A controversial group linked to alleged mass suicide plans and extraterrestrial beliefs
The Training Centre for Release of the Atma-Energy, also known as the Atman Foundation, is a new religious movement that has garnered attention and controversy primarily in Tenerife, Canary Islands, Germany, India, and Ukraine. Founded by German psychologist Heide Fittkau-Garthe in 1994, the group became infamous due to a 1998 police and media scare over an alleged attempt to commit ritual suicide in Teide National Park in Tenerife. Despite these claims, the sect denies any intentions of mass suicide, attributing the scare to misunderstandings and media sensationalism.
Heide Fittkau-Garthe, who sold all her assets and relocated to Tenerife, established the center with a focus on esoteric and spiritual practices blending Western and Eastern beliefs. In January 1998, Fittkau-Garthe and her group were scrutinized intensely when she was arrested for allegedly planning a mass suicide with her followers. Authorities suspected that the group planned to consume poison-laced fruit juice, which was confiscated but later found to be non-toxic. The charges in Germany were dropped due to lack of evidence, while the Spanish accusations were not pursued further.
The group, initially reported to believe in being taken by a spacecraft to an unspecified destination, refuted these claims, stating no intentions of committing suicide. Allegations of a ritualistic “love ring” involving orgies surfaced but were denied by members and observers. Fittkau-Garthe maintained the group was not a sect and that the accusations stemmed from a personal vendetta.
Another notable figure associated with the movement is Guru Acharya Sivananda, who founded a sect in the early 1970s in India. His teachings emphasized the release and harnessing of atma-energy, a spiritual force within individuals believed to lead to enlightenment and liberation from rebirth. The sect, operating numerous ashrams worldwide, practices advanced meditation, pranayama, chanting mantras, and physical postures (asanas) aimed at aligning the body’s chakras. Followers believe that modern society’s materialism and spiritual ignorance hinder the release of atma-energy, which can be achieved through self-discipline, moral conduct, and renunciation of worldly desires.
In the mid-1990s, the sect was embroiled in a mass suicide scare, with reports alleging that Guru Acharya Sivananda had predicted a global catastrophe and urged followers to prepare for a collective spiritual departure. These claims led to government investigations and public concern, although no mass suicide occurred. The sect’s leadership denied these allegations, attributing them to sensationalist media coverage.
Another branch of the Training Centre, founded by Anatoly Kashpirovsky in Ukraine, emphasizes psychological healing and hypnosis to release atma-energy. Kashpirovsky, known for his televised healing sessions in the Soviet Union, established the Centre to institutionalize his methods. The practices involve meditation, breathing exercises, and psychological training aimed at improving health and consciousness. Despite criticism from medical professionals, the Centre maintains a dedicated following, with members reporting significant health improvements and a strong sense of community.
The organizational structure of these sects is typically hierarchical, with the founder or spiritual leader at the apex, supported by senior disciples responsible for overseeing operations and providing guidance. Critics have accused these groups of employing manipulative techniques and exerting undue influence over followers. Despite controversies, the sects continue to attract adherents through their promises of spiritual enlightenment and liberation.
The Training Centre for Release of the Atma-Energy has faced various allegations and legal challenges, with authorities in multiple countries attempting investigations. The organization’s elusive nature and lack of concrete evidence have complicated prosecution efforts. The sect’s secrecy and the proliferation of splinter groups have further obscured understanding of its practices and influence.
Overall, the Training Centre for Release of the Atma-Energy represents a blend of spiritual and psychological practices aimed at releasing inner energy for personal growth and healing. Its eclectic teachings and focus on community support continue to draw individuals seeking alternative paths to well-being and enlightenment, despite the ongoing debates and controversies surrounding its activities and intentions.
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