FT News Briefing Untold: The Retreat, Ep. 1 - Dear Madison
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Feb 11, 2024 A concerned father shares his alarming story about the drastic changes in his twin daughters' lives after attending intensive meditation retreats. The podcast unveils the dark side of Vipassana meditation, exposing the mental health crises that can arise. It contrasts idyllic family experiences with the harsh realities of a cult-like atmosphere in these retreats. Personal accounts highlight the psychological toll and the struggle for recovery, leading to a thought-provoking exploration of meditation's potential dangers.
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Email and Investigation
- Madison Marriage investigates a meditation group after receiving Stephen's email expressing concerns about his daughters.
- The twins, Sarah and Emily, experienced drastic changes after attending these retreats.
Childhood and Introduction to Meditation
- The twins had a happy childhood filled with music and family activities.
- Emily, a bright student, found Oxford challenging and took a gap year, discovering Vipassana meditation through a book.
First Vipassana Retreat
- Emily's first retreat was at Dharma Deepa, a tranquil but isolated location.
- Participants were warned against leaving mid-retreat, comparing it to interrupting a surgery.