A Look at Self-Help Guru James Ray's Tents: Sweat Lodge Trial Starts

March 1, 2011— -- Opening arguments are expected to begin today in the trial of James Ray, the self-help guru who is charged with manslaughter after three of his followers died during a sweat lodge ceremony in Arizona.

In October 2009, dozens of people crammed into a 415-square-foot hut heated with red-hot rocks.

Ray, a charismatic guru told his followers it would be a "re-birthing" but it turned out to be a fatal experience instead for three people. Ray, 53, is charged with three counts of manslaughter in his Yavapai County Superior Court trial.

For the first time, ABC News has obtained never before seen up-close photos from 2008, after a ceremony in the same sweat lodge used by Ray the following year.

In these 2008 shots, many of the participants are seen sprawled out on the ground.

According to prosecutors, one witness said "20 people got sick. Overheated and throwing up."

One woman in the green shorts is seen vomiting, according to the person who took the pictures.