We were shocked when Julie Salter, aka Swami Kartikayananda, revealed Swami Vishnu sexually abused her for years. What's more shocking is that in light of these claims, and numerous other reports of abuse, there has been ZERO change at the Sivananda ashrams and centers.
Read Julie Salter's account of Sexual abuses by Swami Vishnudevananda
Since its inception, the organization has faced numerous charges of sexual assault. Swami Mahadevananda, also a former EBM member and head of the organization's largest and most profitable 'ashram' in the Bahamas, was accused by multiple women of sexual misconduct, including masturbating on a woman while he was served breakfast in bed.
Project Satya Investigation Report of Swami Mahadevananda
Yet the most disturbing details of sexual assault are about Prahlad, another EBM member and head of Sivananda Organization's headquarters in Canada. Prahlad is facing allegations of child sexual abuse during the Ashram's youth programs.
Details about Prahlad's Sexual abuses
Yet despite these widespread reports of abuse, NO major changes have occurred because the abuse has been committed by or enabled by the Executive Board members themselves. Without reforms made to this inner circle, they will only continue to use and abuse. The executive members operate without oversight, without being elected, without term limits and with absolute power over their devotees. This hierarchy has thrived on a constant influx of yoga vacationers/free labor, aka "karma yogis"/and $$$$$$$ brought in from the teachers training courses in order to serve themselves.
BBC News Documentary - 3 Part Series
BBC News World Service Documentary three part series investigates into the abuses and coverups of numerous women by Sivananda swamis, staff, and executive board members.
It is clear the Board is not stepping down. It's recommended that all teachers, staff and students BOYCOTT serving at Sivananda centers and ashrams worldwide until resignations, retributions, and reforms are made to the internal structure of Sivananda Organization. The following are five clear and decisive actions to facilitate the beginnings of change, in order to allow the teachings of Yoga to continue in a proper manner.
1. Formal resignation of EBM members/trustees and dissolution of the EBM
2. Election of new committee that has clear guidelines, term limits, and better represents and protects the Sivananda community.
3. Decisive reforms to the karma yoga and residential programs, including: Mandatory pay for long term staff. Mandatory two days off per week (with no required attendance at satsang, and freedom to leave ashram/center).
4. Decisive reforms must be made to the Sannyas program. Stricter criteria for initiation and better support and basic financial/ health care support must be given to renunciates. Senior "renunciates" should probably be restricted from having personal assistants, private chefs, and first class accommodations while the staff sleeps in tents and barely get two meals a day.
5. Removing life size statues, photos, murtis, and paraphanaleia that deify Swami Vishnu from the altars and ashram grounds.
Boycott the ashrams and centers until any valid changes are put into place.
Help Support the Independent Investigation of Sivananda's Sexual Abuse Claims
May Truth and Peace Prevail
Om Tat Sat
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