Yogi Bhajan and 3HO Allegations

Response from Bachitar Kaur and Hari Krishan Singh – March 2020

Sat Naam Sangat (community),

There is a storm on the Kundalini Yoga sea and many are looking for a lighthouse to guide the way or a rock to blame when crashing. More than ever it is time to find that lighthouse within and at the same time clean out our own rocks.

The global Kundalini Yoga community is hearing of personal stories from the beginning of the 3HO movement. If you are reading these stories, you may have similar feelings of sadness, pain, non-belief, coming to terms, confusion and uncertainty for what the future of KY might look like. An incredible challenge to stay centred and trusting and a great opportunity in many ways.

The Teachings undeniably support us in this. We have experienced and witnessed the powerful impact and long-lasting effects! We do also see how it can be challenging to find a new way to relate to Yogi Bhajan and his undeniable part in this though.

We realise that some of you might not be receiving the messages from KRI and 3HO, so we include some documents that have been sent around.

Through a special website that has been set up you can stay up to date about investigations being conducted into these matters and there is an email address where you can ask questions. KRI and 3HO also regularly organise Zoom sessions to support. www.ssscresponseteam.org

Also included is a FAQ list that was compiled at a recent Karam Kriya School meeting. Please realise that this is a work in progress as new information keeps coming in on a daily basis which might change the way certain questions could or should be addressed.

We have stopped trying to read everything that is being posted about this, especially on Facebook, as there are some toxic discussions going on alongside a healthy and necessary exchange, sharing and healing.

We are available if you want to share or ask things, but it might take some time for us to answer as this crisis is causing an email flood that is difficult to stay ahead of.

As said, NOW, more than ever, it is important to find the lighthouse within. Therefore we are committed to continue sharing these incredible Teachings.

Not to forget:

1. Recognize that the other person is you.
2. There is a way through every block.
3. When the time is on you, start, and the pressure will be off.
4. Understand through compassion or you will misunderstand the times.
5. Vibrate the Cosmos. The Cosmos shall clear the path.

Many blessings and keep-up!

With light
Hari Krishan and Bachitar

*****

Response from Bachitar Kaur and Hari Krishan Singh – August 2020 Update:

ALLEGATIONS ABOUT YOGI BHAJAN AND INVESTIGATION

In early 2020, it was discovered that a large number of women accused Yogi Bhajan of sexual abuse and unethical behaviour. The main organisations of Kundalini Yoga commissioned an independent institute to investigate. In a report dated August 14, 2020, the accusations of 36 persons are evaluated.

The Kundalini Yoga community supports the disclosure of all accusations and declares its solidarity with the victims. We strive to disclose and question any personal dependencies, inappropriate behavior or hidden hierarchies. However, it cannot be disputed that Yogi Bhajan remains the founder of our Yoga tradition and therefore he will be remembered as such.

“Follow the Teachings, not the Teacher.” (Yogi Bhajan)

We include some links to more detailed information, including the full report (76 pages) from An Olive Branch (AOB).

The report is a compilation of statements and allegations from anonymous sources/complainants through an openly invited process, with commentary and summarising from AOB. While the process has taken place over many months, it is worth remembering that it was not a legal investigation. Nor is the report a legal document. The institute came to the conclusion that the accusations are “more likely than not” truthful. A remark needs to be made that “more likely than not” does not equal “guilt” or conviction in our legal system. It is rather a “found possible”, so more than 50% likely.

Please note: The statements are extremely graphic and detailed regarding sexual content. Anyone may find the material distressing to read, but especially someone who has experienced sexual misconduct/abuse on any level could find historical experiences are re-triggered.

Some in the community have stated they don’t want to read it and this is each person’s choice. Others may be reading everything available across different platforms.

If you read the report in full, or even skim it, perhaps consider the time to do so and whether you’d like someone to speak to who can be a steady presence. And give consideration of whether you share it.

We recommend discernment and self-care in terms of engagement in the social media domain.

You may also encounter any of the ongoing discussions and questions arising publicly about the legitimacy and status of An Olive Branch (their licence to conduct an investigation), the procedures, content and presentation of material. This is to be addressed by the commissioning organisation who are issuing statements.

So there will be continued activity surrounding this and we propose going to the official sites for updates.

Support offered:

3HO and KRI are offering Information and Processing calls for a check-in with others in a confidential and compassionately held space. These are open for students, teachers and trainers and are offered in several time slots. Each will have translation available. You can check the schedule and register HERE. The Office for Ethics & Professional Standards (EPS) has a 24/7 helpline.

This process has been highly upsetting for everyone, regardless of what anyone personally believes, and the community is in painful polarisation. We are being challenged to come into the space of sitting deeply in our own hearts, to meditate, remain connected and to call on the support of our practice.

The Age of Aquarius is about the consciousness of community and we build this together. Our own attitude and altitude will carry us and others through. May we keep faith, hold everyone in our prayers, and remember the breathing and living God within.

We have been discussing what is the most important and powerful part of the Teachings that we experience, and we came to this conclusion…You! Our Spiritual Family. The Teachings of Yogi Bhajan have created such a strong Sanghat, a true family which contains people who are very close to us and people that we hardly know. They are all our community!

It is through Sanghat that we go from Individual to Universal, from Dharma to Guru, the essential steps from Me to We to Thee. We are committed to pass on this legacy.

Many blessings,
Bachitar and Hari Krishan

*****

Here you can find the latest updates and support:

OFFICIAL LETTER FROM THE SIRI SINGH SAHIB CORPORATION (SSSC)

CRT – Collaborative Response Team

EPS (Ethics and Professional Standards) WEBSITE – full AOB report

3HO support

*****

Here you can also read a statement from Shiv Charan Singh and Satya Kaur, the Founding Directors of the International Karam Kriya School: