Dear Reader,
I would like to take a moment to share my thoughts about this issue, especially given that I am a member of this community.
Although I have completed my Kundalini Yoga Teacher Training and certification at Yoga West, which is Yogi Bhajan’s first school in the entire United States– after allegations of sexual abuse by my fellow sisters, as well as his own statement on the issue, I refuse to acknowledge YB during my practice as a Yogi.
I love my Kundalini Yoga family and community, and because of this, I will respect and acknowledge the disclosures made by my fellow yogi sisters + brothers regarding their horrendous abusive experiences endured at the hands of YB.
I share my thoughts in the event that I facilitate community Kundalini sessions in the future, and you witness that I am not abiding by protocol that requires honoring YB.
I love and honor my practice, but I will NEVER honor and respect a corrupt, sociopathic rapist + sex offender, and human trafficker.
Don’t get me wrong, I am ultra grateful for the teachings provided to me by this tradition, but as someone who actually investigates incidents of sexual abuse and provides alleviatory services towards this population with an effort to ensure justice, it is absolutely mandatory for me to always honor courageous disclosures made by survivors.
In addition, as a Social Worker, Psychoanalyst and Social Justice Advocate against sexual assault, I really feel uncomfortable honoring and respecting someone who states that Wombyn can never be raped, and that all rape is invited.
I will NEVER respect this!
RAPE IS NEVER INVITED!
ALL INCIDENTS OF SEXUAL ASSAULT ARE CRIMINAL!
THERE IS NEVER A VALID REASON OR EXCUSE FOR THIS ABUSIVE BEHAVIOR TOWARDS OTHERS
…and that is the bottom line!
I stand firm and strong with my belief around this- PERIOD.
This is the main reason why I refuse to honor him in my practice, aside from the indicated reports.
I innerstand that there is an active investigation in progress regarding stated allegations, so until all allegations are unfounded for all parties, I will continue to respect these disclosures, and I will proceed with my practice as stated– with my deepest respect, compassion and sorrow towards all who have endured stated abuse.
Thank you for innerstanding and respecting my choice.
This entire situation is so sad, and at the same time, I must undergo due diligence to inform myself as to what is going on, especially since the allegations are serious and they involve safety concerns. I need to make all reasonable efforts to assess the situation to ensure that I am safe, and that my loved ones are safe as well, with respect to attending events hosted by related entities.
I am very happy to see that all attached organizations are taking these reports seriously, and are also exercising their due diligence to investigate and appropriately address these accusations.
Regardless of the outcome, the following information was recommended for me to explore.
I am going to assess the situation further via the following links:
Apple:
Uncomfortable Conversations
Youtube:
Uncomfortable Conversations
Again, I love my practice, and I am forever grateful for this path, as it has literally saved my life.
I am going to continue exercising my breath and learning from this tradition; however, I will not be honoring YB during any of my ceremonies out of respect for ALL individuals who have been sexually abused, in general. This type of behavior and comments are unacceptable within my space, and that is final.
Praying for absolute respect, truth, justice, and healing for all.
SAT NAM