Join journalist Hayley Phelan, known for her probing work on wellness culture, and Carol Merchasin, a dedicated lawyer for survivors of spiritual abuse, as they unpack the darker truths behind Kundalini Yoga. From the questionable pasts of its founders to the cult-like practices embedded in its community, they explore how devotion can spiral into manipulative dogma. The conversation sheds light on financial exploitation, emotional manipulation, and the complex dynamics that blur the lines between spirituality and control.
Kundalini Yoga, despite its appeal for spiritual awakening, often employs manipulative tactics that create dependency and loyalty among its followers.
Celebrity endorsements have glamorized Kundalini Yoga, but they mask serious ethical issues of cultural appropriation and exploitation within its practices.
Numerous allegations of abuse against leaders within 3HO highlight a culture of silence and control that further isolates victims from outside support.
Deep dives
Kundalini Yoga's Cultish Origins
Kundalini Yoga, often associated with the Happy, Holy, Healthy Organization (3HO), is examined as a modern cult that emerged from a blend of Eastern spiritual practices and Western wellness culture. Its origins trace back to Yogi Bhajan, who popularized this version of yoga in the late 1960s, presenting it as an alternative to traditional religions during a time of social upheaval. The allure of community and spiritual enlightenment drew many converts, yet beneath its seemingly benign surface lies a history of manipulation and control. Central to passing its ideologies was a vocabulary that twisted traditional spiritual elements into tools for fostering loyalty and obedience among followers.
Manipulative Practices and Psychological Control
Kundalini Yoga employs various psychologically manipulative tactics that promote dependency among its followers. The practice includes strict regulations governing daily life, from dietary restrictions to communal living, aimed at reinforcing loyalty to the group. The use of 'thought-terminating cliches'—language designed to shut down dissent—further entrenches members into compliance. This environment creates a heightened sense of fear regarding personal failures, shaping a worldview that discourages questioning the organization's teachings.
Celebrity Influence and Cultural Appropriation
Celebrity endorsements have significantly boosted Kundalini Yoga's appeal, tying it to the glamour of Hollywood. With well-known practitioners like Demi Moore and Russell Brand publicly engaging with the practice, it has taken on an air of contemporary desirability. However, this celebrity involvement often masks deeper issues of cultural appropriation, as the practice borrows heavily from Sikhism and other Eastern traditions without proper context or respect. This blending of cultures raises ethical questions about the commercialization of spiritual practices, which can lead to exploitation and further dilute the original teachings.
Abuse and Systemic Control within 3HO
Numerous allegations of abuse and misconduct have surfaced, painting a troubling picture of 3HO and its leadership. Yogi Bhajan has been accused of sexual misconduct, exerting power over female followers by manipulating their vulnerability. This dynamic fosters a culture of silence regarding sexual abuse, leaving victims feeling isolated and without recourse. The organization's structure is such that dissent is not tolerated, with members often alienated from their families and outside communities, further entrenching their loyalty to the group.
Modern Rebranding and Future Challenges
Kundalini Yoga has attempted to modernize and revitalize its image in response to past scandals, leading to the emergence of new leaders like Guru Jagat. However, this rebranding often overlooks the underlying issues of power dynamics and accountability. As interest in wellness grows, manipulated by social media trends and celebrity culture, absorbing new members into potentially harmful practices continues to be a risk. The evolution of Kundalini Yoga thus highlights the delicate balance between spirituality and commercialism, raising questions about sustainability and ethical practices in spiritual communities.
Legal Implications and Systemic Gaps
The legal landscape presents significant challenges for victims of cult-related abuse in seeking justice, particularly in the context of Kundalini Yoga and 3HO. Many cases are stymied by statutes of limitations and the lack of robust legal frameworks addressing psychological coercion. Victims often grapple with the aftermath of manipulation long after the abuse has occurred, making it difficult to pursue legal actions effectively. This situation underscores the necessity for greater awareness of coercion, emotional manipulation, and the need for comprehensive reform within the legal system to address abuses within high-demand groups.
There’s a chance you’ve brushed paths with this week’s cult in a West Coast farmers market or while scrolling through #yogainspiration, or as of late, your HBOMax recommended page. Kundalini yoga promises spiritual awakening, cosmic energy, and a path to your highest self. But behind the flowing white turbans and chanting in sat nam, there’s a darker story—one of control, secrecy, and not one but TWO gurus with highly questionable pasts. This week, we’re unraveling the culty underbelly of Kundalini, its infamous founder Yogi Bhajan, and his 20-teens girlbossified equivalent, Katie Griggs. From Instagram livestreams at millennial haven RaMa Studios to the militarized "3HO" organization (Healthy, Happy, Holy—or is it?), we’re asking: When does devotion cross the line into dogma? Strap in for a deep dive with Hayley Phelan (@hayleyphelan), journalist behind the article that powered HBO Max's Breath of Fire docuseries, and spiritual/sexual abuse lawyer Carol Merchasin, as Amanda and Reese discover why so many former followers say this spiritual practice left them anything but zen.
