Activism Change

Sai Baba…Eyes Wide Shut

Question:

"Now I am absolutely certain about your ignorance and immaturity by publicly announcing wrong beliefs, Oh, and you weren’t certain before when you made your false accusations? Once again you have provided NO HARD EVIDENCE to prove anything you have been saying or claiming. People laugh at people like you, because you run off your mouth without backing anything up.  YOU ARE THE JOKE OF ALT.YOGA.

"you know nothing about networks and IT stuff.. don’t get in to that" I never claimed I did know anything about computers, networks or this "IT stuff" you speak about. Stop sidestepping and lets get back to the real issues that I have challenged you on (i.e. coming up with hard evidence for your false accusations).

"also the desperation behind all your replies and poor defence proves" I do not have to prove anything to you.  You are the one going around alt.yoga making accusations about my person. There is no desperation either.  It is counter-point-counter.  Over and over again it happens.  To me, and surely the others here, it is quite amusing that you are still unable to prove anything you are moaning about.

"how egoist and self centered but idiot creature you are!" Once again, another false accusation that you will be unable to back up. You will not even be able to back up your lies about me with my own words.

"how ever hard you try to prove your idotic views, you will never succeed " There is no trying.  There is no proving anything to anyone.  I see that you are using my language now.  Bringing up things about "proving" and "prove".

"but certainly your replies always entertain all of the NG.." Of course they do.  My replies show that:  YOU, SIMPLY ILLOGIC, IS THE JOKE OF ALT.YOGA.

"don’t worry," Why worry?

"I will always reply" Who cares! Swami

Response:

"I will always reply" Who cares! Swami

Idiot Mr. Swami can you tell me if you don’t care then why reply to each and every line of my comments? everyone on the NG understand you and brother bramhan as absolute idiots ……

Response:

This is a follow up that I just found.  It was published last week. Tuesday, January 07, 2003 Associated Press lauds "cult leader" In its "Roll Call" of those who died during 2002 Associated Press describes a purported "cult leader" accused of "brainwashing" and sexual exploitation as simply a "guru who advocated respect for all faiths through his motto "Truth is One, Paths are Many," reports Fox News. However, the late "guru" Satchidananda, who died this past August, actually recruited people for his own "path," which largely consisted of honoring, obeying and serving his own needs. Yogaville, the ashram in rural Virginia Satchidananda founded, was a place used to contain the guru’s most devoted followers and generate revenue. It has now become something of a shrine to his ego as well. Associated Press seems to have done little more than run an ashram press release. Fox likewise posted the report apparently without any meaningful background research. But many articles have been previously published about Satchidananda, which reflect the guru’s deeply troubled history and a litany of allegations about abuse and sordid sex scandals. It is true that the good are listed along with the bad on the Associated Press 2002 "Roll Call." You will find mob bosses Joseph Bonnano and John Gotti along with the Queen Mother of Great Britain and slain journalist Daniel Pearl listed together. However, perhaps it would have been better to provide a more accurate description of the boss of Yogaville, rather than just echo the perception of his devoted followers. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Swami, this was written by Swami Krupaananda (Joy Zuckerman) concerning Yogaville. Susan Cohen was known as Swami Atmananda. I found it at http://www.satchidananda.org/yogaville/yogaville48 Dear Friend, This letter is an update of the events that have taken place since our January letter, which first made public allegations against Swami Satchidananda that he sexually abused women members of the Integral Yoga Institute. The January letter included testimonials from three women who courageously came forward with claims that SS, presenting himself as a celibate monk, used his authority as a spiritual leader to physically and sexually abuse these female devotees. Through details of my own experience, this letter also addressed the issue of the "other victim," disciples who have accepted the truth about SS and are dealing with the disillusion of their trust in him as their guru. Since the January letter eight more women have come forth with their own stories of abuse from SS. Though exact figures are not yet available, nearly 100 former disciples have disassociated themselves from the IYI organization, citing SS’s questionable response to the above-mentioned reports as a major reason for their leaving. Two swamis have left the order, 25 teachers are no longer teaching for IYI, and 12 board members from various branches have resigned. We are glad to report that most of those who have abandoned their affiliation with Swami Satchidananda say they are continuing the spiritual and physical practices of Yoga. Since January, SS has cancelled two public speaking engagements, one scheduled to be held in June in San Francisco and the annual "Swami and the Rabbi" in New York. We believe, these schedule changes took place because IYI officials were aware of demonstrations and information campaigns from our increasingly active network. This activism is designed with the following objectives: to see SS deal openly with the above accusations; to see that the people who have made statements be treated with yogic compassion; and to continue to inform the public about these allegations of sexual abuse. What follows is a breakdown of meetings and other related events that have taken place since January in the major IYI centers throughout the United States: CANTON CENTER, CONNECTICUT IYTC CLOSES. The members of the Canton Center IYTC met and were considering disassociating from the Virginia Ashram. Out of that meeting the idea for the attached petition and resolutions was formed. The response of the Virginia Ashram to their request for an open investigation was to inform them that they could no longer function as an Integral Yoga Teaching Center. Three of their members ar selling property that they had purchased at the Ashram. DETROIT INTEGRAL YOGA TEACHING CENTER CLOSES: At the meeting in January, in a unanimous vote, members resolved to remove all photos of SS and to no longer hold videotaped satsangs of SS. Though shifting focus away from SS, members decided to continue to have kirtan (chanting), meditations and support group meetings. After requesting an open investigation of SS’s misconduct, the Virginia Ashram officials informed them that they could no longer function as a teaching center. The overwhelming response among members of the Detroit community was "I amnot surprised." They recalled how SS had only female secretaries and how they had questioned it at the time. They also wondered why the tithes and donations went to SS’s private account (Satchidananda Charity Fund) and were used at his discretion only; why there were never any financial reports sent to individuals or satellite centers (as is customary for other spiritual groups); and, people asked why, if he were a monk, did he need to have an extremely pampered lifestyle and many luxury cars. Several people who planned to move down to the Ashram are changing their minds. MONTREAL IYI LOSES TEACHERS AND LONGTIME STUDENTS. In Montreal it was proposed, and by majority vote agreed, to take the necessary legal steps to become autonomous and separate from the Virginia Ashram. There were proposals to continue as an independent group under a new name. Their Dissolution Clause now reads, "If ever the General Assembly decides to dissolve the IYI Canada, the assets, property and profits will go to another non-profit Yoga organization than IYI. All but one person at the meeting said that they believed the contents of the January letter. Some questioned if there could be any legal action taken against him. Many people said that the lavish living of SS had bothered them as well as the adulation that was encouraged. One of the strongest causes of the Montreal members’ disenchantment with Satchidananda resulted during a visit when he became enraged because the event was not organized to his satisfaction. People said that it didn’t look like he was "just taking anger out of his pocket" but rather that he was an "angry old man." He stayed in lavish hotels rather than at the IYI, and members were told that the small car they supplied for his use was not suitable. He required a larger, more luxurious car. After the meeting it was decided: to remove all of his photos and most of his books (as well as those from the Himalayan Institute); not to chant his name; tell students their center is not longer an IYI. The Montreal sangha are strong in their support. There was a protest at SS’s last speaking engagement on May 17th. Members carried placards and signs and dispersed information. The demonstration was successful and subsequently, the attached article appeared in the Montreal Mirror. Montreal members continue to offer large amounts of moral and financial support to help bring the truth to light. NEW YORK IYI LOSES TEACHERS after learning about SS’s misconduct and subsequent cover-up. Fifty concerned teachers, and present and past Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) members came together to share information, offer support and hear Susan Cohen’s testimony of her sexual relations with SS while she was Swami Atmananda. Out of this meeting a monthly support group and the Healing Through the Truth Network was formed. Many of the teachers have chosen not to continue teaching at the IYI. Pujas (worship services) are not done to the light instead of to Swami Satchidananda; the vows of obeisance and submission to SS are not repeated at morning meditation; many individuals have taken his pictures off the walls in their homes. Many members would like to see the IYI continue to bring yoga to the NY community, yet not at the expense of truth. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA IYI LOSES TEACHERS AND BOARD MEMBERS. In a recent teachers meeting, several individuals resolved to formally request an inquiry. Two board members have decided to resign and a growing number of teachers no longer teach at the IYI. One of the board members explained her reasons for resigning: "I was very disappointed in the Ashram’s lack of response to the members’ concerns. They originally promised to issue a formal statement but never did." VIRGINIA DEMONSTRATION GETS TELEVISON COVERAGE: Supporters of the Healing Through the Truth Network demonstrated with placards before the Omni Hotel in Charlottesville on August 2nd, where SS was the keynote speaker at the PSY Symposium. Local Virginia news stations, channel 29 and 12, covered the protest, interviewing our members as well as Ashram representatives. The Daily Progress, the Richmond Dispatch, the Associated Press, and UPI sent reporters and photographers. Two of the articles are enclosed herewith. The Daily Progress is continuing an investigative report of the IYI scandal. Encouraged by this media attention, several more women are considering coming out with statements of their similar experiences. As a result of the positive news coverage and community support, the Virginia Support Group has gained confidence and members. To date the IYI has refused to investigate these charges and SS has refused all invitations to openly discuss

… read more »

Response:

Oh ! I see, you mean the word "server" is not under the network catagory.. please check before expressing your poor knowledge about it. Yes, I mentioned the words, "usenet server", but I never mentioned the word, "networks".  You must be confused.  They are two different words that could mean the same thing in the long run. yes ! you can never get there, that domain belongs to people with brains Domain?  I never mentioned anything about domains either.  Did your brain get fried?

Now I am absolutely certain about your ignorance and immaturity by publicly announcing wrong beliefs, you know nothing about networks and IT stuff.. don’t get in to that, also the desperation behind all your replies and poor defence proves, how egoist and self centered but idiot creature you are! how ever hard you try to prove your idotic views, you will never succeed but certainly your replies always entertain all of the NG.. don’t worry, I will always reply

Response:

Swami, this was written by Swami Krupaananda (Joy Zuckerman) concerning Yogaville. Susan Cohen was known as Swami Atmananda. I found it at http://www.satchidananda.org/yogaville/yogaville48 Dear Friend, This letter is an update of the events that have taken place since our January letter, which first made public allegations against Swami Satchidananda that he sexually abused women members of the Integral Yoga Institute. The January letter included testimonials from three women who courageously came forward with claims that SS, presenting himself as a celibate monk, used his authority as a spiritual leader to physically and sexually abuse these female devotees. Through details of my own experience, this letter also addressed the issue of the "other victim," disciples who have accepted the truth about SS and are dealing with the disillusion of their trust in him as their guru. Since the January letter eight more women have come forth with their own stories of abuse from SS. Though exact figures are not yet available, nearly 100 former disciples have disassociated themselves from the IYI organization, citing SS’s questionable response to the above-mentioned reports as a major reason for their leaving. Two swamis have left the order, 25 teachers are no longer teaching for IYI, and 12 board members from various branches have resigned. We are glad to report that most of those who have abandoned their affiliation with Swami Satchidananda say they are continuing the spiritual and physical practices of Yoga. Since January, SS has cancelled two public speaking engagements, one scheduled to be held in June in San Francisco and the annual "Swami and the Rabbi" in New York. We believe, these schedule changes took place because IYI officials were aware of demonstrations and information campaigns from our increasingly active network. This activism is designed with the following objectives: to see SS deal openly with the above accusations; to see that the people who have made statements be treated with yogic compassion; and to continue to inform the public about these allegations of sexual abuse. What follows is a breakdown of meetings and other related events that have taken place since January in the major IYI centers throughout the United States: CANTON CENTER, CONNECTICUT IYTC CLOSES. The members of the Canton Center IYTC met and were considering disassociating from the Virginia Ashram. Out of that meeting the idea for the attached petition and resolutions was formed. The response of the Virginia Ashram to their request for an open investigation was to inform them that they could no longer function as an Integral Yoga Teaching Center. Three of their members ar selling property that they had purchased at the Ashram. DETROIT INTEGRAL YOGA TEACHING CENTER CLOSES: At the meeting in January, in a unanimous vote, members resolved to remove all photos of SS and to no longer hold videotaped satsangs of SS. Though shifting focus away from SS, members decided to continue to have kirtan (chanting), meditations and support group meetings. After requesting an open investigation of SS’s misconduct, the Virginia Ashram officials informed them that they could no longer function as a teaching center. The overwhelming response among members of the Detroit community was "I amnot surprised." They recalled how SS had only female secretaries and how they had questioned it at the time. They also wondered why the tithes and donations went to SS’s private account (Satchidananda Charity Fund) and were used at his discretion only; why there were never any financial reports sent to individuals or satellite centers (as is customary for other spiritual groups); and, people asked why, if he were a monk, did he need to have an extremely pampered lifestyle and many luxury cars. Several people who planned to move down to the Ashram are changing their minds. MONTREAL IYI LOSES TEACHERS AND LONGTIME STUDENTS. In Montreal it was proposed, and by majority vote agreed, to take the necessary legal steps to become autonomous and separate from the Virginia Ashram. There were proposals to continue as an independent group under a new name. Their Dissolution Clause now reads, "If ever the General Assembly decides to dissolve the IYI Canada, the assets, property and profits will go to another non-profit Yoga organization than IYI. All but one person at the meeting said that they believed the contents of the January letter. Some questioned if there could be any legal action taken against him. Many people said that the lavish living of SS had bothered them as well as the adulation that was encouraged. One of the strongest causes of the Montreal members’ disenchantment with Satchidananda resulted during a visit when he became enraged because the event was not organized to his satisfaction. People said that it didn’t look like he was "just taking anger out of his pocket" but rather that he was an "angry old man." He stayed in lavish hotels rather than at the IYI, and members were told that the small car they supplied for his use was not suitable. He required a larger, more luxurious car. After the meeting it was decided: to remove all of his photos and most of his books (as well as those from the Himalayan Institute); not to chant his name; tell students their center is not longer an IYI. The Montreal sangha are strong in their support. There was a protest at SS’s last speaking engagement on May 17th. Members carried placards and signs and dispersed information. The demonstration was successful and subsequently, the attached article appeared in the Montreal Mirror. Montreal members continue to offer large amounts of moral and financial support to help bring the truth to light. NEW YORK IYI LOSES TEACHERS after learning about SS’s misconduct and subsequent cover-up. Fifty concerned teachers, and present and past Integral Yoga Institute (IYI) members came together to share information, offer support and hear Susan Cohen’s testimony of her sexual relations with SS while she was Swami Atmananda. Out of this meeting a monthly support group and the Healing Through the Truth Network was formed. Many of the teachers have chosen not to continue teaching at the IYI. Pujas (worship services) are not done to the light instead of to Swami Satchidananda; the vows of obeisance and submission to SS are not repeated at morning meditation; many individuals have taken his pictures off the walls in their homes. Many members would like to see the IYI continue to bring yoga to the NY community, yet not at the expense of truth. SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA IYI LOSES TEACHERS AND BOARD MEMBERS. In a recent teachers meeting, several individuals resolved to formally request an inquiry. Two board members have decided to resign and a growing number of teachers no longer teach at the IYI. One of the board members explained her reasons for resigning: "I was very disappointed in the Ashram’s lack of response to the members’ concerns. They originally promised to issue a formal statement but never did." VIRGINIA DEMONSTRATION GETS TELEVISON COVERAGE: Supporters of the Healing Through the Truth Network demonstrated with placards before the Omni Hotel in Charlottesville on August 2nd, where SS was the keynote speaker at the PSY Symposium. Local Virginia news stations, channel 29 and 12, covered the protest, interviewing our members as well as Ashram representatives. The Daily Progress, the Richmond Dispatch, the Associated Press, and UPI sent reporters and photographers. Two of the articles are enclosed herewith. The Daily Progress is continuing an investigative report of the IYI scandal. Encouraged by this media attention, several more women are considering coming out with statements of their similar experiences. As a result of the positive news coverage and community support, the Virginia Support Group has gained confidence and members. To date the IYI has refused to investigate these charges and SS has refused all invitations to openly discuss these accusations. Enclosed is a copy of a petition requesting an investigation that invites you to participate in our effort to "Bring the Truth to Light." In the on-air news coverage of the PSI Symposium protest SS deflected the demonstration by accusing me of insincere motives. SS claims that I have organized this effort solely for financial gain. He refers to the fact that when I renounced my vows I requested that the IYI return to me the $20,000 donation I made in 1979, believing now that the donation was made under false pretenses. My reasons for being committed to this cause–bringing to the surface these long concealed secrets–is inspired by a desire to see justice done, not just for me but for all of those who have suffered financially and emotionally from his fraud. SS’s attacks on me, my credibility and my motives, resemble his efforts to discredit the emotional and psychological stability of the women who have confronted him with his sexual misconduct. His efforts to obscure the focus of our goals are transparent. Healing Through the Truth Network advocates an investigation of Satchidananda, in order to make the truth known and allow people the option of deciding what they believe and how they want to pursue their association with IYI. I’ve made every effort to communicate the information surrounding this painful discovery as honestly and accurately as possible and above all with empathy for all of us who have been deceived. If you would like to communicate any information that might offer support to the Healing Through the Truth Network, or if you would like to receive more information or a copy of the January letter, please notify: Joy Zuckerman PLEASE SEND A COPY TO THE IYI OR SWAMI THAT YOU KNOW THE BEST. A RESOLUTION AND PETITION WE RESOLVE TO: 1. Acknowledge the truth that Swami Satchidananda misrepresented himself to be a celibate monk and imposed his authority as a spiritual leader on female devotees, to seduce them … read more »

Response:

what do think of yourself?

Why does it matter what I think of myself?  Are you really that concerned on how I view myself?  You already have your views about me, isn’t that enough for you? don’t try to express your poor knowledge of computer and networks,

Actually, networks weren’t even involved with or mentioned within the post you quoted.  I was kindly asking Puma to simply begin his responses further up on a long quote like the article presented.  "Scroll" and "scrolling" are computer terms and they aren’t that poor.  They are actually quite useful when navigating on the computer. you know nothing about it,

Why does it matter if I know anything about computers or networks?  I never claimed I did.  Mastering computers is the least of my cares. if someone is expressing himself, why you are getting to something of no

relevance. I agreed with Puma on this subject matter.  Thus far agreeing with Puma on anything has been a rare thing.  I kindly asked Puma to place his response before a long quote like that.  The relevance that it had, was that it would be easier for everyone in the future to read.  The relevance that it had, was that it would make this alt.yoga newsgroup experience a little more easier to navigate. are you trying to show your superiority?

No, are you? but don’t be under the impression that people will appreciate you.

I don’t care if people appreciate me.  I go on doing what I do.  I always will. you are one of the wild monkeys jumping around and troubling everyone.

Oh, yeah, agreeing with someone is jumping around and troubling everyone? Yeah, okay, whatever. Really, you must think of something new to say to me.  We have all heard your same nonsense over and over.  Aren’t you getting tired of saying the same thing over and over? do change your habits, and improve your bad reputation

Take your own advice. Swami

Response:

Oh ! I see, you mean the word "server" is not under the network catagory..

please check before expressing your poor knowledge about it. Yes, I mentioned the words, "usenet server", but I never mentioned the word, "networks".  You must be confused.  They are two different words that could mean the same thing in the long run. yes ! you can never get there, that domain belongs to people with brains

Domain?  I never mentioned anything about domains either.  Did your brain get fried? Also, prove that I do not have a brain.  You are an idiot to think I don’t have a brain.  Every living human has a brain.  Don’t be silly.  Prove that this physical body that this spirit dwells in doesn’t have a brain.  Do that, I won’t post again. this identity is specially created for people like brother bramhan and now

idiots like you, so there is no question of me impressing someone.:) "Identity"???  Are you talking about your newsgroup identity?  Or are you talking about your only purpose in life is to fail in debating Swami Da Prem??? then you are called shameless character

Yes, I have no shame in what I am doing.  I am doing what I am doing.  I am not attached to my actions or words.  You should really get over this obsession with me. if you are not ashamed of what you are doing over & over again then why I

should be in pointing out your true character? Did you even read what you typed there?  You first called me "shameless character" which I am, since I possess no shame in this consciousness whatsoever, then you ask why you have to continue on doing what you are doing. Silly boy.  You do what you do, because you are obsessed with Swami Da Prem and his every move, every action and everything about this Swami.  That is why you persist. Really what you are doing is an abnormal thing. Swami

Response:

what do think of yourself? Actually, networks weren’t even involved with or mentioned within the post you quoted.  I was kindly asking Puma to simply begin his responses further

Oh ! I see, you mean the word "server" is not under the network catagory.. please check before expressing your poor knowledge about it. Why does it matter if I know anything about computers or networks?  I never claimed I did.  Mastering computers is the least of my cares.

yes ! you can never get there, that domain belongs to people with brains are you trying to show your superiority? No, are you?

this identity is specially created for people like brother bramhan and now idiots like you, so there is no question of me impressing someone.:) but don’t be under the impression that people will appreciate you. I don’t care if people appreciate me.  I go on doing what I do.  I always will.

then you are called shameless character Really, you must think of something new to say to me.  We have all heard your same nonsense over and over.  Aren’t you getting tired of saying the same thing over and over?

if you are not ashamed of what you are doing over & over again then why I should be in pointing out your true character?

Response:

I noticed when you replied to the article, you replied all the way at the bottom.  I do not know if it is your program or the usenet server that you go through, but could I ask you to post replies towards the top on very long things like that?  You will normally reply to quotes within a message, but on something like that, one must scroll down to see the poster’s reply. Thank you. Swami

Dear Idiot Mr. Swami what do think of yourself? don’t try to express your poor knowledge of computer and networks, you know nothing about it, if someone is expressing himself, why you are getting to something of no relevance. are you trying to show your superiority? but don’t be under the impression that people will appreciate you. you are one of the wild monkeys jumping around and troubling everyone. do change your habits, and improve your bad reputation

Response:

Sarah, Where can I find this article on the web?  Can you post a link? Swami

– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – Yes, this is very true of other gurus and their fake yoga organizations, as well.  The recently deceased Swami Satchidananda and his Integral Yoga / Yogaville organization (which still goes on) have also been accused of numerous sexual and other abuses by devotees, swamis, and family members.  Here is one such story: By Susan Cohen As an ex-disciple of Swami Satchidananda, I would like to speak about what happened to me as a disciple from 1969-1979. The supposedly celibate Swami involved me and other students into secret sexual affairs. The Swami and us, his students, worked in a type of father-daughter relationship. When he used his authority to demand sexual favors from us, we were unable to say "No" forcing us into a type of spiritual incest. This left many of us hurt and confused. Here is my personal story: I began studying yoga in Newport, Rhode Island at the folk festival in 1969. Barbara and Christopher Kralls, 2 disciples of the Swami, were there singing about truth, non-violence and peace. I was a sponge soaking up eastern philosophy and their love. Then I became a student at the New York Integral Yoga Institute and continued to enjoy intensive study of Patanjali, the Gita and the written works of Mahatma Gandhi and Sivananda. Primarily service, non-violence and music was why I went to live in the IYI instead of attending college. I was 17 years old when the war in Vietnam along with Biafran starvation was distressing to me. I wanted to make a difference and hoped that through yoga I would become empowered to make a contribution to the world. My mother noticed that I stopped making my own decisions and she was concerned. I seemed to become a follower whereas previously I was a natural social leader. My brother noticed that I became an introvert and was not relating in a natural persona — I began to use the mantra given to me by the Swami. It was as if the Swami’s will overtook mine. The IYI philosophy was orthodox and said that to be a disciple; one must practice poverty, chastity and 100% obedience. I did not know then how detrimental this can be when one allows another person’s will to overtake their own and how after a short time, it is no longer voluntary. The mindless mantra repetition creates a hypnotic mental state where the inner voice is no longer in charge. Then externally in the IYI, I was told to give all my time and energy to the service of the Swami. My family was cut off of communication, I was not allowed to visit them for holidays and as soon as the Swami heard of friendships I was beginning with boys, he told me not to speak to them, as it would distract me from my practice of yoga. Then in two instances Swami sent the young men to other IYI centers. So I never wanted to become a renunciation or a concubine of the head honcho. However, it became clear that in order to keep my job as his personal traveling secretary, I would have to be available to satisfy his sexual needs in secret from the rest of the community. We all thought he was a celibate monk. This was 1977 in Hawaii. There had been other female disciples before 1972 and especially in 1972 (see NY: Village Voice articles) that had spoken up about this problem. However, we were encouraged to discount their dilemma and to stay with the mantra – "Don’t Think, Don’t Question Authority" Is this truth-knowledge and inner bliss? In 1977, the Swami showed me that he was going to use another secretary for his sexual and personal servant. At that point, after eight years, I woke up out of my trance and saw the situation as it was. He could do as he pleased. He was beyond community accountability and he also denied my right to a normal relationship with a man who is presently my husband since 1978! Was it spiritual to have a double standard for oneself and a deprivation policy for the underlings? Is it spiritual to stop communicating with ones’ family? Is it fair for another person to make decisions that in a democratic society are the human rights of each individual? Was it ethical for the Swami to have private money and for the rest of the ashram full time employees to have no salary and no medical insurance or dental care? This is important to look at for the next generation of yoga teachers and students, children and women: How are they being treated today? Is there a democratic process at Yogaville or is it still an autocratic cult? Will anything good come out of the death of the American Hindu Swami? Who will help this community heal? "The guru is not the body, not even the mind. The real guru is the teaching." Then, why are the body and the image of the Swami Satchidananda treated as a deity? Contrary to the Swami’s supposed status as a celibate Hindu monk and despite the requirement that many of his devotees not marry and refrain from sex, Satchidananda sexualized contact with his female secretaries for many years. In 1991 numerous female followers stated that he had used his role as their spiritual mentor to exploit them sexually. One of Satchidananda’s former personal secretaries and survivor of sexual abuse said, "I feel betrayed." The Swami never admitted any wrongdoing nor agreed to marry and have one partner as was proposed by the IYI community in 1972 when one of his secretaries appealed to the community for help. He refused to answer these allegations by saying, "Don’t judge me." In 1991 numerous female followers stated that he had used his role as their spiritual mentor to exploit them sexually. After the allegations became public many devotees abandoned Satchidananda and hundreds of students left IYI schools, but the Swami never admitted to any wrongdoing. As a result, the Integral Yoga organization diminished by more than 1/3. An organization called the Healing Through the Truth Network was formed and at least 8 other women came forward with claims of sexual abuse. Today, there are less than half as many people living in Yogaville than at its peak. Another scandal more recently rocked IYI and Yogaville in 1999. A young woman attending a 30 day program at the ashram suddenly quit law school, dropped her fianc

Filed under: Media activism

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