The Way of the Livingness and Universal Medicine

Abstract

Universal Medicine, founded by Serge Benhayon (b. 1964), is an Australian movement offering a distinct style of alternative therapies. It is supported by an esoteric worldview called The Way of the Livingness. Occult beliefs and practices are poorly understood in Western cultures such as Australia, and Benhayon has encountered sustained criticism on a range of issues commonly faced by other new religions. Public reaction betrays fears of secretive and inappropriate activities, which are amplified by the Australian media’s penchant for targeting cult activities. While Universal Medicine pursues practices that would pass without comment in other national contexts, its organization, visibility, and esoteric pursuits make it an easy target for polemics in Australia. This article explores key aspects of The Way of the Livingness and outlines Universal Medicine’s founding and organizational structure. The movement is further contextualized within the Theosophical tradition following Alice A. Bailey (1880–1849), ideas from the New Age, and Australian culture.