Isha yoga - my perspective
‘Join a yoga program’ was in my To-Do list along with ‘study well’ for a very long time. Needless to say, both never really happened. The last week, a STRONG reco from my friend made me enroll for the Isha yoga class happening nearby. I thought I should chronicle my thoughts as much for my own benefit as others later on.
Isha Yoga and Jaggi Vasudev seem to have really hit prime time. At least a good 20% of my circle (comprising friends and safe-distance relatives) seem to have undergone the basic course. Vikatan, Vijay TV, Youtube, and a growing array of celebrity endorsements right from Anuradha Ramanan to Ravi Venkatesan of Microsoft India have contributed in no small measure to Jaggi’s popularity.
In my experience, I do find the Yoga postures and breathing exercises very beneficial so far. I respect and appreciate the postures and breathing exercise and will have my gratitude to Jaggi Vasudev and his amazing volunteers for bringing it near me.
However, there are a few things deserve attention.
The economics angle of this program is mind boggling. They charge Rs.900 per person for the 7 day course. They handle a combined strength of 100 folks – morning+evening for the week’s class. The trainer who taught this program told me there are about 50-100 classes per month in Tamil Nadu alone. Isha does not pay anything for the volunteers. All the food and boarding expenses of the trainers are borne by the volunteers themselves. They charge about $250 USD in US for the same class (3-4 days duration). Anyone who does basic math will know that’s a lot of revenue and we get a receipt for donation, and not fees. Is that a way to avoid the tax man? So what happens with all this donation money? Enter programs like rural rejuvenation, Isha Vidya, etc.
I do not see the necessity for trusts like Isha Foundation get into activities like education, free medical programmes, tree plantations etc. Why can’t they just stick to what they do best? All these peripheral activities just makes the whole thing a big enterprise with a global brand. This is not their core competency. I am too cynical to believe in all this fancy social service themes of religious trusts. For now, thanks but no thanks.
One other USP of Jaggi Vasudev seems to be his way to address one’s logical, rational mind in his speeches. But as you get deeper into the course, he asks us to suspend our critical, rational thought process so that we can experience unlimited bliss in a totally different plane. Thanks but no thanks again. I think life has been undeservingly kind to me and I am very happy with my life. And this much maligned rational, cause and effect thinking is what has kept me live and kicking for the past 30 odd years.
The trainer resorts to statements like ‘It is our privilege to live in the times of Gurus like Sathguru’. Outsiders like me should say that I suppose. Self-proclaiming as Sathguru is like my neighborhood sweetshop calling himself ‘Original Nellai Lala’ sweets. There is also this in-class marketing of Jaggi’s books, Rudraksha etc. The more a guru talks or writes, the more likely he is to contradict himself is my general rule of thumb.
The reactions by hardcore Isha/Jaggi Vasudev volunteers and fans over anything even slightly negative on Jaggi and the foundation is something really worth thinking about too. It is important to have open, candid dialogues for any healthy organization to survive and evolve in the long run. It is only cults who discourage any form of criticisms and dialogue. I hope Isha is not just another cult.
Overall, I do like the basic course and would recommend it to any rational, mature individual. I respect Jaggi as a person who has designed the course.
However, it’s better for all concerned to retain their perspective and objectivity as much as possible and appreciate the course contents for what it is worth. There is an entire world going berserk at the very mention of Jaggi Vasudev and the ensuing bliss. I have nothing to add there.
‘What we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history’ is a Disraeli quote I always liked.
April 9th, 2009 at 1:25 am
Ellaam business under the aegis of spirituality. I had taken many basic / first level courses in yoga/meditation. But have avoided myself to enter into the next level as more that meditation/yoga, I find these classes starting to advertise more on their school of thought.
I think these guys have found a really good way to milk money
April 9th, 2009 at 2:58 am
“All these peripheral activities just makes the whole thing a big enterprise with a global brand. This is not their core competency. I am too cynical to believe in all this fancy social service themes of religious trusts.”
–completely agree with you.
Agree with your point about ‘donations’ & heavy fees. Such activities throw a bad paint on an organization which otherwise doing a fantastic job.
Joseph
April 9th, 2009 at 11:42 am
kalai,
Hey Kalai. I am sure you are the same Carmel Garden guy
Epdi da irukke?
Long time! Shall mail you in detail.
I agree. I think its better to stick to the basic courses. Adhuku mela pona loose ayduvom nu bayama irukku!
April 9th, 2009 at 11:43 am
Joseph,
Thanks. Please share your experiences, if any
April 16th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
//I do not see the necessity for trusts like Isha Foundation get into activities like education, free medical programmes, tree plantations etc. Why can’t they just stick to what they do best? All these peripheral activities just makes the whole thing a big enterprise with a global brand.//
Also enlighten us with the list of trusts which are ELIGIBLE to do these activities.
April 16th, 2009 at 9:54 pm
“What we learn from history is that we don’t learn from history”.
THIS IS SO TRUE.
April 17th, 2009 at 2:19 am
Nanda
Trusts which are much more transparent, and have better sense of accountability for the funds collected and how it is being used.
I think there should be a re-look into the Foreign Contributions Regulations Act.
This is not just about Isha, but also for other religious (read religions liked by ’secularists’) trusts as well.
April 17th, 2009 at 2:20 am
Gopinath
How many times have we heard ‘This time its different’ in the stock market??
April 25th, 2009 at 10:39 pm
More information about the Isha organization and Sadhguru, including critical analysis of his “teachings”:
http://nonspiritual.net/Jaggi_Vasudev
April 28th, 2009 at 12:35 pm
I know i should not respond to this thread, but still for the people who added their comments on Isha Yoga:
I had participated in Isha Inner Engineering program in August 2008 and the practices for 3 months continuously. The freshness i felt in my daily activities were amazing.
I strongly suggest anyone i met to do join the Isha Yoga classes, if they get a chance.
May 13th, 2009 at 2:09 am
Great blog on isha yoga. Fair and accurate too.
Someone has enough of an open mind to try a new yoga program. They sit and listen to one of these self-proclaimed gurus who insist you should be open to what they say. However, if you use your open mind in an objective discussion about isha, the devotees intensely defend SJV and the program just like any other religious group’s followers.
I agree…
Keep perspective and objectivity.
May 18th, 2009 at 8:19 am
My wife is jumping into Isha with alarming enthusiasm. She took inner engineering last month, will take BSP next month, and is already talking about going to India to be with Jaggi Vasudev. The daily meditations have helped her a lot but I worry that Isha is more about devotion to Jaggi Vasudev than anything else.
I am looking for support from former (or current) Isha meditators to assist me in helping her avoid potential mistakes.
Please respond off line to me at mafarmerga@yahoo.com
June 22nd, 2009 at 8:19 am
@ all
the reason why Isha has gone in2 large public outreach projects is , not only cuz its required but to allow a mass section of the society to experience spirituality in a larger way its is very important to create a socially conducive atmosphere as well..
as u may have seen the way poeple react and are blown away by the meditation and energy processes it is very important to establish the trust of ppl ..sadhguru and isha hav many times said its not thier work to start action for rural rejuvination or plant 11 milloin tress but its required and has to be done
2. if v want a large section to experience spirituality again a hungry man is not intrested in the divine …..so his basic necessities hav to be take care of thats why ARR and Isha Vidhya
July 5th, 2009 at 2:19 am
ALL guru groups have social outreach programs. Do a google search. The only reason they have them is to become a charity and thereby taking advantage of the tax-exempt status…
Do you really think Sadhguru cares about the hungry guy when he has a personal chef?!
September 23rd, 2009 at 1:39 pm
I am glad we have more forums like this today and felt compelled to share my experience and perspective on Isha..
I’ve been associated with Isha indirectly for the past 12 years - basically through my in laws. They had some serious health issues and were trying out many things including, ayurveda, homeopathy etc; so joined the initiaition program and attended the subsequent one week in-house program in 1996 (humble beginnings of Isha). Now there is no going back, couple of em are instructors and volunteer full time.
I’ve come across many scenarios in the past decade to prove that my perspective is not based on me being headstrong, but would like to showcase just one here. Originally (around 1997) when they tried to sell this program to me, I was told that Jaggi Vasudev is an unassuming fellow and has modern thoughts etc that its perfect for someone wired like me (very analytical) as he explains spiritual stuff using scientific examples/theories. I was also told that he claims that he is no god, just a guru/teacher who can help u see the truth.
Check the following answer given by Jaggi in their website
Question: Sadhguru, what is the difference, if any, between you and the Dhyanalinga?
here’s the link for the full answer - http://www.dhyanalinga.org/difference_qa.htm
but I would like to focus on this one paragraph
“Now, if you think logically, it seems impossible that there is no difference between the Dhyanalinga and me. Even if you have experienced the Dhyanalinga in some way for a moment, it still sounds absolutely egoistic for me to say this; but really, there’s no difference. If you don’t like it, I can’t help it. Slowly you will see, as the days pass, I won’t be interested in keeping up any façade for anybody’s sake. We have done enough of that in order to bring about the necessary goodwill and understanding into people so that they could become receptive enough. We don’t have to continue doing that for a lifetime. Those who are too logical and whose ability to live life is very much on the surface may fall off. I don’t want them to fall off, but they may, because I am too blunt. It’s all right. This is how it is. ”
I rest my case. It is obvious that the cult that it truly is, is showing its true colors now that they have a sizeable following. In the early days the message was watered down to make it easier to spread and recruit more people. It truly is an amazing strategy and no matter what percentage of their revenue they use for charity work, its still is a questionable entity - IMHO illegal.
I’ve seen my share of religious programs designed to brainwash and convert people as I studied in a christian convent for 10 years. A number of my friends converted to christianity. Nothing against christianity, but there are some (not all) christian institutions that focus on converting people and they have perfected the technique. I think it prepared me to question and not to take any such programs at face value. To me, Isha is nothing more than one more dishonest insititution making use of human nature to enslave them.
October 18th, 2009 at 2:40 pm
I attended Isha Inner Engineering Program and it benefited me. I attended the BSP program, I could understand, appreciate and benefit from some parts of the program while I could not appreciate other parts of the program, overall, I benefited from it. In my opinion, Sadhguru is a realized master, his words make lot of sense to me and I am wonder stuck that he is so knowledgeable and was able to gain all this in one life time. It is perfectly acceptable that Isha is involved in social programs (Project Green Hands).
Volunteers do work on their own initiative and feel fulfilled. The money they collect for these programs is pittance when you compare to the benefit that the participant receives.
October 19th, 2009 at 12:59 am
Hi all,
For your kind information, ISHA foundation is one of the stringent in the sense, does not wastes the donations simply on useless things.
People like us speak of poverty, global warming, corruption, poor education, adultery and all non sense. But will do nothing for the society.
Jaggi vasudev is a human who is addressing all these issues but in an entirely blissful manner.
ISHA yoga classes made my mind and body strong. I am able to do my works 5times as before. My 25 years of education in schools, colleges and corporates did not teach me to increase my productivity and lead a very happy life. Just 7 days of ISHA program did that.
Of coarse that Rs.900 is not that you are paying for 7 days. You are paying it for a life time achievement.
Thanks a lot.
November 7th, 2009 at 3:58 am
Jaggi is not the only well spoken, intelligent guy who easily amazes people with his ‘knowledge.’ Many gurus have come before him who have impressed more intelligent people than the isha followers.
Money collected is in the millions. There is no proof of the amounts spent on ‘charities.’ And just because he claims he is self-realized doesn’t mean you must believe him.
Blissful? You should see how easily he angers at his inner circle. (Yes, I have seen it). In fact, he even admits it! But that’s ok, he has an excuse for his temper - he is enlightened - its his way of helping his followers become enlightened. I guess we should believe that too?
Stop defending him. Stop recruiting people. Go follow him and live your blissful life blissfully.
November 9th, 2009 at 7:23 am
I strongly agree with Laksmminarayan and Mariappan.
November 9th, 2009 at 8:13 am
Dear All,
We are not here to debate on Sadhguru’s intelligence.
Even Buddha faced severe criticisms when He started preaching Bodhidharma. It’s very easy to criticize others before getting deep into what’s happening actually.
We just feel that the donation Isha charging is too high for the ultra-valuable chance they give us, but the same we won’t hesitate or even negotiate to buy Reebok/Nike/Woodland series as well as Lee/ Levis/ Wrangler for few thousand bucks. There is basically something wrong with our understanding between valuables and invaluables, it seems.
Even we can think that those donations are just used for Isha’s expansion but Isha’s expansion is proportional to SOCIAL WELFARE (Anyone want to disprove, you are welcome to research:) )
Hence am proud and smart enough to contribute to Society at the same time am gaining some spark to torch my inner vision.
I sincerely believe I’ve spent my time very useful writing this comment
December 2nd, 2009 at 1:27 pm
So, if I get criticised for my beliefs or teachings, then I can compare myself to Buddha? Everybody criticises others opinions or beliefs at some point. Doesn’t mean you can compare the ‘victim’ to holy people who were victimized before.
And if I charge $300 for something intangible, I can claim that it is valuable to justify the cost? Who says it’s valuable? Only the people who believe (or want) it to be.
December 12th, 2009 at 10:18 pm
Kudos to excellent and simple article… this is an age old way to con humanity and control society. No doubt the science of yoga is powerful, if at all Sage Patanjali decided to make money he would not have written Yoga sutras for free.
Notice all these so called enlightened Sadhu wearing a designer outfit, travelling in posh cars and first class air ticket and getting facial (look at the shine in his facial skin) and his expensive shoe watch. The money is well spent on these.
Knowledge is free..Serious and smart folks research and find the right guru. I found an org which is free and does not give speeches. Absolute practical wisdom passed down from Buddha himself. Best of all it is free. I am planning to attend it. Guys you have paid so much to attend all these classes try the one i have recommended its free
January 17th, 2010 at 10:48 am
isha yoga is the best thing that ever happned to me…i would recommend it to every individual. its such a powerful, complete way of experiencing life. my energy levels and general maturity, well being and outlook have increased ten fold. thank you Sadhguru!
January 19th, 2010 at 6:59 am
I had done courses in the so called Ashram etc. and been fed with their so called “environmental awareness” messages etc. Project green hand is just a publicity gimmick to get an entry into Guinness book. First: Isha yoga center (ashram) is located in the reserve forest - how did they get permission to build such a big concrete structure - questionable. Secondly: the ashram is located in one of the highest wind energy potential places - yet they have no windmills. Thirdly: the main Spanda hall can be lit brightly with LED lighting which could reduce their electricity consumption by 80% instead of the current normal lighting is not done. Forth: The rural rejuvenation program is funded by Sanofi-Aventis a MNC - Pharma /GMO seed company, which is duping all farmers into buying their seeds which are poisonous and all these coveted operations are happening under the umbrella of Isha (most of the Isha people themselves don’t know this - they and their stupid claims of awareness!). Fifth: In the shops recently they started selling non-veg food items - non-veg is fundamentally not suitable /healthy for human beings - this they knew well yet happening, Finally a lot of real estate in and around the center is under Isha control they are building a new 5 star resort called Mahamudra (another one in the midst of the nilagiri rain forest biosphere…
When I asked about all this to a Brahmachari he said he doesn’t know as all decisions are centralised and autocratic - Isha and their bunch of stupid people
January 30th, 2010 at 10:45 am
People who have been having a great life for the last 30 years should not be going to Yoga classes; not to get their behinds in perfect shape, not to get enlightened!
Yoga is for people who want the answer to the ultimate question. For people who are willing to live all else behind for its sake, ofcourse you do not seem to be one of them. Shambhavi was taught to students who had to prove their dedication over a 1000 times. Not to people having a great time in their lives.
By probability theory, “Every dog has its day, and every man his 30 years”. But the field of statistics is such that, it catches up with you when your time runs out. So on that day, or in that life, when your house of Samsaara is totally on fire you will run on the yogic path, not doing the Economics, not stopping to read reviews, not for anything at all.
March 16th, 2010 at 1:14 pm
The biggest issue I have with it is the crazy people at the meetings. They cry themselves to death and scream at the top of their lungs everytime a ritual is performed. In my opinion, when there a true healing it happens once … not every single time there’s a prayer or ritual taking place. And the programs got too sappy for me; way too sappy. The dancing for an hour, the chanting for an hour, the intensely hugging random people for minutes, etc, etc. I went with 4 other people to multiple programs and not a single one of us had a transformation. Not good stats for the time and money spent. I think regular meditation and regular yoga is extremely relaxing, but it can be done in a simple fashion unlike Isha Yoga has put together. And the teachings are in many books. I think the basic program is ok and then they get crazy from there.
May 27th, 2010 at 8:53 pm
I agree with Joe above -1000% and with several others… We all have opinions and observartions. At the end of the day, take it for good it teaches, use it for doing good. Pursue your version of “be good and do good” till it lines up more and more with spiritual eternal truths…
Sorry for the long spiel … but if you are very curious, this read might save you more headaches…
What i notice from Isha is that their Inner Engineering is a good refresher on self-realization which is taught by every great spiritual teacher! If you are from India, you might have directly or indirectly, been exposed to some of these techniques…Problem is we get so busy and away from basic teachigns due to lifestyles we lead. Just because you flap your thighs and sneeze a few times and do the “Isha SambaShiva Mudra” technique …a series of physical and mental steps ….will not make you a life success…just as a dog eating a deer for dinner make it a Lion!
Their advanced BSP is a witchcraft voodoo, which should be avoided as its nicely marketed by Isha version of Microsoft software - a copy cat, crash version that became real due to their marketing techniques and their “restart” sound NLP techniques used by both parties….
His volunteers are brain-washed to service to heaven… What i cannot understand is that if they see God in everyone, why serve Isha only? Serve everyone, everywhere, everytime… not just at lunch at Isha sessions…. right? To seek for truth is one thing… to be blinded by dismissing everything just because you got an Isha tick that bit you, is ridiculous…. One has to focus on spiritual principles and not a cult like this.
I believe in benefits even from a knife…. but damn it, even that, one has to use it right! How can people roll their eyes and do voodooo and be calling it best thing since slice of bread….and other ways of how he hacks down on those that believe in faith and in GOD.
When i personally questioned him, if he believed in GOD, he first cut me down harshly! When i asked him if he does not see GOD in me now? He was shocked i talk to him like that! Next, after he finished his lunch, he came to my table and pointed to the melon i was eating and said that was my God for giving me nourishment. Next, he went into the class and rambled for exactly 53 minutes on why if i believe in Jesus is my GOD….nicely twisting what i told him….he further went on to insult me and that i must be stupid for wasting his time and coming to his BSP class. Huh? Well, the fact that i came was a way to find out more…”to be good and to do good” …and to find yoga and meditation techniques i can apply to my faith…… not to get me a class 101 on another GOD! or theology lessons on what is and whats not GOD….
I was later told that he uses the same lecture to make this point by some volunteers … to hack down on anyone questioning him about presence of GOD. To each unto his own. but you cannot have it both ways…. You cannot teach you see God in every one and throw them under the bus if they have a different view.
Finally, i can appreciate regular meditation and therapeutic yoga, but there is more than meets the eye with this person who claims a tall order - No God, Every thing is God and makes money by associating with corrupt politicians and amazing fees in India and US and has the nice dress up aof poverty help and humanitarian posters and documents to prove their “benevelence”….
Faith….Fact….. Fiction… and in balance and integration and moderation… there is a balance in life…. Life is not just about yoga, if it were, you could hug a tree and kiss everyone and everything for being GOD. You have to be more than brain washed… I appreciate the teachings which are actually taught by every yoga teacher on breath and calming the mind; every other extra-curricular part with their charities and their BSPs and other voodoo witchcraft is dangerous and could harm you….
Mr. Isha Yoga! Its not about a man….never is …never was…. it is always about eternal spiritual truths that everyone that comes to it, may find his own truth in his own journey and in his own way. Some find it in Jesus, some call it Jesus but live his teachings, some call it Buddha, some called it Krishna… I would encourage the reader to call it what he may, and know it for he is able to know and respect him for his views …. and so i have mine too… and i would not call it a “melon” nor would i call it an “Isha”
If God almighty has given each a brain, and a choice to make that run, who are you and me; mere mortals to define a path to call the “melon you are eating as GOD”…. or to “have othes intercede on their behalf” to GOD if they are to die …when you claim everyone is GOD and everything is GOD…
You decide and either way my sincere best wishes to pursue your version of truth…
Best Wishes,
Linus
http://www.wyssyr.com
July 23rd, 2010 at 1:03 pm
I’m bit confused, this inner technology as mentioned in the class it is for us to decide whether it works for us or not. If it is not we can feel free let go. I’m sure we invest a lot of money in technology like mobiles, pcs, and other gadgets if its not working or something new comes we just go for it. Similarly nothing is binding us why are we so attached to it.
I don’t know why, most of the great efforts in this universe had oppositions, surprisingly most of the people I see here are Indians and precisely south Indians as usual like freedom struggle etc we do not require enemies from out side we are sufficient.
There are so much black money transacted, money into illegal activities in our country, these guys live such a tender life not disturbing any living beings around and I’m sure they will be having a higher life expectancy than normal people. Should we not mind our thoughts, words and intelligence before we use such a powerful media like internet. atleast our kids live in a better place lets not create another Godse or india pak war.
I never write like this I don’t know why I’m so disturbed today. Sorry, have a good day.
December 27th, 2010 at 7:28 am
Rightly pointed …. Lot of revenue, No tax…. Chu Chu service to fudge the books. Try to see how much they ask to educate a kid thru Isha vidya, the amount seems to be too high, for the rural setup where they run these schools. If they want to prove me wrong let them publish account like United ways does …. Showing Donations, Income from investment, expense, depreciation etc….
- I’m not interested in donating money to someone riding a Land rover when I ride a 2 wheeler to work !!
-I dont understand the need for high end Spa inside Isha yoga at Coimbatore.
- If they want to serve poor people why dont they run thier yoga classes in slums, they seem to run it only in nice residential areas, places like IT high way and near Mahindra city in chennai…..
I’d prefer them to say we teach for money, and say loud yes we run Spa !! Offcourse you gotta pay service tax for it !!
March 9th, 2011 at 11:16 am
Like Everyone has Said The Basic Program of Inner Engineering Conducted by His Teachers is OK and Reasonable. But BSP is A Vodoo Witch Craft and Purely a Mesmerism. Any One who has been through Bhagavad Gita and Upanishads will not find much in What Sadhguru is selling. He is just a very clever and shrewd business man{Not Surprising That He is a Shaivaite] who is out to exploit people’s energies in the name of volunteering. He just creates a image that he is going to teach something more than what Bhagavat Gita or Vedanta can teach but there is nothing more.
However His programs did one good thing for me. It Showed me who my Real guru was and what a Mayavadi really is. Check by blog at http://zaysen.blogspot.com.
March 19th, 2011 at 1:50 pm
Hi all.. Some interesting discussions going on here.
I would like to contribute that I have been through inner engineering and BSP both within the last 3 months.
Is Isha a cult? I don’t know but I have had some really powerful experiences during my initiation and BSP was quite devastating for me.
Nobody at Isha has required me to treat Sadhguru like a god. But I do feel a lot of gratitude towards him for offering the possibility to experience what I have.
I’ve read many books and tried many techniques on my own but the reality of the experiences felt at Isha and in Sadhguru’s presence have been what I was searching for.
As for BSP being voodoo witchcraft, maybe it was. I have no experience of both these arts. Neither did I understand the mechanics of what happened in BSP. But It was a tremendous experience for me! I felt things I had never felt possible.
I have never donated anything to Isha, other than volunteering when I can. I like serving food to people, it’s very satisfying and to meet other seekers like me and the challenges they face. It’s a good community of real people..
I like how someone said that “it’s not about a man”. I agree. I don’t know Jaggi Vasudev inperson, even if I did I dunno if I would get along (Im not a motorcycle fan) I think what people respect and revere is the transformation that it brings into their lives. This results in reverence to the one who is offering this transformation to you. Atleast that’s what it is for me.
As for Jaggi collecting my money, well it’s my money and I can choose how I spend it. If I want to spend it on something that I feel is valuable to me, why not?
Does Isha want my money and use me so that Sadhguru can drive around in a Land Rover? Maybe, maybe not. I intend on finding out first hand.
March 19th, 2011 at 1:53 pm
One thing I would like to add is that it would be nice if Isha could publish their financial information online.
April 3rd, 2011 at 7:29 am
Isha is definitely a cult. Especially the Yoga Centre and the people it houses have all become like zombies after following Sadhguru Blindly and have even stopped using their brains and minds to see if he is leading them to their growth or just exploiting them in order to maintain his opulent life style.
Sadhguru is Just another Yoga teacher who is aggressively branding his Isha and selling himself as a mass enlightenment giver to whomsoever is willing to accept him without question. However I feel that it is a very subtle,diplomatic,mass mesmerism and hypnosis of people into his cult to simply hook freee labour and money even without they 1st knowing whether they need it in the 1st place or not. I have been very happy in my 34 years of existence simply by drinking coffee and reading scriptures, and in what way is Kriya Yoga going to make me any more happy.
There is a rule that one cannot read anything in the Ashram. People including myself have had very bad experiences with Isha.Check this out!
http://guruphiliac.lefora.com [Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation].
My advise is if anyone wants Just do the Programs In this Order but do not put your intelligence and rational thinking aside and surrender them to Sadhguru as not all he says is 100% true.
1-Inner Engineering Conducted By Teachers
2-Hata Yoga
3-Shoonya Initiation and Shakti Chalana Kriya
4-Bhava Spandana[This is a mesmerism, and emotional and body break down program after which one’s respect of Sadhguru and his intellectual logical oratory abilities will be definitely smashed and reduced considerably]
5-Samyama[I have not done this date]
Zaysen.
January 24th, 2012 at 4:08 pm
Dear All,
I am really sick of all this Isha and its cult practices. Millions of brainless people are pulled into this sort of things and they can never come out of this anymore. We are more or less turning ourselves into a country like North Korea where one guy keeps clapping all the time and their generations rule the country in so called poverty.
What Jaggi teaches is more than available in Hinduism, Christianity, Koran or even Buddhism. I am happy with someone teaching Yoga but why does it have to be branded and keep pulling people into its pit. Think of the several families which have been devastated because one member suddenly turns into a mad lunatic with all Isha’s cult.
I can understand the numerous benefits of breathing exercises which can extend our life by say 5 years but I am ready to die a bit earlier than being a slave to some lunatic. The worst part is that scores of people will go mad on this type of practices and even one day if Jaggi gets into some sort of scandal still none of his followers will accept that.
I had seen a video of one of the followers of Nithyananda where a women says that she knows her guru very much and she still has faith on him. Now that is the catch point. people will not come out of their myths and be ready to be screwed.