26 Jun MSIA
Another scandal-ridden, home-grown LA spiritual organization is the Movement of Spiritual Inner Awareness (MSIA). Founded in 1971 by John-Roger (born Roger Hinkins) (September 24, 1934- October 22, 2014). MSIA is based in LA and is active mostly in the US with an estimated 5,000 followers.
The more I looked into MSIA the more perplexed I became. I have no doubt they are doing good things for a number of people. However, in all my research, I never came across any other group as secretive and non-transparent as it is except maybe the Church of Scientology. The degree of obfuscation is puzzling.
At age 29 (during his Saturn Return), the future John-Roger, or J-R as he was called, underwent surgery for a kidney stone during which time he fell into a nine-day coma and had a near-death experience. During this interlude he experienced higher consciousness in himself and changed his name and his life mission.
MSIA offers meditation techniques, discourses on spiritual practices and beliefs, a 12-year subscription study program, and emphasis on service to others. Each student receives a personal sound mantra similar to Transcendental Meditation (TM). The teachings are based on those of Christ, Buddha, and the Sant Mat/Radkasomit tradition which also influenced Eckankar and the Divine Light Mission.
The growth of MSIA was facilitated by the addition of its conventionally-handsome Spiritual Director, John Morton, who teaches, creates workshops, coaches, consults and writes. Both he and J-R are referred to as “The Traveler,” a mystical figure who appears on the earth every 25,000 years.
MSIA has profoundly influenced many, but others who have left consider it a mind-manipulating cult. They state that J-R considered himself more powerful than Jesus Christ.
Whatever the truth, John-Roger and MSIA have created much good, including the Peace Awareness Labyrinth and Gardens (see page xxx), the University of Santa Monica (see page xxx), Insight Seminars, Heartfelt Foundation, and Mandeville Press.
This is an excerpt from Catherine Auman’s book Guide to Spiritual L.A.: The Irreverent, the Awake, and the True
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