I attended the Landmark Forum in Bangalore over this weekend (14-18 December 2012). The reason to join the Landmark Forum – henceforth referred to as LF – was an interesting narration of experience by a good neighbor friend who was hugely benefited by attending the forum a couple of years ago. Seeing a few positive differences in him for the last couple of years in terms of career and energy levels, I thought of trying it out at my own will and NOT influenced by any individual as such (I hear that many of the sign up under pressure from a loved one or people that matter)
Based on my experience at the Landmark Forum, let me give you some information on what it’s all about, whether it works for all and what to expect at the Landmark Forum.
What is Landmark Forum?
The Landmark Forum or LF is the FIRST in the series of the many personal development courses that the Landmark Education offers. Once signed up for the LF, your life doesn’t end with the forum itself. A series of other courses namely Landmark Advanced Course, Landmark Course for Leadership and Self Expression, Various weekly seminars (seminars come at a fee in some countries, but free in India) and other courses follow the forum itself. And this process takes a few months or years based on how many courses you take. However, you have the opportunity to stop with the 3.5 days long Landmark Forum itself.
The LF invariably happens across the weekend starting on a Friday at 9AM and ending on Sunday night at around 11:30PM. In addition, there is an evening session on the following Tuesday from 7:00PM to 10:30PM. Each day (i.e. Friday to Sunday) is rather long and ends at only around midnight. There will be four continuous sessions of about 2.5 hours long each day and you get one hour lunch & dinner break another half an hour break in between. Please note that there is no lunch, dinner or tea/coffee provided on the premises and only drinking water will be available. It’s hence a very stressful three days because even during the breaks, there will be assignments that need to be completed which includes written assignments, calling up people etc.
At the moment, the three and half days LF costs about Rs.10,000/- in India and I hear that it costs around $500 in the US. People from all walks of life and in all age groups above 15 years can attend the LF. There is a separate course for kids in the age group of 8 to 12.
Usually you can expect anywhere between 50 to 500 participants in each forum. In Indian conditions, it’s usually 250 people upwards in each session. The same content and the same delivery method is practiced across all countries though the ‘Coach’ who delivers the forum in India is mostly an Indian leader – one of the 55 Landmark Forum leaders worldwide, in his own words.
How does the Landmark Forum work?
The Landmark Forum’s approach is to deliver their course modules from their bible (same for all countries) by the leader who sits on high chair on the stage. The participants sit in the stand listening to his sermons. One thing I liked about the forum is that they do not use any Powerpoint presentation or slideshow to deliver the speech. The leader starts with welcoming you by explaining the rules of the forum – those who are not willing to abide by the rule can leave the forum in the first half an hour with their money refunded.
The typical rules are:
- Your commitment and ‘word’ to complete the forum as per its design
- In order to achieve the extra ordinary life (powerful living, new possibilities etc) after attending the forum, you must agree that you are ‘coachable’ by the LF leader
- You must adhere to the forum timings and complete all assignments
- One should not consume any alcohol or drugs till the forum completes on Tuesday. You shouldn’t start any new medication either – of course one can continue the medications he/she is already on. The participants cannot take pain killers like Aspirin after the long day but the leader will promise to teach you some tricks to get rid of your headache or body pain
- People with clinical psychological conditions cannot attend the forum and so are the people come under the categories of the forum’s legal/content/general agreement – A six page agreement that you have to sign to protect from any legal proceedings
A couple of people from the forum left during the introductory speech itself after hearing the coach’s tone but I decided to hold on to become the so-called ‘Landmark Forum Graduate’ who can lead an extra ordinary life at some point – or right after the 3.5 days course as promised.
What to expect on the first day?
As per the coach, the LF is all about ‘Transformative’ learning model based on ‘Ontology’principles and not informative learning. Hence, you must be willing to be abide by all rules to transform yourself and the people that matter to you towards an extra-ordinary life in the offing post the forum.
50% of the first day (Friday) goes on with the coach delivering his speech in a way to highlight how the Landmark forum is going to transform you and how you have to be ‘enroll’ to the idea in order to discover ‘new possibilities’ in life. They use terminologies such as ‘already always listening’, ‘vicious circle’, ‘context’ and ‘rackets’ on the first day. Essentially, it’s about your prejudices in life based on what you were taught by your predecessors, somebody’s actions and your wrong interpretations, how your justified behaviors are in fact of pain to others or people ‘you are inauthentic with’, in their terminology.
(A word of caution: The definitions in the Landmark bible is meant to confuse people who talk and understand normal English. Some of those theories may sound reasonable if explained in plain English but ridiculous and defies common sense when explained in their language. But if you question the leader, you get trashed and I shall explain how)
The breaks during the first day and all night breaks will be used for assignments that include writing about your rackets, people whom you have been inauthentic with (in your behavior, anger, neglecting, abusing whatever) and calling them up to convince them (enrolling as they call) about how they can also lead an extra ordinary life by enrolling into these philosophies. The leader from time to time will remind you that those people should be called along for the fourth day’s evening session to listen to your and LF’s revelations.
The shameless marketing (of sorts) about the Landmark Forum and extra ordinary benefits in offer will continue during 50% of day one. The leader will remind you of the need to be enrolling which essentially mean that you are required to share your new possibilities in such a way that others are touched, moved and inspired (and finally literally enrolled to the Landmark forum)
The method of LF speeches & Interaction
The following is what to expect during the first three days in terms of the leader – forum members interactions.
- The leader will be modulating his voice from low to exceptionally high volume from time to time. It will be so loud at times that most weak-hearted people will shiver and keep silence. The modus operandi is instilling fear in people, make them weak and force them buy into the ideas discussed
- Even if you ask any questions about your particular problem or forum content, it’s most likely that you are yelled at (after inviting you to the mic near the stage) and called ‘you ordinary idiot leading an ordinary sham life’, ‘you jerk you have the courage to think so’, ‘you are disgusting’, ‘it’s your pathetic analytical mind that’s talking’, ‘you arrogant jerk’ etc. Be prepared to hear that and much more than that
- It’s highly likely that the leader come really hard on people with bigger egos (e.g. a few IIT graduates, the so-called highly successful people in life, rich people etc)
- The leader in our case also cut some good jokes in between his yelling and shouts during delivery. I must really admit that he possessed a very good sense of humor when talking about our life situations. That’s the way things are delivered in the first two days – Suppressing your ego and breaking it is the first step by defaming you in public. Many people will breakdown in this process and become silent there after or listen to him completely
- In the case of relationship issues, you will be forced to call up your partner or the person with whom you have an issue regardless of where the problem lies. So it’s like the one-size fits all kind of delivery when it comes to LF
Second day
The second day is pretty much about topics like ‘I’ and your ‘Identity’. In the process, they will also talk about a new world and a new language to take you to newer heights. It also talks about anxiety, fear and some exercises to observe the fear and overcome it. At the end of the meditation-like exercise, some attendees revealed that their fear is gone and they will share the freedom and relief that they are enjoying on the stage mic. Others who didn’t feel any difference will be told that the fear will be always there and you have to live with it. Ridiculous at this point! You will be also asked to an assignment on three bold decisions that you would take at that moment.
The second day’s assignment will again include convincing people about enrolling your ideas. This part, at this point, will go to the nasty level of influencing people to join the Landmark Forum where as they try their best to explain that ‘Enrollment of ideas’ is different from ‘Registration’. Landmark forum’s shameless MLM (Multi-Level Marketing or Pyramid scheme) style of marketing starts on the first and second day itself. The only difference is that you as a member don’t get paid to enroll more people. And the enrollment (or registration) of more people is achieved via some kind of emotional arm-twisting and by bruising your ego by calling you a ‘shameless and arrogant jerk without integrity’ several times.
At this point, i.e. at 11PM on the second day’, I told the coach that I cannot do the second assignment of enrolling people. I was called to the stage and asked questions like ‘What is enrollment?, ‘Are you coachable?’. He kept shouting at me about my arrogance, ego and shameless behavior and called me a jerk and an idiot with an analytical mind etc. I replied that I am coachable and agree to most of the content but not an unreasonable assignment. My thought was that, if I am benefited from LF content and course, I would anyhow ask people to join LF but why even before seeing any benefit at all?
He then pronounced that due to my arrogant behavior my wife and kids are struggling for years. He pronounced that even people like Rahul Dravid who attended the Landmark forum was very humble and felt that I do not seem to be coachable unless I agree to all rules. I said, I still have my conviction and analytical brain working even after two days of the forum and until I am convinced, I am not going to enroll people or do that part of the assignment.
After about 10 minutes of argument, he asked me to get out by taking money instead of spoiling the spirit of the forum. Obviously, a few more hands had risen in my support and he felt the threat of sabotaging the cause. I obliged stating that I am not convinced about their unreasonable marketing strategy and hence quitting. I was really boiling, I wanted to call him all that he had called me in the name of ‘coaching’ me but I thought that would affect a fraction of the people who were seemingly satisfied and benefitted having attended the forum.
(The leader called me up the next day, apologized for his rude behavior and asked me to come back. May be that was part of the strategy so that they don’t get sued for emotional abuse despite taking a lot of signed agreement from the participants. He said he’s keeping his ‘word’ of refunding the money. I said I don’t care about the money but your unethical marketing practices. And my Landmark Forum ended there after two whole stressful days!).
The third day
Though, I didn’t attend the third day, it seems that’s when the whole lot of change will happen. In fact, at the end of first and second day, the leader will keep shouting that the forum has not even started but you are already feeling change etc. Things are supposed to be changing dramatically on the third day just like putting on a ‘Switch’. So I called up a couple of attendees whom I had met on the forum and they had mixed opinions on the Landmark Forum’s third day.
Many of the attendees believed that on third day, incidents from their past (in fact, an assignment from second day end) will be analyzed that would have shaped your characteristics as they are today. There will be sermons on how permanent transformation can be achieved by redefining ourselves etc.
Essentially after three days of stressful attending and a few phone calls you will be somehow convinced that life is meaningless and you have the power to make choices, deal with situations etc. All the stress that you went through and the revelations, apologies (you make many of them and cry during the first two days) made by the participants would be relieved by now and you will suddenly feel power – some of the attendees, that is. To me, this sounds quite natural. You were stressed, made look like a fool in the forum, your ego totally busted, tranquilized and at the end you were pronounced powerful and winner. Many weak-hearted people attending the forum at this point would feel happy and relieved and hence would feel that attending LF really helped them. But if you ask anybody to explain how they feel or tangible result – even after many weeks, months of attending even the advanced course – they may not be able to explain it.
(By the way, in order to make your transformation more meaningful and permanent, you will be asked to continue with the seminar series and then the paid Advanced course)
Does the Landmark Forum (LF) Work for all?
In my opinion, it works for a sub-set of people who have been carrying the guilt throughout their life due to infidelity, crimes done in the past, estranged relationships, unethical practices and specific fear of something in life might just find the forum as a great platform to confess and subsequently call up the affected people t apologize. If those people (e.g. parents) are not alive, you even have the opportunity to write an apologetic letter to them during the course. Essentially the confessions and the philosophies in the forum make such people relieved.
For most other people – who live a normal life without many issues – it’s not going to work. But even these people will not admit that LF didn’t work for them because they don’t want themselves look like fools or prey to the LF tactics that tamed them. Essentially don’t even think of attending LF if you are just going through normal mid-life crisis, predictable boss-subordinate issues, MIL-DIL issues, short-term career issues etc.
Due to the very reason that it works for some people, I don’t call LF a scam. It’s a different way of addressing your issues in life and get rid of fear. But if you would ask me, I would go for a good counselor along with the affected parties if I have any issue of that sort. That would be way better than reverting to a big forum and a lame Landmark Forum leader or coach (An extra-ordinary jerk, I must say) to solve my issues.
It’s not a Cult because they don’t associate themselves with any religious acts or even acts of crime or anti-social activities. Also, LF participation or further courses are completely at your will though they will brainwash you to the core to get as much sign-ups as possible. Signing up for LF forum don’t make you anti-social or make you stay away from normal living and hence it’s no cult at all.
Shameless Marketing
They don’t do MLM or pyramid scheme in a sense that whoever signs up new people are not actually getting monetarily benefited. But in reality, it’s nothing but a very successful Viral marketing strategy that they have smartly invented.
The evening session on Tuesday is all about shameless marketing that the gathering (your invitees with whom you are ‘inauthentic’ with and hence apologized) has to experience. This marketing takes place in a very convincing manner that you will be forced to sign up your dear ones and friends for this. Most of the attendees will fall for this strategy since they are forcibly contacted by the forum members who even apologized to them as per the plan. This works like wonders because the evening gathering thinks that their wards are transformed in just 3.5 days (with all those apology, letters, tears etc). In reality, it’s more like a emotional brainwashing.
And during the second day itself, there will be announcements about the Landmark Advanced Course which they will market so convincingly that even before seeing any result from LF, many people will sign up for this. They will say that in five days time, the Advance course prices are going up by 50% or so and you have one last day today (or latest by next day) to sign-up for the future course at the discounted price. And you won’t believe, many of the fools fell for that.
Final Verdict
Well, if you are one of those who are living under some stress and badly want to vomit out one of your wrong doings or regret from the past thereby relieving a bit, then LF is for you. But then, be warned that in order to address such issues, you don’t really need a forum such as Landmark but take the help of a good counselor.
In order to protect and respect the privacy of those who took part in the forum with me, I do not want to go into the details of what kind of issues and confessions people made. But there were real extreme cases of crime, infidelity, extranged-abusive relationships, extra-marital affairs, sex-maniac behaviors, dangerous obsessions, drug abuse etc that forced some of them to participate in the forums. And some others, without any issues at all, were forced to sign up by their wards – may be after being part of the evening session sometime in the past. The leader was trying his best to prove that even such people’s life (those sexagenarians and happy senior citizens) is sham, disgusting and they need a transformation in life. All these sermons were really frustrating for anyone who has led his/her life following some ethics and who were brought up with good values in life.
Essentially it didn’t work for me and I am sure it wouldn’t work for people like me. As a matter of fact, LF itself agrees that the program doesn’t work for all. Even worse, there have been incidents of suicide, extreme mental conditions and prolonged trauma reported during and after attending of the LF forum. LF themselves have admitted to such incidents though the occurrence of such extreme incidents have been rather rare compared to the number of people attended the Landmark Forum.
Hence before signing up with the Landmark forum, please think for yourself and read carefully the agreement that you are signing!
Very nice and balanced review Ajith. Keep up the good writing work.
Dude, ur blog is like reading my heart. I was also so bummed out with the forum. All the forum leaders and other volunteers were only trying to do one thing, make each person call himself/herself a loser. I also got into argument with one and then he asks me “Is this how you live your life ?” in front of the 300 odd folks. I tried to reason with him that whatever you say makes no sense. No man can be neutral to life’s experiences. Each experience teaches us something good and something bad. No wonder people would have to do more and more forums to wash off their sins. I was also then called the same “Uncoachable” 🙂 I left the forum thrice but had to come back as my friend (who got me enrolled) started the emotional black mail. 🙂
i agree & I am sure it wouldn’t work for people like me. As a matter of fact, LF itself agrees that the program doesn’t work for all.
Well said, even I have observed the same. The way there used to explain in such a high level confusing English and calling everyone stupid idiots allawys blasting etc… Actually not addressing the problem in simple straight way and try to fix the conclusion on u and if some one trys to counter he will be branded as uncoachable.
I have abserved many people issues mostly their are related to family issues relationships with parents Wife kids etc..
There start asking for enrollment of all those people by calling them and inviting them on Tuesday session.
When ever u ask some questions it will be directly or indirectly avoided.
There will be hardcore selling for Advance course right from 2day and you have only 1day left to accept it or u will miss the bus. How can there say on very second day advance course is good for u before completing very first session and there don’t give any time to think on it.
There session starts at very early morning and ends at late night there charge hefty amount but don’t provide any food for lunch or dinner and there hotel location is such that u won’t find any thing near by and those hotel people charges are extra ordinary and break time is to small u cannot have anything outside.
In short I didn’t find OK for me. Specially at this cost. There will be 350 members and there charged 18500 Total cums to 6,75,0000/- if we take on higher side charges around 20,00000/- still there are making 47,50,000/- and for advance course it’s Rs. 24500/-
And there solution is like final for our worst miserable, stupid, Nonsense, …….. Life
For small pitty issues their try to make it so serious issues and forces us to get enrolled ur family members also so that u will not have any issues with them in future.
Thank you for Making us Fool
Landmark u have really created a mark on our Mind
awesome.. keep it up..
Great Review Ajith! Very helpful!
I was almost going to enrol for this program, as you rightly said, influenced by a friend. But now when I think about it… this program is just not meant for me. I can see myself walking out of it the very first day (without even attending it) 🙂
I must thank you for this review since I was seriously considering attending to one of these forums but, after having such a granular description if their coaching methods and, worse of all, sales methods, I definitely won’t join!
Must say gud review as some of my friend suggested me to attend this session. after reading your review i found no relevance for me…. Thanks
Seems they have just good marketing strategy..
To everyone here I request you make an informed choice . One persons view maybe valid for him . However , you may miss on an opportunity . I did the Landmark Forum 25 years ago . Hasnot stopped making a difference for me … I “ enrolled” all my family members and they benefited immensely . In fact the “quality of our relationships” is elevated . It was already great . Now it is elevated . We don’t waste time in bickering and complaining . We truly enjoy life. I am thankful for the “ salespeople” who sold me on the Landmark Forum . I have not regretted it at all !!
Hi
Thanks Ajith.You have enlightened me. your experience and observations come from a person with deep conviction of his own point of view.i totally agree that coercive marketing , if i can say so and use the expression, will not go far. a more humane and participative approach is desired for even better and universally applicable results. do you agree. let us take this forward. i invite you to join hands and let us bring out an alternative to this forum. this will help more people without any pressure to enroll etc.
I was about to sign up under pressure from a person that matter. I would have killed the coach, if I would have been in your place. I was not impressed at the introduction but atill thought will go ahead, but now will stand up “against” for not signing this Crap up.
Thanks a ton bro…
Awesome article.
Regards,
SV
Awesome Review.
Are there leaders and coaches paid by Landmark Forum?
I think they are heavily paid.
I wonder why nobody who has attended the Forum says anything bad about it . All praise it like anything but
no one could explain or convince me what actually will happen there. this is good info. finally. thanks
I think the people who attended the same, they don’t want to admit themselves as fools hence keeping silence.
Thanks for the honesty. I have a friend who is into Landmark. I went to the introduction meeting twice. But didn’t sign up. Glad I didn’t now
I attended landmark on more than one occasion as my husband said that if I don’t he will divorce me for sure. We were in the midst of marital difficulties. He forced our young children to attend. My son, who was older, realized what a dangerous and horrible program it is, while my daughter, who was only 9 or so thought there might be some benefit.
I witnessed outrageous humiliation and degradation of various people. I complained and they tried to gaslight me. In short, my ex husband became heavily involved and got swept up into Landmark as if it was a cult. He spent money we didn’t have, volunteered most of his time and misunderstood the concepts they teach. It’s easy for the vulnerable, the guilty, the scared, the confused etc… to apply their “ methods” in a way that brings great harm to their life. My ex suffered from some type of mental illness all his life but was never diagnosed or properly treated. Both he and Landmark thought Landmark was the solution. After 15 plus years of being entangled and bewitched into this nightmarish program, spending a fortune on it and losing multiple jobs and relationships, he attempted suicide a few months ago. That attempt was not successful, but a few weeks ago he was beaten to the core, and so down on himself ( with the help of Landmark’s misguided teaching and continued abuse, my ex husband sadly and tragically died by suicide two weeks ago. Our son is devastated, and I am confident that had he not become engulfed with Landmark, and had more traditional therapy he would still be with us today.
DO NOT LET SOMEONE TALK YOU INTO THIS PROGRAM. YOU DONT KNOW WHO WILL SUCCUMB TO THEIR TEACHINGS.
Please STAY AWAY. YOU COULD LOSE YOUR LOVED ONE, like me.
I have attended the class today. Ditto, same things are happening.. no change at all..
Well actually no, the only person paid is the head coach and its a very normal salary given to a person at a high level. all the other people working with landmark are doing it on a voluntary basis.
also, the forum is designed for you to revisit and relook at the way we live our lives, identify our old ways of being and take action towards anything we want to achieve. so it gives us a good backing in that way. its all about perspective, and the marketing is part of their job and how they sustain themselves.
so its finally about what you want to do live a great life and i personally feel the ideas and change of perspective brought about by their courses really can put you in line with what you want.
Hi! I attended this course few days back. I am a doctor with a successful professional and family life. I grew up with great values (thanks to my parents and teachers). I went there because one f my teacher (an accomplished person of international repute) advised me to do so. I went there to enjoy my 3 days (that were extremely difficult to get as I am a private Practioner having my own hospital) and know about a different technology on thaught management. Somehow, my view are totally different. I would say I enjoyed this course. To learn anything new, one has to be open and receptive. I could have never learnt my medicine without being open and getting judgemental in first years itself. Hence I had decided not to be judgemental till the course ends and follow whatever my leader of course (my own decision to choose it). Here is what I learnt from this forum:
1. Live in present and try to forget all that has become past! It was a great experience knowing how and what determines my behaviour in different situations. Once you know the reason, you have endless opportunities to manage your thaughts and hence your life.
2. Integrity is key to success. I am pretty good at ‘walk the talk’, but got to know it is o supreme importance.
3. Our mind always keep talking to ourselves…the thoughts are based on our previous experiences. Need to get aware of why this is continuously going on and this awareness helps me taking decision on my own (not in an automatic mode). I am working on it and finding better control mainly because I became aware of it.
4. ‘The Secret’ (the book The Secret by Rhonda Byrne is my favourite that I keep following in my life; the abstract is You can achieve ANYTHING in life) works best when you don’t carry any previous baggages.
5. How to take on a group of 250 odd people from all cadre and manage the 3 days course smoothly and confidently. There are great things to learn from forum leader if you consider yourself in his place. This gives to confidence of managing ‘n’ no of people in your workplace.
Overall, I knew many such things by reading books/ discussing with seniors/ friends. But whatever I read was theory and the forum was a Practical. And once you see it You never forget. Thanks for this blog as it gave me opportunity to challenge myself and grow.
Sir Happy to see your view point about land mark forum and what you have taken from it.
Could you please give your review about the leader and his gesture in more detail?
I am glad I read the review. I am not reachable by force I know. I need to see reason and that’s why sadguru seems most logical and reasonable to me
Vikas,
learning/ content is never questioned?
the points which were mentioned worth pondering were
1) time spent on shameless marketing
2) style and process of shaming in the program particular in context of promoting the program/sign up
If people working for Landmark and volunteers, then where is all the money going? Thousands of participants paying Rs 16,000 each. What’s the point?
Not sure if u r still available to respond but i dont agree that only hrad coach paid amd all others are voluntarily participate. No one in this world does anything for free. It is a MLM, One or the other way.
Wow!! I think is review is a must read before attending the LM forum. What a waste of 3 days. Thanks a ton for the review.
That’s an awesome write-up and I could totally see myself in your place on not getting people enrolled till I actually get to see the benefits.
Thanks a lot for this info!
Hi Ajith,
Thanks for your review. Yesterday evening, one of my close friends wife gave me the leaflet and requested me to find out about this course. Her husband wanted entire family to join landmark forum.
Most of the marketing companies in such businesses use such dirty tricks to influence people. All participants actually become competent enough to participate stupid tv programs like emotional Attyachar 🙂
Its very true that when one confesses, he/she feels lighter especially people with guilt or some inferiority complexes. I am very sure that people can be changed only through love, joy and enthusiasm.
Unless you accept the person with his faults and unless you love someone unconditionally and keep infinite patience, you can not transform his life. Infact, every person gets transformed on his own and not by forced measures. You are just with that person to help him.
Here, there is no love, no unconditional acceptance and no joy.
It will take lot of time for Americans to understand unconditional love. Its not in their culture at all.
We go to motivational leaders, psychiatrist when we feel things are not good, nothing is happening, life is miserable but when we never ask even ourselves when we feel good or when we are happy.
Anyways, thanks for your review. We should really work against such wrong practices in society.
I will start with convincing my dear friend and his family by for not joining this course.
Take care,
Abhay Vaidya
agree forum is not meant unless you leave with regret in which case also it is stressful and painful experience
The entire topic is about 5 words
1. Integrity
2. Fact and story
3. Wheel (Complete and connected)
4. Life is nothing and Meaning less
5. Always Already Listening.
Apart from these nothing is there in the forum.
The Landmark Forum works when we start applying the stuff to areas of life that are important to us.
I know many people who have been active in the work for 15 / 20 years and still getting benefitted.
In any case, they do offer your money back if you are not willing to be coached as per the design, as Ajith himself has mentioned in the original post.
After I left my expressions on 17th March I have been following your article and comments closely. Well honestly no good comments for this forum has come till date and I am happy to know that people are getting aware. I will be more happy to see comments from people who have attend this course and tell exactly how do they feel. It is impossible on the earth to change one’s thinking from such courses. I love photography and can attend a session to become better at it, beacuse its my interest. But still landmark people chase you like anything to influence you. I wish your article to get global and get recognised so more and more people get influenced by this rather than Landmark.
Thanks for sharing this form the core of your heart. It has made a difference.
Sandeep,
Thanks for getting back again. The only problem I see is that I cannot always endorse the authenticity of all comments and commenters. I would have preferred to see some arguments in favor of the LMF as well from those who benefited from it – so far nothing really 🙂
Human Being is a meaning making machine..! We all derive some or the other meaning out of every action and inaction around us, We love and live that..! The same thing is being demonstrated here.. Nothing wrong about it..!!
Landmark Forum has put me into actions without getting stopped by the meanings my mind makes out of everything around me.. It has given me an access to sideline all the disempowering conversations which come my way, be it in my personal or professional life.. Increased productivity, improved relationships, and more importantly me being at peace with myself taking my life to the next level is what i have now..!!
I m writing because, a very near and dear person in my life has forwarded me this link to read on as i had asked him to go for the Forum..
Nothing comes easy if we want to work on anything authentically.. For that, one has to confront himself or herself within, rather than the outside world.. My frens have shared a glimpse of it above..
Going beyond my otherwise constant judging and evaluating mind, m game for all sorts of confrontations within myself for taking my life to the next level.. This is for me, ther might be something different for others..
As i watch a movie, i do ask my frens to go for it, if I like it.. I do marketing for that movie and dont get paid for it even.. Likewise, yss I do marketing for LF and will keep doing that, coz i am a stand for my people of my life to explore for themselves how they can carve an extraordinary but simplified life for themselves as i see LF as a clearcut pathway for myself..!
Choice always rests with u..!!
would you comment on style and process of the course management. You have written about contents and how it is benefitted you.
I totally agree with you. I have been benefitted tremendously by Landmark Forum.
Ajith,
I can feel your comments. I am looking forward to join the course for my personal growth as well as for having merrier relationship with my better half. Can this course be beneficial? Your advice is commendable.
Neeraj,
I didn’t benefit from the way the course was progressing and that’s why I quit it after 2 days. There may be people who benefited from it (like what’s claimed by Ms. Monali in her comment). Probably one of them could help you with an answer.
Hi Ajith, I have paid the money for tomorrow’s session. And after reading this blog I am regretting. Is there any chance to get my money back?
Hi,
Couple of years back, I attended an executive management course at SCMHRD, Pune. In the opening speech, the director made it undoubtedly clear that “this is MBA program and you all are students and have come here to learn. You might be the VP of the company, but you are a student here. Please leave your ego out of the gates otherwise there is no learning happening.” And true to his words, some professors were mean and nasty in the class that comprised of a well-known doctor, a director with a top IT org and leading a team of 1500 people, a NDA passed out colonel and many other fairly successful mid-level executives.
The course of Landmark Forum or any other landmark programs are confrontational in nature. Because you can’t break your barriers unless shed your own mask of looking good. Most of us are interested in intellectual orgy or psychological amusements. We would spend endless hours discussing philosophy but how many us fulfill our promises as a matter of our word however small it may be or how many us really get into our parent’s world and actually look at what they are dealing with. I have personally seen high-profile executives, businessmen, actors,lawyers et al exercising and expressing their wisdom for first two days only to break down on third day when they really confront the lies and the impact of those lies that they keep telling to people around them and more importantly to themselves. But after that confrontation, they experience the kind of freedom and fulfillment that they never experienced ever in their lives. Hence landmark forum is transformational in nature and not informational. You might not find any NEW wisdom in it but you neither would find its methodology of teaching anywhere else.
So, this program is not for everyone. You might waste your money if you are not willing to put your head in line and aren’t ready and responsible to inquire in your own life. Its a serious work on yourself for 3 complete days uninterruptedly. There might be times where you would not agree with something, there might be some conversations where you would want to fight with the coach, there might be conversation where you would would want to walk away and sleep. Its a roller coaster ride but if you play to the design, I can bet my heart that for the price of landmark forum there is no other program and I ASSERT this that there is no other program in the world which can alter your life the way landmark forum does it. And yes, you have the right to demand the worth of your money from them in case you didn’t get value. There is no other program in this segment which can say that “Anything you want for yourself or your life is available out of your participation in the Landmark Forum”. For Rs.14,700/- this is the best program I can vouch for.
Yes, we do ask you to share our programs and ask you to invite guests. It occurs to everyone as marketing and we don’t defend it. We don’t advertise/market through conventional means. All the business generated is through word of mouth. In cases where people have felt pressured, we take note, apologise accordingly and take adequate improvement steps in the training and development methodology so that people have the choice to take actions instead of experiencing pressure.
So, to sum it up, I very strongly recommend this to everyone. Just as we need academic education, we need this education too.
Disclaimer: I am not an employee of Landmark nor their official spokesperson. I was also in your stage 12 years back when I did it. Now I am being trained to be the source of my life and CAUSE my own life the way I want it.
I would be happy to answer any questions or queries.
Regards,
Amit
Thank you for the review I wish I had seen this before taking it up.
I was peer pressured by my doctor to do it.
I took the online course . Their need for the video to be ok always is ridiculous.
It will work for you if you don’t believe in therapy or you are a practical person or if you are weak and not self aware . But if you’re going through a lot and need answers please save your money and take therapy instead .
I was shocked the day 1 when they say you need to leave the past and you create stories based on it. Have you ever heard of psychology!? And inner child ? PTSD ?
I have gone through so much child trauma and I had to take 3 years of therapy to understand and heal . It’s not something I can just leave just because someone is telling me how to live my life . The entire forum is just that they tell you how to live your life by ridiculing you and comparing your hardships to others and say it’s nothing . I was so disappointed and disturbed I got migraine on day 1 .
Day 2 is all about inviting other ppl
And other courses.
Only thing I liked about was the assignment which was about writing a letter to whoever you want to express .
I didn’t even attend day 3 . I can only imagine the amount of peer pressure they’ll put you through to take up the next course .
Please instead google the content and that’s enough learning.
Thanks a lot .I prefer ‘my way’don’t need any guru ,leader or LM.
Ajith,
Thanks for expressing yourself!
I found you extremely incomplete with Landmark, may be, it is because you have not completed the program, the way it is designed & you promised to participate fully.
How come I trust upon you when you watched first hour of 3hrs movie & now sharing review that movie was not good for me.
By the way, Landmark Forum did not work for you because you did not complete the program as per design hence your review is incomplete too.
For the people who agreed to Ajith view, That is how we human being live, when your close friend recommends you landmark, you check on net and actually search for negative comment. Finally you end up trusting stranger Ajith and distrusting your close one, how funny!
Well, you don’t need to waste three hours on a badly directed movie to conclude that it’s really bad. The first hour is good enough, isn’t it? 🙂
By the way, I don’t use any coercive techniques – like the LMF does – to convince my readers nor do I get any benefit in doing so. What I have written is an impartial review based on my experience of attending with LMF for two whole days off the three which was utter nonsense in my opinion. But I am not even telling people not to go for it. Let them figure out themselves by attending it if they wish to do so.
The way, the people from landmark and my friend who invited me to attend and join LF was very cheap and creates doubt.
Sameer,
The language and tone of your post suggests that you have motive in writing the comments.
Ajeeth just narrated his experiences chronologically for people to decide.
Ajeeth though stranger had gone through the program, while your friends may not have gone through the program.
The Forum with Mahesh Nambiar in Pune 2015 haunts me in 2020.
The occasional anxiety I had is now replaced by the Yelling from the forum.
No opening, the discuss within the forum group lead to more remorse that.
Having Got to know Werner Erhard’s ruthless compassion – 2020. I tried to go deeper. The LMG has made this a crooked business from what was once a genuine seminar / training program.
Thanks but no thanks LMF
The forum is too convoluted and not for me.
we are inauthentic in way of being,but we pretend authentic,landmrk forum tranform way of our being,result only happen only we take action,conversation,justification,analysis,will not produce any thing ,
Don’t use ‘we’ – some people out there are ‘inauthentic’. But the trick that LMF uses is to work on one’s emotions, convince him/her that he/she is inauthentic, make them confess things to their dear ones, there by ‘enrolling’ them too to the LMF and the chain goes on. Obviously, if your people are bought too, you suddenly become ‘authentic’ because you all belong to the same clan.
Dear friends, I attended this course only few days back. indeed it is a good course but surely works for some. It mostly works for people who are keeping grudges for long time in their heart. after attending the course they understand that its how they take and interpret others behaviour. I saw drastic change in my son in law.My mind was peaceful but now at more peace after attending the course.
I did Landmark 2 months back. I was very skeptical because I had already read “The Power of Now”, was trained in upanishads – Kaivalya, Taitriya, etc, am a keen follower of Chinmaya Mission, and such.
I also had dealt with many challenging circumstances in my life.. So, my point was – whats the point in landmark ?
But I am a very selfish person. I will do anything which will improve my own self. So, I decided to try landmark keeping my ego aside.
What I got –
1. Most things that LF says is what I knew. But it worked like a place where I could apply it in my own life.
2. In the past too, whenever something had worked, I had applied LF fundas(distinctions, in their word). Like, if something goes wrong, I would analyse what I could have done to change it around. This way I would be in control of the situation.
3. When something hadn’t worked, it could easily be explained in LF fundas..
4. I regret having not attended it long back( 3 years back). I had resistance because I lost my fried to LF and he bacame a real pain. But some day I realised that LF isn’t him!
4. I found 20% of the course to be very irritating – marketing, or I would say, authentic marketing. Those volunteers would get on your nerves, and they don’t get any material gains. But, if one is ready to put up with the 20% BS, 80% of the gain is worth it.
Bottomline – USP of LF is that u apply the fundas, and not analyse it. If u can apply Bhagavat Geeta, u don’t need it! But reality is, its difficult to, unless there is a structure for it.
Pls pls don’t get sucked into it and become a evangelist. But be selfish, do attend LF. Let your friends know abt it too!
My understanding of vedic literature is much deepened now thanks to LM! 🙂
Thanks Ramanna for the detailed and enlightening view of LF
Really appreciate your posting my comment, though its contrarian to your view!
An update – ever since I made the about post, I have been attending the weekly seminars. Its working wonders! 🙂
Ever since then, I have got back from the irritated/frustrated phase quickly and have been taking action. And things are moving like never before! My family shares this perception.
Suggestion to those so opposed to landmark.
1. If you are looking for something very “Indian”, then do read Ramana Maharshi’s work. You get the theory without the practicals!
2. Also recommended is the coursera course on “History of Humankind” by Harari. Mindblowing course it is! Shook my identity a great deal!
Dear Ajit,
Thanks for your detailed Explanation about this forum … one of my close friend just attend the LF last week and insisted me to join to make my life more meaningful.. but after reading your review i though yaa its really more marketing then anything else as my schedule is also bit busy and he calls me daily for attending LF ..
But this forum is definitely not for me…
Hi Ajith,
Thanks for the writeup on Landmark Forum.
I did the course in June 1998, when I was still a college student, without any of the baggage that many older people have w.r.t. jobs, bosses, relationships, spouses. I did the program merely out of curiosity, and must say that the program has really made a lasting impact on me, how I deal with things, and has set a good base for me to build my career over the last 15 years.
The Landmark Forum works in the area of ‘Blind Spots’, or the ‘I Don’t Even Know That I Don’t Know’ that they keep talking about in introductions.
What the leader talks about ‘being coachable’ is actually applying the distinctions of the Landmark Forum (the ones that you mentioned) in the areas of life that we are struggling with, or are not working as well as they should be working. Most of us tend to analyze the conversations, which is ok, but may not make much of a difference to forwarding our commitment.
The Landmark Forum Leaders get aggressive with us at times (shout, make statements that we may not like) to make us inquire into our lives, get to the impact of our current situation (inertia?). The different language is used to help us articulate our thoughts and actions – similar to the way doctors learn medical terms and MBA learn jargon to communicate with others in their community.
I agree on the marketing part, and it may be perceived as a bit too much, but it is basically to help you practice the technology of Enrollment, one of the key pillars of success along with Integrity and Relationship. We get results in life by creating something as a possibility and then enrolling others into that. Bringing people to the Landmark Forum Evening Session is a measurable outcome of you doing Enrollment conversations, but this can be used anywhere in life (closing deals, improving team productivity, better relationships, etc).
It is all about the context.
I would invite you to participate in the Landmark Forum once again, with an open (coachable ?) mind, for the full 3 days and 1 evening. Like the Landmark Forum leader says, just for the 3 days, try out the technology as something that is possible (plausible) and do the assignments (writing the letters, calling people).
In the last 16 years, I have seen hundreds of people turning around their lives, and creating breakthrough results in areas that are important to them. Definitely, there is something in the technology that works.
Thanks ajith.
I was being called by a man whom I do not know much. You can say he is just an acquaintance and definitely not a friend. I kept on avoiding his marketing call. He claims to have achieved the so called transformation .
At the same time it is true that I am going through a bad phase of life both in personal and professional front and surely waiting for a paradigm shift.
Some of the comments suggest that coachables are likely to get result provided they stick to the programme for 3 days.
I am still in dilemma as I find no comments supporting your view by those who completed the programme.
I am eager to see some more reviews before taking the final call.
Amit, what I summarized here are my candid views on how it went with me. It might work for others, just like some commenters here have claimed in their long comments. Since, I do not remove comments that conflict with my views, it might even sound like none are supporting my views 🙂
Whatever said and done, I do not like LMF’s coercive coaching methods and marketing strategies by exploiting people’s emotions. The fact remains that I still hate it!
I got your point.
In fact while searching for reviews in the Internet I came across your view which is very well written conveyed with great conviction.you have explained very vividly why do not you like their approach with great reasoning. It is more than convincing. And the thorough study of the reviews that followed from learned people confirmed that many were just waiting for such a detail and candid remark from an educated person who relinquished the course midway thanks to the mentor’s emotional arrogance. I simply appreciate you.
Nonetheless, the point of Rohit your reviewer also drew my intriguing attention. He took the emotional tormentation when he was quite you and did not have any baggage good or bad. His view is rather positive which put me in dilemma. Nothing else.
My good wishes with you.
Thanks and regards.
Thanks for the article Ajith
Would you know if the “friends” are paid for getting their friends enrolled into the Forum?
Thanks
Jaya, I am not sure about that part. However, everyone that gets signed up is always via a friend or well wisher.
Jaya
No one gets a commission for introducing you to the landmark forum and making you register. In fact, for a long time, it operated in India as a Section 25 company.
Hi Ajith,
fortunately / Unfortunately i have joined the LMF which will be in end of august 2014. but now, after seeing so many mixed reviews, iam totally in confusion, did i made a mistake, wasted money & time??!!!.
Its useful if you try to understand and start taking action.according to me everyone should attend whenever its possible for them. Only one aspect is bad that is insistence. That becomes irritating when they say that call ur friends and relatives to attend this course.
They are bloody cheaters. Most shameless beggers whom I have seen on earth.
I talked to a so called leader (stupid) today and ultimately got no answers what I wanted. He says you need to experience it in 3 days. That means he is directly seeing his profit as business and not willing to give me solution.
That’s the whole and sole intention of them.
Don’t get trapped. We are all educated and with high morales. But such shameless people try and exploit floor their survival and keep their business moving. They are beggers and do this shamelessly.
Better to lead your life the way you want instead of getting trapped into such ventures.
Please educate Ione and all.
I wish to see this organisation close down.
Hi Leelendra, I spoke to many people who have attended and I had mixed opinion so far. I am firm with ajit’s comments and I have refused everyone, and even conveyed to one of their instructors/ and advisors to stop playing with people’s emotions.
We all tend to stand on this thin wall of making a decision on either side. I had made mine and you made your’s. Dont Regret !!
One thing which I followed consistently – If you have signed for it and going for it go with open mind that you will learn something, comments says that the forum have something for everyone but you should have the willingness to see it and accept it.
People who are not attending their sotries are different.
All the best and please share your learning’s in this forum.
Hi Ajith, Wonderful blog from you. I read your blog and all the comments. In my company many friends have been pushing me to attend this Tuesday session. I have not been able to attend their briefing session as they call it because of some work at home etc but I find that everytother day, some or other person keeps on pushing me to attend. These are all friends and I was getting a bit uncomfortable inside but didn’t express it to them as I didn’t want to hurt my friends. Your blog and all comments have put me at ease. I have decided to fight this nonsense and I will refuse to attend this session at all. I have not attended any day so cant comment on their content but the marketing seems superb as friends are so insistent and hell bent to get me enrolled in the session. if only I could use such marketing techniques to market myself or my companys product. Thanks a ton for blog Ajith. Keep sharing good views with people. I am not going to attend the LF now, ever.:)
Vow, you spoke my heart out. Just yesterday I had to attend one of their ‘introductory sessions’ because my friend forced me big time and luckily I did not buy into any of their non-sense (I am pointing at their passionate persuasion efforts here). But, there was this another guy and he looked so very hesitant but was finally made to accede by those guys. I actually feel sorry for him. I hope there is some legal way of stopping them from this emotional blackmail thing! Is there any? Because most people are good and courteous and may I say that the landmark forum is actually using this nature of ours for THEIR OWN guaranteed profit (& not-guaranteed probable profit of the attendee)!
Three days is short period for any transformation.
It all boils down to passion and open mind.
I happen to read your review by chance. I did not know about LF prior to this. I feel myself fore warned on this now. Your review is unbiased. I attended a course called DNS conducted by Art of Living. The techniques used appear to be similar to LF course. Of, there they also teach a sequence of yogasans. Not that these asanas are new or unknown, but the packaging into a sequence helps.
Thanks for writing your experience for the benefit of others.
(Sudhakar Chopra)
A doctor sent me. I paid. He uses his practice to rope in other patients. Many were there because boss made them. Went to said doctor mon. He berated me for being late. Therefore I had no integrety. I was hurt and amazed this man was so nice the night before. He did all this to impress LMark. Really how unethical can you be doctor. Not to mention me being blown away by his behavior. So LMark has certainly brainwashed him. I had health problems and was very hard for me to sit all day. What he did was shameful.
I have attended the land mark forum. It was an eye opener. You can see only if you choose to see.
First surrender your will to the coach (person who is taking the call) and then things will start to happen.
I have felt the NOW presence, and I understood that past and future does not exists. This is a big this, as it freed me.
I also know that there is no specific meaning to life, and we ASSIGN meaning to life, predominantly from our experience, predominantly childhood.
Our life is a machine, conditioned by our thoughts, which are formed by experiences in the formative years. Once this is understood, everything falls in place.
All the tension in your body go away, and you regenerate from past experiences.
I have gone to attend a closed mind, and came back refreshed.Coach forced opened to me because I was willing to be opened.
From my yoga practice I know that surrender to the masters will is most important for a disciples development, because then only master can work on you.
I have read many negative reviews, especially this one from Edaserry Ajith Prasad.
I cannot suggest any other sessions as useful as landmark which can be taken in three days time.
I am practicing Kriya Yoga from YSS for the last 8 years, and this session has improved my understanding of Kriya as well. Now I am able to understand Kriya lessons from Yogananda better.
I suggest you take this session and pray that you are open.
Surrender, you will be free (this is the reality, though it looks like a paradox when express using the medium of English language)
Thanks, Tom Mathew
What I do not understanding is that why don’t LM guys tell its people to stop mentally raping people to forcibly attend seminars. I am being currently stalked (all mental) by my relatives to attend forum. I feel the biggest achievement of an enlightened human adult is to respect people and not force anyone or hurt someone. Get your point across in simplest way and not harp on issues once discussed. But I guess LM guys are worse than club mahindra people . Now it’s your friends or relatives who r behaving like club mahindra holidays salesmen. I seriously feel they target people so that a specific subset of people fall trap ( as per scientific studies by clever LM guys) ; a brainwash. There r so many people who fall trap to different ideologies but I feel most r only drifting away from the unique person that god has created and we forget and do appreciate the diversity amongst us and rather want all yo be like clones of landmark group. As a person one just gets more different and fails to self realise, alone, the areas to work upon and draw inspiration from everyday experiences rather than constantly look out for such courses and become synthetic individuals who like robots call up people with total loss of respect for others. Very sad era where people have so much vacuum in them that they r being sucked by landmark or nirmal baba etc etc …..scary future of generations to come.
I just chanced upon your blog when looking up Landmark… loads of people around have done it and sing its glories, but some instinct holds me back because i believe personal transformation cannot come with someone being tough with you, it has to come with a realisation from within. Thanks for sharing your experience! 🙂
True
Thanks for sharing your experience.
I would have spent 13k INR (200 USD) to attend a program after continuous emotional blackmail by a colleague & friend. However, when I attended the introduction program, I was almost certain that I am never going to get into this. The last time I had similar experience, was an AMWAY seminar. I was bombarded from all four directions – strangers pushing me to go ahead and enroll; that is not something I would appreciate.
I decided that the moral victory for me would be to escape that night, without paying and enrolling. Needless to say – I never visited again and bluntly said NO to the colleague who was pushing me.
So finally i decided to write a review after attending all the 3 parts of Landmark curriculum viz Forum, Advance course and the self-expression and leadership program.
Throughout the curriculum i deeply felt that this program is designed only to get money out of your ASS and keep running their business. It’s a sheer Brain washing technique which will potentially make you realize that you are a JERK, yes you are a Big JERK and nothing more than that. They will emphasize on your failures throughout the curriculum. In almost every session they will keep promoting themselves and push you hard to introduce your family members and friends in the forum to increase their Business from your loved ones, I strongly believe that this entire study is profitable and completely business oriented and most of all they tend to do very shameless marketing, as an incident, in the advance course I was been forced by the leader to make the payment for SELP or stay there itself, he literally put his hands in my pocket and push me so hard to make the payment for SELP, seriously they are extremely good at it, they know how to take money from you, even if you have no money they will ask you to pay by credit card and then pay the bank later, I saw many such cases, where a leader was literally asking participants to pay knowing the fact that they are already on debt. If this still doesn’t work, then the leader will send your fellow participants to keep pushing you until you have made the payment and registered for SELP. As they very well know the power of ‘WORD OF MOUTH’ and it is the biggest Tool in Sales and Marketing Industry, so they use it immensely. You may have realized that why Landmark don’t use any other marketing ways by either publicizing themselves in newspapers or media because they know what’s the best for them.
In the SELP program, I also saw one of a incident when 3-4 participants who missed just one workday session and he was been asked to leave SELP and Re-register for another SELP Program by paying the entire course fee again, now what will you call this as?, is it not a money making business?. I seriously consider it as a Money Laundry business and till the time you are with them they will make sure they drain all money from your ASS for asking you to register for this or the other program until you Cry Out in the end and quit that I just cannot continue anymore, I am bankrupt.
They also don’t hire people from outside for assistance in their forums or xyz program rather they started a intelligent way by approaching participants to voluntarily work for them for free and they keep praising them all the time that you all have a golden heart, you should continue doing this work and stand on your commitments by coming every Saturday Sunday or whenever you are available.
Overall, its my advice to everybody whosoever is reading this, if you are really thinking about doing Landmark forum, give yourself a second thought or may be more, why you want to do this, is it only because of curiosity just like I did?, If the answer is yes then i suggest you just do the forum alone and don’t fall into their cheap marketing strategy by paying further for other programs as ultimately they are controlling your minds and you’re minds are been dragged into their marketing strategies without you been realizing it and you will not be able to free yourself from their trap.
Thanks and God Bless you all!
I stumbled on this page as one of my friend approached me today to join the introductory class.
Very well balanced Review Ajith, thanks for sharing.
I would like to offer a perspective. This comment is just a perspective. But take it. Try it on for size.
Landmark is actually a ‘Ontological coaching technology’. Landmark works on several levels.
Forum — Freedom.
Try this: Whatever happening to me is happening from me!! I am responsible for all that has turned out now.
Boooom… Suddenly you will see that everything came from you. All your limitations, all your worry came from you, all your success, joy , failure everything came from You. Now, That’s the distinction called ‘responsibility’ in landmark forum. Flip the coin, if you are responsible as being the source, then you are free to choose being the source — Freedom. Being free to choose.
Advanced Course is similarly for ‘Power’. Imagine creating powerful larger games and imagine being free in taking massive action to reach them. Actually Advanced Course is in itself a powerful game.
SELP is for Self-expression. The biggest question here is what is meant by ‘expression’ in self-expression. Consider this: To express is to give out. it is to give out fully. Generously. What it takes?
Here the barrier is the coaching methods: Landmark’s coaching method is basically Ruthless, confrontational and top-of-head style. But that is its structure. Everything is structured in Landmark. Even the receptionist in a landmark will have a coach and sometimes she will be leading a seminar too. To join as a staff in Landmark they need to complete ILP. But basically the structures are created to awaken a listening. A listening for Power. A listening for creation. A listening for Love.
ILP is basically about listening if anybody goes deeper. Generally 60-70% people attend Landmark forum with the listening of a ‘Concept’. They listen to Forum Leader like they listen to ‘Newton’s Laws of Motion’. Like a concept. That’s the way we are in life. Love, for example, exists like a concept which can be applied at certain places and certain people. But it is not ‘calling’ to which you listen. Listening to the call of Love.
Coachability shows up when there is a Listening as enquiry. As an enquiry into your Life. When people bring Such a Listening to Forum Landmark starts working for them.
With regards to Marketing Strategy: On the top of it, it looks like that. But consider this: If you can Listen to what you are speaking when enrolling somebody into forum, you are basically enrolling somebody into a future. The coaching works even there. Imagine an enrollment conversation of one such can create a new future for a son, from a father. For that matter enrollment works with anyone.
Final remarks: I consider Landmark a deep value addition. The coaching structure is deep and helpful.
The methods are little painful but worth it. I also suggest taking up assisting in landmark forum. That is where ‘real listening’ comes into presence.
Hi,
I just read a review saying it is about 5 words so i would say would you have known about these 5 things if you wouldn’t have attended the forum.
the forum or i should say the technology is not only for the unhappy depressed or people who have faced tragedy in life but also for every individual so that they can see beyond what their mind shows and tells them.
the experiences and already always is so present is our life that we avoid giving a chance to anything else.
and if we take ego then yes our ego only which doesnt allow us to agree to the forum leader also.
the forum also says its all within you you just need to realise and show up to your wishes and fulfil them.
for me the forum has changed my life and i would suggest everybody to do it.
thanks
I’m a natural skeptic, and I did not get a ton out of the LF, but I can offer insight that neither you, nor most of the people in the comments have. I volunteer at forums, because I really like to help the people. We (as volunteers, course supervisors, and the forum leader) work hard for 16 hours a day to make the environment as perfect as possible for you. We meet with the forum leader twice a day to discuss how awesome things are going for the participants, and if there are any ways we can be more excellent.
When I talk to a participant I am not trying to bring them down – I want to help them because I love helping people. The same goes for everybody else I work with, and talking to the forum leaders in a small session about this really lets us see how much they want to help you guys. Additionally, at the end of the third and fourth day (which the author missed) most of the people walked out their changed and extremely excited about their opportunities. It’s a lovely thing to see, and it’s the only reason I volunteer here.
However, I am not a fan of the LF’s strategies of marketing, and I think it is bullshit that it has around 500 employees but approximately 10000 volunteers… They are making serious bank. But, at the end of the day, there are a ton of people being helped a lot for less than 600 dollars, and for most people in the forum, that is worth it.
After quitting my participation at Landmark in 2006, I’ve focused my attention on continuing my spiritual development, meditation and awareness.
I was a program leader (Seminar Leader Apprentice) when I quit which I did to pursue winning my games rather than Landmark’s game. Having worked behind the curtain, Landmark Education is an enterprise completely committed to their mission of transforming the world.
To this end, they have mastered an educational business model whereby education and educating their customers are an integral part of their business model and operations.
Does it work? For many it does.
Is it worth the time and money? I’ve wasted more time and money on other endeavors that hasn’t been as entertaining or effective in self-examination.
Bottom-line: Trust your intuition about whether it’s right for you.
Yesterday I have attended the seminar/ introduction to Landmark forums. I was open minded but was judging what’s going on around. The speaker talked about problems people face in life. Many common issues like stressed relationships, professional challenges, personal limitations, egos etc etc.
So far it was good. I enjoyed it i understood that this forum is useful but for those who are struck up in their life in profession or personal life. This course seems to be highlighting where we are lagging or where we are struck up. They seemed to be boosting our morale to invoke the achiever within us. Good so far.
But in the end, they explained the registration process n many people went ahead. Not sure how many are authentic audience. The worst thing is that, the people who have not decided to join were pusuaded consistently one after other by the volunteers. It was quite difficult to come out without registration.
Earlier i was wondering if i need to spend 12k for some additional morale boosting, as i was quite peaceful n happy with complete awareness on my life. The moment i saw their pressure tactics, i decided firmly not to join for anything.
Some volunteers came n talked to me. Asked what’s stopping me. I said i dont need this course at present point of time. They went on to say that this is the blind spot. I understood clearly that these people are enrolling people by :
1. Making them emotional
2. Confront by stating that our logic not to join itself is a blindspot
3. Consistent brainwashing.
My questions :
If u have confidence on ur concept, why not leave it to the candidate to choose to join or not? Why do u have to persuade, pressurize or emotionally blackmail??
LM forum may be good for some n useless for some. But the method of enrolling people n making them enrol some more is really not acceptable.
Supporters of LM, please ask them to change their approach bcoz every person won’t fall for these tricks. Show ur worth n let the people decide. If they find worth, they will join anyway. If they don’t see worth, even if they join they would only blame it. Think about it !
I happened to visit their introductory session last week.
though i said that i do not have any problems as i lead a very organised and value driven life (thanks to my mother). But still the other graduate members were interested in digging out frustrations and in-capabilities or aspirations. though i have been telling them i lead a very contended and disciplined life, they force you to think of something (even unknown to me) that i want to achieve.
The irony is even unknown graduates of LMF keep hovering around you when they notice that you are not signing up. i could not understand why people who do not even know your name want to improve (so called) your life? they even volunteer to help you take a decision to join.
i even said that i would attend this program for my friend (who has invited me) for the 3 days would not want to attend the evening session on a Tuesday. They did not agree to the same and said that it was the most important program and i must and should attend the same. This has raised my curiosity further about their marketing strategy.
I signed up as i trust my very very dear friend and as you rightly said, i would prefer visiting a church/temple/mosque to confess to the head of my sins and not a public forum like this.
I have seen people actually going on air talking about their misdeeds and actually ruining their lives. Emotional atyachaar and some programs that run you through a lie detector.
I personally feel planned repeated personal counselling goes a long way in helping you than a public 3.5 days program.
Anyways, having registered, let me attend the program and look out for my feedback in this forum.
Thanks for the great review Ajith. I echo the same feelings as you do. Its a pity, that I wasted one day and my money as I did not read your post earlier.
Keep up the great work!
Thanks for the great review,It helped me a lot to understand what exactly it is..
Dear Mr Ajit,
I would have valued your feedback if you have completed the course and written the review. I have witnessed thousands of people got benifitted by this program. Till date I have never seen a person who said its waste of time and money. If people dont recomend also, they say its a good course. I have seen so many people who got a life changing benifit also. So I suggest you to attend completely and then write the review. Its like going to Gym not doing the excercise said by trainer and then complaining about the gym & trainer. I suggest you to complete the course and then see the difference. Please stop your version of Half attended course opinion about the course.
Regards,
Nagaraj
Then you should meet me. It was a waste of my time and money. I did finish all the three days and Tuesday evening session as well.
It is bullshit. They have brainwashed them and force to enroll soi that their business keep going.
Atleast beggers have ethics while they beg. But these professionals are shameless beggers.
I literally just left an introductory meeting, if it could be called that. A friend asked that I attend as it has helped her make some groundbreaking – breakthroughs. I thought it was informative, but I actually do not see the benefit in spending my money to do the things I have sense enough to do on my own. When I first arrived, I was asked about an area in my life that I would like to change/ experience. I offered that I would like to change my finances. That being said, why would I pay for classes to fix that area. Logically, I would be taking a step backwards, no?
Dear friends,
I have recently enrolled for LM forum, though a close old time friend. I just attended a guest session and I cannot really say I got convinced completely, but yes I enrolled.
Assuming that the volunteers are really volunteers (i.e. unpaid), I liked the experiences of the participants. There were people from all walks of life, at different stages of success (the way we define success). I felt that it is worth it if the course meets even 50% of the stated objectives.
I saw someone, struggling to complete one exam for many years, speak so wonderfully about relationships. You almost feel that failures can make someone an emotional wreck and despite that people can come to volunteer for a full day, there must be some substance. The self confidence and a sort of glow that makes you feel that there is something good in everyone.
Let us hope it works. Will update you guys
I attended the Landmark Forum in June 1998, during my summer break from college. I was a person who never took notes in class, and was languishing at the bottom of the class. Went in for the program out of curiosity – many of my batchmates in college had visible transformation from the program, and I wanted to know what caused it. Safe to say that I got the shock of my life when one of my batchmates borrowed my notes in the next semester to study for an exam. And despite the low grades (<5 CGPA), I still managed to get my dream job.
Many times, we never know what will click. The trick is to participate as much as one can, do the assignments, and be open to some areas of life being transformed from the program.
Wish you all the best.
Hi Premi – Have you done your first session? Any comments. I have been signed up for the first 3 day session. My colleague kind of forced me into signing up. I said ‘No’ so many times..then once she said that she will pay for me, I fell into the trap and paid myself. My session begins 17 Apr 2015.
hi, can u plz tel me how it went, how u liked it???
Thanks for the review, I got what I was looking for.
I did multiple introductory sessions because a friend of mine was pressurizing me to such an extent that I better attend the session and be done with that. I did attend the introductory session with all the good intention, but somehow my schedule did not permit to attend the session. Subsequently my friend kept on pestering that I attend the session. And I did oblige my friend by attending one more session. This is where I had some unpleasant experience. I was sitting at the back of the room and my friend was sitting at the front. After a few minutes one gentleman came and sat besides me. The program continued and many participants started eulogizing how great that program was. They kept on harping one word called TRANSFORMATION. Not sure what that transformation meant by. My friend, he is in the same company, doing same job and at remaining in the same position despite finishing so many levels. Then came the break and as usual they asked us to sign up. I was sitting tight. This is when the gentleman sitting besides me started questioning me (did not even have the courtesy to even introduce himself) as to why I am not enrolling. I gave back my two cents and just walked away from him. Then I caught up with my friend and as I was speaking a few more people who had already finished the course started talking to me and told how it has TRANSFORMED their life. Then I started probing them as to where they are from, what they were doing before, now and will do later. As they started speaking I got to know that they were where they are even after attending the program. Then they started coaxing me to join the program. This is when I decided that something is not good with this program. I personally feel it is a multi-level marketing. And the participants are under deep pressure to bring in at least 3 more participants. If they don’t oblige they are shamed very badly. To escape from that shaming it is in all probability that the participants try to enroll more people.
Subsequently I spoke to many people who either attended the program or who just attended the introductory session. The feedback was pathetic. This is when I decided I should call it quits. Later on I communicated to my friend this program does not suit me. It ended there.
Landmark is not a cult or scam. They do provide a lot of value. And also a whole lot of bullshit too. They literally force you to call friends and family and basically everyone on your contact list to enroll. If you do not, they call you uncoachable and a whole other bunch of names. Which I think is really mean. Just because you don’t want to do their marketing for them you are doomed, according to them.
It’s basically cashing in on the fact that people today don’t have a lot of common sense. It’s basically 3 days of drilling common sense into you. Things like you can’t control what happens to you but rather control your reaction to it. Don’t sweat the small stuff. My grandmother used to yell these things at me all the time. How they work, is basically get one family member to attend and that family member emotionally blackmails the rest of the family. This is what happened to me. Honestly, I was literally forced to do it. Almost strained my marriage but thanks to other family members support, we were ok. So please be warned. Till today I know the person who dragged me into this is still under their influence, you can’t imagine what a strain that it.
The atmosphere in the landmark session is horrible. They start at 9, but tell you to be there by 8:15. What you do from 8:15 to 9, NOTHING. Just waste time. They say you can meet the other people attending. Trust me, you would rather not. It is 3 days of utter torture. You get breaks for meals, but are given assignments to do during that time. So remember one thing, you can forget eating for all the 3 days.
One tip for anyone planning to attend landmark. Get a different, temporary SIM card when enrolling. Because even if you are done with landmark, they are never done with you. Today, more than a year after attending the Forum, I still get calls from them. Once you think you have attained all you want, discard the SIM. End of story.
Hello friend, please please please don’t do this course. I had joined the forum, advance & then SELP. They forced me to bring in other members. I brought my wife Mrs Preeti, we had perfect married life for 17 years and she joined Forum in July 2013, advance course in Sep 2013 and SELP in the last week of Sep 2013. She was too simple and emotional too. Landmark SELP leader forced her to do extraordinary work in life. She decided to collect funds for orphanages, where she failed. Due to fear of failure she committed suicide on 23rd Oct 2013. My request to people, please don’t do this course. Otherwise your family may get destroyed like mine.
Sewak Nautiyal
Ajith: I cannot verify the authenticity of any comment or commenter. However, I am approving all comments (except very long ones, spam and unhealthy hate comments) that appear to be genuine.
Awesome way to fool people. Weak hearted people get into their trap. F off
Well Said. Can they be procecuted?
Thanx guys… this blog is really helpful! my coleague forced me to join this course, which i denied after one hour introduction till i get roper infi about the course. I asked her what exactly happens there …like hynotism or meditation etc. As ajit said i saw people having guilts a bad son, bad mother, bad person etc who were reciting their experiences.
I don’t have guilt about my life or my doings… only thing is m suffering from anxiety and panic attack …blood pressure related problems and really don’t want to take psychological drugs !hence i was wondering about join this course but, i think it’s not useful for ne! The way those voluvolunteers came to me with credit card swapping machines i felt i m into another network marketing cmscam…and i strictly told that person “sorry man my ‘satsatvivekbuddhi’ inner intelligence is still working and need to explore about this more then only i will enroll with my own time.”
My colleague got benepmfitted though. She used to think herself a gr8 person always talking ill about her v good family members… always cribing abt her life which was full of nice outings vacations …gr8 familylife. Having a big new farmhouse was hurting herworldtour plans.
Basically she was always somewhere else when she was in present and that made her unhappy. After forum she told me that she realised there she found a small soft hearted person within herself… she had guilt to her family members that passed n now she seem enjoying her new buikt farmfarmhouse other than just for partying!
Thanx guys for reading and the blog with nice comments!!
Thanks for the valuable reviews. One of my wife’s friend forced several times to attend introductory session. But somehow we avoided based on our earlier experience with MLM marketing.
I believe learning yoga and meditation from a good teacher and reading few good self help books,listening to good motivational speeches and music regularly are good enough to lead a happy life.
I did the landmark forum April last year. And ever since then, my commitment to yoga and Geetha has been solid.
It certainly provided me an access to do what I liked the most. So, its not LM Vs Yoga. My coach is a senior yoga practitioner.
You can excel in whatever you want to. LM is pretty value-neutral in that sense. My friend, an atheist, allowed/helped/supported his mom to lead an orthodox life after forum. He is still a rationalist. And they are so happy! 🙂
thnks alot for ur review.i had never heard of landmark forum but a friend told me how her husband n inlaws have done it and so she also did it. and it has apparently ‘transformed’ her since she had some issues with her husband since in a happier space nnow. so she has been pestering me to do it.since I had no clue abt this program and wht it offers, I searched online and came across ur review and thank u very much for the detailed description. its really not for me either..especially considering how expensive it is also and seems like just basic logic and common sense tht we refuse to apply in our daily lives is forced upon the participants and then ur made to feel ‘transformed’.
Its totally waste of money, only for the weak hearted people, those who have some guilt to be expressed in a safe place so that they can Feel great & got rid of burden, I left the course at the end of second day as I felt its a kind of systematic marketing strategy n making the participant to feel low then assuring him that you will be power full n free of fear after 3 rd day, but in the course most of the time they utter about enrolling other persons for the course, friends its all waste if you are perfect n no guilt to be admitted, forget about landmark Forum its the absolute waste of money n three days of stress from morning 9 to 11night. Sincere request invest your money on your HEALTH not in LF.
Well I also left the program after the second day. The forum leader was giving gyaan on how not to cheat or be at fault and have a clear conscience. Well this guy himself had a extra marital affair long after doing the fourm !! So i ask where is your learnings…is this not effective ??
And yes..the way they market this is – when they ask you to call someone to confess, then the introduction of the phone call should be ‘I am attending a program called Landmark Fourm’…and then you share your guilt or complain etc etc. Its totally a crap thing and they show and a BIG NO for any1 to attend.
hi friends
Today i got a call from my relative to attend LF DEMO FOR 3 HOURS 3 TO 6 PM.After the demo i have to register my self for cource by paying rs16000k [discount rs3500] and so on. Then i thought to do some home work before meeting.so after searching on net i got ur blog .After reading ur review and comments i was suprised to know about marketing technic and brain wash ideas.This blog is very helpfull for me. thanks a lot
VERY USEFULL COMMENT FROM UR BLOG BELOW COPY PASTE
“sorry man my ‘satsatvivekbuddhi’ inner intelligence is still working and need to explore about this more then only i will enroll with my own time.”
if you are perfect n no guilt to be admitted, forget about landmark Forum its the absolute waste of money n three days of stress from morning 9 to 11night. Sincere request invest your money on your HEALTH not in LF.
I believe learning yoga and meditation from a good teacher and reading few good self help books,listening to good motivational speeches and music regularly are good enough to lead a happy life.
Dear Ajit,
I attended their Tuesday evening session yesterday. I didn’t enroll as I had my apprehensions about the way whole thing was being conducted. Your review will surely help in taking informed decision. You left the course but you still haven’t said that this is entirely bad. I think whole review will surely help in deciding and taking the correct decision. Stay blessed and wish you success. Pradeep
Since its more than 15 yrs my husband Mahesh Shetty is doing this forum, as I read most of the comments is against ur landmark, I truly agree with them. My husband got sooo addicted to this forum that he ignored his business n family, the result is, today we r bankrupt plus family life doomed. Thanks to forum, my husband lies so much like a kid only to attend forum ignoring his wife n kids. Out of curiousity even I attended introductory thing, n trust me I really found it commercial n bullshit. Pls don’t do this at the cost of other people’s family life. Sometimes I do feel like publishing in newspaper so that I can save many families. Maybe in near future…..
Hi Hema
My husband is a strong man who got into this crap 2 years back. He was introduced by a husband wife team from our daughter’s school. These idiots kept calling him till he gave in. The fights we have had because of Landmark were more than we ever had in 10 years of our marriage. Only because I kept fighting with him he stopped. I got all his family members involved and we got him out. Those people are real idiots. They are rude and unprofessional all in the name of trying to improve you. DON’T BELIEVE THEM.
I have never seen such rude people as I have seen in Landmark all my life and I hope I have the good fortune never to.
I attended Dec 11th to 13th 2015 at Satya sai venue based on talks by a known contact who had done self leadership and leading a social project based on landmark’s motivation to do a stretch project.
Now I regret it was waste of energy and time. Exact same things told by ajit were executed. I ended up paying another 16,000 for advanced course.
The saving grace was I informed other friends and at end of #rd day experience of the push marketing by so called volunteers I dropped off the final day.
For advanced course when I got in touch today for refund, the response of Ramesh from Landmark is – well read reverse of receipt 3RD LINE. NO refunds only if you can bring some one you can transfer or use this within a year. It is in the system he cannot take my request.
The way it went, felt cheated and I can see right from the introduction session the scheme has been by putting 3 OR 4 people around you and tell you are not good at something, say that what you do not know you do not know. Use complex vocabulary and also use simplistic analogies and than extract by provocation some issue from participants and demean them.
Please read and understand if this works for you. I came across several professionals in IT and practising doctors attend. May be it worked for them, but I felt it cannot produce breakthrough with an organization that does not stand for excellence and customer feedback.
Thanks Ajith and all other commenters who helped me with the details ! I was seaching for LF site considering to enroll, however, got this one first!!! Now,i know what to do !! Thanks for saving my bucks!
This forum has been designed to confuse the educated people. Not a single solution came out even after attending for three days. Every time it is told to tell truth and everything will automatically be set right in your life. Really pathetic to have been part of this forum in anticipation to get better result as far as common issues are concerned.
Avoid this forum in every possible way.
Is this really worthy !!!!!!!!!!! Kindly suggest
Ajith, I wish you had attended the 3rd day, if only to balance your assessment of the program. Actually, its on the 3rd day, at about 6pm, when the ‘transformation’happens. It is true that the coach can be offensive, but that is to shake us out of our stupor and also to demonstrate how much outside of ourselves out control centres are.
Please remember that it is experiential learning, something quite different from the informative learning that we are used to.
Thanks ajith for writing this. It was a very helpful review. I attended their intro session yesterday and did not like the way the coach was trying to make people feel bad about their lives. At one point I found his drilling on someone too much to bear and even spoke out that he is not being reasonable. I literally felt like he was bullying us. Thank you for validating my thoughts by sharing your experience.
I attended the session in Chennai and walked out at the begining for 3rd day as I did not want to deal with the Landmark jerks anymore. It’s total scam. People save your money and don’t attend this crap…
There are a couple of friends who attended this and have been buggering me to attend. I read thru the whole website and read reviews of people who attended. It is obviously another American scam that is targeted at all the aspirational people who are constantly comparing themselves with others. It smacks so much of commercialism that one really wonders if any real and useful input would be imparted! This is certainly not for people who are content with their place in lives. Life is intended to be varied and not designed that everyone has to emulate the so-called successful people. And there are enough examples of such so-called successful people suffering all thru their lives and many of them committing suicide! Where as, in ancient civilizations like India, there are umpteen examples of contented ordinary denizens who lead a rich and full iife without trying to achieve any greatness and trying to emulate the so-called successful people. This is truly an American virus and needs to be shunned totally, especially in ancient civilizations such as India!
Hi
I have done Forum, Advanced course,SELP and now going for Introduction leader Program. I feel it is best place to be surrender your self to the process without any question and see magic happens in life..I have got different enjoyment and happiness and understood how to be unstoppable in life..I have gone out of inhibitations and enjoy life powerfully which I could never ever do in my life till date in last 43 years.. I do assisting also which is free and hinrary and I do not get any money for the same…sharing some power experience of my life..anyone can approach me on 0091-9923001140 for more details..Thought to share my experience of full time assisting in Landmark in Production
I was always surprised how come people have so much time in their for assisting in landmark more than a decade. And This was a question to me always unanswered as I cant accept it..till the time Chitra Challenged me to do assisting full time and play big game and if you do not enjoy then do not ever go to Landmark .
I took a challenge and it was awesome. I experienced physical and emotional ( I call it Turture) till the time I crossed my elasticity limit of mental and Physical pain. Full of pain in Heel, Kamar and I don’t know what more…two days passed and on third day iw as thinking of resignation and same time I got connected to my self..Anil Are you so weak that you can not honour your work of FULL ASSISTING. That was turning point for me. I went and believe me from then till 18 days today passed and energy level so high, my 24 hours has become like 120 hours,i.e. efficiency multiplied multifold. I cant imagine this.
Now again I took Challenge of assisting as CLS with Mahesh nambiar in last weekend. It was different from production,,something where I need to be present always for his likes, reminders, eating habbits and more ever listening to gain more and more…awesome caring experience…and full of Power and Love.
I can only say that Forum, Advanced course , SELP remains in existence till the time we keep on sharing sharing,,but after some times we get bored of Sharing ..and sharing becomesa full time job..so when I did assisting then if I don’t share then also I am in court with full of power and self expression.
Guys I can only say that If you want to experience joy of service and super Energy then do full time assisting once in Production or CLS, believe me if you do not enjoy then never ever turn to landmark in future..I promise you it is so precious that we cant know unless we take it and do it..NOW I AM LIVING WITH LANDMARK DISTINCTION AFTER ASSISTING..NO GYAN ONLY IN COURT..cheers
Hi Ajith,
I appreciate your details comments on Landmark. It’s your point of view. Your comments shows that you participated judging and evaluating instead of looking at your life out of the distinctions created by LF leader or people sharing. There is nothing wrong wherever you are. But that is what you doing throughout your life and you are blind to that and it’s impact.
Look at what you filled in the LF information form that you want to accomplish in your life participating in LF. If you didn’t have any as such, then that’s a lie. If you have, then you should’ve participated 3.5 days fully. That’s your agreement. You need to pull the course to yourself. If still you didn’t get a value you shouldve catch of the LF leader collar for wasting your time and money.
They don’t advertise. Buy still they are around the world and a 10.5 billion world largest traing and development company. Do you think anybody can survive for 40 years and produced extraordinary results.
Forum is for everyone who wanted to take themselves to next level. It’s not for people with problems.
What happened for you in 2 days of LF is “something happened in your life” and your comments are your story and you believe that is real. What’s how you live your life. Just apply this LF distinction in your life and tell me your breakthrough.
Good luck
Pls see his linked in profile, just by attending two days he got breakthroughs, which he may not attribute to LF. He quit his SAP job in 2014 (2years after the LF) and has been a successful business person since then…
Thanks Ajith for writing this. I am extremely happy to see such a detailed and an unbiased review (in my opinion) on Landmark forum.
I attended complete day program sometime ago mainly because of one of my close friend. As per his suggestion, I spend few hours preparing few things which could help me in living an extra ordinary life (as per my friend’s advice) after completing the course. I would say I was committed and had taken most of the assignments sincerely thinking it would help to bring some positive results in my life. But my experience was completely disappointing.
Though I don’t deny that few (most of them ladies who as usual had some problem with their in-laws) out of the big group felt it was useful, majority of the people who attended the forum found it utterly nonsense and stressful. Out of those 3 days, half of the time, the forum leader will be trying to promote the Landmark forum and trying to enroll the participant for the advanced level course (Cost around 30 K). Whenever some one ask some meaningful question, the leader will say you will get the distinctions on the last day at 4.00 pm. Every one was eagerly waiting for some miracle to happen on 4.00 pm. At 4.00 pm, he came like a joker and said nothing is going to happen for those who waiting till now, you are fools etc etc… Most of the people got angry and started asking questions, and he started shouting and talking some rubbish.
Day evening was the day to bring your friends and families to forum. People brought their friends and families and their volunteers were running them with credit card readers to catch them on their net. They selected few ladies and allowed only them to share their feedback on the stage to catch more people whom the participants brought.
I also faced the same kind of treatment from the forum leader for not bringing my friends and family for the last day. Last day was full of marketing, advertising and literally forcing the friend’s and families whom the participants brought there. The attitude of the Landmark forum leader towards the people who did not bring any one was pathetic. He called us non coachable, egoists, people does like to see others good .. what not.
I would request any one who is planning to attended the landmark forum, not to waste your time and money for this. There are plenty of useful motivational materials available in internet and Youtube which would work better than landmark.
I was referred to it by one of close friend and i was forcefully made to attend the introduction class, i found it really disgusting as they are drilling too much into personal life. My friend indeed payed the amount from his own account saying to me as gift to me. I was doing research regarding that and found your blog and it helped me lot for saving my 3 stressful days and i cancelled it saying some personal issues, but i got calls repeatedly from LF but somehow ignored those people.
It reminds me of a story from a sleepy village where there is an ancient Hanuman Temple. One fine morning the priest while doing the daily Puja goes on to clean Lord Hanuman’s idol after the Abhishek. He is bitten by a scorpion that has found a safe place to hide inside Hanuan’s Naval. The priest almost shouts as the sting of the scorpion hurts. The people inside the temple come rushing to see what happened, they notice that the priest is holding his finger and shouting. The people ask as to what happened? The priest feels so embraced that he says he felt very cold after he inserted his finger in Hanuman’s Navel. All the people in the temple believe that this is a miracle and everyone starts to insert their fingers in the Navel of Hanuman. Everyone is bitten by the scorpion, and all the people say the same story that it feels cold when the finger is inserted in the Navel. And so on……
I feel this is what exactly happens when people attend the LF and come out saying that their life has changed and they are new people altogether.
I attended the free program last night and this was the story I heard from every one sitting besides me who had done the LF course. But none of them said what exactly has changed in them, none could correlate and give appropriate answers.
I paid 16500 yesterday to this course. Now, i am regretting as to why did i do this.. damn !! Should have looked at your blog first.. As usual, i was pressurized by my friend to join and looks like i have no choice now but to go through this crap in Dec..
same here . i should have gone though this blog before ,. didnt come across this when i first researched . now i dread going there tomorrow , my wife is grilling me why did I waste this big amount 🙂
I attended the 4th day of the session as a guest of a family member. You are tricked into attending this session because you are close to that person and they used points that would make me feel guilty for not attending. In this session the guest is pressured to sign up for the 4 day course. The whole thing looked like a marketing gimmick with their volunteers strategically placed to push you to sign up. Add the fact that you are invited by someone close to you and a lot of people give emotional testimonies on and off the stage, I thought that this maybe a useful training and signed up.
2 days later one of their volunteers telephoned me to provide some information. I stated that I wish to withdraw and want a refund but was politely told this is not possible. I haven’t used their services or product so is it legal for them to deny me a refund. This makes me believe LM are primarily a money making agency. One should attend to prove to all that he/she is indeed a fool.
Thanks Ajith for this article.
Even after 2 years it is relevant.
My friend who took me did not mention about the abuse but the behaviour was apparent in the introductory session itself where those people who did not register where shamed and forced to do so. And any suggestion given were stated wrong but repeated in different words as the correct approach. The marketing tool they apply Now (do not know if it was there before) is they hold the registration period inbetween so that people dont walk away afterwards.
What ever they redefine the term racket I found that in perfect dictionary sense these foolish people are running a racket. It uses all tantrums to destroy your brain. Even if got trapped into a meeting never respond to his provocations if you got provocated just leave that is best reply for this.I understood how people can lick boots for their easy self development.
The LF was recommended by a friend and i attended the whole of 1st day and 90 minutes of the next day (2nd day) (21st and 22nd Nov 2015) and then decided it was not for me. What you have expressed rings a bell with so many of us out here that ALL of it follows an exact pattern. GLOBALLY. Crampy chairs, uncomfortable hours, domination of staff, shouting, not listening, not allowing participants to speak up, rebuking, telling everyone that their life stinks and the works. Getting a refund was not important, i can focus my energies elsewhere and still make better money with that time. What i felt was a sea of negative energy in there, it was draining my free spirit. Its meant for people with low IQ, low self esteem, having abysmally low support system in life, loners, losers…….
A hall packed with more than 160 people, people with different level of understanding, having different issues, diverse backgrounds, different age groups and a different goal – all subjected to one method – destructive emotional blackmailing.
When i leave, i am forced not to leave, by 3 different people. One of them stands 3 inches from me and asks for reason. I put my hand on his shoulder and gently push him away saying that he is invading my personal space. He backs up and leaves There goes his commitment and integrity along with him. In their own words they are all a bunch of in-authentic losers. They are “dead” and will remain so till the time they recognise that there is beautiful life outside LF.
The volunteer tells about a great life she has and is still doing this voluntary work for nothing. When i ask her to invent a possibility of doing something more meaningful or better – she just walks away.
Hello, whom are you trying to fool, I’d say yourself.
LF is not for people seeking higher knowledge (in any domain) – the leaders do not have it and cannot deliver. So, if you are doing good, you are better than 90% of the people on this planet. If you are doing great, thats even better. At this point, if you feel like doing LF, you are plain greedy as god has given us a lot already. Enjoy, your life is beautiful, don’t let people manipulate it.
Hi,
I have done the Forum program many years back .
On money part : Yes , the cost for renting a big auditorium (Typically costs couple of lakhs a day), support the weekly follow ups, monthly intro session, travel and accomodation cost of leader, administration cost etc needs a lot of money
On value : yes many gets benefitted , mainly the ones who wanted to start something / decide on something and were kind of stuck due to laziness or lack of confidence or the ones having lot of confusion/conflict in life
Yes, follow up for other courses will be there . But was ok for me to politely reject it .
Regards
I attended landmark and opinion it didn’t work for me and I found it a sheer waste of time. All they do is push you, insult you and do watever it takes to bring more enrolments from the very first day. They go pushing you to enroll for the next program and say you will benefit in the next program but wat happened to the money I paid for this program. You want to go thru the misery for yourself Enroll…they are great sweet talkers.
I have met a number of people who participated in LF and strongly recommended it – one of them “got in touch” with childhood abuse, quit his job, and (as he told me) “cried every day for a year”. He says LF made that “transformation possible”, as though being out of work and weeping uncontrollably every day for a year was an improvement over his past life, when he was a successful (but lonely) accountant.
Another person I met has a consulting business focusing on helping people realize their dreams. Her business is constantly struggling, but rather than doing something about it, she keeps redefining what success means to her, and much of her life is suffering due to neglect.
A third person I have known for nearly 10 years was involved in LF for about a decade, and they consider themself to have been specially trained by this program of ideology. They are a very nice person, but they are probably the most narcissistic and delusional person I have ever met, and they constantly repeat things that are clearly not true – as though repeating them will make them so. It’s very sad to see. So brainwashed, with all that jargon and self-satisfied insider-type of superiority… when their life is falling down around them, and they are failing terribly at a profession they have been active in for many, many years.
My observation of LF graduates is that the program gives them the tools to be even more of what they are — if you are a weak and irresponsible person who seeks to justify your poor choices and transgressions, LF will give you the tools to justify your character weaknesses. If you are a strong-minded person who believes in living in the real world, LF will sharpen your acuity for seeing past the sham. The problem is, they prey upon the weak and vulnerable, promising “powerful” ways to come to terms with life, when all they are doing is indoctrinating you with specialized jargon and a way to do mental acrobatics to get yourself off the hook for the lousy things you do to yourself and others.
Then again, for some it provides a valuable source of social interaction and a framework for thinking about life, so it can do some good. But buyer beware!
Can someone give me Facebook link of this LF as I want to post my reviews .
I agree with Ajit, well said. it’s a carp course.
i attended this course in March 2016 based on my close friend recommendation, and it was one of the worst moments in my life. Guy talking some shit as though he can change anyone lives.. its all f**king shit. I quit on second day as the whole concept was unbearable to listen.
Never get into this. its a waste of money and a shit course. what i found was, these guys who do the teaching show themselves call as “coach” are very well trained in understanding weak minds in the group. They bring up this crying people to make as though they are solving everyones life problem.. its all gimmick.. never get into this.
Guys, Make Life Simple. Work Hard. Earn More. Value others feelings. Try to keep family happy. Let go off things, not in your control. Feed Animals Daily or weekly. Don’t disturb & harm, people or animal. These are the best stress relive exercises, free of cost !! rest leave on God & Luck.Regards
That’s the best and to-the-point advice one can get in his/her life, Mitesh! Thanx for your wonderful comment…
Hi mitesh
You have said it all! Its like all gyan packed in one sentence. The essence of leading a happy n successful life…
To all respected people here, what Landmark teaches is what action you are taking if you want something. So if you are so disappointed by this education then I recommend you take actions in accordance to your word. Your relationship with your word should be strongest. Else, come to the forum, do assignment and empower your relationship with your word.
I did Landmark last year and ever since assosicated with this work. If people are not coachable, Landmark forum cannot be delivered. The success rate of Landmark is way higher than any other education or spiritual teaching in this world. It looks like this class of handful number of people belongs to the category who are not brave enough to confront what they did in life. Landmark moreover never let you get trap in the guilt which past imposes. It actually sets you free. It treats everybody equal and consider everyone Big People with Big Life. So if you are fighting for your smallness and looking good, then I am sorry, the forum is not for you.
You cannot just generalize when more than 94% of the people has found effectiveness in dealing their life powerfully.
Once again I recommend you to take actions in accordance with what you want. Instropect if you are doing so. Else you are always welcome in the forum, as we never relate people with what past teaches them.
Also for any sexual harrasment of any kind, I recommend to bring the issue at Landmark office. I am very much sure that they will certainly take actions.
People reading this blog, I request not to get carried away with such negative comments. And Mr. Ajit if you are so authentic, then I am sure you will also keep my post alive.
The LM coach, volunteers and speakers should repeat what you have written to whoever they are trying to enrol before and after they enrol. I dare them!
Hi
I was reading various comments on the blog. I have done Forum. It was my curiosity. Even I got pestered with the marketing strategies, the way each distinction is linked to getting more clients for Landmark Forum. I was stopped from being a coach as I was not convinced for arranging the sessions at my home and office. You may be absolutely unhappy with the persuasive ways and thats what even I am. But remember that is not the content of Landmark Forum. Landmark Forum and the courses involve deep learning about yourself, about various ways which are inhibiting you from becoming what you truly can become. Its is about possibility of a life which can give you immense satisfaction and freedom. SO if somebody is really trapped into going to forum, here is how you can benifit from the same:
Go with very open mind. Do not get bothered with the way they talk, the words they use, the time they give for lunches and dineers, the marketing they do…just concentrate on “what ” they are saying. They are saying that life will be what YOU want to design out of it. No matter what the circumstances are – you are the creator and everything is possible. You can come out of each of the myth about you and about every person around you. All traumatic experiences that haunt you exist because you let them haunt you. If you can come out of all such crap in your mind, there will be so much of space – time and energy available for constructive work – creating powerful life…life one TRUELY wants.
I know I am sounding bit dramatic but thats what forum is all about…..Check the content and believe in yourself……
Hi Vrushali Patankar and Sunayana
Unfortunately you wanted a forum like this to know the known truths of life. I feel so surprised that people can’t digest somebody even staring at them but here is a way where participants pay money to be condemned and ridiculed for no fault. Do we have to pay for getting scolded for not observing the known and learnt truths of life. We hardly are comfortable at our own Parents hard words then how can we withstand others trash us.
Read the holy epics, moral stories and biographies to grow up better. If this is such a wonderful cause then why only to people who can pay? Forum teaches morals but does it follow the same?
I am yet to hear from somebody who has shined as a star, won million hearts, been iconic and historic to say that he got there because of Landmark.
Ms sunayana try to understand what people are telling, the point is there is no completely objection of subject of landmark only money wise, not worth to pay 15k + and practice honesty authenticity and integrity, every thing is already exists in our culture and Upanishads…. Now appx 50k + is the charges to complete the full course of landmark approximately around 3&1/2 days with 10 seminars stretched for 3 months
Same time requires for advance course and self expression course… Instead of spending approx… 1 year 50k+++ to learn to be honest to be authentic and integrity NOT WORTH..,.. MAM…. ALL OF US CAN GET THE SAME PRODUCT FOR CHEAPER PRICE, BE WITH TIME MONEY AND ENERGY. These lf courses are the theme of BHAGAVAT GITA, Notting else with a different package or with different style of presentation ,,, so … So called integrity honesty morlity can be given to all kind of different sects without taking 50k+ money. DEFINITELY NOT ONLY OFFERDABL BY ALL but all classes OF PEOPLE …..
Dear Harekrishna,
Do you think people who can free stuff really value? So many religious Guru’s and Spiritual organizations are offering free stuff.
Free stuffs are needed by those people whom you feel weak, small, helpless.
Something that a person earn, it is a natural tendency to value.
What Landmark deliver to the people, the cost of the education is not even peanuts.
When poor people in society can afford to buy alchohol, create misery, and many people take tension & pay heavy medical bills…then I feel people can still afford to pay the cost.
Something must be kept at stake to gain something. No risk no gain. That’s the law.
If you have other views, I respect it. Also if you feel that this education is worth and people would really get it if they get it free, may be you can start something to help people doing this education.
I think it is important to wake up and really see how world is moving, how we are too much living in our own shell. We are too ignorant that we are not even present to our own losses, how insecure we are. Unless something happens to our own self or to our near & dear ones, we would happily sleep in this world.
I feel people should be always open for knowledge. It always gives you many new opening.
One more thing, if education should have been free. Why don’t you ask Private Institution to give free education to all? Why in ancient times there was a concept of Guru Dakshina?
Money is an important aspect to run one’s life, organization. In Landmark, all the profit is invested in training & development to making it available to more people. Employees do not enjoy previledge of expensive perks and those people are capable enough to earn a lot of money outside. Many people gave up their lucrative business because what they get and give in Landmark is priceless.
I hope you could consider my views and think about it.
Hi,
Thanks for your views. All what you said is certainly required in order to build the moral sense in the society. But do you really think people reading moral stories are actually living life of those moral characters. Are we all became Ram of this era? Ask yourself honestly if you yourself are a role model. If yes, I really acknowledge you. But then how having your being can be useful for someone, for eliminating the sorrows and worries from the society. And if you are also contributing your level best, I am really acknowleding you once again. It is not at all essential to do Landmark forum, if you are living a life powerfully. But what I feel is we all live a life where there’s is certainly a scope to take it to another level.
We all human beings are struggling with certain aspects of our life. Landmark gave an access about how you can turn your intensions into reaility.
Also Landmark never disclose name of people who contributed to the world. To me if my mom standing for many people and calling her students to live a life powerfully & contributing, I would consider her as a hero. Why to measure someone’s effectiveness only if that person is in news or did something really big at mass level? Even if we could transform’s one’s life & facilitate them to live a life powerfully, that’s indeed a iconic contribution.
Regards,
Sunayana
– pardon the grammar/punctuation below. –
great post, still relevant. had almost decided to go out of curiosity, but not going after reading the comments here.
there are similarities in the pedagogy of the landmark forum with that of extremists, fanatics, cults or indeed religion. these are proven to work over centuries with millions. like…
– cannot question the leader or methods. ‘he’ always right. have ‘faith’…aka blind belief.
– shame, bully, humiliate and punish the people who question the leader or the methods (one humiliation will silience a hundred). religion goes further and threatens eternal hell if you dont follow the ‘charter’
– enrolling more people is a pre-requisite. there is no financial gain associated in enrolling people, only satisfaction that you are helping them see the light. having a moral belief that you are helping people is stronger than any financial gain
– persistent follow-ups from the converts
above is just an opinion, i have chosen to stay away.
I agree with nearly everything written in this blog. Had it not been for their hardcore direct/indirect marketing tactics, I would say the course is helpful for some people. But I would never recommend it to anybody no matter how troubled his/ her life is.
The instructor/ forum leader/ coach said he has shaped up his life in such a way that he doesnt care what anybody thinks about him. However, throughout the 3 days he kept on repeating “when I was in USA”, “when I taught to people in Spain”, etc. If I had Rs.1 for every time he mentioned leading in USA then I could have paid for my course with that money.
The thing I hated the most was that we spent atleast 5-6 hours getting trained on how to recruit people. So basically in short you are paying them and recruiting for them. So many people came forward and requested to be coached on how shall I recruit my friend, colleague, family member, etc. The forum leader does exercises and mock conversations with you to tell you how you should recruit people for them. They call it creating difference or bringing transformation in peoples life. I felt like I am the only one in the room with a thought that first lets get ourselves transformed and then we will worry about others. But a look around the room showed me that I am not the only one, but definitely in extreme minority.
We had a guy who flew from middle east just for this course. We had to clap for his efforts, obviously. He cant speak Hindi. Maybe they promised him that the course will be taught in English. However the course was a solid mix of hindi and english. That poor guy. I tried to catch him in the break and asked how is it going? He showed me a thumbs up sign. I guess even he had no words to say.
The fourm leader cracked so many husband-wife jokes that it got annoying after Day 1. As me and around 40% participants were unmarried this is something he should have avoided all together. Its like cracking investment banker jokes in doctors conference.
The first guy I met during the break seemed a nice young intelligent person. He came here only because his boss wouldn’t listed to his ideas. His sister forced him to come here. She said your boss will start listening to you. His case was reviewed and he was clearly told that if you want a solution then go to a counsellor or read a communications book. I am not here to give you solution, I am here to show you a path. And the path that he was shown was the same that a housewife with inlaws issues got shown. By the end of Day 3, he was convinced that he not only cant reach his boss but has problems with his dad, mom, sister and some ex-gf. Was he transformed or brainwashed? I dont think I will ever find out.
I genuinely felt happy for one girl. She indeed seemed transformed. She had genuine spark while sharing her story with everyone. Thats the only girl who I genuinely felt got something out of the course. Otherwise we had about 80% people extremely happy and clapping through the whole second and third day trying to show their life is transformed.
I can address any specific questions if anybody has.
Attended one session because my friend insisted, persistently. She even had her husband and her in laws join it. What could gather from that 2 hr session was insightful to say the least. They attempt to break down the psyche of a person then build it up in their way. Money is what they are after. Did anyone think where all the money collected by having more followers goes? They don’t print books, they don’t have uniforms, advertise, and most of the times I heard the meetings are held in charitable places where even the rent is minimal. So who makes this money? Any ways, I digress. My relationship with my friend has not been the same ever since. I avoid her and she appears to be busy with some or the other meeting always. Good riddance to bad rubbish I say.
Hi.I totally agree with the whole thing and you’re final verdict.I am a college student(2nd year) who attended as a guest after the main LF program was over as a friend of mine was a participant.They used the same marketing strategy as you said(convincing people other than the participants) and also brainwashing guests who weren’t interested(includes myself).Committee members(not sure but somehow related to LF) there tried to brainwashing me saying that I was meant to be successful,I would develop an awesome career by attending LF, and much more.And the worst part,a member and me exchanged our numbers as I was hoping that he won’t trouble me by calling me and start the regular brainwashing thing.I had to block his personal number and other landline numbers from which he called.It was told that these members were actually volunteers who had enrolled in this program and have different careers such as CA,doctor, etc. But I highly doubt if they actually volunteer or work under landmark.
Landmark is not for the weak hearted. It is a very rigorous training to deal with various situations in life and be successful at what you are doing and enjoy the game of life. It is more about understanding the design of life. It was one of the most life changing training programmes I have ever attended. I was participating in the on going seminars for a few years. I have seen major transformations in participants life. You will be able to deal with various emotional issues with ease. People who carry a big ego ( having low self esteem underneath) are the people who really have trouble being coachable. It is not for everyone but for those who are really committed for a major breakthrough in their life.
Hi All,
I wanted to know if this Forum helps for professional improvement in Career and act as a channel for more Contacts and to get ideas on how to start own company.
This is one size fits all program. It won’t address any specific problems. If you are afraid to take some step or regret something then this might help you to take a decision. Our mind works in several ways. Our thinking can be completely opposite to reality. In few situations I have found this to be true.
You and only you know whats holding you back. If you are shy, afraid, think too much, very safe, then this course should help you.
I was always afraid to ask for help and make out of ordinary requests. But I have started asking for help and favours and am amazed how easy everything is.
Like I mentioned in my review above, had it not been for their hardcore marketing this course would be stellar.
I had seer doubts about the functional aspect of this forum. I am 45 Year Ex-serviceman. I have worked for various intelligence organisation. By education I am an MBA with software engineering. I have seen many color of life. Comments and experience shared by people above are truly appreciated.
I don’t understand, how a person life can be transformed in 3 days. A person’s behavior depends on lot of external factor like family, school/college, workplace, neighbor etc. And all of them have some influence in one’s behavior. If at all LF changes my thought process, how will they save me from getting influence from above factor in future.
In my view, if anyone can transform me or change my life is only me.. Only I can change my life, no external force can work for me.
They are constantly following me to join, I am determined to give them big NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO…
Dear Nityanand, I completely AGREE with your statement. If their Programs are so powerful , why cant they introduce in SCHOOLS with government approvals and make every child in the world SUCCESSFUL and POWERFUL.
REPEATING YOUR WORDS :
“if anyone can transform me or change my life is only me.. Only I can change my life, no external force can work for me”
Sad you missed the 3rd , at the end 3rd in evening you will get experience the emptiness of life in a real way , you are part of whole the grand design of universe thats a worth living experience.
It’s true all you said with regard to marketing , shouting and all and still 3rd day experience is unique , if you are open to life you will really enjoy that experience , tear of bliss will flow out of your eyes.
Thanks Mr. Ajith for the detailed blog on this topic. Recently I started getting calls from my cousin about this forum. I couldn’t attend the introductory session due some other commitment and today I could see this blog. Otherwise I could have been the victim.
Hi
Ajith has not painted the full picture of the landmark forum, given that he only attended two days.
I did the program in 1998, while still at college. I can say that the program still has an impact on my life, the way I look at things, and how I deal with situations. Did my first startup a year after college, and the company is still around. In fact, we used to recommend the Landmark Forum to all our employees, and used some of the principles in our weekly all-hands meet. I last actively participated in 2006, but am still a big fan of the technology, which is now second nature to me.
This link gives a different perspective on the program.
http://goo.gl/gvEHa9
The program is a bit different, and doesn’t always agree with our existing thinking, or way of being. But it is also very powerful – I have seen many people turn around their businesses, and other over achieve targets at the workplace.
I went into the program with an open mind – there was nothing wrong with me. I would recommend that others do the same. It is a good opportunity for everyone.
Is any one interested in joining lf course. I want to transfer my course for cheaper price.
hi, Interesting Article and some surprising comments. Yes I do agree with most of them NOW, as just attended a guest seminar. I did LF way back in ’92, when they were not very aggressive, yes there was something about getting invites, but then they were not as aggressive as what i experienced yesterday. Anyone who have done the Forum during that period of time , would get a shock of his life he just had a review now.
Yes they are commercialized, The quality of Forum has definitely deteriorated.
And God save those endless people , who are enrolled and cannot understand English and come in with a hope of experiencing a miracle , which his friend has promised !!!
Attended landmark forum along with my wife at Delhi in September 2016 as we were enrolled for it by our son. We feel it was complete wastage of time, money and energy. Left the course midway on its third day as we realized that we were not getting any benefit and the forum leader was more interested in marketing his other courses and cleverly forcing the participants to motivate other persons to attend landmark forum. Forum leader apologized and offered to return forum fees to our son. If your life is going on smoothly then avoid it. We fully agree with the review written in minute true details by Ajithprasad.
Do they refund if we have already paid but do not want to attend the session.
If you do not attend the course, they will refund all your money, less the registration amount. It used to be 500/- when I did the course about 20 years ago. Not sure about the amount now.
If you can, attend the first session, where they give an opportunity to leave, with a full refund. In case you want your registration money as well, this is a good option. Although, you may want to check the cost benefit analysis – cost of travel vs registration amount.
If there is nothing compelling that stops you from attending the program, then my opinion is to go for it. Sit through the 3 days and 1 evening, do the assignments, and then see how your life gets transformed. In case you feel that you have not gotten any value, then they will still give you a full refund.
All the best.
That’s not true. They specifically say in their application paperwork that there is no chance of refund of any fee or cost whatsoever. And I can prove it because I have in my hand right now one of those piece of papers since a friend of mine dragged me yesterday night to have a look to a free-introduction talk (AKA: a salesperson trying to sell their stuff).
they charge around 16k now
I enrolled and decided to back out because I could not afford to pay for the rest of the class at the time. They would not refund me anything. They refused saying I gave up my rights to my money once I enrolled. A $50 million dollar a year company couldn’t return $250….okay, sure.
Wht about the costing of this session
Wow.
I joined Landmark Forum by searching online and made payment online as I had heard about it, nobody invited me. It did me good in other walks of life than what I had enrolled for. Thankfully, even before reading this blog, I refrained from joining any other courses. I like the thought process that goes on in Landmark but definitely do not agree with the forcible marketing (brainwashing) and high fees. As many commentators opined that Gita gives much better advice, I agree with that opinion. I also agree that Indian mentality will not take anything freely. So my advice to people who want to do the course voluntarily is – go ahead. do it. Be aware that it will take the form of a cult once you succumb to their pressure tactics. There is a french video (with English subtitles – http://www.landmarkforum.in/ScriptingForum.html ) which will help you in deciding.
I have three queries from watching the videos. Replies are welcome to these below queries:
1. In India, only a qualified doctor (registered medical practitioner) is permitted to give clinical psychological counseling. Are Forum Leaders qualified in Psychology?
2. In India, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 prescribes payment of salary to even part time workers. Are volunteers paid for their work in doing jobs like tele-caller, account executive etc?
3. In India, constitution guarantees certain freedoms to act (example right to freedom of religion). Will forcing participants to pay more money or enroll gullible people be violation of fundamental rights?
1.In India, only a qualified doctor (registered medical practitioner) is permitted to give clinical psychological counseling. Are Forum Leaders qualified in Psychology? THIS IS NOT ANY PSYCHOLOGICAL TRAINING…SO WHY THIS IS REQUIRED..IT IS SIMPLE TRANSFORMATION OF THE VEIW YOU LOOK AT LIFE ..
2. In India, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948 prescribes payment of salary to even part time workers. Are volunteers paid for their work in doing jobs like tele-caller, account executive etc? THEY ARE NOT VOLUNTEERS..THEY ARE ASSITING THE EVENTS AND PEOPLE WHO DO FORUM…I PROMISE ONCE YOU DO THE COURSE YOU WILL START ASSISTING WILLINGLY..BECAUSE YOU LIFE WILL BE YOURS ..YOU WILL HAVE POWER TO CREATE..
3. In India, constitution guarantees certain freedoms to act (example right to freedom of religion). Will forcing participants to pay more money or enroll gullible people be violation of fundamental rights?Lno comment as i know LM never forces
Dear Anil,
Thanks for shouting out (all CAPS) in reply. LM does not force?? thats absurd. I have seen in LM, MBBS doctors being asked to enrol their patients. I can give you the names of the doctors who were asked to bring in their patients to do the course.
I saw several senior citizens sitting (one of them was on respirator and had to be re-hospitalized during the forum).
I saw about 50 people sitting together who did not understand English (only Kannada and Tamil speaking). They were forced to attend the forum and when they demanded to be coached in Kannada or Tamil, the same was denied & such participants were told that they would be benefited by just sitting through the course inspite of the language handicap. Is it not using force to make these people enrol?
Hi
I really appreciate your detailed feedback thanks you saved me from the horror
My friend had gone through this forum and she was convincing me to do this forum.but personally I feel that I’m not at all going through such big issue of life.so should I do?
Hello, In my view every one should do Landmark forum..It is not only for relationship improvement but altogether it sets you free so that you cana chieve anything in life..Overall it is transformation of view the way you look at life and now your view towards situation and future is not based on PAST..
This is the worst organisation, people. Don’t even talk to them.
Great Blog !…..I had a great time sharing this link with all my ‘Jerk’ friends who were trying to sell this fraud scheme. I shared the juicy and spicy parts of this blog on the WA group…and what entertainment we had ! ! !
Thank you
I was suspicious of LM and wanted to get a refund. However after attending the Forum I realized that it provides a lot of insights into ourselves and people around us. The hard selling part can be irritating but at the same time your reaching out to people changes your own view on why you are doing the Forum. This article is well written even if it didn’t work for the author. Don’t use parts of it out of context.
Thank you for your clear and concise blog on this topic. I only attended an evening information session but what I learned there was enough to put me off for life. I found the whole experience very creepy and immoral.
In the course of one evening they spent about 90 minutes trying to prevent me from leaving without signing up for the forum. When I finally managed to leave I was so relieved, I can’t even put it into words properly.
Landmark’s message is mostly benign but their methods are dangerous and manipulative. Any form of group therapy should only be run by qualified therapists. These people are not qualified to perform the type of intense confrontational therapy that they’re doing. They should not be trusted.
For those who’ve attended and benefited, great! I’m glad you found it a positive experience. But please be conscious of the fact you were fortunate not to suffer any psychological damage from the methods they use.
From day1 i was sure this is a kind of mktng only and you r trapped now..the forum leader were keep on saying that was forced 7 times by his frnd that’s why he is here…it seems it is his strong suit that he saw an opportunity there to make a career too. If they are so much about the life of people than why not lower the fees of all the course, the registration will automatically get double????
got your point….see the source what is attracting you to do course
Whereas in my opinion this course is not meant for in Indian context and social structure here…we have all support from social structure to handle every situation..
I attended Tuesday evening Introduction session following my wife’s request. I came late, sat thru the session and at the send leader announced some discount for people registering on the spot.
One lady approached me, introduced herself, asked few questions about me and at the end asked about feedback of session just attended. Here is my feedback
“My wife seems to have breakthroughs, she seems to have discovered more about herself and is little emotional. She was relating to stories being shared by participants and her eyes were moist. But I seems to be missing the context and not able to relate to it. At the same time I find it shallow and out of depth.”
She gave me a smile, thanked me for feedback and left me and my wife alone.
Any way, I agree to the point that they do market a lot but without invading your personal space
I also attended one of the introductory talks. I felt it was a marketing ploy. It was followed by telephone calls asking me to join. It was declined. Agreed that all the sure fixes are for the weak and gullible. Thanks for your write up. It was very informative.
Hi..,
Even I attend the introductory class and made up my mind not to enroll in it.. Having attend other personality development classes which includes the work of Chinmaya Mission., Inner engineering from Sadhguru., And from Ask frim Zane cruxton I felt it to this one to be completely baseless and completely worthless… But they force to so much to enroll to it that you feel like running away from that place and it does not stop there they call me a 10 times a day and convince me to join.. I have even raised the issue by blocking the number and sending in a mail to them … Plz do not join pathetic ppl
Even if it’s a marketing ploy by landmark to earn loads of cash. Even if they are a cult. Even if whatever is being thrown at them is true. The end of it is a better life for yourself. I have done the forum with more than cynical eyes, but it helped me immensely. Because the crux of the program is to give you a way to look at life where you feel significant about yourself. This realisation is profound. Some have it in them already. Many or most don’t know it. Landmark ‘with their marketing ploys’ helps you discover that significance. And trust me it sets you up for life. I will not contribute more into their ‘ploys’ but I will be thankful for what I got for the contribution I did for myself.
I attended two days and today will be third day. In my opinion it’s a life changing program. It’s true that coach is harsh many times but I could see how this strategy works.
I an analytical person. There is nothing wrong in what they are doing. It may not work for all, specifically if you join with full suspicion. Yes they urge you to invite friends but this is how they can grow. I will only invite if I got any benefit.
In my opinion, attend once. It’s small amount which may change (or may not change ) your life.
hi,
if some courses or some body can change your life,please rethink that you improved because of course or whatever,its you made the changes yourself,that means you have capable to change however you want your life to be live.then why you want to do the course.if at all u want to do the course whom ever refered you they can also change your life by saving your fee atlesat, because they did course.is there any rule that only LM masters should change your life.please rethink your abilities, and deicide what ever you want, and you can achieve any thing in the world,only if your heartly made decisions. NOT FROM COACHING.
Thank you very much for your feedback. One of my friends is after me for the last 10 days. I told him I don’t want to join but insisting me to join. Thank you very much once again Ajith.
there are positive replies too. its a good programme which ensure that we live our life fully without being cynical. i did the forum in 2014 n its the 3rd time i am attending its seminars to refresh the things. one must attend the forum n its seminars once.
Both positive and negative comments on this post is allowed here to make sure that all views (except those vulgar remarks which I delete) are covered. It may just help the readers to take a call on the program.
Hats off Ajith Prasad
Your blog inspired me to start blogging on forum topics. I loved your comments ” if you are one of those who are living under some stress and badly want to vomit out one of your wrong doings or regret from the past thereby relieving a bit, then LF is for you”
Thanks Ajith for the blog. One of my friend was requesting me to join. However after reading the various comments, i felt I better avoid getting trapped in the pyramid marketing.
I wouldn’t mind attending this but I refuse to recruit my warm market. Is this process for me or them. Will they allow you to not do that part? My company wants to send me there so it is not wholly on my on volition to attend.
Very insightful article. Attended a session today and felt totally confused about its actual benefits. I wondered how I could transform entirely in three days. Also the persuasion to enrol at the end of the session, annoyed me. Having done an MBA in marketing myself, it didn’t take me too long to figure out the whole strategy and purpose of the event.
Thanks, this is very useful!
I was called today i.e., 4th May and was confused. Started searching about LF, read through Mr Ajith Prasad’s Self experience and finally got not to get in as im confident of achieving what i can and my mental stability is stable. Thank you sir.
It is probably good for people who need help going from talking about life changes to actually making life changes. It can be good for emotionally, broken people to live life again. If your mentally balanced with work/life, then it seems like they want to break you down to get you drawn into LF.
I dated someone very heavily involved and it destroyed our relationship. I felt pressured into taking LF. When I concluded I was feeling good about myself, my relationships, my productivity, and job, my ex told me that I was in denial and quickly dumped me. I was told that I wasn’t a person of intergrity and everyone had something about their life they needed to work on. I talk to family almost daily, just got really good health news, getting a better job, let go of baggage from my past, and accomplish a lot every day and I was still being told I needed to work on myself. I thought I’d accomplished a lot in my life but I was yelled at and received a cold shoulder for saying I didn’t want to take LF. I’m guessing add soon as my ex broke up with me, the phone went to dialing a LF coach to discuss all the things that were wrong with me for voicing that I didn’t want to do LF.
The Landmark Forum is a life transforming course. I got Rs. 15,000 worth in the first 3 hours itself (insights on listening). Yes, the hard selling part doesn’t go well with lots of people. However, the Landmark Forum is immensely valuable for anyone and everyone (no matter where in life are you placed). Highly recommended!
Hi Ajith,
I attended the three days this weekend and my experience was largely similar to yours Ajith. There was a guy who was stammering so acutely at the start of the course and was told that magically his stammering would go away as ‘he had chosen this in his childhood’. Miraculously he was called on stage at the end of the three days and the guy spoke so fluently that I wondered why the medical fraternity hasn’t been recommending LF to all the differently able people in the world. The facilitator also shared that in one of his seminars in the US a participant who was diagnosed with stage four cancer walked out of the seminar and has been living cancer free for over a decade. His conclusion on all this is that we choose these ailments and all other relationship issues ourselves!
Ajith I am yet to attend the Tuesday session and the Monday mini series? Do you think they are worth the time and effort?
So, the stammering guy is still around! 😉 We had one stammering guy too who was promised, on day one, that he will be cured at the end of three days. Not sure what happened to him on third day. Please share your thoughts, if you attended the follow up sessions.
Land mark is the good place for people who are in depression who have failed in life People who invite you are being cheated by others so basically it’s a chain where cheating others goes on and is stil going from 1991 so people who are invite you are trained by a trick once the introduction is done they will sit on your back to pay money n leave so they also tell that person who has introduced you will give you credit so they make sure you join and they get commissions out of it. Smart people rather use 16500 to write any of the government exams then achieve something in life instead of giving to these people who just talk shit and earn money for free it’s like just talk no cock.
Thanks. No words. Good to see such a relevant blog.
I did the Landmark Forum a month ago. I did liked the part of self discovery and that life is really full of possibilities. However, I wish that someone have told me that the last evening, when they ask you to bring friends and family is all to have them signed up. They said that the most important session was that evening where you will get the best part of the whole program, (not true). It is a tactic to get people to go and bring more people. I found it very disrespectful to the people that attended as the 3 HOURS were signing up people. About “the best part of the Forum” they should have said that the best part was for them, as that’s when a lot o people get conned into signing. The once a week seminar series is all about investing your time (over 8hrs/week) in selling their company to friends, family, and even strangers. They even said to MAKE people give you their credit card to sign them up and if they don’t, then pay for it yourself. Ruthless and shameless sales and marketing. Every Thursday was about how many people to bring for the next session. So bottom line is; they use the people who paid for their Forum to do their sales and marketing and if you don’t do it, “then you are a FAILURE AND YOU DON’T HAVE ANY INTEGRITY”. But, where is their integrity? The company obviously uses their paying clients to do the work for free, the people that work during the forum and during the sessions are volunteers, also work for free, and each paying client is supposed to bring two or more additional paying clients. So, the company is not paying much on employee force for sales and marketing, Which is where most expenses goes in a company. What are they doing with all the millions of dollars that the company is making… How much is the salaries of the top executives? They continuously talk about making the world a better place and that is the reason why people should enroll more people. But are they really making the world a better place or just the top executives’ world, by all the millions that they save on salaries while taking all that money for themselves. Do they contribute to make the world a better place? Like providing clean water for the villages that don’t have clean water or by providing funds for medical services for the people who can’t afford it, in the countries that they are using the people to make more money? or any other place in the world. There are many places where the money that they are saving can be transferred to make this world a better place and not just their bank accounts. I feel angry and cheated by their so called integrity.
Thank you for the wonderful article. My friend was coaxing me since a long time now. I was frustrated and wasn’t sure what to do when i came across your blog. Its super insightful. I took the liberty of forwarding your blog to him, he doesn’t bother me anymore. Probably trying the silent treatment so i would join in and fix myself. Never gonna happen.
To be clear, the particular friend tried to convince me that i was miserable and that my life was worthless and that I needed help.
Thank you again for the insightful article.
I agree with you completely. I got conned or rather forced into joining the advance course and got nothing out of it.
One of my purposes in life is to expose these idiots. The biggest ba*tard there is one Nambiar.
My argument (and final exit) was with that particular individual only 😀
Hello Bro,
I agree to your above comments and find it very helpful to be able express. I appreciate your work and admit that is mere foolish to accept whatever it is. It is just for highly sophisticated, turmoiled and people piggyback their guilt.
I thank you for the hard work which is a eye opener.
Regards,
Yashwant
Mr Ajith it was very informative thanks for feedback about LF
You don’t know you have saved my MONEY AND TIME
Thank you so so much and I am very hopefull that it would help others
I attended LF first time in November,1997 and now after 23 years I am going to do reviewal in Ahmedabad in the next month . My wife and I had a lasting and very positive impact of LF. During three days one learns to be ‘ present’ to oneself and his / her emotions , tendencies , attitude , habits , inclinations etc . One benefits at his/her own level and in the area which needs to be transformed. Yes , ‘ coachability ‘ is definitely required for those three days. And what is wrong in that ? If you are confident of yourself then ‘ surrendering ‘ yourself temporarily for three days is not a bad idea after all. It gives you a chance to step back and see the wall which you can’t see otherwise with your nose touching it. Many powerful tools / concepts like ‘ fixed way of being ‘ , ‘ already always listening ‘ , ‘ removing SHOULD from your life ‘ , expectation v/s probability , ‘ significance ‘ , ‘ dropping ‘ etc are worth learning and implementing in life . The idea of ‘ not arriving at ‘ but ‘ continuously remaining in the inquiry ‘ is a very empowering idea. ‘ Standing in the field of infinite possibilities ‘ , ‘ power of remaining in uncertainties ‘ are some of the tools my wife and I learnt 23 years ago and we still use them consciously . In my view don’t be bothered by their way of ‘ marketing ‘ . We lose a lot in the life always being ‘ RIGHTEOUS ‘ . It is a good idea to given in sometime. Their way of marketing is NOT illegal or harmful to anyone. We used to say that ‘ what you do in LF is what you do in the life ‘ . The third day ends with the idea of ‘ Life is empty and meaningless ‘ which is very powerful. It is we who put the meanings in the life and more often than not the ‘ disempowering ‘ meanings . I still remember what I learnt during LF 23 years ago that if there is anyone coming in the way between you and your success and happiness it is YOURSELF. How true it is . The concept of ‘ RACKET ‘ is very awesome .Believe me don’t get bogged down by seemingly insignificant ‘ negatives ‘ of LF and go and attend it with full trust in the leader and the technology evolved. At the end of three days if you don’t find it useful then just forget you ever attended it . Now I understand the tuition is 16.5K if you pay all at a time. As I am reviewing it I have paid 8.5K. I highly recommend it to all from 15 years old to 75 years old because we need transformation at every stage in our life and LF as a technology has definitely been put together with that objective . Those who are not aware LF is followed by ‘ Forum in Action ‘ ( FIA ) which are ten seminars of three hours each , once in a week. The price for ten sessions of FIA seminars is included in LF tuition. The period of ten weeks gives you long enough time to ‘ check out’ how the implementation of what you learnt during three days of LF work out in your daily life. These ten sessions of LF are very important and must not be missed. There is lot of sharing happens during FIA sessions and a lot to be gained out of it . The whole LF is based on Ontology that is Science of BEING . You realize the power of BEING and how you achieve breakthroughs if you allow your DOING to be given by your BEING . This is very powerful technology which my wife and I use successfully even after 23 years. I am sorry that the points in my post are not very organized. I was very extempore . Let me also add one more point here that when you sign up you fill the form and in the form one of the columns you need to fill is ‘ what you want to achieve out of attending LF ‘ . Most of the attendees find it very difficult to fill in this column as they don’t know what they want in life which they can write in 4-5 lines. But if you are serious then I have seen that more often than not you achieve what you have said what you want in the life . That is the technology . There is nothing mystical about it . Another beautiful part of LF is that it is totally devoid of any ‘ ISM ‘ . It is not likened with any known school of thought . The technology for personal transformation and breakthroughs is standing on its own merit . In the end , I would just say JUST GO AND ATTEND IT . Good luck .
Thanks for the input.
I just attended the introductory part yesterday in Pune. I wasnt sold at all as I feel change does not come in 4 Days.
I was also taken aback by the aggressive marketing policy that they used to get me to sign. They said “Nahi, aaj hi karo, kal kyu? Success aaj hi milta hai! You must do today.” They appeared offended when i firmly took a stand that I AM NOT GOING TO REGISTER TODAY. NO WAY. After that they mostly left me alone when they saw I am not one for peer pressure.
A word of caution for all those being fished into this, they will try to push you into a corner where you have to be very very rude to say no to them for getting enrolled. They will try to give you 100 options if you give excuses like “I dont have time, my office is there, etc.” So if you dont wanna do it, just say no, I wont do it.
Best of Luck
Excellent article.
Very objectively written. You have taken effort to keep it unbiased, despite the unpleasant experience. That is commendable. The facts highlighted are quite accurate including the (apparent) hard selling that they do.
I however, have an alternative point of view to share with some facts.
I did the Landmark Forum in 2006. I continued to do some seminar or the other over the next 2-3 years. I have not participated in any Landmark event for the last 5 years I think.
I didn’t go to Landmark Forum with a dysfunctional life. I am fairly accomplished today and was at that point in time too. I can tell anybody with conviction, that Landmark Education’s programs are among the most outstanding training and development programs out there. All other trainings that I have participated in (some of them way more expensive) pale in comparison.
What you get out of your participation is totally up to you.
Everyone has various unresolved matters (big or small). We are just not present to them.
The philosophy behind the programs is sound.
The program leaders as well as the people who volunteer are extremely committed towards the well being of the participants.
I have invited everyone important in my life to participate in the Landmark Forum.
About 40% acknowledge that they have accomplished or transformed something extremely big in their lives after completing the Forum. They went ahead to do the entire Curriculum for Living too. I also belong to this category.
50% think it didn’t make any significant difference in the long term but was a good and memorable experience overall. They stopped after the Landmark Forum itself.
10% were left embittered by their experience (like you). Two of them didn’t complete the program.
There are several important people in my life who repeatedly ignored my request and never even came for an introduction :).
To the readers of this comment:
The author’s point of view as well as mine are just point of views.
My recommendation is that, you go for an introduction and if it appeals to you, just do it.
In the worst case, you’ll loose 3-4 days of your life and the money you paid as fees.
In the best case, you’ll get an access to creating an extraordinary future for yourself.
Some of the things that I have been able to create (which I would like to give credit to Landmark for) are:
1. A complete transformation in the quality of my family life
2. Quitting a job I was discontent with to start my own business (which is doing fairly well now)
3. Taking action towards my heart’s calling of making a difference. The non-profit I co-founded with my friends during that time, is now one of the biggest in the country and has made a difference to the lives of thousands of people.
4. Ability to live life very powerfully. I have earned the respect of my friends, family and co-workers.
NOTE:
I was informed in 2015 that Landmark had taken corrective actions against complaints of them being very aggressive about asking people to get their friends and family to register for the Landmark Forum. I am also convinced that the organisation is EXTREMELY committed towards every single individual that participates. They are not in it to make money. They care. The only reason they are so hell bent on you inviting your near and dear ones to do the Forum is because they believe (and so do I), that if your near and dear ones also do the Curriculum for Living, then – you would have a more open and collaborative environment to achieve your goals. You guys could then support each other through the transformative journey that the curriculum promises.
Hi,
Very well described as counter view. I did Landmark Forum in 2001, couple of advanced
Courses after forum.
Landmark is not a need. it’s an enrichment some people will be able to recognise the benefits better than others. I am one of them I could realise the benefits than noise or irritation. I had similar mixed experience from
the people I referred. Talking about hard sell
, except for office staff and rest are all volunteers having no financial gain.
I suggest to attend intro session if you don’t get Convinced then don’t do it. I respect individual views here.
Hi Viewers,
Every comment above is valid in its perspective. Let me stress the WORD “PERSPECTIVE”. Yes its each ones view. That’s how we live our lives. Always looking for others perception towards what we think. I am also sailing in same boat. This is where the curriculum for living is powerful and is guiding me. The beauty is that the Landmark doesn’t give solution. Its a framework with tools and techniques. I have a guarding angel who once was coach in Landmark. However, he never introduced to Landmark to me and it was not marketed to me. I have enrolled to Landmark Forum by myself and told him my decision. The only suggestion I got was “Be open and put your life while participation”. All I have done was participate without any prejudice and judgement. There are many programs available world wide with similar concept. Its how we take it and put into practice.
What helped me is “Being Open”. I myself was soo overwhelmed with my past and kept is soo close to me that, I could not make a difference between living in present with future as a context and lining in present with the past influencing my future. The day I got present to this, I could make a difference to my loved one’s who was getting suffocated with my behavior.
Be an owner to your actions. If you are enrolling, do it with your will and not that someone forced it to you. I am still figuring out “the powerful context for my life” and “I need to create a purpose that touches, moves and inspires me”. Trust me its one of the difficult aspect of creating a possibility to make a self enrollment. We have to be authentic to self and no other person than oneself would know how authentic we are. So there is no scope in fooling around.
As Landmark states “Enrollment conversations are needed to be authentic and one of the difficult conversations. Only then we are having effective enrollment”. This is applicable to self enrollment.
As stated by Sameer Nade, please attempt to provide your review only when you have completed your participation. And those seeking guidance over here for participation, please follow what you want in life and not what you get in agreement with others views as those views are not yours.
My best wishes to every one.
Luv,
Srivani
Thank you for a very informative article. My mother attended the LF, and is now signed up for the advanced course. She took me with her on the last day. While I was interested in the stories and methods used, I was extremely put off at the aggressive marketing tactics. I did not sign up, and my mum did not force me too, as she respects my decisions. However other random people kept coming up and asking me why I was not registering, trying to put pressure on me, but I ignored them. What made me really angry is that they told the original participants they would not “graduate” unless they came for this and brought new people along.
I would very much like to know where all the money they make goes? Can anyone from Landmark shed light on this? No doubt the course teaches people some effective coping strategies, but I would rather spend the same money on 10+ counseling sessions with a professional, instead of being pressured into this cult-like atmosphere.
Do the introducers get money or some kindaa commission in joining as many people they can ??????
I have not attended this forum session but was asked to join induction classes. Why should anyone take up classes for life ? I don’t think there’s any necessity for me and even for the others to do so. Instead we can have a positive outlook towards life and build ourselves in a strong way.
I have attended last day of workshop with my husband… though I have been associated with other organisation which works for mental empowerment and I have been quite benefitted from it. After marriage I lost that connection which I could maintain with myself when I was regular with programmes in that organisation.
Basically I am looking to improve relationship with my own self which I could very much keep the way I liked before my marriage but marriage was a kind of transition and everything changed so did the connection which I had with myself as well.
Really wanted to relive that connection but now have no assistance for that. So I was just thinking to join landmark forum workshop and the first thing came to my mind … what would I say if they ask for the reason I joined the workshop..
The first answer to my mind was – just fed up from petty issues in my life and want to vomit it out at a place where My husband is happy sending me…
I have just attended 1-2 hour programme last day and I could make out this …
But I really want to see if I could gain that lost connection back where I was free from the judgments other people made, did not require any support, confident in my own self, 100 percent dedicated to my work, never bothered who did what or that with me or somebody else and had the same time power to stop the wrong people be successful in their foul plannings, basically happiness blossomed on its own in me … I did not require support of people around for that …
I want to be the same again … untouched of all transitions
Though I could not see much change in my husband after he did landmark forum workshop, and he wanted me to attend it many times but I denied as I never want to resolve with some people in life and my husband expects that I would be able to do that after the forum but until I want to do something no forum can make me do that, without understanding this scenario my Hubby would expect that only that’s why I did not do till today …
Because we all have different hand writings whilst alphabets are the same..
the same way Application of the fundas will be different by everyone. That’s why some get benefitted and some don’t .
So I m joining it just to see weather it is for me or no but atleast I would be able to vomit out if not able to get anything ????
How can you pay £500, to see one man try play God, picking and choosing who to coach. Did not everyone attend to change aspects of their lives…
I would not recommend anyone to either sign up or invest their good money and lose it hoping to get helped in such a pre hyped up way…
I walked out highly frustrated, took off my badge then was refused to collect my belongings, never heard so many excuses to stop me entering the room. I was peaceful, calm and stood back out of sight and sound, for peacesake. I did not waste time letting them know, another person could have started shouting etc. There was no need to bring out extra puppets like security guards, who failed to stop people walking in and out during the So called exercise…. Sheer nonsense like a magic trick using people’s vulnerabilities and weaknesses…..
I was blocked for 40 minutes while about 20 people walked in and out of the room, I was told i had t9 wait till the end by Mahilia programme manager. When you consider lunch time was a hour late already. The man who thinks his God, american raised Barry just looked at me from inside out and yes it felt like how i imagine a cult and prolonged his scripted …. Full of control domineering, dictators and their puppets….
Thankfully the lady who I sat next too, came out expressing concern for me. I told her their stopping me from collecting my belongings, she just looked into their faces in disbelief of the control they thrive in
How can you pay £500, to see one man try play God, picking and choosing who to coach. Did not everyone attend to change aspects of their lives…
I would not recommend anyone to either sign up or invest their good money and lose it hoping to get helped in such a pre hyped up way…
I walked out highly frustrated, took off my badge then was refused to collect my belongings, never heard so many excuses to stop me entering the room. I was peaceful, calm and stood back out of sight and sound, for peacesake. I did not waste time letting them know, another person could have started shouting etc. There was no need to bring out extra puppets like security guards, who failed to stop people walking in and out during the So called exercise…. Sheer nonsense like a magic trick using people’s vulnerabilities and weaknesses…..
I was blocked for 40 minutes while about 20 people walked in and out of the room, I was told i had to wait till the end by Mahilia programme manager. When you consider lunch time was a hour late already. The man who thinks his God, american raised Barry just looked at me from inside out and yes it felt like how i imagine a cult and prolonged his scripted …. Full of control domineering, dictators and their puppets….
Thankfully the lady who I sat next too, came out expressing concern for me. I told her their stopping me from collecting my belongings, she just looked into their faces in disbelief of the control they thrived in, as good puppets. She offered to collect my belongings, I accepted, thanked and hugged her and left as soon as I could… I was too shocked and disturbed by what I saw and experienced to finish day 2 of 5 days…. £100 per day bullshit
Keep your money in the bank, as £100 a day to watch a man pick and choose who he judges to be coachable, as if he thinks he’s God with an American accent….
But their happy to take EVERYONE’S MONEY, without getting if their coachable or not. Merely daylight robbery
Ajit Prasad you have provided very apt information which is “truthfull”.
I call this as one of the “”victim” who got trapped in this “vicious circle”. one of my friend called me to attend a evening session. I was carried away by him because he is good friend of mine and once a colleague. I committed to him that I will attend session and I did with my wife. in the session of 30-45 minutes talk by a lady with 2 video clippings I could not understand any thing. I asked my friend what is this? he continue to say you register for 3 days program it will be a good experience to you. with some if’s and but’s and constant pushing by him supported by 3-4 people from landmark including the lady who was speaking and my wife’s inquisitiveness prompted me to register paying 16.5 k each costing 33k. we had planned for weekend outing for our anniversary which we cancelled and put that money to this in anticipation of gaining some knowledge. coz I invest for books and seminars which enables me to gain knowledge.
after 2 days I received mail about the program and a call from a girl who briefed me timings of the program, to make arrangements for own food for all 3 days for 13-14 hours and asked me to come early so that I get space to park my vehicle. I got pizzed off and asked her why these things were not communicated during the introductory session and what is the point of informing now after we registered. she said sorry and requested me to attend program.
first day got up early with my wife, got ready by 7:00 am and drove to Koramangala from Kengeri. 9:00 am the forum leader came wished all and started introduction of the program.
During the morning session he asked to all “imagine if your father is in death bed and you are required to attend this program what you will do” I was the only one among 281 people who stood and said “I will be with my father as that is my priority and not this forum”. this answer pizzed of the forum leader and he started abusing me as I am an idiot, I am moron, I am not of a word, I don’t know what is commitment, I don’t see life, I have not seen life, I am an intellectual garbage etc., etc.,
from here the clash started between me and him. I was the only one who was against his curriculum, the way he was reading his manual, the points he tried to push on us, the way he was manuplilating his words, I challenged each and every aspect of his teachings, I challenged each every aspect of his curriculum, I challenged each and every aspect of his preachings, I did not run away I stood there for all 3 days to observe why people are silent, why people are listening to him, why people are afraid to question??
I got the answer. this program is not for strong mind people. this program is not for those who have will power, this program is not for those who can deal with problems on their own, this program is not for those who has the ability to chose what is right and what is wrong, this program is not for those who is right, this program is not for those who never committed any crime, this program is not for those who never cheated any one in their life, this program is not for those who live and committed to their values, morals, ethics and integrity. This pogram is not for those who can find success on their own.
this program is for those weak minded people, who can’t overcome their de-merits, this program is for those who committed crime and hidden those things within themselves and never shared with others but lived with guilt, this program is for those who live absurd, fake life, this program is for those who don’t know how to be successful, this program is for those who need external support to show directions. this program is for those who lost their moral values who is not ethical and don’t have integrity in their life.
this program is designed to make one psychologically vulnerable, weaken them to the possible extent that one should feel “oh if I don’t register and attend this program my life will be at stake, I will put other people at stake”, when a person is pressurized, screamed at, not allowed to think anything, mentally paralyzed then the forum tactics works where people will go pay register. this is what is happening and this is what has happened.
if one has read “Bhagavad gita, or Quran or Bible” and understood each every aspect of what it said there they don’t need this landmark forum.
lastly my friend was looking for bhakra he found me I trusted him blindly- that is blind spot- introductory seminar is “racket” they were not authentic to tell what exactly is the forum in introductory session so they played their marketing tactics “in authentically” put us in vicious circle talking about advanced course, curriculum etc.,, and push people to enroll.
Beware of this before registering.
Caution: if you have issues with your life, if you are unable to deal with it look for a good counselor. don’t flal into this trap. you will gain nothing.
Thank you Mr Ajith for the excellent blog. I just got a call from an old friend convincing me to join and I came upon your blog while searching for some review. I could sense MLM sort of activity here was confirmed after reading your blog.
For me it looks very similar to Sri Sri sessions where same plot is used to enroll people and some staff members are planted as the sufferer and he will obviously get cured or transformed at end of the course.
Any true transforming seminar or lecture should nor be charged at all. This is sure a pure business and must be banned in India. Only meant for psychos in US or Europe.
Dear Ajit Ji,
This article is forwarded to me from my friend. I m living in a very small town. There are few persons marketing/asking/forcing/convincing/calling for this type of seminar free of cost ( introductory ). I m not aware about this LF before reading your article. But now i am fully aware. Thanks GOD , i got this article at right time to save my time. We must check the inside story of there leaders , whether they are living life in reality with all they talked about. I think not at all. I think reading books of VIVEKANAND you will give you all that is required to face difficulties in life. Thanks a lot once again.
I absolutely agree with wat is said above…..it’s crap n mere shameless marketing..using distressed people…pls go to a counselor rather than spending exorbitant amt here…not worth it…they don’t even accept ur feedback…immature coaches…dictators.n dominating their philosophy not even deriving it…if u wish to leave ur common sense aside n ageee to take unimaginable stress for long three days ..then think of it…they hv no value for peopleoney n time..false promises…all business jazz. Landmark should be shameful of wat they are selling n at the cost of people emotion…
I attended the the forum yesterday as a guest I absolutely disagree with what was said there. it’s crap n mere shameless marketing using distressed people. One can go to a counselor rather than spending so much amount. It’s not worth spending so much money here. They don’t even accept your feedback. They are doing their busines at the cost of people emotions. According to me one should not attend it.
This entire crap should be reported to police & should put these suckers into jail. These are bugger cheats, can break families & play with emotions of people, push them into deepshit. They force joinees to find all your relatives & friends into this deep shit. Stay away from these buggers, to earn money these people can go to any extent. So many educated comes here & break their families. Glad my wife realized quick from their tricks. It is a suicide path.
Real good people having disciplined and organized family with values never ever enter in to this senseless and ruthless LF..they wash your brain and make your self big fool and show YOU to the other fools around ….please please volunteers of LF don’t force common people into this stupid LF ……if you want to know yourself who u r and what u r meant for……start yourself to know rather than attending this kind of bullshit programs…..self help is the best help…….Good luck ….
Hi Ajith,
A good balanced view, landmark has a corporate wing as well konwan as Vento group. Which somehow convinces some CEOs the same way by influencing through their peers and business associates. Once the organisation enrolls in this program, then many people have to mandatory participate in this program. I had been through such program due to similar reasons. By keeping CEO on their side, they behave similarly with other senior employees to prove how they are not performing to their best to yield better business results. Any CEO has similar opinion about his/ her employees and loves to watch them being cornored by some such so called consultant or strategist. Many people feel attending such programs will phenomenally improve business prospects of their organisation and such forums continue to flourish like godman’s blessing business.
Thanks Ajeeth
very balanced review, as things happened to you.
There is no dearth of gullible people who can not say NO, when it is required to be said NO… It seems LF is exploiting this segment
I attended to programs of similar nature minus Tuesday tamasha..
One was personal growth 3 days workshop program, the programme brought out my evil side of people handling, made me cry and helped me improve gratitude, compassion and empathy. This program did not have ant kind of shouting, shaming etc
The second program was on leadership program by Homi Mulla who operates from Lonavala. The program was full with BCs and MCs and shaming.
Obviously the first one had lasting impact.
I have made up my mind
Thanks
This is the worst thing happened to me in my life, I attended Landamark , Bangalore workshop , I was sent out with lot of humiliation. I had almost 3 days severe headache later, they insulted me a lot. I got many doubts in between sessions and went to meet the coach in the break down just to clear my query. I used a weak and polite tone but the coach shouted at me like a mad dog and , later he told to his staff not to allow me inside. He is the worst coach I ever encountered in my entire life. I forgot his name, but I think his name is Mahesh, not very sure. I don’t understand why he call himself as coach, one of the things they tell is ” you don’t know few things in life that you don’ know”..this applies 100% to landmark coaches. They don’t know many things but they think they know everything. Their coaching methodology is totally wrong. Not advisable to anyone. They are “Coaching Terrorists”, they will emotionally make you weak and earn money. What a shame it is…some one should stop them going viral.
Ajit, your blog is awesome. You have written things clearly and it helps us clear up our mind whether to attend such forums or not. Atleast now I am clear this forum is for the people who are full of doubts and mess-ups in their minds.
Thanks,
Ashish
I had an ex-roommate who went to this with her newest boyfriend. (I’m sure he paid for it.) Anyway when she came back she decided since, “The past doesn’t matter anymore,” she didn’t have to pay me back a large amount of money she owed me? At the time I had gotten laid off and needed some kind of repayment. Instead every time I asked her for some help like maybe starting to make even small payments, she kept talking to me in some weird crazy way saying, “I’m not your punching bag anymore.” To which I replied, “If I thought you were my punching bag I wouldn’t have paid your dental bill when you were in pain, or paid your rent after your car accident, or helped you with your court filing fees in your child support battle. Seriously I think her responses and conversations with me were for someone else’s benefit to make them think she was abused by me somehow because it didn’t even make sense. I thought we were close friends? Now all of a sudden I wasn’t good enough to hang out with anymore and me somehow asking for the money she promised to pay back was unreasonable? First she said she was in the process of getting a low interest loan from her credit union, then she said she was quitting Southwest Airlines and going to pay me back with her retirement plan she intended to cash out anyway. ALL LIES! Looking back I realize she at the time had a new boyfriend who was pretty financially secure she was milking for “sympathy money” and I think she didn’t want him knowing this was her way of life therefore she couldn’t have people she has taken advantage of hanging around. Besides I was no longer useful she had a new stool pidgin. If this is what Landmark teaches it’s just FINE to rip people off because the PAST doesn’t matter and then quote mumbo-jumbo to justify it I’m definitely out! I will never attend their forum now. I put more credibility on integrity. The only thing you need to be successful in life is the Golden Rule and Landmark didn’t invent that.
Hi ajith,
Thanks for sharing. My boss joined me this forum last month Feb 2019 in Hyderabad last month. I said I don’t have money to pay He forcefully convinced and told pay later I’ll pay I said sir will think about this after going home all forum members are stopped to not leave the seminar hall they all are saying this is the good opportunity they are not giving time to think and discuss with my family members also later my boss swiped his credit card and pay Rs 18,500/- on first day session that is March 1st the when I entered the room there are not providing Tea, Snacks also except water. I was shocked in the session the speaker came 9 AM on-time he explains about what is Landmark why are you here it goes whole day I’m stressed and got severe headache they are repeated same thing Landmark did this Miracles and Landmark did that miracles when somebody have any questions in the middle speaker got angry and shouts in front of all and insult he(speaker) screem In bold tone to giving unusual answer and they confuse the people with meaningless and nonsense theory. For example today one woman asked to speaker conversation in steps
Woman: how to overcome pressure in work / life?
Speaker: tell me one example
Woman: I am a responsibile housewife with 2 kids living with in laws and I (she) do job as well and I am exhausted to manage all these things what is the solution?
Speaker: there is no pressure in your life how can you say that lady(with scream voice) this is totally bulls shit and nonsense you are wasting the whole forum time.
This is what I heard from the answer from the speaker. when someone ask the question landmark give some meaningless Theoretical questions to confuse the people and diverted the main topic this is what I noticed In the forum I requested to all of you not to join in this bleady shit forum and one loose your money. When I got severe headache I walk out from the hall forum people followed me and stopped 4 people at a time to not to leave the seminar they are trying to pull and forcefully sending in the hall with his rude behavior I said I am suffering from headache I need some break the good think I like is there is no medication also I argue with that people how can you they trying to pulled me and send back in the hall I got very angry I pay the money and you are forcing to sit in the hall and I asked payback my fee I don’t want to continue in the bleady seminar they are telling clearly fee is not payback you are committed to attend 3.5days you should compulsory stay here…….. This is what I personally experienced with these idiots. I Requesting again and Please don’t join this group if you want to know about motivational videos I recommend you to please watch Sandeep Maheswari videos in you tube it’s a free of cost….. Thanks
Don’t do it, they are just making emotionally fool, wastage of money.
Better you see videos on youtube.. There are many motivational videos on YouTube..that are free of cost.. I wish they refund my money 18500.. Feeling regret about my money, time everything wastage.
From your description of the course it does actually sound like a cult. Modern cults do not generally always cut people off from friends, family or normal living because they want the income highly functional working individuals can provide. The “one size fits all” therapy style encounter groups are unethical because they don’t allow time to properly protect vulnerable people from harm. I appreciate the clear description you gave of the presentation they used because someone recently suggested I go a to a taster seminar.
As a customer if planning to join – DONT – its a bunch of money hungry, psychotic and obsessed people and it is more like a cult!!- in those aspects at least.
I did the Forum in late 2018 and the Advanced course in 2019. I didn’t agree to a lot of stuff they were discussing, but sat through anyway. Forum was kinda useful but Advanced was not. The big eye-opener came to me when during a break of my advanced course, I asked a question to the Coach because I needed his help. He was dilly dallying and pretending to listen, and midway, he just turned his back to me and forcibly included himself in another conversation! Believe me!!! It happened!!! I felt like I was slapped. I was asking for help from the revered Coach and not only coule he not help me with an answer but also literally turned his back to me and never answered me during the entire break. It was really disheartening. This same man, just before the end of the course, takes me by my hand and pulls me to the registration counter and forces me to register for SELP. I had to register because I was coerced so badly. I did give my feedback on the coach with the incidents post Advanced, nothing came of it, obviously. Now I’m stuck with SELP which I find is utterly useless for me. I told the coach I don’t want to do it, then they said anyway you have spent the money, just attend it, no need to do the community project… I was like oh what’s the harm then… And then realized I will have to do home introductions to Landmark and do more enrolment. I am not doing it. I’m done with them.
Laxmi,
I’m a 61 years old successful professional consultant & sought for some solutions from Landmark for my age related anxiety, depression & also for acquiring further knowledge on the insistence of my daughter-in-law.
I dropped out of Landmark Forum in Mumbai, India yesterday (14 Sep’19) after the dinner break of second of 3.5 days Programme, following to an altercation with the so called ‘coach’ (or Forum Leader), Mahesh Nambiar. The sole reason of my leaving the course midway & unfinished was triggered when I expressed not to register for the Advance Course, before completing the 3.5 days Forum itself and the 10 follow up sessions called ‘Seminars’. My that proposition made him so angry that he ran after me, called me a liar, touched my spectacles as if to break it, shouted all the way by calling me a mean minded below average creature, cheap human being, took my dead father’s name for the second time in two days etc. I instantly determined that his reaction was totally inhuman, irrelevant and the derogatory reference to my father (who passed away 14 years ago) had nothing to do with this course in the process of “empowering me to greatest possibility’ and decided to leave the Forum immediately. Many participants & Forum staff followed me through the staircase & elevator while exiting the building to stop me leaving the Forum. These people, I thought were like some privileged slaves who beat up other slaves and became void of their own sense, righteous judgment, self-respect & dignity.
I am not going to comment much on the course contents of the Forum unduly as I did not complete the course, which was recited by Mahesh from the ‘course manual’ taking not more than 10% of approximately 26 hours I spent there. Much time was spent on verbal & video marketing of Landmark’s various products such as Advance Course, More Advance Course, Young People’s Course, Corporate People’s Course, Family Course & so on. 20% of time was spent on ‘coach’ Mahesh’s personal & materialistic accomplishments, his family vacation & paragliding experience in Mauritius, as if we paid our course fee to listen to his biography!
Rest of the time was spent on demeaning, mimicking & calling names (liars, frauds, conmen, cheap human being etc.) to innocent & eager-to-learn participants, who were made to confess in public about their personal agonies and problems. More than 90% of the participants were in marital discord and others were abused / oppressed / suppressed in their adolescent or other times.
Mahesh demeaned & derogated all professionals, educational & political achievers, scientists, actors, doctors, civil service officers, spiritual leaders – everybody on the earth who have not or are not graduated/ing from Landmark Course(s). Sometimes, he cut jokes with unbearable sudden shrills like a cheap third grade comedian and made participants to laugh (probably as per the training manual guidelines); those who are not laughing, he abused them as devoid of sense of humour. He made them to raise their hands every other minute to reassure himself on his meaningless & frequently lost-in-context speeches he stretched on while struggling to convince participants. I contemplated that the course materials Mahesh shared during the last 26 hours could have easily been covered in 8 hours – as in normal educational seminars with two tea & one lunch breaks, but that does not justify the course fee!
There were restrictions imposed on not leaving the Forum unfinished (why the money was paid in advance already, but more to come from the advance courses!), ‘ganging-up’ against the Landmark’s gangsters and wow, there were spies he said planted within the participants for reporting who would express their opinions about the futility of the course or against anything about Landmark’s course proceedings.
Mahesh is the biggest liar and conman I have ever met in my entire life who, as admitted by himself, is in the rut & tread of Landmark’s training manual for over two decades, it’s super-aggressive marketing policy that are manipulatively designed to entice more & more innocent, vulnerable people actually in need of professional mental health or other supports, rather than getting into Landmark’s never ending vicious cycle of course after course after course, in the name of changing human lives towards betterment. He termed himself as like an Olympics coach and assumed the right to abuse and insult any participant at any time at the slightest provocation of ‘expressed disagreements’ on any matter – particularly against the mean & frivolous commercial interest of Landmark. He lost his temper every now & then, shouted like an animal to break participants into crying by insulting them & forcing them to reveal their secrets and then celebrated ‘victories’ by making them ‘complete’ their responsibilities through 5–10 phone calls to their dear ones (with whom participants had problems) during a 20 minutes’ tea-break at 5;30 p.m.! Look how efficiently, Participants’ age-old problems were analysed, determined, judged and resolved forever that way in minutes! Magic, miracle, unprecedented solution maker of the planet!!! TOTAL CRAP.
I wonder how is this scam is still going on for such a long time without the notice of Administrative Authorities of any county? I am fortunate to have a friend who has participated four times in the Olympics and now a renowned Indian national coach and have witnessed his calm & determined ways of coaching his disciples with compassion, respect, politeness while imparting real knowledge to enhance skills to compete in real world class sporting events, including Olympics.
I presume that the original intention & design of Landmark curricula have deviated from its intended path towards commercial benefits only by torturing people, at least at the Forum I attended in Mumbai. I was informed that the latest Forum coach in New Delhi was much respectful to its participants. Another friend from Dubai expressed that the only thing she learnt from Landmark Course was ‘how to abuse anybody’ without an iota of feeling guilt; she uses the F* word like a verb in each of her sentence so nicely & frequently these days!
May God save the present & future participants of Landmark, till Administrative Authorities in all countries stop this nasty SCAM which is affecting human lives.
I work as a head of engineering department of one of the Tata Companies and yet remained perplexed & cheated! I am however a relieved person to have abandoned these assholes forever! I was the only one who argued and faught with that Mahaesh Nambiar….
Landmark is an American company all of the money by way of fees goes to the USA, only fraction is left here to run the operations and staff. It’s a money making scam by American company. Our indian spiritual gurus like Sadhguru ,can give you better help ,then from some dumb American non- spiritual based philosophical teacher. Please sensible people see thru the American bloodsucking scam.
Thanks a lot Ajith for such an enlightening , deep and detailed experience about landmark. I am also invited to this forum , even with repetitive denials i am being forced to attend the introduction. As i am having a balanced life( touchwood ) and don’t want any troubles how can i make them understand that i am not a potential customer to them.
In your language “I am being forced” ;are you being physically forced. One of the things you will learn is to say “No” in a way that the other party will get it very clear that you are a “no” for whatever you are saying “no” to.
One of the things I got form the LF is saying “No” to myself . My uncle owned a horse (He was a member;I knew the jockey, and a few Race journalist )and I used to regularly(almost every race) go to the races . I had a few rules for the amount I would bet. But I had no structure to follow up when I said , I must not go tomorrow. or “I will stop going for a month”.
I have completely stopped going, It has been 36 years and counting. So What happened?
In the LF ; I clearly saw that I was not honoring my word as myself. That I am my word. Soon it reflected in other areas of my life and my friends and family also started relating to me as someone who honors (keeps) his word.
Back then I was in Sales; just by doing this one thing; My sales doubled.
Yesterday, i have attendant a seminar by Landmark forum . One of my friend invited me to join that. I realized they are trying to force guest to feel about their problem. As i don;t have any big problem , still they were trying to make may life’s basic issue as my big problem. And that’s why i have to join it. they will transform it.
I am house wife and taken break for my child care…but one member said…its my problem. what nonsense !!!
I felt all registered members were somehow weak. they cant take their own decision, their fore feeling better. Otherwise one of member said she had problem with in-laws , after this program now she is in better situation. at the same moment she has accepted yesterday morning only she had fight with her husband, before this program 🙂 whats difference , nothing at all. And finally, every registered members comes to you and force to get enroll, does not matter, you need to fix any problem or not. Somehow i felt….” bhoot chudails are covering you from all sides.. 🙂 “
Yesterday, I have attendant a seminar by Landmark forum . One of my friend invited me to join that.
All were talking about they had 2 crore now after lanmark having 20 crore business, cleared 18 crore debt….only talk of lac to crore…as well they have representative of all areas like, doctor,engineer, stock market, divorcee, cancer patient /survivor , house wife…means at any cost you will connect your self with at least one and will get enroll yourself.
whole the time interaction they force you to do interaction with already registered member. his work is enforce you to think about your weakness….It does not matter how strong you are !!!
I realized they are trying to force guest to feel about their problem.
I feel I don’t have any big problem , my life is balanced..And if i need something i have to do work on it…no one give me automatically. Still they were trying to make me fool that my life’s basic issue are my big problem. And that’s why I have to join it. Landmark will transform my life.
I am house wife and taken break for my child care…but one member said…its my major problem. what nonsense !!!
I felt all registered members were somehow weak. they cant take their own decision, landmark force to them go beyond emotional issues and therefore they are feeling better.
Otherwise one of member said she had problem with in-laws , after this program now she is in better situation, at the same moment she has accepted , she had fight with her husband, before this program 🙂 whats difference , nothing at all.
And finally, every registered members comes to you and force to get enroll, does not matter, you need to fix any problem or not.
“One of of them said, roko unhe..bhagane mat dena ” Hahahahha…
I am happy that I judged them very early in that program. Already I had waste my 4 hours but came to know that there are still such people are around us , who don’t have moral values and taking huge money on the basis of emotional weakness.
After reading the blog Am Corelating my second day in the forum…third day yet to come (it is tomorrow). Every single word in the blog is very true about LF and I do feel that it can work only for people having big issues in life and people who suppressed their felling in their heart..for people with small issues don’t have much to take away from LF
Thanks for blog!
Fraud people’s fraud website and fraud services….
Hi Ajith,
The way you have explained is simply superb. 100% correct. I just attended the demo session invited by my friend. I would like to add one more terminology being used in the entire session along with the terms u mentioned. It was blind spot . Find your blindspot in life . .
I felt investing money on trips would be better rather than paying for such brainwashing forums. As, nature our own experience teaches us lot more life lessons than any speaker on stage with a mic.
Thanks Ajith,
So happy to see this!!
One of my close relatives is persuading me to join Landmark program. Their family is now a Landmark family. Nothing against the man but I don’t want to spend my time, energy and money in such Pyramid program So, I disppointed him 2-3 times by confronting the pyramid structure of it and politely saying NO to this. Today, he came home, tried to convince me to buy his idea. I asked him about the details of the program like the specification of assignments given in program. He refused to share it with me. Well, now I know the WHY of it! He said it won’t work if he tells me the process. I didn’t buy that idea. While leaving after the conversation, he tells me that He will have me enrolled in this, however long it may take . I’m certain in my head it won’t happen ever in this lifetime (although I didn’t say this to him on face) . Bid adieu to him respectfully while wishing well for his life.
All I believe is that it might have worked for him. But seeing the structure, I’m sure this is NOT for me. I’m not someone who can bear such utter nonsense and then do it also. I cannot make a fool of myself in the name of blind spots, realm of sheer happiness and success and what not!
I would really like to take up an (Make in India) indigenous initiative of Vedic principle and methodology rather than this West based deceitful Bullying program..Or may be I’ll simply breathe with a smile when I need the divine power of transformation to guide me.
I am a LIFE. I know , I GOT THIS !!
I did my Landmark Forum in London, UK, and that was a very similar experience. I felt that my time was abused by Landmark by making me sit there and listen to their own horn-blowing and marketing babble for literally days and for my own money.
The rest of the training content was alright and valid, but that could have been easily fit into maximum two days, if all the marketing and self-advertising was left out.
When I go to a training course, I pay for the content that is valuable to me, not for the company’s endless self-advertising time. But that’s what I was forced to listen at Landmark, unproportionally.
They did not only take my money for the course, but also wasted a lot of my time with with self-advertising and attempts to use me to bring them new paying clients. That is nothing but unethical practice by a training company.
Hi , bumped on this blog while researching something else. Personally for me the LForum was the first true education about how life works . Am an engineer , until then all education was informational .
So first, my learning was relationships are everything , whether its home , work or community . I realized i had fixed stories and invisible boundaries for all my relationships that stopped them being GREAT. They worked , but they were fixed and there was no possibility for greatness . So I had breakthroughs in relationships with my parents ( i am a middle class dude with good normal relationship with parents), my In-Laws ( this was special, because as typical Indian middle class male , my relationship with them was but formal and distant ), my manager ( I had my typical cribs that stopped me performing at peak) …and the list goes on. The course freed me , because all along I had thought the world is a fixed thing with fixed rules , until i realized its all in MY head , and when I can reframe my worldview, new possibilities and opportunities open up.
You are right, LF will not solve problems and if you are not trying to take yourself to the next level, some if these are not useful. But if you want to be a champion , then the course will help clean up old baggage and set you on a high speed trajectory . 🙂
Recently son of my senior colleague has been asking me to join the forum. Obliged by the relation I had with my senior colleague I accepted to attend intro class. Actually I don’t like these type of transformative sessions which I don’t believe. One hour into the intro I felt I cannot bear it and I came out of zoom session. I got a call immediately from my colleagues son asking me why I have left. He again said I have to be patient and attend full session of intro and it will be good. Felt obliged and continued for my colleagues sake. There will be breaks in the seession to have private chats with the person who recommended my name along with another guy from the team. He tried to convince me hard to join. I said I need time to mull over it. After that I was called again and again to join. But I refused clearly stating that I don’t need it.
I was searching to know about this LM and found out your blog. I find it very informative and a true reflection. Everyone should read it before joining the forum.