Reflections On Yogi Bhajan and Practicing Kundalini Yoga

*Warning: mentions abuse, rape

After reading Premka: White Bird in Golden Cage: My Life with Yogi Bhajan by Pamela Dyson, I had mixed feelings on continuing with Kundalini Yoga (KY) and was livid. Pamela Dyson’s story is another unfortunate reminder that sexual abuse is too common. Coupled with such wounds are often dismissed and unwitnessed, even in “spiritually conscious” communities, angers me. It was apparent that my beloved KY community collectively questioned, “Where do we go from here?”. 
 

Prior to reading Premka..., I was already cynical of Bhajan. Without ever meeting YB, I had a gut feeling that something was “off” about him. I was aware that I held reservations towards men with an authoritative influence- a personal bias stemming from years of working with survivors of abuse… Within the first few KY classes I had taken, I had profound positive experiences and felt like home within this yogic community. I adopted my spiritual name and trained to become a KY teacher. Thus, I chose- and continue- to focus on the teachings rather than the teacher. 

Regardless of my personal ideas of YB… I am my own authority; I decide what feels right for me within any teachings, especially those involving my body. 

As a yoga instructor, I offer this when deciding if a yoga posture or meditation is right for you: your body holds the answer and you always have a choice. 

~

I consciously transmute the anger I see and feel from the injustices of abuse into passion; continuing to advocate for those who have been dismissed, unheard and deeply affected by sexual, physical, verbal and or emotional abuse. I am committed to the healing of such inner wounds and reducing stigma to empower survivors. 

Kundalini is an energy; a creative force… I hope to always have the strength to create with love, as it is the ultimate power source.

Related reading: Consciously Supporting Survivors Of Sexual Assault and Interpersonal Violence