Report on the "Rama" Computer Cult

2. SIZE

Estimates of membership in the group vary widely. Membership appears to have varied from an estimated high of more than 900 followers to what is believed to be the current estimated size of 250 to 350. In the mid-1980s when he was in Malibu there were as many as 900 students in Los Angeles and San Francisco paying regular tuition. He would get rid of 30 or 40 at a time, saying they were flunking spiritually. In May 1987 at the meeting in Los Angeles it was estimated that the innner circle increased to 300 or 400. By January 1988 it was estimated at 1,000 but this seems much too high. Currently one person who attended recent seminars has estimated that up to 400 people attended the seminars, with about 250 of them being members and 150 guests. It is believed that there are many others, closely associated, who do not attend the regular seminars. In addition, there are a large number of former members who have been expelled from the regular group by Lenz for various failures and shortcomings. Many of these are working intensely and contributing liberally to the organization in an effort to be readmitted to the regular group.