I would like to start with a little of my personal history. I grew up in a cult in which my mother was heavily involved. This was a group she stayed with for approximately 10 years: over this time I experienced a whole lot of questionable behavior from older men and women whom I was supposed to look up to and learn from.

There has been a complete denial of the true facts as people accuse Universal Medicine of being a dangerous cult with founder Serge Benhayon as the cult leader, for I truly know what a dangerous cult looks like and is, having experienced it firsthand! Labelling something as such is not an accusation to make lightly as the way a real cult impacts people’s lives is very destructive and emotionally crippling.  

So I would like to take this opportunity to put forward facts I have come to know based on my experiences with the cult I grew up in – and in total and complete contrast, my time attending Universal Medicine.

Fact – In the cult the leader encouraged the followers to have sex or relationships with her and, as it was presented to them, this was in order to develop their sexual awareness. People were encouraged to touch the leader all over for her pleasure. This was openly talked about and everyone was aware of this practice.

In Contrast – At no point in all the years I have attended sessions and workshops with Serge Benhayon and Universal Medicine practitioners, have I or anyone I know, ever been touched in a sexual way, encouraged to touch another or felt abused in any way, shape or form. In fact the complete opposite is true – never have I been treated in such a respectful and non-imposing way in a massage or healing session before I experienced one with Universal Medicine. Furthermore, I have only ever been encouraged to try and work out my existing relationship issues or encouraged to date when I have been single.

Fact – In this cult the adults were kept up all night participating in group sessions, sometimes going for 24 hours – which is a well-known technique for putting the body into a state of dysfunction, weakening the ability to keep emotions and issues under control.

In Contrast – Universal Medicine courses and presentation days run for no longer than 8 hours with a good lunch break, as well as morning tea and toilet breaks. It is not compulsory to attend, anyone can book in, paying for courses offered with no obligation.

Fact – In this cult my mother, as well as many others, gave away a lot of money to the leader when in fact they had very little to start with.

In Contrast – Universal Medicine does NOT allow donations.

Fact – In the cult we went to rave parties where the members would all take a lot of drugs, losing themselves then in music. Drugs were encouraged as according to the leader, it opened your consciousness and made you more in touch with the world and people.

In Contrast – Universal Medicine is about true well-being and supporting the body in a way that allows one to fully contribute to society – in fact, the true harm and widespread devastation that drugs and alcohol inflict are discussed openly. Music is used in a way to celebrate who we are and in that, to have fun: we have dance parties, however they usually go for 1-2 hours starting at 6pm.

Fact – Everyone in the cult lived on cigarettes and coffee. Our diets were terrible we would eat vegemite on toast for dinner… a lot! No exercise was encouraged and personal care was NEVER a topic of conversation.

In Contrast – To put it simply, Universal Medicine encourages clean eating in accordance to one’s choices. It is not a new thing, but many are not aware of how beneficial it is. Serge talks about the food choices he makes at times, but what is really presented at UM is to listen to the way your body reacts to foods and eat accordingly. Listen to your body and don’t poison it is the pretty simple message. Exercise is encouraged as part of supporting the body to be strong and active to live life and work. In fact, I never exercised regularly until I came to Universal Medicine. Again, it is just encouraged to the level that you feel is right for your body; nothing is compulsory.

Fact – The people who I was surrounded with as a child were quite crazy! They would cry all the time – most of them were severely depressed. They would talk for hours on end about their feelings and other cult related business. They took no care in their appearance. Most people did not work and spent most of the time at sessions or sitting around talking about their feelings.

In Contrast – The people I am surrounded by now are really quite amazing: I am inspired every day by them! They don’t indulge in their issues – they get on with life. They have great jobs or businesses where they offer a service – which is second to none. Their focus is not on personal gain and money but on how they can truly help others. Much dedication is applied to the way they live so when they go out into the world the quality of being they are in is an absolute pleasure to be met with. All this not just for themselves, but because they understand the impact we all have on one another and the responsibility that comes with that. This is pretty incredible and again so inspiring to be around.

Another amazing quality I am surrounded with is that people always keep growing emotionally as well as practically. Personal issues are dealt with to the best of their ability. For some, their businesses grow and evolve, new projects are started regularly, there are no limits. People I see involved with Universal Medicine welcome hard work as it seems for them it is never hard, but a pleasure. I could go on and on, as it is very inspiring!

Fact – My mother would move us around wherever the cult went. Dad had no say in this, his wishes were disregarded because he was not amongst the cult.

In Contrast – I have close friends who attend Universal Medicine events and are separated from their partners and have children together. What I see is rational women (and men) accommodating the needs of their ex-partner as well as their own, and who care deeply about their children.

After spending many years influenced by the cult members and others, I developed a very unhealthy way of living. I became a drug addict who had nothing to show for her 20 something years on this planet. That I would call a dangerous environment to be in!

Six years ago I went to a Universal Medicine healing course which inspired me to begin changing my life. Gradually I made the changes I needed and stopped taking drugs and alcohol. I started exercising and I set up a now booming business. Surrounded by truly inspiring people I turned my life around and today I have plenty to show for myself. From someone who hated themselves and felt worthless to a proud woman who is willing to look at these issues and deal with them head on, but who also feels a self love and admiration that was not there before.

“Universal Medicine – a dangerous cult”… I think not! Quite the opposite in fact – my life has improved DRAMATICALLY in every possible way and I am answerable to no one but myself. 

By JM