EST:
Erhard Seminar Training founded in 1971 by Werner ERHARD on the basis of SPIRITUAL
practices derived from ZEN BUDDHISM and SCIENTOLOGY. The movement, which has operated
under a variety of names, organizes intense weekend seminars intended to break down
inhibitions and bring the individual in touch with their true selves. Many participants
report OCCULT experiences and encounters with SPIRIT BEINGS towards the end of the seminar
which is officially non-religious. Generally EST has helped promote a type of SELF
ENLIGHTENMENT and has promoted views which, in turn, helped promote the NEW AGE MOVEMENT.