Exposing Mystical Manipulation in a New Age YOGA CULT 

I think being able to discern between a healthy and a toxic spiritual community, no matter what it is, is SO important. I belong to a beautiful yoga community and our teacher not only encourages all of us to be teachers (no money or special training required), but we emphasize personal autonomy, sovereignty, and choice in belief, in practice, and in level of participation. And we have used some of those kriyas...for like 60 seconds!! Because 11-13 minutes? NO WAY!!! I really hope that Charlotte is able to heal enough to see the beauty that is there, the beauty that is so rarely highlighted because it's not nearly as exciting as this type of scandal and ab*se.

This is so crazy, not even a week ago I was doing some research on yoga breathing exercises and asanas I could add to my mindfulness routine and brushed up against some kundalini yoga videos. I immediately got a bad taste in my mouth right iff the bat and clicked off, the messaging was very “prosperity gospel” like you keep giving and giving to a person who promises a return in benefits from a higher power, but all they’re doing is taking your money for themselves. Hearing more tidbits like the tithing with the parallels to organized christianity is so interesting. Thank you for talking about this!

Many of RA MA students have started their own expensive “programs”, mentorship and meditation courses which is something to eye out. I took classes at RA MA and joined their livestreams etc and it felt like it was impossible to keep up with “what needed to be done” in order to be “at the level”. The classes were expensive, they came up with all sorts of diets, cleanses, 8hr long meditations etc. I’m so glad I have a loving partner that was able to help me see the cult I was getting into.

It's so interesting seeing a follower and employee of 'Guru' Jagat's story, because I was on the other end of sorts at the same time as her. From 2017-2020, I worked at one of the largest yoga retreat centers in the US, and they hosted her retreats many times. She was a big name and drew in hundreds of people (and thousands of dollars). The head of the department that chose which presenters came and communicated with them directly that was hired around 2019 actually used to work on Alicia Key's team (marketing I think?). At the time, I was just in an admin role. I was removed enough that I didn't attend these retreats or buy into the messaging, but I never imagined they were cult leaders exploiting and abusing people. But looking back, I should have known, because the history of the founder of the retreat center also had allegations of predatory behaviors and exploitation (Kripalu Center in Stockbridge, MA if anyone's curious).

This is crazy because I didn’t even know you were going to be talking about Kundalini yoga and what you are saying is absolutely the truth. My MIL is a part of this and something about it has always seemed off to me. You are right about being isolated and only thinking their way is the right way.

I know this was a top comment on the other video too but I just really wish there was a bigger disclaimer that “kundalini yoga” was not created by the cult leader and is a sacred, ancient practice. She just stole the name. I would hate for people to get turned off in the future from potentially helpful practices and ideas just because they’re now scared of the word “kundalini” thinking it’s all related to this. Love your podcast!!!🤍🤍

I went to St George utah several years ago. I am a yoga teacher(not Kundalini) so I seek out yoga classes when I travel. I noticed that the only style of yoga available in St George was Kundalini. Couldn’t figure out why. Then I realized the connection between Mormonism and Kundalini. Yikes!

Break the silence. Break the cycle.

Thank you for the follow-up! Your previous video was so fascinating and helpful to folks de-programming from cults and high-demand religion.

Thanks so much for bringing awareness to these groups!!

My parents practice yoga (the casual, non-spitual vinyasa kind), and even in this non-culty setting they had to change teachers because their former one went conspiracy-crazy during Covid... Yoga can be very beneficial, but it really attracts all kinds of different people, with varying degrees of spirituality, and the mix can go bad pretty quickly

Thank you both so much for this podcast. I recognize so much. I was with a guru for 7 years and left 2 years ago. I never really wanted to call it a cult, but these two episodes make me think 🤔 All the characteristics are the same, the way she talked and behaved. Only thing is that we were chanting Gayatri Mantra to raise the frequency of the planet instead of doing kriya's. Although I liked a lot of the practices, I'm so happy to be out and free again!

I LOVED this conversation! The concepts you mention are so familiar and so infuriating for me having left my own yoga indoctrination. It’s crazy how so much of the narrative is the same among these manipulative gurus: lower souls, higher energy, planetary enlightenment through the guru for his chosen ones; hypnotic practices and mystical manipulation. Sounds like this “Hari Jivan” Steve is even more dangerous. And wait, did I hear it correctly, his “child bride”?! Charlotte, thank you for sharing your story. I know it’s not easy. Take care of yourself and stay well! Shelise, you do a great job drawing out emotional, disturbing experiences in a calm, supportive, and instructive way. Thank you!

Reminds me of the Mother God cult, the alien conspiracy, the serving and worshiping of one woman, not needing modern medicine, “we’re doing this to heal the planet “

It would be SO awesome if you could find a former follower of Medical Medium to interview. There’s very little content addressing this spiritual/nutritional-based cult unfortunately. My sister has been sucked into it for a couple of years now and from everything she’s shared with me I see SO many parallels to other cults and their leaders/followers.

Please talk about Teal Swan.

Thanks for this live stream. Seems like the workers/employees are always taken advantage of in these situations. It's unfortunate. I think it's important to beware of any one way directional flow of resources, time, and money towards any one individual. Also, the concept of feeling special and apart from the rest of the population is a red flag.

I worked for Tej, Harijiwan ex wife. Abuse of power is so prevalite in this community. I was fired for standing up to her abuse of power. She is so mean to her assistant Jen I feel so bad for her.

I went to the original Aveda institute in Minneapolis. Major flashbacks. Maybe I was in a cult.

People ask how was it cultish... 5:43 When the devotees fight to be the boss' coffee gofer, you might be in a cult. If your yoga instructor demands tithing, they might have cultish ambitions (if you don't control your own money, it becomes much harder to leave). When they claim to be your personal lord and savior (enlightened, and the only one who can help YOU get there) - no matter the spiritual costume they wear - then that's likely to be a grooming situation, unfortunately. That happens in cults, and also one on one in domestic relatiinships, too.

Totally off topic but Shelise you look so gorgeous ❤❤❤

Thank you again ladies. 🙏💕🇨🇦

I think it is especially weird that her name is Guru. That alone requires a kind of delusional self importance.

good point at about the 7 minute mark about mass hypnosis. I have personally seen those techniques used in evangelical churches, and spotted in televangelist videos

The planet thing also made me think Mormon planet but the "clearing your subconscious/karma" stuff made me think Scientology. As a viewer from across the pond, I have to ask two things: 1. what is it with Americans and cults? Obviously, non-Americans are prone to joining cults but it seems like a lot of these cults originate or, at least, flourish in the US 2. what is it with Americans and doomsday stuff? Mormons, JWs, Branch Davidians (Adventists in general really) etc. this particular idea seems to more easily gain traction in the US than the rest of the world...

Where toxic codependency, hyper-materialism, & superiority complex’s meet. In all honesty though, it’s a beautiful practice, if that’s what you’re into.🌹🌹🌹🌹

I found it interesting that the leader created an energy exchange where blessings (positive karma) came from giving to her. In the evangelical world, it's "you can't outgive God" or "seeding the blessing" by first giving to the religious leader. Also, note that the leader used bad guys (dark forces that want to stop this work.) Very common for cults.

Rama Institute is still going strong w/out Guru Jagat. They’ve moved locations. But I see the members all over.

I hope you feel better. 🥰

I understand that there's manipulation in this case, but to say that Kundalini yoga was created by yogi Bhajan and picked up by Guru Jagat is very misleading and not true. Not a good idea to start the interview this way. It discredits both the ancient thecniques, the podcast and the interviewee. Unnecessarily. Now lots of people are confusing Kundalini yoga with manipulation. And lots of people who understands the difference, to be put off by watching more of your podcast. Everyone loses... I suggest you correct that part.

This is all so new to me because I cannot do yoga because of degenerative issues with my body but the breathing exercises are wonderful. So I see it from a Colt side, but I know it's really beneficial to a lot of people I I have a question about the chakras they don't always seem to be the same, some will be all crystals some will be all Stones Some will be a mixture and that I don't get

Sounds like Teal Swann, you should do a show on her

Any opinion on Leo di Caprio's mother in the Yogi BHajan cult connection?

Are work places with strong "company values" boardering on cults? If they tell you what to believe, vocabulary to use and how to speak and if you push back because of differing personal beliefs you are punished? If it is not directly related to the job description it is not your employer's place to have an option, imo

That staring into each other's eyes as training is like Scientology TRs (training routines).

I would love to try yoga but i have fibromyalgia and m.e😖😖 i am not flexible at all and basically it is more likely to put me in pain😖😖

Happy pregnancy and happy baby!

my sister and her adult daughter are both practcing Kundalini Yoga, i find it bizarre how 2 university educated adults can be convinced of such obvoius bullshit.

16:58 they used what works in other cults, tried and true methodology with a new twist of words 😢

Well done to her for speaking out especially if she's an introvert....💜💜 cause I'm not around many people personally i can come across as a bit socially awkward😂😂 so i am glad she has decided to speak out against this💜

*I'm pretty new at your channel and I'm interested.. YOU have very interesting Guests this is a very interesting channel.. Appreciate it very much!.. thanks Guy's 🏝️😧✔️

There are things about this cult that remind me of Heaven's Gate cult in California.

Shelise did you change your name? In the previous video you introduced yourself as Shelise Ann Sola and in this one as Shelise Sola

Have you seen the coverage of Twin Flames Universe: A Dangerous & Deadly Obsession? by Annie Elise x 10 to LIFE. Blows my mind the way people can feel so entitled they feel they have the right to control people on a cult level

I don't understand how intelligent people get sucked into these cult.

Can you cover teal swan if you haven’t already?

Shelise, You are glowing in your pregnancy. I love your podcast ❤

I have gone to a Kundalini yoga class maybe in 2016, as I like to try new things sometimes. It just seemed like a bunch or breathing and some positions; nothing remarkable. There was only the young-ish white female teacher and one man who appeared to be a regular. Before the class started, the teacher asked if I had tried it before. I told her no. She then said, "This is like the ugly red head cousin of the yoga family. Are you sure you want to do this as your first yoga class?" I mean, I already drove into town to be there, so I stayed. I never went again, I had much stronger spiritual experiences meditation alone. It is actually kind of unexpected that a yoga class could spin out of control into worship a single person, but I guess it is good to be on alert in any social group. I think when this "guru" was talking to Saturn and Mars, she did not mean the planets. Those planets are named after the greek or roman gods, which some people still acknowledge as gods today. This is probably what she meant, at least from what I am taking-away from this re-cap.

I would say just be aware if something feels off........even at the Gym or a more casual setting... ie. a community center.....creepy, bizzare teachers with alterior motives may be leading a class. I had a strange experience joining a Hawaiian Hula dance class in the day time at a community center. The teacher began my taking down all our personal info..email..phone... she would record us on her phone during the class while dancing and spoke about how she taught classes in a small village somewhere in asia and brought young girls to marry old white men and gave them a better life...she was Catholic. she wanted us to wear bikini tops after the first class...... I got such a strange vibe from her I didnt go back after the third class... listen to your gut.....you dont have to trust any teacher.

It would be interesting to hear her boyfriend speak about his experience through all of this

Thankyou for sharing this info so I can be mindful of this as I study more Eastern energy work. However, I don't think anyone this young created Kundilini Yoga which is an ancient practise. I have heard of many false gurus in India as well that control the people but never a white woman.

25:39 you don't get your own planet anymore? I grew up in the church being told this. I stopped going years ago. Amazing how they are always changing things.

Already at 173 sub's

That is so scary im glad i stopped doing yoga

I am so glad that I am a shrubbery- type of soul, part of the landscape, according to the male guru you mention. I have severe aversion/ allergy to these idiotic New Age guru's. I think it is because I grew up in LA, and these spiritual leaders were as common as dirt, so I knew as a young teenager that none of them were special at all.

At first glance, it would seem unusual that it’s so much like a religious called in the way it’s structured. But at the end of the day, I’ll charlatans of the same; they just have different flavors.

While this person was clearly in a cult, it's worth noting that yoga very much has religious origins. In the west it's primarily devoid of them, but yoga is very much a part of various religions that are not new (nor high demand) religions.

Hi Shelise, Do you think Christianity is a high demand, or a ......... I don't know what to call it. Is it real? I am a Christian who doesn't agree with so much. I am sorry I am having a hard time knowing what to call it. I absolutely do not believe in the Trinity. That's just not possible according to the Bible. Could you PLEASE talk about this.

Yes prison of the mind - Kundalini Yoga creates a bubble big time! And a complex! Omg - be the light house - that was my mantra for years but it meant I never turned off. Kundalini was taught by Sikh by birth and he dressed as a practising Sikh so he portrayed himself to Westerners as a wise Yogi from the East and brought people into Sikhi but some didn't even know they were going for a Sikh Baptism in teacher training it was blown up that he brought many people into the Sikh faith when he abused his faith, for money, power and sex. I saw blind walks at France Yoga Fest however, I was pregnant and gutted I couldn't do it. I went to white tantric three times and now it feels like I did trance stress exercises for hours at a time. There are no yoga anatomy diagrams or descriptions in any kundalini yoga astbyb manuals or books. I get the whole distorted view thing, I became a Sikh in my journey and I still see myself as one now though not as hardcore. I learned from Gurdwaras and Punjabi Sikhs, Sikh camps as well as doing my training. A good reminder to not refer to the Guru Granth Sahib as a 'book' as it's seen as a living Guru. In Sikh history there are 10 Gurus and the GGS is the 11th. I think it's so important for this to get out and to recognise Guru Jagat as I know it left 3ho then copied their entire system and wore YB around her neck. All the teacher training is so similar to what you experience in LA, you experience in London, UK. I'm so glad you picked this up and Vice though I'd love to see Netflix do it too!! I got out reading Premka: Pamela Dyson 2020 then The Inner Circle by Peter Mcdonald and Under the Yoga Mat by Els Conen and Gurunishcan I read in 2023 - so healing and I keep reading!! I wrote about reflections on teacher training here medium.com/@tarank/kundalini-yoga-awareness-of-lies-a7b23d357036

👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽

People check in their brains when they join a cult of any kind!!

I remember being this pregnant girl, you'll get this 😘

Even when I was full blown into kundalini yoga, I always had some sort of survival instinct regarding Ra Ma and in general the "Ra Ma crowd", they were just weird at best, to very very toxic. Glad Charlotte is out of it! And I really think that Harijiwan, despite being less charismatic than Guru Jagat, is waaaaaaaay worst on every level. Watching videos with Mandev or/and Gurujas is very disturbing, completely brainwashed

This is absolutely impolite. I just found out Guru Jagat passed away 2 years ago. Ladyes drops the story about a bad employer post-mortal? Teaching definitely did not work...

If you buy yogi tea you support kundalini yoga cult

It’s important to remember, not everyone is so troubled that they fall into these cult traps. In fact most people don’t.

cults PREVENT you from leaving. grown people need to own letting themselves seek out and stay in abusive environs

my goal is to start a cult. a resource cult based on paradoxical Christianity and free market anarchy and hot vinyasa.

Yogaaaaaa cultttttttt mmmmmmmmmm

Sikh is seek not sick xx

Going after dead gurus is kind of cheap, are you scared to trash the reputations of living people?

I have practiced kundalini for years . It's an intense discipline addressing your psychic and spiritual weaknesses It uses meditation madras and outward works to break physical attachments . pride makes the practice of service and humility difficult Giving money away reduces money to a tool instead of the demi God On a personal note . Your podcast could use some actual structure and public speaking instruction .

Hinduism isn't a religion....i did watch a few videos its definitely very open and its about living a morally good life....and atheist people can follow it and other types of people as well....

PLENTY OF PEOPLE MAKING MONEY SELLING FAKE HAPPINESS TO STUPID PEOPLE😂😂😂😂

Guru Jagat doesn't sound like a good teacher, but your criticism is largely a rejection of Hindu beliefs and culture, like it's evil or cultish because you don't believe it or because it's different from western norms. "God, Guru, and Self are one." that's a core teaching in the Guru Gita. there's a ton of quackery that you rightly highlighted, but you don't seem to have a grasp of what is authentic tradition and what is made up nonsense.

Sounds like she took Scientology and changed it to yoga😅

Jacinda 🩷✝️♈️🕎👏🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏

You had me until the fat shaming. You can’t play woke with “cultural appropriation” and then laugh, literally laugh, about how fat Guru Jagat got. It’s 2024. That’s not a good look.