During a series of biofeedback experiments in 1970 and 1971, Drs. They enjoy spending their free time adventuring, camping, exploring, and creating memories together. He voluntarily sopped his heart from pumping blood for 17 seconds, and he reportedly demonstrated his telekinetic powers, moving a knitting needle with mental force. "I only needed one person to corroborate my experience," Megan says now. Wisdom must show itself in action and lovingness." Carolyn,* an old friend, called me collect. I ask Dr. Ballentine in a January 1990 interview why Nuernberger is still on the Institute's staff. In some states, a patient has the right to sue her doctor or psychotherapist for malpractice even if she originally consented to sex, because people under psychological or medical treatment are considered too vulnerable and dependent to give free and full consent. Swami Rama, whose legal name is Brij Keshore Kumar, was born in 1925 in Uttar Pradesh, according to his official biography, parts of which appeared in the March/April 1990 issue of Yoga Journal. Two months after Swami Rama left for India, Carolyn went to Chicago to visit her family for Christmas. There's no need for finding out, if I know it is completely wrong.". Here is her report. He said, "We must build a center of life which will be an important bridge between East . "Unpurified ego is an evil which obstructs one's own progress. Many of those beliefs are based on Hindu and Buddhist teachings about the nature of the guru. His students believe he is able to read minds and manipulate physical reality with his advanced yogic powers; thus they believe he can heal sickness with the power of the "superconscious" mind. In March 1978, she says, Swami Rama came to Glenview and initiated her. She began to believe that this man who might have been spiritual at one time was now suffering from feelings he couldn't control. Patricia Trescelli, and attorney with Parker, Chapin, Flattau, and Klimpel, agreed to consult with the women concerning possible legal action on a pro bono basis. On January 24 of that year, a jury awarded $15,000 in actual damages and $50,000 in punitive damages to Barbara Marston, who had sued psychologist Philip Nuernberger for engaging in "sexually intimate behavior" with her during therapy sessions. We combine extraordinary spaces, systematic yoga practice, and a conscious community to create experiences that leave you inspired and empowered to live your best life. 7,616 were here. Rose told Brian and Terry that she was afraid to seek help from the family members who'd invited her to the Institute-they were unquestioningly loyal to Swami Rama-and she knew no one else there. Our members consist of a vibrant residential community of practitioners, karma yogis (service-driven seekers), and faculty-in-residence as well as a global community of seekers, committed to living their spiritual values. Before leaving, Megan says, she tried to confront Swami Rama publicly-but he went into seclusion, claiming illness. Back; Cameroon; India; Mexico; Tibetan Settlements; Get Involved. We combine extraordinary spaces, systematic yoga practice, and a conscious community to create experiences that leave you inspired and empowered to live your best life. A leader in the field of yoga, meditation, spirituality, and holistic health, the Himalayan Institute is a non-profit international organization dedicated to serving humanity through educational, spiritual, and humanitarian programs. The jury called the abuse "spiritual incest . Now she says that those who have allowed the abuses to continue unchecked are responsible for destroying the Institute's integrity. The two women who wrote statements for the Cult Awareness Movement were among those involved: One stated that she was a patient at the Institute's holistic health center in New York City, and the other stated she was 17 years old when Swami Rama initiated a sexual relationship with her. Ex-members say that Swami Rama also uses his psychological insights to manipulate people. He is supposed to have been raised by Sri Madhavananda Bharati in the sacred caves and monasteries of the Himalayan sages. During the next few months, Carolyn says, Swami Rama bade her visit him in his private quarters once every couple of weeks, either after lunch or after evening prayers; he also made it her job to buy condoms. Trained to meditate and educated in the scriptures from early childhood, he was able to translate and interpret any of the 20,000 verses from the Vedas by the age of 13, according to a biographical pamphlet put out by the Meditation Center. Meditation. The Himalayan Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy, nestled in the beautiful Pocono Mountains in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, was founded in 1971. She specializes in Myotherapy, Deep Tissue, Prenatal, Swedish Relaxation, Sports Therapy, and Hot Stone Massage. Allegations of such abuse have been made against modern yoga gurus such as Bikram . But it is also common in the thought-control techniques of totalitarian states. Discover our new online platform for community, courses, and content. He says it is a relationship that goes beyond religions, the purest relationship possible, "the relationship of water flowing from a hill and filling a hollow at the bottom-the hollow has nothing to give in return, but only to accept that grace in gratitude. A short time later, Swami Rama let her go as his secretary-because, she says he told her, she didn't really want the job. Similarly, gurus in the Buddhist and Hindu traditions are supposed to be examples of self-mastery and right living. Most of the former members of the Institute who agreed to be interviewed for this article were also afraid to have their identities revealed; they appear under pseudonyms, marked with an asterisk. Join us in serving a tradition that has served the world selflessly for untold ages. Meanwhile, the couple says, they discovered more evidence of illicit activity. There she learned Swami Rama's style of "super-conscious" meditation, which she describes as a basic, impersonal training in mental concentration. Early the next morning, she says, he announced to her that she was going to leave; he never set up the promised program. Marston, however, testified that Nuernberger had "hugged and kissed her and fondled her breasts," according to an article in the Minneapolis Tribune (Jan. 24, 1981). A system that encourages such vulnerable individuals to give up their own "egotistical" judgment to the arbitrary whims of one person is one of the key features of a totalist organization, or "cult.". Numerous former students say they left the Institute because they were sexually exploited by Swami Rama or knew someone who was. Ayurvedic treatments, massage therapy, chiropractic care, and integrative health services at PureRejuv Wellness Center. I informed him that I had interviewed women who sought him out because they respected him and trusted him to be interested in the truth. Unfortunately, there is some mystery surrounding its founder, Swami Rama, and possible connection with drug abuse and sexual indecency. When Swami Rama returned from India two months later, Carolyn resumed working as his appointments secretary during the day, and, she says, as his sexual servant on some nights. On the contrary, they sought opportunities to serve the guru's every whim, or even to be abused by him: Megan remembers one woman saying she wished the guru would kick her. But the followers of such "enlightened" men are usually reluctant to find fault with them, since to do so could invalidate the students' own years of study and devotion. We are happy to bring you a combination of Zoom, In-person, and Hybrid options. He is also supposed to have graduated from a homeopathic medical school in India, and studied at Hamburg University, the University of Utrecht, and Oxford University. He would call her to his office for a private audience, and as she hung anxiously on his words he would paint a flattering picture of her future with the Institute. -- Swami Rama, "Living With the Himalayan Masters". Humanitarian, Swami Rama, Teacher. The original creator of the neti pot, the Himalayan Institute has been offering traditional and modern products for health and spirituality since 1971. Is it not better to follow someone who has charted the path?". Megan recalls that in one of her first encounters with Swami Rama, she watched as he humiliated a quiet, withdrawn woman resident. Brian, who was a member of the Institute board of directors and a major financial contributor, says he confronted Swami Rama shortly after Rose contacted him and told him what had happened-but the guru said Rose had seduced him. Yet she is vulnerable to feeling re-victimized every time her experience is denied or distorted. Under New York State law, according to Trescelli, a woman who does not get a medical exam or report the incident to police within a limited period of time has little chance of obtaining a conviction. Swami Rama made Carolyn his appointments secretary in August also. However, after Swami Rama talked with them, they either told Brian and Terry that the guru should be allowed a "mistake" or they shunned the couple altogether. Swami Rama is held by his disciples to be a kind of god: He makes up the rules of the game, he can change them at will, and he cannot be judged by them. A pearl necklace that Brian had bought from Swami Rama as an "investment" was appraised at roughly one-third of the $100,000 he had paid for it. That is, an on-going pattern of power abuse within the guru/student relationship. toshiba tv screen goes black after a few minutes. Expert wellness consultations direct to your home. After a bit, she was inclined to dismiss his behavior as a joke or a "test.". And he abruptly dismissed her. My initial experience with yoga in the 1990's at the Himalayan Institute of Buffalo led me to making a radical shift in lifestyle and moving to the Institute's educational headquarters in Honesdale, P.A. But after they started saying all these things, I never trusted them anymore. In recent years, the harm caused to women by "sex in the forbidden zone" has been recognized in their codes of ethics by most universities and professional associations, including the American Medical Association and the American Psychological Association. When she shared her news with the other residents at East West Books, they told her she should feel honored: She had been chosen, while long-time devotees had been denied the privilege. Many disciples come from alcoholic and dysfunctional families where they have learned how to deny emotional abuse directed against them or their siblings, in order to believe that their parents really love them and are acting in their best interests. At bottom, however, she believed her feelings didn't matter. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. A rash of articles featuring Swami Rama appeared in national magazines, including Time, People, and Playboy. HIT ranked 39 th under Best Hotel Management Colleges in All India by The Week 2022.; HIT ranked 23rd under Top Private Hotel Management Colleges in All India and 11 th in North Zone by The Week 2022.; HIT is ranked as one of the most preferred Hotel Management Colleges . In mid-autumn, the day came for Swami Rama's annual trip to India. They are instructed to have "no emotional relationship inside or outside the Institute," and residential program directors are charged with monitoring disciple's behavior and attitudes to make sure they conform to Institute expectations. Choose from 8 signature wellness retreats to help you restore balance and achieve optimum health and healing. Finally, she obtained his permission. The next day, she says, Swami Rama called her to his office and asked her if anyone had said anything to her. The daughter of an alcoholic, she longed for guidance from a spiritual authority figure. A world leader in yoga, meditation, and holistic health, the Himalayan Institute is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving humanity through educational, spiritual, and humanitarian programs. Himalayan Institute locations 3.6 Honesdale, PA Show all locations What's being discussed at Himalayan Institute? The Himalayan Institute publishes over 60 titles on yoga, spirituality, and holistic health, including the best-selling Living with the Himalayan Masters by Swami Rama and Yoga: Mastering the Basics by Sandra Anderson and Rolf Sovik. Carolyn says she feigned shock and tried to mask her distress as Martha told about a woman at the Glenview center who was confused and distraught about her alleged sexual relationship with Swami Rama. Brian says he refused to tell Rose's story in such an atmosphere. The Himalayan Institute community reaches across the entire globe. The Institute used to offer an accredited masters program in Eastern Studies and Comparative Psychology through an affiliation with the University of Scranton. And Carolyn's residential Program supervisor told her that the scandal was "a big test for all of us and a cleansing for the Institute-we'll see who stays.". Fortified by their mutual discovery, Karen says, the two couples undertook to inform their fellow students back home in Minneapolis. The teachings contained in the sacred texts cannot play any meaningful part in judging who is a good guru and who is not: "How could they? Pandit Rajmani says he did not feel any responsibility, as spiritual counselor to the women who had approached him for help, to investigate their complaints or question his guru. himalayan institute of modern arts & learning (HIMAL) Giving back through life-changing experiences. By 1977, the Institute was able to purchase the Honesdale ashram, a former Catholic seminary in the rural Pocono Mountains, which now houses more than 100 residents and guests. We inspire, educate, and. At the Himalayan Yoga Institute we believe in providing you with a broad yogic education to empower you to make the best possible choices for your students and create a modern yoga class that respects yoga's traditions and foundation while taking into account the unique personal needs of your students. See the article in its original context from. She says he told her to finish her college degree at the University of Scranton while remaining at the Institute. He must also vow that he will not harm any living being. Some were afraid of Institute retaliation; most were afraid of hurting their families, who in some cases do not know about the abuses the women suffered; still others were worried that their professional reputations would be harmed. Two of the guru's most devoted disciples left the Institute three years ago because they had learned while in India as part of an Institute tour group that parts of Swami Rama's official biography were fabricated. Karen, the woman whose claims were ridiculed at the meeting where Swami Rama and the other directors responded to Brian's charges, was one of the first ex-members to confront top Institute administrators. Terry, who is now a practicing psychotherapist, says she believes Swami Rama's behavior is compulsive-he can't help it." Marston's lawsuit, he says, was an act of revenge. She sounded unhappy, so I made plans to visit her at the Himalayan International Institute of Yoga Science and Philosophy in Honesdale, Pennsylvania, where she had been a resident for more than four years. Quick Links. A world leader in yoga, meditation, and holistic health, we are dedicated to serving humanity through educational, spiritual, and humanitarian programs. Given a mantra but little guidance, Carolyn dutifully performed her assigned practices, hoping that Swami Rama's "scientific" approach to yoga would eventually yield results. He says that Nuernberger's one mistake has "ruined his life, in essence, which is really too bad.". The yogis, he says, have demonstrated these abilities in the past and continue to do so. Shortly after they started studying with Pandit Usharbudh Arya at the Meditation Center in Minneapolis, he introduced them to his guru, Swami Rama. Dr. Ballentine says he has good reason to think that Marston "was very anxious for [Nuernberger] to go further, and he didn't. Of all the Institute's swamis and teachers, Pandit Arya is by far the most scholarly. ALL NEW! Now Carolyn is more articulate: "When I finally start listening to myself, and I tell him I know he's sleeping with other women-and this is the man I came to, to help me learn how to listen to my inner voice, and then he tells me not to listen to it just as I'm starting to get some confidence in it-that's when I realized, this isn't yoga, this isn't truth, this is abuse.". And that was the first time I realized what all that stuff meant-the other women, the 'goofy' file, and the rumors about the lawsuit. But within the Institute, she says, everyone else seemed to accept the guru's sexually suggestive behavior and humiliation of women. We partner with rural communities to provide health services, public libraries, and sustainable employment opportunities. But still, she was afraid to leave the community she'd been part of for so long and reenter a world that had practically forgotten her existence. 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