Is Royal Way a Cult?

The spiritual teacher and founder of Royal Way, Michael Menachem Gottlieb, addresses this question directly: “It is not possible that we are a cult. We teach freedom. We teach uniqueness. We teach individuation. It is not possible for these three to exist within a cult. More striking is the fact that we teach dropping the mind and living from the heart. Being inculcated into a cult is possible only through the mind—I repeat, only through the mind. When you live in the heart, only freedom is possible. So the answer is, unequivocally: No, we are not a cult.”

In his discourse on cults, Michael Gottlieb urges us not to abandon the word, but to understand the difference between common notions—which describe cults of darkness—and cults that can benefit mankind.“Why condemn cults merely because there are some stupid ones and a couple of dangerous ones?” he wrote. “Cults are inevitable,” he added. “They are a natural phenomenon that arises around anyone who touches people deeply. To use the word ‘cult’ as a negation or criticism shows ignorance.” 

He says further, “There are cults of light and there are cults of darkness. You use discretion, discernment, judiciousness. You use your God-given brain to differentiate in all areas of life, including cults.” 

By using our “God-given brain,” we can bring intelligence and discernment to the question of cults. To quote Michael Gottlieb once more: “Would anyone condemn the medical profession because some doctors are charlatans and do great harm to their patients? Would anyone suggest shutting down the legal profession because some attorneys are more crooked than their clients? Would anyone want to eliminate psychotherapy from our society because so many therapists are in worse shape than their patients? Of course not. One does not destroy a barrelful of sweet apples because of a few rotten ones. Why then this hullabaloo about cults? The fact is that throughout history, cults have been incredible power sources for spiritual creativity, for the benefit of all mankind.”

Royal Way’s Mission and Values

Royal Way is a meditative community whose members practice meditation and attend retreats focused on spiritual growth at Royal Way Spiritual Center in Lucerne Valley, California. There, seekers come together to explore an inner journey that is both profound and uplifting. 

Michael Gottlieb has said, “There is something in us that knows that our main function in life, and our greatest goal, is the attainment of our ultimate being, the discovery of our true nature.” The experience is entirely different from so-called cults that expect sameness, even obedience, from their members. Royal Way teaches freedom, not conformity.

The Royal Way Community 

The community comprises people from all walks of life, young and old, creating a wide range of backgrounds and experiences that add richness and depth to Royal Way. As Michael Gottlieb once wrote, “They search the higher being in themselves and do everything they can to achieve their potential.” This endeavor is inspirational and elevates the individual on their spiritual journey. 

Spiritual seekers who attend Royal Way retreats at Royal Way Spiritual Center experience the benefits of meditation and other spiritual practices and bring these to their everyday lives. For them, the spiritual fulfillment, joy, and freedom they experience in Royal Way are uplifting and expansive. For them, Royal Way is key to their inner journey—not at all a cult of darkness.

Community Engagement

There is nothing secretive about Royal Way. News about Royal Way retreats and happenings at Royal Way Spiritual Center, as well as the Los Angeles location (Royal Way West), are shared on the community’s website, RoyalWay.org, and on social media—namely, Instagram and Facebook. The community welcomes sincere seekers who want to enrich their lives. 

Also, Royal Way Spiritual Center in Lucerne Valley, California, has hosted local Chamber of Commerce events and has also served as a voting location for the local community. It is a beautiful place to mingle and to welcome civic leaders.

In addition to those, and the Royal Way retreats at Royal Way Spiritual Center, the center hosts outside spiritual and meditative groups as well. These groups remark about the beauty and sacred feeling of Royal Way Spiritual Center and the hospitality they experience there. 

Conclusion

Royal Way is a place where people can experience joy, freedom, and spiritual growth. It is a far cry from the modern-day stereotype of a cult. The beauty of growth and spiritual fulfillment in the members of the community shines above any notion of a cult.