Roy Masters (commentator)

Roy Masters

Roy Masters was an English-born American talk radio host, author, and commentator known for his work in the fields of stress management, meditation, and spiritual counseling. He was born in 1928 in London, England, and passed away in 2021. Masters was particularly recognized for his advocacy of a meditation technique aimed at helping individuals overcome emotional problems and dependencies. He founded the Foundation of Human Understanding in the late 1960s in Los Angeles, California, which served as a platform for his teachings and broadcasts.

Early Life

Roy Masters was born in London, England, in 1928. Details about his early life, including his family background and education, are not extensively documented. However, it is known that he emigrated to the United States in the 1950s, where he would eventually establish a career as a spiritual counselor and radio host.

Career

Masters began his career in the United States as a diamond cutter, but he soon transitioned into the role of a spiritual teacher and counselor. In the late 1960s, he founded the Foundation of Human Understanding, a non-profit organization through which he offered counseling services and disseminated his teachings on overcoming stress and emotional dependencies through meditation.

Radio Career

Roy Masters became widely known through his talk radio program, Advice Line, which began broadcasting in the early 1960s. His program was one of the longest-running radio shows in the United States, offering advice on personal development, spirituality, and psychology. Masters' approach to dealing with stress and emotional issues through meditation and understanding gained him a significant following.

Meditation Technique

One of the core aspects of Masters' work was his promotion of a specific meditation technique designed to help individuals achieve a state of inner calm and overcome various emotional and psychological issues. This technique involved a practice of passive observation, encouraging practitioners to become aware of their thoughts and feelings without judgment or engagement, thereby gaining insight into their underlying causes of stress and dependency.

Controversies

Throughout his career, Roy Masters was a figure of some controversy. Critics accused him of cult-like practices and authoritarian control over his followers. However, his supporters defended his methods as effective means of achieving personal growth and overcoming psychological distress.

Legacy

Roy Masters' impact on the fields of stress management and spiritual counseling remains significant. His books and recordings continue to be utilized by individuals seeking to overcome emotional and psychological challenges through meditation and self-awareness. The Foundation of Human Understanding still operates, offering resources and support based on Masters' teachings.

Bibliography

Roy Masters authored several books on meditation, stress management, and spiritual growth, including titles such as How Your Mind Can Keep You Well, Be Still and Know, and The Secret Power of Words. These works outline his philosophy and techniques for achieving mental and emotional well-being.

Death

Roy Masters passed away in 2021. His death marked the end of a long career dedicated to helping people understand and overcome their inner conflicts and dependencies.