The practice of orgasmic meditation (OM) at The Land in California is a structured form of meditation that involves a woman being stroked on her clitoris for 15 minutes, despite claims that it is not a sexual act.
One Taste, the organization that popularized OM, faced allegations of operating like a prostitution ring, but gained popularity and made millions of dollars before shutting down and being taken over by the Institute of OM.
Deep dives
Key Point 1: The Land and Orgasmic Meditation
The podcast explores a place called The Land in Northern California where a practice called orgasmic meditation (OM) is taught and practiced. OM involves a woman lying back while a clothed man strokes her clitoris for 15 minutes. It is claimed to be a structured form of meditation and not a sexual act. The Land houses about 30 members who live there and practice OM. The group has faced allegations of abuse and control, leading to its association with the term 'cult'. The founder, Nicole Daydon, is facing legal charges and denies all the allegations.
Key Point 2: History and Growth of One Taste and Institute of OM
One Taste, the organization that popularized OM, faced allegations of operating like a prostitution ring. However, it gained popularity and made millions of dollars before these allegations surfaced. In 2018, One Taste shut down its houses and the Institute of OM, which continues to practice OM, took over. The Institute is owned by three individuals who bought it from Nicole Daydon, the founder. The Institute denies the allegations and is currently involved in legal battles.
Key Point 3: Megan's Experience at The Land
The podcast recounts Megan Agnew's visit to The Land to interview Nicole Daydon and to experience the environment firsthand. Megan describes feeling unsettled and finds it challenging to make sense of all the interactions and information she encounters at The Land. She highlights the controlled and secretive atmosphere, the emphasis on consent, and the difficulty in getting clear answers from the members. Megan also mentions the publication of books written by Nicole and the reverence given to her as the central figure of the practice.
Key Point 4: Perceptions of The Land and the Cult Label
The podcast delves into the motivations and loyalty of those involved with The Land. People are drawn to OM as a way to prioritize their own desires and pleasure, breaking free from societal expectations. However, a former member cautions that The Land's practices can lead to a loss of individual instinct and a sense of being brainwashed. Despite The Land being openly accessible through booking on TripAdvisor, people still choose to stay, suggesting a strong influence and a cult-like environment.
OneTaste, the organisation behind the practice 'orgasmic meditation', was hailed as visionary at its peak. Since then, its leader, Nicole Daedone, has been arrested by the FBI on forced labour charges and her group has been branded a 'cult' – allegations they deny vehemently. But what is it? Sunday Times reporter Megan Agnew was invited to their California compound, The Land, to find out.
This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: thetimes.co.uk/storiesofourtimes.
Guest: Megan Agnew, News Features Writer, The Sunday Times.
Host: Jane Mulkerrins.
Clips: ABC7 News, YouTube/Rebecca Watson, Eros Platform @OneTaste, goop.