks for your sharing.

38 | Ohgeun Lee
01/10/2010 at 3:39 am

Thank you so much.
Any normal intelligent people will appreciate this sharing.
I really wish Campbell Brown becomes one them someday.

40 | Natalia
01/10/2010 at 7:26 am

Dahn Yoga fills in a very important and much needed niche of preventive medicine. It allowed me and a lot of my friends to stay healthy or to keep chronic illnesses under control. I have also seen amazing improvements in condition of Dahn yoga members diagnosed with multiple sclerosis, depression, cardiovascular diseases and many other disorders. I am surprised that there was no serious investigation of health benefits provided by Dahn yoga, especially now, when the Health care is getting so much national attention.

As for the lawsuit — people who filed it are old enough to take the responsibility for balancing their checkbook and saying “No” to what they think is an excessive physical activity.

42 | lina
01/10/2010 at 8:36 am

I can not submit my commet on CNN site. My commet was rejected as a spam. Does anyone has the same problem??

44 | shoreh
01/10/2010 at 1:59 pm

I am very thankful for Dahn to bring joy in my life and help me through the hard times , realy if there is anything will bring joy and hope in our lives what elese do we realy want?

46 | Aaron
01/10/2010 at 2:22 pm

I’ve been practicing Dahn Yoga for 18 months. My physical condition is greatly improved. I feel stronger and healthier with each passing week. When I first started Dahn I had many physical problems and often felt overwhelmed by stress. It was difficult to sleep and I rarely felt at peace.

Within the first couple weeks of starting Dahn Yoga I became a happier more relaxed person. My friends and family said I seemed more confident and ‘solid’ in my approach toward life. This new confidence allowed me to examine my beliefs more closely. In doing this I gained a greater sense of clarity and purpose.

I practice yoga several times a week and feel stronger all the time. I’m now able to take on greater challenges and tasks that I never thought possible. Today I’m grateful to Ilchi Lee and all the Dahn Yoga instructors for continued hard work and dedication.

48 | Rosa Zamora DHI Fullerton :)
01/10/2010 at 3:11 pm

i’m a 60 year old woman with no aches and no pains. i don’t take any medications and i thank this to Dahn Yoga. The instructor really motivates me and encourages me. i truly thank her because it has helped me. The training helps me keep my mind, body and spirit as one. i am self employed and this is my life insurance. i share this with my family, friends and customers. Thank you so much for bringing happiness to my life.

50 | lina
01/10/2010 at 7:53 pm

CNN has broadcasted the Dahn Yoga lawsuit as if it has already been judged by a court.

The reporter repeated stress that 3000 bows is a form of tutor. In all orient cultures, bowing is done on regular basis in temples, weddings, praying to ancestors, marshal art trainings, and various kinds of functions. I am a Dahn yoga member, and I had done a 1000 bows session in December, 2009. I had worked up to the 3000 bows by doing 100 bows a day at home, and a few 300 bow session at a Dahn center. All were voluntary and anyone can stop at any time during the session. I can not imagine these 27 ex-employees would be asked to do 3000 bows without any preparation.

CNN kept repeating that Jade was raped. It is an alleged rape. Rape is a very difficult thing to disprove, since usually no one else is present. Until there is a judgment from a court, everyone should withhold his or her judgment.

Mrs. Miller died during training. I am very sorry for her family’s lost. But there was no fault play according the coroner and police. It was just an unfortunate tragedy.

52 | Nate Guadagni
01/11/2010 at 12:10 am

Thank you for sharing Kurt dwn!
I’m always so happy to see you in class. Your sincerity and perseverance will pay off! I know that all of your goals will become a reality, and I can see you have immense potential. All the best!

54 | lina
01/11/2010 at 9:59 am

On comment #33 and #42, I had stated that 3000 bows was reported as a form of tutor, I reallymeant to say torture. And I only did 1,000 bows in December 2009 not 3,000 bows. May be I should try 3,000 bows just so I know what the 27 plaintiffs are complaining about.

56 | Hyeran Ihm
01/11/2010 at 10:41 am

Congratulations on your amazing changes and keep growing!

58 | ARIANA BENN
01/11/2010 at 1:14 pm

I have been practicing in Dahn Yoga for over a year now, I have participated in special training classes, and am now employed by Dahn Yoga, instructing classes.

I believe their are two sides to every story. I also believe that each person’s experience and perception of things can be extremely different depending on their own experience and emotional state.

It is difficult to hear Dahn Yoga receiving bad publicity since my personal experience with Dahn has been so great. I have met people from all around the world in my training programs with Dahn…the people that I have met have expressed nothing but very positive experiences as well.

There are so many wonderful dedicated people working for Dahn Yoga helping people become healthier. Dahn Yoga is a very decent company with a peaceful practice that is very healthy and beneficial for people.

I hope that CNN will also provide the positive information expressed for the name-sake of Dahn.

60 | Sungcjang
01/11/2010 at 3:35 pm

Thank for wonderful sharing!

62 | Sayong Kim
01/11/2010 at 4:05 pm

Yelena nim, you are so powerful and bright. I love you.;)

64 | Bonnie Taschler
01/11/2010 at 4:23 pm

Today, I had the opportunity to invite four practitioners of Dahn Yoga from the outreach class I teach to our Harbor Steps Center to join us for a special training with an exceptional teacher at the end of January. How wonderful to be able to invite people to share the practice in more depth, thanks to the heart-felt inclusiveness of the dedicated people who are responsible for our center’s activities!

66 | shoreh
01/11/2010 at 6:28 pm

I love attending to each classes I take or I teach at Dahn yoga , I have been donating my time to teach community center for helping others also just because may be I can help others with these methods the same way Dahn yoga helped me.

68 | youn
01/11/2010 at 7:18 pm

I love you so much…

70 | Sayong Kim
01/11/2010 at 7:44 pm

I know that you are doing a great job for people who need help for their health and happiness. I am so pround that I know you personally and officially. I love you

72 | Benjamin
01/11/2010 at 8:44 pm

I remember being so stressed out before dahn yoga. I had very low self esteem. Now I empower myself weekly to meet with people to help them and try to teach what i’ve learned with all my friends and family.

I’m so glad I was able to experience this for my life.

74 | John Thompson
01/11/2010 at 9:51 pm

thank you for making beautiful sharing here, at home and in your community, bennett! i love you!!!!

76 | Dima Cheong
01/11/2010 at 10:44 pm

Thank you for your sharing. Congratulation on your choosing this path.

78 | Manuel
01/12/2010 at 12:44 am

I joined in October 2009 and I identify closely with the healing principles of Dahn Yoga. Our society has far too much negativity in the media which has a big impact on our over all out look. Dahn teaches how to regain our connection with our physical health, mental health and even spiritual health. Unifying society and humanity as a whole, and healing our earth are movements I consciously support. Dahn helps to bring the positive aspects in my life and also encourages to spread my positive, healing attitude.

80 | will layfield
01/12/2010 at 8:45 am

What’s that you say? Dahn Yoga is a cult. Mmmmmmmmmmm?
Well, what do they do exactly in this cult?
That’s it?! They exercise,breathe deeply, bow, dance, smile a lot, hug, love the earth and try to make the world a better place for us all?
Where do I sign-up?

Also, I thought CNN stood for Cable Network News. Sadly, it is closer to Campbell’s Nasty Nonsense.

Anyway. Health.Smile.Peace.

Will HN
Ridgewood, NJ

82 | Sayong Kim
01/12/2010 at 4:26 pm

Yes, Dahn yoga center is my second home.. ha ha ha.. my home.. Actually, we, humans, have also Dahn Centers inside us which is Dahn-jon, energy center. We, each of us, are Dahn-jon, Dahn center. We are moving Dahn centers. What do you think? I love you.

84 | lina
01/12/2010 at 6:55 pm

went to a Dahn Yoga ceremony last Saturday. I had a wonderful time. I suppose I should be enlighten or something. But all I feel is peace.

There were preparations for the ceremony. Then there were food offering, poems reciting, bowing, exercising and sharing of feelings. Then we ate. Everyone sat in a circle, ate and talked quietly. It reminded me of college dormitory where everyone sat in a big room and talk or watch TV. It was very relaxing. Not like social functions where everyone is talking to everyone even if there is nothing to say.

I did learn something that night. Everyone had to fill out a goal for the month. Since the ceremony is held monthly. I have a habit of making New Year resolution each year, but each year most of the goals were not accomplished. I think I will try doing the monthly rather than yearly goals. May be I would accomplish more.

I am not sure what the definition of a “cult” is. But I know I feel peaceful, comfortable and safe surrounded by all the masters, instructors and members. I can not imagine a “cult” would be this peaceful and comforting.

86 | Lloyd Nerenberg
01/12/2010 at 9:08 pm

Dear Kathy,
Thanks for the great letter. I think a lot of good will come from this. People like yourself are telling the truth about Dahn. It pleases me that we are finally getting the word out. We will make the world a better place.
Congradulations on your BBC an delivering Chun Ji KI oon. You are on a great mission and living your vision
Health Happieness and Peace,
Lloyd

88 | Cindy Forry
01/13/2010 at 7:55 pm

This is the letter I wrote to CNN:
I am writing regarding the piece you are producing about Dahn Yoga. I have been a Dahn Yoga member since mid-2006. I have received innumerable benefits from practicing Dahn Yoga, including reducing my use of medications, recovering from depression, and improving my digestive health. I am grateful to the founder, Ilchi Lee, for his great work in bringing this practice to the United States and for sharing his wisdom and principles and enlightenment. My sense of purpose for my life is now much more meaningful to me as I also want to greatly benefit others and not just focus on myself. Among the greatest things I have learned from Ilchi Lee is how to use my innate capabilities to overcome the obstacles in my life. By following Ilchi Lee’s Brain Management principles, I find peace and fulfillment and the energy to pursue my dreams. I hope more people will learn about Dahn Yoga and come to one of our centers to experience for themselves how this practice can help them have a more wonderful life.

90 | Elizabeth Sievers
01/13/2010 at 11:41 pm

The following is the letter I submitted to CNN:

My name is Elizabeth. I am writing this letter after the airing of the Campbell Brown 3-part segment on Dahn Yoga and the implication that it is a cult and tortures people among other allegations. CNN/Ms. Brown advertised that the reporting would be a balanced report and that both sides would be heard. The unfortunate reality is that the reporting was not balanced, lacked specific information to back up the allegations, and was repetitive (showing the same short clips of the young women’s allegations each night). I was waiting for CNN to mention that 26 of the 27 complaints had been thrown out of court, but to my dismay there was no such disclosure. My manager found the report to be shallow. My husband found the allegations didn’t add up and that no information was provided to back up the claims (just a short sound bite and repetition without substance). I would have hoped that CNN would do intelligent, thoughtful, in-depth reporting.

So I am writing to let my voice be heard and added to the list of the many members, instructors, and practitioners. I have practiced with Dahn Yoga for 1 ½ years. I tried other yoga, other exercise, but this is the only program I found that I wanted to stick with, in part because of its holistic nature. I am a 51 year-old mother, a wife, work outside the home, and I am also training to be a yoga instructor. I have been a writer/copyeditor for 10 years, and my current career of 10 years brought me back to a love of the earth and I changed careers to work as a naturalist. I teach nature programs, provide stewardship messages, and promote people’s connection to nature. Dahn Yoga’s founder Ilchi Lee has provided a way to connect humanity and our connection to the earth. That focus is a wonderful bonus of Dahn Yoga, but not what initially excited me about the program.

I wanted to maintain my health. I had been seeing a physical therapist for pain down my legs (IT band), and the doctor said yoga could help. I also wanted to maintain my health since I had had a kidney transplant and had been on dialysis. I am on many medications including cholesterol medicine. Also, about 8 years earlier I had surgery for ovarian cysts but the cyst grew back. With the yoga I was able to gain flexibility, increase my balance, improve my physical strength, to release toxins (some of the activities can be sweat-producing) and to be more peaceful and happy. In the two years since my kidney transplant I have had no incidents of organ rejection. The surgeon has remarked what great shape I am in. (The medications I am on supress my immune system so I can keep the organ. The down side is that 1 out of 5 people may reject their organ because the immunosupressives are toxic to the kidneys.) My gynecologist found that my bone density was excellent and that the last abdominal sonogram showed that one of the complex ovarian cysts had inexplicably shrunk after 3 years. My kidney doctor found that my cholesterol (which had been elevated) was excellent. A counselor I have been seeing has been amazed at my ability to be calmer, more insightful, more open, more positive, and more confident.

I found the instructors at the yoga centers to be warm, encouraging, helpful in guiding my growth to achieve what I want physically, emotionally, and even spiritually. I have taken many programs and some I had to think about because of the money aspect. However, I have found benefit in every program I have taken. In the 80’s I had taken a personal growth seminar, so I was open to different sorts of workshops. The guidance provided by the instructors was always thoughtful and appropriate, and sometimes made me stretch the boundaries of what I felt comfortable doing—however the “doing” the programs was my choice. By the way, I noticed on one of the blogs that a person who didn’t support the organization said that we members had been “trained to support the organization.” I am a writer at heart, but no one could force me to write this letter unless I honestly felt and experienced these things.

The programs give me a chance to be able to assess my mental, emotional, and physical state. I have learned better ways to stay calm and present even if those around me aren’t. I have found greater purpose in my life. I have learned to listen to my body more as a reflection of what is going on in my head. (Perhaps if I had done that years ago I wouldn’t have needed breast, thyroid, ovarian, and kidney surgery!). So I am no novice to stressful situations.

One of the most beneficial practices I do is bowing. I initially needed to know that I wasn’t bowing to a particular person. I found that bowing is great on many levels—I am more fit and flexible, my thighs and calves have more definition, it helped me aerobically. But also bowing helped me to feel more grateful and humble, grateful for the life that I have, grateful for others, and to feel more peaceful. Doing a large number of bows isn’t a “regular” part of trainings. I once was guided to do a thousand bows when I needed focus on my life. Sure I was tired and my muscles ached, but I learned the power of going beyond the mental limits we place on ourselves. I gained confidence as well. I could have stopped any time, and I went at my own pace. The trainings that we have are our own internal work. On dialysis I experience constant fatigue, felt like a victim and constant patient, and felt waves of nausea while on the dialysis. I was so tired after 3 hours of dialysis I would collapse when I came home and felt completely wiped out physically and mentally. While it is awful to think that someone might have experienced waves of nausea during a hard yoga training, I experienced that possibility as a life-time sentence.

One of my first experiences of feeling incredibly humble and grateful was when my sister-in-law donated a kidney to me. She did this out of sheer selflessness. My second wave of feeling such gratitude was the surgical team that helped me. But I came to feel a huge sense of gratitude as well for Dahn Yoga and Ilchi Lee, who founded an organization that promotes health, happiness, and peace and has helped me and thousands of others in innumerable ways.

92 | youn
01/14/2010 at 3:50 pm

Ye ye yes…….It’s ture…..

94 | Leo Lee
01/15/2010 at 11:51 am

thank you!!!

96 | lina
01/17/2010 at 11:16 am

Yesterday, at a BMC pre training it was announced that IBREA has received recognition and sanction from United Nation. This would lend credibility to Dahn Yoga and IBREA. I also read that Mayor Bloomberg has declared that January 8th is “IBREA Brain Education Day” in New York.

98 | Jill Carmack
01/19/2010 at 11:03 am

My ShimSung experience has been life changing and a true growing expereince.
I WILL take what I learned out into the world and share the true-self, hope and choices.
Thank you all so much!!

Jill Carmack
Ceder Crest BBC, NM

100 | Maureen Godfrey
01/20/2010 at 4:59 pm

Here is my letter to CNN

It is sad that misinformation and sensationalism might detract from the good work that is being done by Dahn Yoga and the huge benefits that are being enjoyed by so many.

I joined Dahn Yoga with soaring blood pressure, chronic pain in my back and shoulders and compacted discs in my neck. I was stressed, frustrated with myself and others, working too hard, yet unproductive and underachieving. Very early in my practice with Dahn Yoga, as I felt huge benefits to my health, wellbeing and outlook on life, I realized that this practice needed to be spread widely and brought to people everywhere. My particular passion was to reduce the stress of the corporate world, something I had been struggling with myself for over 25 years.

I chose to shift gears in my life and set up a consulting business which would also allow me to assist in the development of programs for worksite wellness. I had a vision that I could have a center of my own, associated with Dahn Yoga that I would run as a business, offering programs for children and adults based on Brain Education. When the concept of Body & Brain Center was introduced and I jumped at it. Leaving a high income and well respected Management Consulting position behind was not a decision to be taken lightly, but for my health and for my heart the decision was easy. Once I chose to put all my efforts into opening my center, things just fell into place and moved very quickly. It was as though the world had been waiting for me.

I opened my center on March 30, 2009 and I am loving every minute of it. I have to pinch myself to be sure that I am really living this way – making an income from doing something that is a joyous pleasure, that is helping people to be healthier, happier and more peaceful. I can see my members experiencing such relief and growing stronger by the day. Ancient eastern practices supported by modern western science has created a very effective program of Body, Brain and Mind healing.

After 25 years in the corporate world, I am now able to give back to society in a way that directly benefits the community. I can use my years of Project Management and Change Management experience, working together with my members on projects that will help children, teens and disadvantaged people create a better life for themselves.

I am grateful for Dahn Yoga’s wonderful holistic approach and the powerful programs inspired by Ilchi Lee, for the grounded enlightenment and for the ongoing support that has helped me through challenging times. As a franchise owner, I have the benefits of being connected to the energy of a great loving community as well as the independence of running my own business.

I feel huge hope for reaching out and teaching people simple techniqies for managing their lives more effectively, bringing themselves peace, less stress in their families and workplaces, the society around us and ultimately everywhere.

Regards,
Maureen Godfrey

102 | Myrna Bergmann HLN
01/23/2010 at 10:00 am

My name is Myrna and I have been a Dahn Yoga member for 5 years. My life has always been comfortable and happy. About 10 years ago i started to have lots of pains in my lower back, joints, a stiff body, so bad that i had to rock myself just to get out of bed in the mornings. I also had very bad headaches and started getting migraine headaches, stomach pains, insomnia and if that is not enough, anxiety attacks because i thought i was going to die. I also developed arthritis and started taking lots of medications that the dr prescribed. I took first, Viox, then Celebrex, then paxil and later Walbutrin. I was not doing well. I went to accupuncturists, chiropractors, etc. to try and get better. I had more tests done in two years, than in my whole life!! Nothing helped my pain, then my Dr referred me to try Yoga or a Pain Clinic.

After trying 8 different Yoga practices that I could not keep up with, or even do, I finally found Dahn Yoga. I signed up for one month and went to class everyday, and also had some personal training classes with the instructor to help advance the healing process.

I feel I now have the tools to live a better and pain free life!!

In a few words, I can say that Dahn Yoga saved my life!!

I am 60 years old and feel like I am 30 years old again! I feel I became a better listener, a more understanding person and a much better perso that loves to live again!!

I can say I do not believe that Dahn Yoga is a cult because I have never noticed or been told anything like that. The bowing simply makes me more centered, focused and flexible. Yes, I have spent a few thousand dollars in the five years, for special training. I have also been to Mago Gardens in Sedona, Arizona, and it was worth every penney, and it was my choice!!

I can’t believe CNN is presenting such sensational and negative, false information without truly investigating and knowing the truth!!

Myrna

104 | Nina Ratzman
02/05/2010 at 9:11 am

I have been coming to Dahn Yoga for more than three yrs., and, during this time, my fody, mind and spirit have grown strongerand more open. Thanks to the caring, knowledge and experience of our master trainers and instructors, I am more aware of myself and others and more open to life enhancing experiences. During the Brain Wave exercise training I focus on ‘Yes” not ‘No’, and, as a result, I’ve become more disciplined in making good and right choices for myself; whether it be in healthy eating and exercise, opening to experiences that enhance my sense of connectedness to myself and others orjust saying “no” to bad ingrained habits.

I once read that “discipline” is the definingcharacteristic of our era in determining Survivval of the
Fittest, since everything is available to us to choose 24 hrs. a day seven days a week. Internal controls must be strengthened to exercise self-discipline. The core work training of Dahn Yoga has helped me to continue to strengthen my innter voice which alwaysspeaks to a higher self, and I am grateful to those who continue to help me to be a better person to myself and for others.

106 | Linmayu Raye
02/15/2010 at 2:44 pm

My experience with Dahn Yoga has been positive from day one. I had been flitting from gym to gym and from class to class trying to keep fit, but every time I would quit because I’d end up with some type of overuse injury after several weeks.

I’ve been going to Dahn classes since September and far from having injured myself, I’ve actually healed all those old injuries and regained most of the flexibility I used to have as a dancer.

All the masters and instructors I’ve met have been more than friendly–they really do care about the members’ growth and well-being.

As far as money, I’ve never been coerced to spend any amount of money on training, nor been ignored by the instructors after saying no to something. I did attend the BMC training in Sedona, and if I’d known in advance that I would come out with the body and mind of an energetic, idealistic 23-year-old (after having gone in as a disgruntled, depressed 33-year-old with little hope for the future) after just five days of training, I wouldn’t have blinked an eye at the cost.

I could have easily gotten a prescription for Prozac instead, but I’d rather deal with the root causes of my problems than try to medicate a symptom.

All the negative media attention hasn’t really dampened my desire to keep going. When you’re finally in the right place after having been in the wrong place for so many years, every cell of your body knows it. It’s a shame our society runs on the engine of fear and keeping people disconnected from their real selves and their humanity.

One last thing, about the brainwashing allegations…hmmm.

1. CNN and Rolling Stone are media entities.
2. The media make their money by selling advertising.
3. Advertising is DESIGNED specifically to influence people’s minds and change their behavior (in this case make them buy stuff).

If that’s not brainwashing, I don’t know what is.