The first session of the Eighty-Seventh Term of the Educational Workshops of Congress 60, for Travelers and Companions, commenced on Monday, February 17, 2026 (29 Bahman 1404), at 10:00 a.m. The session was conducted under the guidance and supervision of Mr. Hossein Dezhakam, with Companion Shahin serving as secretary. The agenda of the meeting was: “Congress 60 Research, Articles, and Conferences.”
Hello friends, I am Hossein, a Traveler. I hope you are all well. By the grace of God, I am also doing well. Today is the 29th of Bahman, 1404, and the time is 10:18 a.m. We are gathered in the Academy building in Tehran.
First, I mention a few points before addressing the main topic of today’s agenda. One important matter ahead of us is the blessed month of Ramadan, which begins tomorrow. I must inform you that, after reviewing the figures, the total financial contributions made so far for Ramadan by the Academy branch, the Rose branch (women Travelers), the Mykhak [clove flower] branch in Mashhad, Kerman, Qeshm, Shirvan, and all other centers amount to approximately 250 milliosn tomans. Other branches are in a similar situation.
However, circumstances have changed significantly. At present, purchasing 100 kilograms of meat costs nearly 200 million tomans. For just one meal, we require at least 30 kilograms of meat, which amounts to around 60 million tomans. If we wish to cook beans—and I have specifically requested the best quality beans from Hidaj—its price is approximately 350,000 tomans per kilogram. This means that 100 kilograms of beans would cost 35 million tomans. Similarly, 100 kilograms of rice would cost between 35 to 40 million tomans.
Therefore, when you make a financial contribution for Ramadan, you must be mindful of these realities. Those who are financially able and in good economic standing should consider contributing 30, 50, or even 100 million tomans for the month of Ramadan.
If you calculate the cost of a single meal for yourself, it would amount to approximately 300,000 to 400,000 tomans per serving. If you personally intend to provide iftar throughout the month of Ramadan, the cost of your own meals alone would reach at least five to six million tomans (laughing). So please understand this clearly: if someone believes that contributing 500,000 tomans covers a meaningful portion of Ramadan expenses—no, that amount barely covers the cost of a single meal for one person.
Even a soft drink now costs 35,000 to 50,000 tomans. A single banana costs between 60,000 to 70,000 tomans. I am sharing these figures simply to inform you and to ensure that all branches carefully consider the current economic conditions. Prices have changed considerably. One hundred kilograms of meat alone costs nearly 200 million tomans. In fact, the total amount contributed so far across all these branches roughly equals the cost of just 100 kilograms of meat—and that does not include oil, rice, and other necessary materials to cook meals for Iftar. My intention is simply this: please be aware of the situation. Understand clearly what is happening and adjust your perspective accordingly.
Now, the next matter before us is Guides’ Week, and we are currently in that very week. We must be truly attentive. We must sincerely appreciate our guides and express our gratitude to them in the best possible way.
They give you something invaluable—and you must recognize the worth of what you are being given. When a person is liberated from addiction, they must understand the magnitude of that freedom. When someone recovers from a serious and dangerous illness, they must appreciate the value of that recovery.
Recently, some of my own students came to me. Two students of mine who followed the weight-reduction journey both became pregnant. For ten years they had been visiting doctors, paying heavy medical expenses, trying various treatments and methods, yet they were unable to conceive. Now they have conceived. These individuals came to Congress 60 with obesity, high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and high blood sugar. They were struggling simultaneously with multiple serious conditions—diabetes, hypertension, respiratory difficulty—and all the diseases were resolved. If they had spent hundreds of millions, they would have never achieved such results.
What does this mean? When blood pressure, blood sugar, and respiratory problems are resolved, what does that signify? It means that ten to fifteen years have been added to their lifespan. When a woman completes the weight-reduction journey and you observe that ten or even fifteen illnesses have disappeared, it means that her life expectancy has been extended by a decade.
Now, when someone wishes to express gratitude to their teacher—how should they do so? Let me speak very clearly: how do you appreciate your guide? Whether it is an X guide [the DST guide], a weight-reduction guide, a smoking-cessation guide, a DST guide, or how would we show our gratitude to Congress 60 itself? First of all, we have to truly understand the value of the services being provided to us.
We must preserve the dignity and respect of our guides. We must listen carefully to their guidance. And during Guide Week, we must express our appreciation in a worthy manner. This is something everyone should learn—and fortunately, in Congress 60, members understand this well. When I emphasize it, it is merely as a reminder—so that we do not forget.
Every year during the blessed month of Ramadan, we provide iftar meals. Everyone participates, everyone benefits, and in the end, we even have surplus funds. God willing, this year will be the same; I am confident of it. So when I offer these reminders, it is not because we have fallen short—rather, it is to ensure awareness. If we wish to purchase 100 kilograms of meat, it costs approximately 200 million tomans. If you intend to buy a calf, the price approaches 300 to 400 million tomans—nearly half a billion tomans. A smaller calf weighing 600 to 700 kilograms would cost around 600 million tomans, assuming the price of one kilogram of a live cow is about one million tomans [therefore, a live cow costs about 600 million tomans]. These figures are mentioned simply as a reminder—so that everyone remains aware of the realities before us.
Another point I would like to mention is that the book “Body Construction and Weight Reduction” has now reached its second printing, and we are currently arranging for the third edition to be published. The book is written concisely and in a simple, accessible manner, yet it contains highly effective and practical points. I encourage you not only to benefit from it yourselves but also to share it with others.
Unlike the book “Crossing the Zone of 60 Degrees Minus Zero”, which specifically addresses addiction, this book [Body Construction and Weight Loss] concerns an issue that affects nearly everyone, because weight imbalance and its related complications are widespread problems. Many people resort to injections costing millions [of tomans], abdominal injections, various capsules, and countless other methods to lose weight—yet these approaches are fruitless.
There is also an important point regarding weight reduction that I must emphasize. When a person rises from the ground, pressure is exerted on the lower part of the body—the body’s center of gravity lies toward the lower end. You only truly notice this when there is a problem. When lifting a heavy object, the pressure ultimately concentrates at the lower extremity of the body.
Therefore, when you are on a weight-reduction journey, do not allow enthusiasm to push you into extremes—suddenly cycling 30 kilometers, walking for one and a half or two hours, or beginning heavy weightlifting. What happens under such excessive strain? The increased internal pressure may lead to complications such as hemorrhoids or other lower intestinal issues, because the cumulative pressure imposed on the body ultimately concentrates at the lower end of the large intestine. This excessive pressure can create serious problems.
If you choose to exercise, it must be moderate and balanced. Play football, play volleyball, engage in enjoyable physical activities—but do not assume that exercising for three hours straight, cycling excessively, or climbing steep inclines for hours is beneficial. A simple half-hour walk—at most half an hour—is more than sufficient and highly beneficial. Light, consistent exercise is far preferable to intense, heavy workouts that strain the body.
As I have written in the book, the human body under normal conditions consists of approximately seventy percent water. However, in individuals who are overweight, that percentage of water may drop to around forty-five percent. The remainder is largely composed of excess fat. For this reason, many individuals with obesity suffer from chronic constipation. Why? Because a healthy body requires adequate hydration. When water content decreases, dehydration occurs.
When the body is dehydrated, several consequences follow: constipation, increased pressure within the system, thickened blood, shortness of breath, and numerous other health complications. Many secondary illnesses emerge from this imbalance.
Therefore, I emphasize once again: do not fall into excess in exercise. Excess in anything is harmful. What is essential is balance, moderation, and harmony in all aspects of the journey.
This brings us to another important matter: the DST method and the week we are currently observing—Research Week. In reality, Congress 60 was founded upon research.
Today, different countries from across the world invite us for various international conferences, and I say this without hesitation or self-praise—I am not speaking about myself personally, but about Congress 60 and its position. As the founder and the guardian of Congress 60, I can state clearly that there is no comparable organization within this range of scientific studies that receives such diverse invitations.
We are invited to speak at conferences on multiple sclerosis (MS), ulcerative colitis, infectious diseases, pharmaceutical sciences, epilepsy, and many other specialized medical and scientific fields. Numerous pharmaceutical companies and academic institutions invite us as keynote speakers. Our published articles have led to further invitations, and in just the past two months alone, we have participated in six or seven international conferences.
Fortunately, modern technology and virtual platforms now allow us to attend these events online. In the past, physical travel was necessary, but today many conferences are conducted virtually, or we pre-record our presentations and submit them. This has enabled us to participate in numerous international scientific gatherings.
Most of these conferences are held in major countries, particularly the United States. We have received many invitations from China, though we have not participated in those. Invitations have also come from India, which we likewise did not attend. Several conferences from Spain, France, and the United Kingdom were invited, and we accepted some of them. Out of thirty or forty invitations, we may select seven, eight, or ten to attend and present.
This clearly demonstrates that our work stands firmly on the foundation of research. It is this research that continuously elevates Congress 60 and strengthens its scientific credibility.
Now, in the matter of Jones’s legion (Congress 60’s weight loss program), we have found many truths. One of the most significant global challenges today is obesity and excess weight. There is no definitive solution offered worldwide. Those who struggle with excess weight understand this clearly. Can you easily find someone who was overweight, successfully reduced their weight, maintained a normal and healthy condition, and achieved true physical and behavioral balance? There is no effective solution worldwide.
Often, when someone gains weight, they are told: “Your thyroid is underactive,” or “Your thyroid is overactive—that is why you are overweight.” This is typically the first explanation presented.
However, through our own direct observation and practical experience, we discovered that this explanation is entirely not accurate. We saw that individuals who were overweight also experienced thyroid dysfunction—yet when they reduced their weight, their thyroid function returned to normal.
We witnessed cases where a woman was unable to conceive, but after reducing her weight, she became pregnant. Perhaps no one had ever told her, “Your difficulty in conceiving may be directly related to excess weight,” because this connection had not been properly encountered or studied in practice. But we encountered it. When I say we encountered it, I mean we observed it repeatedly in real experience.
We saw weight decrease—and thyroid levels normalize. We saw weight decrease—and pregnancy occur. We saw irregular menstrual cycles become regular after weight reduction.
These are not claims based on theory alone; they are outcomes we have directly observed. We performed no miracle. God granted us the opportunity and the conditions to witness these realities. When we saw the consistent pattern, we understood that many of these complications were directly linked to excess weight.
This in itself opens an entire field of research. The scope of these findings is so extensive that we often do not have sufficient time to formally publish articles on every aspect. The field is vast, and the subjects are numerous.
Now you can see how far our studies and findings have reached. Today, universities within the country are inviting us to collaborate jointly. In the past, our academic collaborations were primarily focused on addiction. However, our collaboration with the University of Bristol in England was centered on epilepsy.
The University of Bristol initially proposed collaboration regarding Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease. At that time, we did not have sufficient cases in those areas. However, we had a substantial number of epilepsy cases within Congress 60, and since many individuals with epilepsy had been cured [using the DST method, and opium tincture as their medicine], we agreed to collaborate in that field.
Cambridge University also approached us regarding potential cooperation on certain research papers, but due to unsettled conditions, I did not accept that collaboration.
Therefore, our formal academic collaboration with the University of Bristol focused specifically on epilepsy—a condition in which we had observed remarkable recoveries within Congress 60. Such outcomes have never been documented elsewhere.
We hope that in the future, within our own country, we will have the time and opportunity to participate more extensively in medical congresses related to other diseases for which we have conducted research—including animal studies—always in collaboration with qualified specialists who work alongside us. I hope we will participate in medical conferences, take a panel and provide our findings of our research, experimentations, and investigations.
For instance, we have collaborated with Isfahan University and we have cooperation with Yazd University and other Iranian universities, because they have requested joint research initiatives with us. All of these activities are connected to the research foundation and scientific findings of Congress 60.
In recent months, we have participated in six or seven international conferences. Several of our articles have been accepted, and we are currently awaiting their official publication. We have carried out different studies on many different issues.
However, it is important to note that articles submitted from certain countries—including Iran—are sometimes subject to additional verification processes. Due to past instances of scientific misconduct by some individuals, including falsified data and fabricated statistics, submissions from these regions are blacklisted and they have to undergo rigorous verification process to ensure authenticity. As a result, some countries have been placed under heightened scrutiny. I have heard that there are international bodies specifically dedicated to monitoring scientific authenticity of articles, and at one point there were discussions about cooperation with this organization. Unfortunately, such matters led to certain countries being placed on a form of monitoring list—and China is reportedly among them as well. Articles submitted from these countries must undergo careful verification before acceptance.
Our work has gone through this process of validation and has been approved. Our submissions have been accepted, and we are now awaiting their final publication. Even as I speak with you, research continues actively.
At the Pasteur Institute, we are currently conducting research on heroin using approximately seventy to eighty laboratory rats. We designed five separate experimental studies focusing on five substances: heroin, opium, amphetamine, fentanyl (an addictive drug), and alcohol. Of these five, three studies—involving fentanyl, amphetamines, and opium—have been completed.
The findings of the studies on these three drugs thus far indicate a critical reality: although these substances differ [in form and structure], the physiological damage they produce is remarkably similar. The destructive effects of opium, amphetamines, and fentanyl on the body follow nearly identical biological pathways.
For example:
• All of these substances damage the mitochondria—the energy-producing centers of the cell.
• All disrupt the dopaminergic system, affecting multiple dopamine circuits.
• All impair the serotonergic system.
• All weaken and destroy the immune system.
This shared pattern of destruction explains why we apply a unified therapeutic approach. The treatment protocol used for opium dependency is fundamentally applicable to heroin, amphetamines, hashish, and similar substances—because all these substances have similar destruction.
Mr. William White once remarked that it is fascinating to observe that different drugs produce similar patterns of destruction, and that perhaps a universal treatment could be developed for all substances. However, I have gone even further in this perspective: not only addictive substances, but many physical and psychological illnesses share common points of dysfunction and degradation within the body’s systems.
This research is ongoing, and the university is actively advancing its development. The construction of our research and academic facilities is also progressing. Weekly construction expenses of Congress 60’s university range between 400 million to 1.5 billion tomans. The building encompasses approximately 10,000 square meters of infrastructure—2,500 square meters across four floors, complete with elevators, stonework, and exterior finishing. The financial scale is significant and continues to rise.
Yet, by the grace of God and through collective effort, we have thus far been able to carry this work forward. Why have we been able to accomplish all of this? Because what we possess is a valuable commodity. A valuable product is worth of business and deal. If we have managed to fund such extensive projects—without foreign aid and without government assistance—it is because we hold something of real value.
Our method is valuable. The method has produced [fruitful] results. The method continues to produce results. When you dig a well and reach water, you can cultivate vast lands—because the essential resource is there. We reached the water. Therefore, we can create flourishing fields. In every endeavor, we witness progress, and we believe God accompanies and helps us.
Today, the group of female Companions is growing stronger. In the past, many female Companions attended Congress 60 primarily because of their Travelers; they would accompany them during their journey. But now, female companions themselves are undertaking their own journeys. They are transcribing the [educational] Forty CDs, entering the Second Journey, they are seeking weight balance in the Jones’s Legion, and even beginning journeys related to smoking cessation.
There is now a dynamic movement among the female Companions—and similarly among the men. At present, we have five weight-reduction legions for women and one for men. Just today, all participants in the weight-reduction sessions were women—six or seven of them. This shows the vitality and motivation that has emerged. Step by step, they are advancing toward health and balance.
These are extremely important developments. We utilize these experiences to reach deeper and more meaningful results. The second edition of “The Structure of the Body and Weight Loss” will likely be completed soon, and we are preparing for the third printing. One admirable practice among members is that they often gift the book to relatives and acquaintances who struggle with excess weight—and, as we all know, such cases are abundant within families.
I sincerely hope you all continue to succeed. I would also like to express appreciation to those who are contributing tirelessly to our academic development. Mr. Reza Rabiei is constantly present in Qeshm, overseeing the university construction work day and night. His dedication is truly commendable. Mr. Majid Salami also contributes significantly, traveling back and forth, coordinating and planning important aspects of the project. Dr. Arvin Haghightfard collaborates with us in the research field, and his efforts are equally valuable. We are supported by many dedicated researchers.
God willing, we will soon achieve even more distinguished and remarkable results.
Thank you all for listening. I am grateful to each of you.
Thank you.
Thank you very much. In our research activities, we can also say that our music group is similar to our research group—there is essentially no difference. Today, many young members are learning music, playing instruments, and producing melodies and sounds for Congress 60’s musical productions.
In the music section, we must sincerely thank Amin, who has been training many members. Now, many of them have become highly skilled musicians. Amin has also introduced innovative methods in music education, using special techniques to teach musical literacy—reading and writing music—in a much more effective way. This again reflects a form of research-based work within that field.
Thank you very much.
Mr. Torabkhani has a colleague who has been selected as the Assistant Dideban (Assistant Watcher) of the Guides. Very well—after this, we will proceed with the 11th law [in which a basket is turned around and Congress 60 members donate money and put it in the basket]. Mr. Torabkhani and Mr. Mojtaba, please come forward. Thank you.
These certificates that we are displaying here on the screen are related to scientific papers—they are about thirty or forty certificates in total. A few of them are shown here on the screen. You can ask me to provide the rest of certificates to you so that you can have all of them. We have around thirty to forty certificates in total. Thank you.
Hello friends, I am Hossein, a Traveler. The release program is held in the Taleghani Park; we conduct giving the order of liberation from addiction there on Fridays. Before Ramadan, I usually leave home at 6:30 a.m., to be there early. During the blessed month of Ramadan, if I am present, I leave at 7:30 a.m., since people tend to sleep a little longer during Ramadan. In addition, we used to have ample time for breakfast before Ramadan—although now there is no breakfast (laughing).
The book “60 Degrees” has been translated into English and French. Members of the Arvand Abadan branch, particularly Mr. Mohammad, have also translated it into Arabic. Its translation into Arabic has been carried out and editing work is currently being under way, including proofreading and page layout. Mr. Dezhakam then asked Mr. Mohammad to come and talk about the translation of the book.
After Mr. Mohammad’s contribution, Mr. Dezhakam added, today, Mohammad is here, and I asked him to speak briefly about the translation of the book. I want to emphasize that the DST method and our treatment approach are not limited to Persian speakers or Iranians. The DST method is beneficial to all human beings—whether they are Arab, English, French, or Russian. Regardless of nationality, this method provides the cure of addiction for all human beings.
That is why I was very pleased that Mohammad translated 60 Degrees into Arabic. In fact, in some Arab countries, drug addiction has become a growing problem. Previously, certain substances were not widely used in Arab countries, but now narcotic pills and amphetamine-type stimulants have become widespread. Amphetamines were once mistakenly considered amphetamine as medicines rather than drugs, which has led to serious problems in some Arab countries—I will not name specific countries here.
Some individuals suffering from addiction come from very high socioeconomic backgrounds. Some even travel by private jet to London to attend addiction treatment classes, and then return again by private jet. The Arabic translation of 60 Degrees can serve as a highly valuable and practical guide for Arab and African countries.
Well, parts of the book that I spoke about were relatively easy to translate, but the sections where the Master—such as Sardar and Ra’ad—spoke had their own very specific complexities. Mohammad was constantly in contact with me, asking how we could properly adopt Arabic equivalences for complex concepts.
Since even when we read the original Persian texts [of Congress 60] we sometimes do not fully understand it (laughing), translating it becomes even more challenging!
https://www.congress60.org/News/483620/%DA%A9%D8%A7%D8%B1%DA%AF%D8%A7%D9%87-%D8%A2%D9%85%D9%88%D8%B2%D8%B4%DB%8C-%D8%AC%D9%87%”8%A7%D9%86%E2%80%8C%D8%A8%DB%8C%D9%86%DB%8C-%D8%AA%D8%A”%D9%82%DB%8C%D9%82%D8%A7%D8%AA-%DA%A9%D9%86%DA%AF%D8%B1%D9%87-60-%D9%85%D9%82%D8%A7%D9%84%D8%A7%”8%AA-%D9%88-%DA%A9%D9%86%”9%81%D8%B1%D8%A7%D9%86%D8%B3-%D9%87%D8%A7
Translated by Elahe