April 5, 2021
Dear Readers,
Many of you know that I have been a long time teacher of Kundalini Yoga and teacher trainings, affiliated with the Kundalini Research Institute (KRI) and the teaching association, IKYTA. You may also know that in February 2020, it became publicly known that the primary teacher affiliated with that organization, Yogi Bhajan, who died in 2004, was accused of sexually abusing students and staff in the past. An investigation by the Olive Branch ensued, which concluded that the allegations were more than likely true. Representatives of the organization took action to address the findings of the report, assist reporters of harm, and promote healing. A process is currently under way, led by an organization called Just Outcomes, to assist all levels of the community to acknowledge harm done and bring healing and reconciliation to those who were abused.
This has been a very challenging time for many in the global kundalini yoga community, myself included.
I respect the efforts made by current leaders in this community to right the wrongs that have occurred, and hope that the process continues to completion. I believe that the process can go deeper, by inquiring into the factors that contributed to the blindness and complicity among those who were present at the time, thus allowing the abuse to continue; and the factors that were present that prevented victims from speaking up or being heard or believed.
I believe the victims and support them in being heard, understood and validated.
I find myself unable to continue my affiliation with KRI and IKYTA or 3HO as organizations and will not be running any teacher training programs or participating in events hosted by these organizations.
My love of the practice of Kundalini Yoga persists, and I will continue to teach classes and courses independently.
I continue to identify as a Sikh, and someone who chooses to wear a turban and white clothing much of the time.
This clarifies my current position in the kundalini yoga community.
Sincerely,
Sat Dharam Kaur