SEDONA, AZ – A man is giving new insight into what happens inside a sweat lodge, like the one in Sedona, where two people died last week.
James Ray is the man at the center of the controversy. Ray is the co-author of the book, "The Secret", an expert in personal development, and the organizer of the "Spiritual Warrior" retreat in Sedona.
So far he has offered
an apology on his website, but other than that he is refusing to speak.
But his friend and colleague John Assaraf is speaking out. He also co-wrote “The Secret” and tells a TV station in San Diego about these retreats.
"We are ultimately responsible for what occurs in the environment we bring others into," he said. "Will he (James Ray) take responsibility? I hope he does. I think he will."
Assaraf says these retreats usually last five days, ending with the sweat lodge. It's meant to push people's personal limits and transcend pain. He says it also helps them recognize their physical and mental health and achieve goals they never thought possible.
Assaraf says this wasn't James Ray's first sweat lodge, but that something obviously went very wrong. "There are some snake and oil people out there, but most people, James included, have the intention of loving and caring."
Authorities say the sweat lodge did not have the proper permits and that up to 65 people were crowded inside the sweltering, sauna-like tent. Criminal charges could be coming.
