A bomb threat in 2005 shuts down central Tauranga, a city in the North Island of New Zealand, and Phil discovers that the bomber has a connection with the Lodge. After coming under public scrutiny Aiping, her family and followers go international, opening clinics in Europe and the States. We learn what some of her followers were paying for her Life Technology teachings and how others are profiting from them.For articles and images from the series, visit the RNZ website here: www.rnz.co.nz/thelodgeGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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45:15
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45:15
Being There
We hear from the guru herself, Aiping Wang in a rare interview recorded for a 20/20 television documentary, The Grandmaster. The guru explains “Qi”, what she calls “Universe Energy” and how it can bring happiness, wealth and health, including curing serious diseases. She explains her teachings and we find out what happened when she started out as a guru back in Slovenia.For articles and images from the series, visit the RNZ website here: www.rnz.co.nz/thelodgeGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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41:50
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41:50
Dealing With Magic
Warwick's story unfolds, and we discover if his six-month energy treatment in London has produced a miracle cure for HIV. Phil learns more about the ambitious nature of the wellness cult and its plan to reform all of society. We hear of the tragic tales of two other believers, Sharon and Yanis who died while following Aiping’s teachings and how other followers at the Lodge watched and took photos as a giant melanoma grew on Yanis face.For articles and images from the series, visit the RNZ website here: www.rnz.co.nz/thelodgeGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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38:53
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38:53
Quiet Death Toll
Phil delves into the enigmatic world of Takaro Lodge, a wellness retreat in New Zealand that doubled as a high-end luxury resort. We uncover the mysterious practices of its founder, Chinese grandmaster Aiping Wang and meet Warwick, a Kiwi actor who’s hoping that Aiping’s energy treatment will cure his HIV. From Fiordland National Park to the guru’s energy clinics in Europe and the US, how far will people go and what will they believe in the pursuit of wellness?For articles and images from the series, visit the RNZ website here: www.rnz.co.nz/thelodgeGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
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40:02
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40:02
Distant Bells
Phil Vine explores the fall and rise of a therapeutic community – or cult – led by a charismatic guru, who promises to teach followers how to fly and heal without medicine. Followers share their bizarre experiences and the dangerous depth of their convictions, and we discover how this story connects to the modern wellness industry and the allure of alternative healing. Read more about this episode on the RNZ website here - "Wellness industry's dark side" For articles and images from the series, visit the RNZ website here: www.rnz.co.nz/thelodgeGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details
In a world obsessed with wellbeing - would you put your health in the hands of a cult? A cautionary tale about the consequences of going alternative, when wellness becomes a matter of life & death.
Ireland