Walnut Creek Cult Can Build All the Spaceships They Want.
Categories: Bay Area News
Written By: Mayor Concord California
Let me just say I am glad we don’t have “religious groups” like this in Concord. Sure we have our fair share of “religious groups” but none yet that are trying to build a fortress of solitude that looks like several scoops of ice cream. Walnut Creek’s neighbor Saranap holds a 500 member group that calls themselves Sufism Reoriented.
I had never heard of this group before Crazy in Suburbia covered the story on her blog. I’m glad she did. With all the drama going on in the area, we all needed something like this to take our minds off of bank robberies and people stealing garbage.
Religious faction groups like this seem to be popping up all over the place. I know nothing about this group and I would like to believe that they are all peaceful and caring people. I won’t begin to understand how anyone with a degree in medicine practicing psychology moves into the religious cult business but who am I to judge. I’m not going to to walk on anyone’s beliefs but I think the building they are trying to erect is up for debate.
Chances are this group will get their way. They have a small following relatively speaking but they have some very wealthy members to be proposing such a large “religious building”. They will use the power of religion and the rights given to churches to build this alien ice cream cone building in Walnut Creek. People will fight it but the people will lose. You see, the more you fight them, the bigger they get and the more followers they will receive. It’s the power of the cult. Just look at Scientology.
Sufism Reoriented is an American school of universal spiritual training created in 1952 by Meher Baba. It strives to work in harmony with all religions and affirms the central core of divine love at the heart of all spiritual systems. The central principles of Sufism Reoriented are love and service: active love for God and active service to others in God’s world.
Take me to your Sufi leader.
Murshida Carol Weyland Conner’s recent visit to India was, like always, rejuvenating. Head of Sufism Reoriented, a 50-year-old organization based in the USA that imparts Sufi education, Conner feels India is the “motherland of the earth”.
Murshida (the title given to a female Sufi leader) Conner does not look like a spiritual guru – she does not wear robes, nor any holy beads around her neck or arms. In fact, she looks more like a corporate head than a spiritual leader. She is happily married and her husband always accompanies her to India.
Her 500-strong Sufi group in Walnut Creek, California, follows the teachings of Meher Baba, who lived (in India) between 1894 and 1969. Conner was in India (her third visit) to visit the Baba’s grave in Meherabad, Ahmednagar, a special place for Sufi followers in the western Indian state of Maharashtra.
Conner is highly educated and a clinical psychologist by profession. Describing her spiritual journey which started in childhood, Conner says, “When I was a child, I sensed the light and joy that emanates from the core of life. And I sensed that all life is sacred. It would be appropriate to think of all spiritual leaders like Rama, Krishna, Gautam Buddha, Jesus Christ and Mohammed as Sufis.”
Born in 1942, Conner grew up in central California’s San Joaquin Valley. She studied English literature at Berkeley (University of California), French literature at the Sorbonne in Paris, and medieval studies at the Johns Hopkins Institute in Baltimore, before receiving her PhD in clinical psychology from Catholic University, Washington DC, in 1976. After teaching for several years in the George Washington University School of Medicine, she went into private practice as a therapist, practicing for 25 years in Walnut Creek, California. Here she met Dr James MacKie, a follower of Sufism. The two went on a pilgrimage to spiritual centers in India and Europe.
As the spiritual head, what goals has the Murshida set for herself? She says, “Since the nature of our organization is to foster internal processes of growth centering on love for Divinity and Creation, we do not seek to proselytize or ‘win over’ new members. That can’t be done. However, I do try to keep the door wide open for those who are seeking us, so that they may be nurtured by our school to the extent they find beneficial.”
Does being a woman work to her advantage? “Of course. Many students are pleased to welcome a woman as a leader as she is associated with nurturing, charm, courtesy, protectiveness and other qualities that reassure others and put them at ease.”
How much of Conner’s life changed after she became a Murshida? “I have been a Sufi for 25 years and centered my life on love for God and service to His world. My life has not changed a great deal. The specific tasks that come to me now are different but the basic outlook on life is unchanged. I believe that my work builds upon the foundations laid by my predecessors.”
Back home in the US, every week, the members (which include lawyers, technicians, doctors) collect for Sufi classes. Meditation is followed by sharing experiences and expressing one’s feelings towards the divine force through paintings, sculpture, theatre and music.
Sufism Reoriented encourages members to be active contributors within their communities. A student is expected to master the psychological, sociological and economic forces of his or her environment before seeking to join a spiritual school. Sufis are encouraged to meet the personal responsibilities of life. Spiritualism and worldly matters are interconnected for members of Sufism Reoriented. – Source
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March 18th, 2009 at 11:48 am
An excellent superficial report. It made my knee jerk too.
March 18th, 2009 at 5:32 pm
I like the ice cream comparison. I have to tell ya, i thought she was wearing a helmet at first. Then i realized it’s her doo. I say it’s okay if they want to have their ice cream villa in the creek. I saw a news truck at La Pinata (downtown Concord) last night.
March 18th, 2009 at 8:42 pm
I don’t care what other people say, this group is full of wackos. Building a spaceship, icecream religious building is freakish!
March 19th, 2009 at 12:15 am
**Mayor note: Some of this comment was edited by me because of the language used. I think anyone should be able to comment and since this “ANON” person took so much time to write this comment I couldn’t find myself to just delete it.
You say the “…Saranap holds a 500 member group,” yet you fail to reveal the distortion of this statement.
150 of the members of Sufism Reoriented live in the Washington DC area, and only 350 members live in the area of unincorporated Contra Costa County.– They have members all over Northern California.You say “I know nothing about this group.” That much is completely clear.
You say “I won’t begin to understand how anyone…moves into the religious cult business, but who am I to judge.” Apparently, you. Business? OMG It’s a church!
You say “I’m not going to to walk on anyone’s beliefs.”
You say “They will use the power of religion and the rights given to churches to build this alien ice cream cone building.” Oh yea, you are all about the fairness. The Constitution of the United States actually protects (including your right to be a poorly informed blogger).
You say “You see, the more you fight them, the bigger they get and the more followers they will receive. It’s the power of the cult. Just look at Scientology.” Actually, Sufism Reoriented has remained about the same size for about 30 years, and Scientology at least boasts a world wide organization with thousands of followers.
What if someone said things like this about a nearby Concord Catholic Church, or Muslim Mosque, or Jewish Synagogue? People in Concord–and everywhere–would be outraged. You are a religious bigot, and feel that picking on this very small religious group means you will have few opponents. At the very least, you are guilty of shameless coattail riding on Crazy In Suburbia. Ask the Interfaith Council of Contra Costa County what they think of Sufism Reoriented. Ask Arlington National Cemetery, who have recognized the religious symbol of Sufism Reoriented to be placed on grave markers, and that marks the graves of former members of this group who proudly served your country in the armed forces of this great nation.
March 19th, 2009 at 9:00 am
Sorry ANON. You just need to make your comments more suitable for the general audience. But to your points, there are Sufi all over, not just in WC or DC. Google them, they have members in Santa Rosa and SoCal.
A cult is defined as anything that is not mainstream. Some organizations actually think cult is a positive statement. Maybe I shouldn’t have called it a ‘business’ since I don’t know much about this group but I think most cults are a business and until I’m shown otherwise then I’ll stick to my opinion.
The rights given to churches and their members is in the Constitution, thanks for reiterating my point. Just because I go out and start my own “religion” today and get a dozen members doesn’t make me protected under the Constitution though.
Who’s to say Sufism isn’t trying to get bigger and global? Maybe thats part of the reason for such an awesome construction project, get some extra attention for their group?
Like I said, I don’t think the Sufi should be tied into the same group as the Manson family. They come across as very happy peaceful people and if they want to practice Sufism, then fine. It’s not about the Sufi, it’s about their building. Let’s stay on point.
Mayor Concord California’s last blog post..Esteban Nunez Day in Court
March 19th, 2009 at 4:46 pm
Sufism Reoriented does not have members all over northern California. They do not have members in Santa Rosa. You are, or have been, misinformed.
The people you are finding when you Google Sufism are not part of the group Sufism Reoriented. Many groups call themselves Sufis. Some are affiliated with Islam. Sufism Reoriented is not affiliated with Islam. Be clear about the group you are speaking of. It is like referring to Lutherans and Episcopalians as being the same. It is ignorance of the real facts.
*Mayor insights: OK. I stand corrected, there are Sufi groups all over California but Sufi Reoriented is mostly local. AS I can see from the wiki page, Sufi Reoriented comes from Islam but was “reorganized” when Meher Baba became God. My claims that this is a cult stems from when anyone starts claiming they are Gods and takes on followers. Correct me if I’m wrong.
The group YOU describe as a cult, has operated an outstanding and remarkable pre-school and grade school for almost 35 years. The school operates with subsidized fees (which are set lower than comparable private schools in the Contra Costa and Alameda areas). It can do this because of the thousands of hours of donated service by the SR membership. If it was all about the money they would charge–and could charge–much more. It is an outstanding public service in the Saranap area community. The school playground, open to all, is the closest thing to a park in the entire community (until the new sanctuary is built). It too, with almost 2 acres of garden, will be open to all for quiet contemplation.
I’m not going to debate the good deeds of this group. I made it clear that I don’t have any reason to believe anything other than the good intentions of this group. The post was to express my thoughts on the building and to explain Sufism Reoriented.
Sufism Reoriented is not a cult, and no amount of saying it is makes it so.
As I said, the follow the teachings of a man who said he was God. I don’t know if he was or not but David Koresh said he was a God too and look how that turned out. Sufi Reorganized from what I read (other than the Meher Baba piece) is a “spiritual group” not a religious one.
Who’s to say the group isn’t’ intending to grow larger?…Sufism Reoriented would be a good place to start. They have not grown in size for more than three decades. Most fund managers would be fired by such a growth profile. Gee, how do you keep the ponzi scheme going if there is no growth (you don’t…get it…NOT one…not a cult). QED -Very interesting choice of latin.
I’m not going to dig up reference materials from Ruby Ridge, Waco TX. and other ‘religious groups’ to explain the failed logic in that statement. I never said they were a ponzi scheme or even a group bent on taking money from members to grow. Even with 500 members, they can have the financial backing to stay active and thrive.
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Mr. anon. (If I may assume you are a Mr.) You take a lot of time writing these comments and I will allow them. Typically I delete anon comments that add no value to readers but I think you make many valid points that could be discussed. You seem to know a lot about Sufi reorganized or maybe you just like to play devils advocate to the post. I prefer the former. If you have information that you would like posted about the group that will make me feel more warm and fuzzy about, let me know. I’ll be happy to share it with all the readers.
March 20th, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Defination of Cult:
1. A religion or religious sect generally considered to be extremist, with its followers often living in an unconventional manner under the guidance of an authoritarian, charismatic leader.
2. The followers of such a religion or sect.
I don’t think they cause a problem but i do not want the building (I live off of Treat Blvd)
Alfy
March 21st, 2009 at 12:07 pm
Hey Mayor –
Often read your blog. I know you like and respect Soccer Mom, but I wish you’d got more info before deciding about the Sufis.
The truth is that there are 150 in Washington and 350 in WC and that’s it. Yes they have extended family, but extended family are not congregants. Knowing about them for 25 yrs+, I know for a fact that they have no interest in growing. There are plenty of Meher Baba people who have been turned down when wanting to join. It’s been the about same number for a long time.
You are entitled to dislike cults. I dislike cults myself, but the Sufis of Sufism Reoriented are not a cult: it’s a church and a school of spirituality, but – it’s not Christianity, so a lot of people tend to conclude that something “must be negative” when it’s not something we know a lot about.
They are well regarded educators and well respected in the neighborhood by a lot of people. No one in the neighborhood was calling them a cult before they started with the nimby-ism.
Inexperience at doing public relations, perhaps, but a cult not.
March 21st, 2009 at 12:35 pm
It’s been made very clear to me by the comments and emails that the Sufi are highly regarded and decent people. I’m not going to debate that. Nothing has been shown to me to prove otherwise. They support their community and seem to have support from people not in their group.
I’m not pushing the idea that this group is a cult based of Christianity. I don’t think that any man has the ability to claim they are God and by doing so and having a following of people that believe he was God never sits well.
So I don’t want to get into a religious debate. I am glad this group is held in a high regard by the community. But the building they are trying to get passed seems a bit overzealous.
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October 19th, 2009 at 7:33 pm
I wanted to be come a member of Sufism Reoriented as far back as 1975.
I had a chance meeting with their founder and Murshida at that time and was deeply struck by her manner. She was very aware of the world and the requirements for her sufi aspirants and she was wise enough to show me what I needed to do to prepare myself for my life’s work.
After raising four children to adulthood I was finally able to come to CA and join their group. I have never been treated so well and had so much help and caring to get all my furnishings and set up done. Each member of this group is devoted to loving and helping others, Selfless service is practiced without discrimination about who is worthy and who is not,
I believe that we as USA citizens can and will all benefit from these kinds of teachings, no matter what the person who is putting into practice these principles belives in; weather he is a christian, muslem, jew, buddist, hindu, sufi or any other.
The CHURCH plan is for the betterment of all, as it’s leader will and is now using this teaching of ‘Mastery in Servitude’ to live and show by example the real meaning of being-by- loving. WE HERE ARE ALL BLESSED TO HAVE SUCH PEOPLE IN THE WORLD. let alone having them living right here next to you!
All of the major church founders believe this: To Love your fellow man is to love god. Let all of us make this our daily practice. ANON
December 20th, 2009 at 8:55 am
Your comments on Sufism reflect ignorance and even bigotry. Perhaps you should move to rural Michigan where I grew up. Everything is monolithic and one is never challenged to expand their view of the world. If you had the integrity to learn about Sufism and reflect on its strengths and weaknesses before espousing opinions grounded ignorance you might arrive at differnt conclusions. As a resident of Concord I find it deeply troubling that you are the mayor. It is a bit like having the city led by Sara Palin. When does moose hunting season begin?
December 20th, 2009 at 9:44 am
Dear Mayor,
As a Concord citizen, I sincerely hope that you can find more productive ways to spend your efforts and time improving our city than slandering a group of people who voluntarily gather together to perform acts of kindness and care in their own communities! Perhaps, Mayor, that could be your New Year’s Resolution.