Just finished watching “Breath of Fire,” the docuseries on corrupt Kundalini yoga leaders Guru Jagat (Katie Griggs) and Yogi Bhajan. WOW.
The latter was a phony who started a cult in the name of spiritual development, but delivered control, abuse and exploitation to his unsuspecting faithful followers.
And Katie, a former astrology influencer in Los Angeles turned Ra Ma Yoga Institute founder, seems to have started out with good intentions but followed in her guru’s footsteps (Yogi Bhajan) with control, abuse and exploitation of different sorts.
They’re both dead now. Their victims are talking. Reclaiming their lives.
Two points I must address:
“Spiritual Materialism” is NOT a thing. Katie talked about how you have to chase money and objects in order to cultivate prosperity. That is completely the opposite of the sacred. All indigenous wisdom teachings and formalized religion hold that the divine is within. People, that is where the truth can be found. Start being suspect when a “spiritual leader” or anyone prioritizes the material/physical over the immaterial/nonphysical.
Become a follower at your own risk. Sure we want to believe in something or someone. Start with your own self. Yogi Bhajan was a master manipulator, yet people believed in him. They handed over their belongings, their children, their freedom, and their dignity in good faith. It’s hard to believe when you’re on the outside of this, but they earnestly sought a more peaceful existence in community. Unfortunately, they were misled. It was a cult. Remember your own sovereignty. As a human being, ONLY YOU can say what is right FOR YOU.
These two cases aren’t the only examples of corrupt leaders within the Western yoga movement. And yoga isn’t the only mind-body-spirit discipline that can be infiltrated with those looking to take advantage of others. This happens in every single profession — from religion to finance — yet the ones that are unregulated or self-regulated industries are more at risk. Most areas within holistic disciplines and therapies fall into this area, but things are changing quickly.
Tip: Be sure to check the credentials of professional practitioners by checking where they trained and of which professional association(s) they belong. This information ought to be readily available on their websites and social media profiles. If not, ask. Credibility, integrity and consumer protection are valued by professionals working in the mind-body-spirit area.
We have more choice in life than we believe. If we’re in situations where we do not have total freedom, then consider the small decisions you do get to make.
Start tracking how many decisions you un/consciously make in a day.
When you find yourself faced with a decision — How will I treat the cashier at the supermarket even though she’s slow and I’m in a rush? Will I look into the eyes, or smile, to others when I get on the bus? Will I eat on the run or sit down, relaxed? — try to tap into what your head is advising, then what sentiment your heart is giving, and also see how your body responds when you consider each option.
You may be surprised at what you learn, and which one of these you follow.
The idea is to tune into your self, and to act from that aligned place.
Try it, let the rest of us know how it goes! It’s a practice, so give yourself the grace to grow into it.
Meanwhile, my prayers go to all affected that they may experience peace after the horrors they experienced.
For more on the story behind “Breath of Fire,” see Hayley Phelan’s blockbuster story in Vanity Fair, and more on the docuseries in this story by The Guardian.