*NOTE ABOUT CENSORING* We always tell our guests to tell their story with whatever language they are comfortable, noting to them that some words may need to be censored after the fact (usually the first 7 mins) to avoid triggering the YT algorithm. Since this video was split into two, we didn’t anticipate starting with rape immediately out the gate. We wanted to make it clear that we are absolutely not censoring because we think people can’t handle it or because we want to control the narrative. We simply don’t want the video to get age restricted which would severely limit its reach and overall impact. Thank you for watching and supporting Larissa. Speaking out about something so personal can be extremely difficult and your kind words can help alleviate those feelings of intimate exposure. ❤️
I wish the algorithm were as confident as you are that we can handle these things with maturity. Hiding them can only lessen our ability to do so. Larissa is an amazing person, as are you & Jonathan. Much love!
The real lesson here is that you can make a cult out of perhaps anything. Outwardly, cults can be so diverse, but internally the methods are exactly the same.
See also: Synanon Started out as an addiction support group with unorthodox methods, mutated into a completely unhinged, xenophobic keep-your-rifle-by-your-side cult.
Assault is always about power. Manipulation is always about power. But just because someone has to do those things to feel powerful doesn’t make it right.
Had a membership to a Bikram yoga studio in 2012-2013 and now wondering what happened to that studio owner. Thanks so much for sharing your experience. It’s so good for people to know they aren’t alone.
I’m a yogi, i REFUSE to even do his practice (which is actually terrible on the joints for 90% of people anyway). Yoga spirituality and intimate practices aren’t actually suppose to be taught by a teacher, yoga is about modesty and SELF discovery. A teacher should teach you the poses, and the breathing…and give you resources like books to learn and educate urself. As soon as a yoga teacher starts to get touchy, tries to be ur personal or intimate friend, tries to teach u anything that sounds like a religion….RUN. If you are in class and u aren’t comfortable with how you are being touched, u tell them to stop, if they can’t respect it, run. Yoga is about self exploration, u need no other people in the room once u can execute the poses without harming urself, if u choose to have others in ur space while doing yoga you should feel safe and comforted by their presence. Imma keep posting these comments on these videos bc the yoga community is truly disgusting often times. Even tantra….a teacher gives you a book. You read and explore on ur own or with ur partner, when u see ur teacher you TALK about ur practice and if comfortable they can give you guidance. A teacher should NOT be engaging in tantra with u….its literally in the books. Do not let anyone tell u otherwise. Each time you enter a class, a teacher should be asking permission to touch u, doesn’t matter if they touched u last class…again, consent and modesty is LITERALLY a pillar of yoga. I’m so saddened by this story.
I'm in my YTT right now and I feel SO THANKFUL that yoga renew's training isn't like this. They are constantly telling us about why consent matters and how the Yamas guide is to be compassionate and honest, to not take advantage of others time or resources, the tradition centers around celibacy (traditionally) and moderation (nowadays), finally leading us to exhibit modesty and non-greed. my philosophy teacher is an initiate of the hare krishna's and she is truly one of the kindest people I've ever learned from. my modifications teacher does hospice and prenatal yoga and is constantly talking about not burning our or hurting yourself, and the pranayama teacher brings up the importance of being trauma informed in our practices at the beginning of every class. bikram doesn't live up to an ounce of it. he's a monster and when he comes back he can have fun being a slug or moss. getting stepped on. like he did to others.
100%!!! I had done yoga for years before I went to a bikram class.... and it just seemed to corporate and shalow to me, the Instructor just reading off a script. Telling you to 'lock you knees', sitting in poses and being shamed for not doing them.or modifying to protect joints, hot yoga on a carpet floor 🤮. It gave me bad vibes all around. I went back to the small studio lead by great I structure that cared and had interesting classes instead. People looked at me wierd for ages when I said I didn't lole bikram yoga.... I feel vindicated lol
@@fralanasko2900 i primarily train basketball players, very tall men who may be good athletically one way, but are incredibly fragile in yoga. Girl….a 7 foot man cannot sit back into his heels and get his thighs parallel to the ground…but that doesn’t mean he can’t do chair pose! Any class that teaches a strict script and forces u into shapes will cause injury. Im an Ashangi and even tho i still do the practice i modify to ensure my own safety, and often to my teachers chagrin. I went to India for a retreat last year with a very famous instructor and i had to start turning away adjustments in certain poses bc i didn’t want to injure myself. It’s sad really.
As a yoga teacher & studio owner, as well as cult fanatic I love these interviews. Keep shedding the light on these horrible men and supporting these amazingly strong women 🙌🏽
Thanks to Larissa, Shelisse and all the people out there who are speaking about their experiences in Yoga groups. I suffered humiliation, betrayal, manipulation, gaslighting of the worst level and emotional abuse in a Yoga group for 22 years of my life. I left the group in 2013, almost eleven years ago. I have never told my story publicly and never will, because where I live is a very small country, with a corrupt system and I was going to be in a very difficult situation if I decided on going public. But, life is precious, and I have been able to live so many wonderful experiences after that chapter was closed. I have been blessed in ways that I haven't imagined in my wildest dreams. I was left completely alone, with my identity shattered into pieces. After lots of healing and understanding, I was able to rebuild my life and regain my autonomy. I always felt a strong protective presence in my life, for reasons I still don't understand. But, I know, from my innermost honest self, that I was saved from a personal catastrophe. The group is still surviving but is almost extinct.
I like what you said about the "strong protective presence". I have always felt something like that, since I was a young child. Growing up Christian that feeling became synonymous with God, Jesus, or the Holy Spirit. My mom describes the same experience. I've been questioning my belief system lately, but that presence was there before I ever learned a name for it and it is still there now. I don't know if I can say who or what it is, but I know someone or something out there is watching out for us. I don't think it matters what you call it. I still use Christian terminology for it because that's what is comfortable and familiar to me, but I believe that everyone can call it whatever they like.
When I started taking a yoga class, Bikeam Yoga was "the thing;" it was the only yoga practice that had been patented so you could expect to pay quite a bit more for it than we paid for the class at the community college, but the instructor encouraged exploration. A couple of years later, in 2005, I went to New Zealand, & in a hostel sauna on Franz Josef Glacier, an Asian lady started doing a few yoga poses, but she wasn't communicating in English so I didn't ask any questions. When I got back to the States, suddenly my yoga instructor refused to say anything about Bikram Yoga, & was very cautious when talking about "hot yoga," but again I chose not to ask any questions. Suddenly it's all becoming clear, & it's darker than I ever could have imagined. I'm grateful you got out. Thank you for sharing your experience.
Started out with Birkram yoga back in around 2012, I believe. All of the sudden the studio owners (two fairly young and very attractive women) sudden closed shop out of the blue. Sending good vibes to them now, and so sorry to all of the victims❤
In my yoga teacher training (a combo of Hatha and vinyasa) my teachers made a point to say "if someone calls themself a guru, run the other way". My very first yoga class I ever took was a Bikram class, it was a studio near where I lived. I stopped going because the practice felt too strict, a little while later I heard the news about Bikram and felt sick. I've been careful about what lineages of yoga I participate in since.
Yoga in general should be practiced in moderation. Especially if u didn’t learn as a child. Shapes are instructions, it won’t look the same on every one or every body. It’s so frustrating to hear teachers teach otherwise. My chair pose may never look like urs….but tailbone down, pelvis tipped forward, core engaged. Knees over toes and heels in the ground. Arms up….regardless. You don’t need someone to come touch u, to sit u lower, to guide u deeper, ur body will naturally progress with repetition, not someone touching u. Ugh.
Namaste Fellow Yogi! 🧘♂️🌈Yes! In my training they said the only guru is the inner guru of self. Absolutely no other can claim that over you. It is the individual’s will.✌🏼🌈🌴🌈 Bikram yoga was horrible for my joints, has no flow the sequencing and the teachers were always yelling 🙉I prefer a chill, funky flow 🪷
I really needed this thank you. My cult leader was my dad and it’s hard talking about it sometimes still even though I’ve been out a year, going on two. He doesn’t deserve my silence anymore. And I hope to share my story one day. Thanks for inspiring me
My daughter dragged me to one of his hot yoga classes…..he was arrogant and insulting….phony. a real turn off…one and only time I ever went to his class…
There's a hot place in Hell waiting for Bikram.🔥 From Wiki: In January 2023, despite public outcry and the possibility of arrest, it was reported that Bikram Choudhury was planning to teach yoga and give lectures in Vancouver, British Columbia.[31]
There are several "hot yoga" studios around Albuquerque, only one that I know of that actually uses the name Bikram. I've never gone to any of them, though I've observed that the one studio is less and less busy over the years, & many of the others have shifted away from advertising "hot yoga." It's good to know why, & better to know only one business is definitely still sipping on that Kool-aid. Surely they have their reasons, so I won't judge--I just hope everyone knows what they need to make informed decisions!
The Vancouver, BC event was canceled after a large public outcry and petition. The event was listed as “rescheduled” but so far hasn’t happened to my knowledge
*Larissa* First, thank you for coming on and opening up to all of us. This transparency is something you were taught to avoid and you’re showing the truth now. Taking back your individual sovereignty one step at a time! KEEP MAKING MOVES GIRLIE ✨🖤 freedom looks good on you! 😸 So glad you guys split these episodes, emphasizing each aspect in its own light really reminds us of the intensity. Thank you *Shelise and Jonathan* as ALWAYS for your incredible work. We notice the changes you guys have made over time BTS and it really is showing! 🫶🫶 Your dedication to this is really visible and we are so excited for the waves you guys are making in the world. MUCH love and support as always! 🖤
I tried Bikram back in my early twenties.....I just remember being in a hot room with alot of people and being yelled at through the whole class...I cannot remember if I walked out.....but I did never go back.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Larissa. So glad you were able to put that horror show behind you and that you are willing to spread the word to hopefully spare others from falling into the same trap. Shelise, you made me laugh (in a good way) by saying you just wanted to "burn it to the ground!" Go, Shelise! ❤ Hi Jonathan! Thanks for all you are doing behind the scenes! We all love you too! 😊
Great interview. So sorry she went through all that. She's really strong. She listened to a nagging, little doubtful voice that never left her. It's great, too, that she has supportive parents!
I did Bikram in SF with a well known teacher named Mary. She was full on brainwashed and mimicked some of his behaviors in her classes. She would groom people to go to trainings in LA
Omgoodness clicked this so fast! Had to hear the rest of the story. How scary! Not only was she SA'd she got stalked by some freaky follower. The reasoning these cultists have is fing insane!
Thank you for speaking out and standing strong after all you’ve gone through. I’m a yoga teacher. Years ago I got hooked on bikram yoga and considered teacher training, I’m so glad the price put me off, then watching the Netflix doc I was relieved I stopped practicing, enough to see and hear him interact w others puts no trust in his character. Puke. In my own practice I’m interested in teaching in a secular way and always question “guru” - disciple configurations. Enlightenment is a farse and “spirituality” is one’s own to discover and own or disown. Love this channel.
This is so sad. These predators always wait until you're in a vulnerable position to attack. Larissa, I am so sorry for what you went through. I give you a lot of credit for doing this interview.
I practiced Bikram Yoga from 2009-2016 and loved the practice. I was thinking about attending teacher training but the price kept increasing every year and couldn't afford it. I remember reading about all this in the news and hearing about what teacher training was like and some equating it to a cult/brainwashing. I'm happy I never had the money to attend teacher training and hope the best for all those that were hurt by this @sshole. I loved the practice just not the man behind it.
Thank you for your conversation… it’s painful to hear but resonates completely. That well described dynamic of the audacity and power…😭🤮🤬… You are extremely courageous to speak out publicly. I am glad you’re enjoying your life again. All the best to you. ❤❤️🩹👏💪
I remember seeing a conversation on fb about how bikram yoga needs to be from a certified bikram teacher 🙄 I just couldn't be bothered with all that.... but it is creepy niw I know all this. Thank you for sharing your story ❤❤❤❤❤❤❤
Malignant malicious Machiavellian narcissism; psychopathy, in my book. Definitely antisocial. Yoga itself is not 'owned' by any person. . . it cannot be copyrighted.
Thank you so much to Larissa. Your courage is helping people! Including me. I hope your heart is happy and that you find ways to make meaning that are blessings to you throughout your life. 🤍 Side note to Shelise, I can't get over how wonderful you look! Gorgeous and glowy and truly beautiful. Sending my love and best wishes for a safe delivery to you and baby -- and daddy, too! 💓🙏💙
I was doing fine and then I joined a 'Hot Bikram" studio. Each class was excruciating. It was baking hot, we were kept moving the whole time, and many of the poses were ridiculous, especially the transition into forward bend. And it's the SAME ROUTINE EVERY TIME. So boring! And the heat! Went back to Iyengar which is perfection in its' careful attention to each part of the body and each student.
Oh My God! Larissa, I'm so sorry that you went through all this and thank you for sharing your story! I actually know of the person you are talking about and I never knew you dated him! I took a training that was held at that studio he owned in NYC with some teachers I trusted. He wasn't teaching at it. I never had to work there because I didn't live in the area, but eventually he got in trouble with various accusations! The crazy thing is that one evening I had a dream that he r*ped people at the studio and that he was trying to with me [in my dream]. I told one of the teachers and she said hmm..that's interesting! But I always had a bad feeling about him and didn't like him! He was super creepy with one of my friends and invited her to go visit his home and stay with him [in another state] and we both felt it was predatory and odd. I hope you never are harassed by bad energies again, that this oppressive persons do not hurt any others. I always loved your classes and energy
Would LOVE to be part of helping to revive yoga in authentic and non abusive ways!!!!!!! Before I experienced a 10yr detour into a Hindu Guru, teaching Yoga was my dream!!!!!
I am from India and i learn yoga from University a degree course, then i moved to another yoga alliance course. In India if you are going under a male yoga self proclaimed guru then you are already in denger , so i am teaching yoga to my female students both online and offline to creating a good atmosphere for female students. So be very careful once you go under a male teacher. 99percent chances are to be exploited by your teacher.
Thank you, Larissa, for your bravery and transparency in sharing your experiences with us. So much for us to learn from and apply to our own lives! May you continue to heal and grow in your life’s journey ❤️👍🏼🙏🏼
I used to go to a bikram studio, but it was only named such so they would not be sued. It was independent. Most of the teachers had been to other training that bikram did not run. It closed due to the pandemic. I stopped in 2019 because of some foot problems.
I'm so sorry that she had to experience this. A thought that keeps coming to my mind though, is why did she continue to want to open a Bikram yoga studio, with that specific type of yoga, when she knew what a creep he was??? why want to support this mans business and practice if she did not respect him? why would she want to be associated with Bikram yoga at all after learning of his character? why not just open a regular yoga studio and be done with all the messiness of this man? Again, it's disappointing that there are men out there taking advantage of women in these ways. I fell victim once myself to a such a character, however I am now seeing how this was a teacher/lesson for me and learning to find my self respect and voice to say no and cut ties. Because prior times when I was taken advantage of, I could have always left and blocked the person and I now see how by not doing so and not being absolute in my boundaries, I was showing the person what I was willing to allow. I was not taking my side of the personal responsibility in the situation of what I allowed to happen. Through the experience I found my boundaries and voice and awareness of my part as well, so it was a blessing as I see it now.
We Westerners are so strange. We come from a culture that, despite it's difficulties, is pretty rounded up in regards to philosophy, individual rights, personal dignity, culture, art, rule of the law, religious thought... And we turn to the sewers to find "enlightenment". Value what you habe, people.
Sometimes I think the WORST PEOPLE are followers of perpetrators that stick to them and harass victims. If karma was real it would get them...but unfortunately it's just another illusion
Somatic narcissists fake gurus frods I've met ones in my life and can be devastating beware of those people only you can save youre life real help comes from people that respect your and their boundaries
Hi Shelise, I commented on your last video About this Change in Bikram. I hate how made up Guru's use the complete idea that to serve the master is a privilege. That for me has to be where I run fast. It makes so much sense, it's easy to get sucked right in. Shelise I asked you this before and want to try again. Do you think Christianity is a "Cult"? I am a Believer I Love the teachings of Jesus. HOWEVER there is SO MUCH division, interpretations, different versions of the Bible I could go on and on. The Evangelical Christians are the most distasteful to me. How do YOU view Christianity?? Have you had your baby yet? These videos may be older. Either way, CONGRATULATIONS 🎉 BLESS YOU MOMMA.
When I was young my friend dragged me to Bikrham's yoga. Thankfully I couldn't stand the hot temperature and the men in the gross little shorts otherwise I would have been sucked in so easily
You should look into Yogi Bhajan if this subject interests you. There seemed to be a few jackals, sorry I mean ‘gurus’, that took advantage of the new age movement as well as the optimism and hope of Americans searching for enlightenment. People think that enlightenment is a mystic Eastern philosophy but it’s really not. It basically boils down to ‘be grateful for what you have as others may not be so fortunate, be kind, have grace and know yourself for who you truly are because others may try to deceive you to their own ends.’ People assume that on a joy to find themselves they need to start far away. Start where you are as that’s the place you know the best anything else serves to disorient you.
I think the movie eat pray love or what ever it's called ,miss guides alot of woman later on in life so they go to India and get pulled in by some of these guys . Cause they know at the end of the day they are not doing it for helping woman they are thinking of their pants and wallets. Their are good gurus and bad ones . I've been lucky because my ex fiance of over ten years was indian so I learnt about this stuff . Plus I have family ties to India so you know what to look out for . But there are many out there doing it to get white woman and money. The real ones take donations and guide you they don't over take your life and you work on your own journey. But I've seen this with some even playing woman against each other in groups , so ladies watch out. Blessings
Well tbh idk how to react to all of this… I know all the fuzz, I know all the terrible things he was and is doing, but I can’t deny his yoga style is actually really good… I’ve been teaching yoga for many years and tried many many many different styles and well his yoga sequence is pretty safe and beneficial… but yeah he himself isn’t a great person… idk, detach product from product maker I guess? Personally, I am in a big conflict regarding this style just cause of all the real benefits I’ve seen
He actually did great harm to the field of yoga. He's never been a guru. I don't believe in gurus and feel very bad for people who do. He abused women and used his plagiarized exercise technique to do so. For me, personally, I'd never do yoga because of him. If teachers think they are gods, like he did, I can't get far enough.
@@ChaiChai1965 thank you for a comment. I agree with you and I don't think he's a Guru (actually guru is just a teacher if you translate so whenever i say this word i don't mean any worship involved) or a good person, I just say that as a teacher and health professional I see benefits of his sequence and that yeah as a person he did a lot of damage but his work as a creator of a style is well... I'd say the style itself is pretty legit
I'm so sorry that you went through this, I truly know how you feel. But it's not "across the board", it's almost entirely men, and they overwhelmingly target women. Pretending otherwise doesn't help anyone. Quite the opposite, in fact.
Wow. Larissa! Thank you for sharing your story! SO brave. I did hot yoga (Sunstone yoga) for years. It’s not bikram but is very similar. SO glad I never gave the bikram practice a dime. This guy sounds like a total douche! Very un-guru like if you ask me!
