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30
Apr 2024
'Cult' concerns raised about yoga event in Harrogate
A Harrogate resident has raised concerns after discovering a yoga event in the town tonight is being run by an organisation that has been described as a cult.
The free to attend Sahaja Yoga Music, Dance and Meditation event takes place at the Crown Hotel this evening.
The event is organised by Sahaja Yoga, whose website says it is a 'world-wide movement for peace and self-awakening'.
But a woman who booked to attend became suspicious after researching the organisation and got in touch with the Stray Ferret to alert local people.
The woman, who asked to remain anonymous, said alarm bells started ringing when she discovered all yoga classes run by the organisation are completely free of charge.
She said:
Cult allegations
The Sahaja Yoga organisation has faced long-term allegations of being a cult.
In an article by the Independent in 2001, several ex-followers of the movement recounted their experiences on the inside.
One man claimed Sahaja Yoga “insisted he break off all family ties” and that followers became "zealous disciples" who followed instructions.
Another ex-disciple said he “wasted” six years of his life after becoming involved with Sahaja Yoga at the age of 19.
A Wikipedia page also lists cult allegations against the organisation.
Charitable status
Despite the claims, Sahaja Yoga, which is officially called Life Eternal Trust UK, was registered by the Charity Commission in August 1985.
The commission's site says the organisation's activities include “disseminating the knowledge which promotes and actualises physical, mental, emotional and spiritual health, balance and wellbeing; in particular the techniques of Sahaja Yoga meditation and the teachings of Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi”.
The commission website says the organisation has 220 volunteers.
The organisation was established in 1970 by Indian-born Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi, who died in 2011.
According to its UK website, its classes involve “simple meditation techniques, with guided meditation to help reduce stress and achieve the peace of true meditation”.
The website, which refers to Shri Mataji Nirmala Devi as "the all-compassionate Divine Mother", adds:
Hotel 'does not represent or endorse views'
The Stray Ferret contacted the Crown Hotel to ask whether it was aware of the allegations. We also forwarded the resident's concerns.
A spokesperson said in response:
We also put the allegations to Sahaja Yoga UK and offered it the opportunity to respond. The Stray Ferret did not receive a response by the time of publication.
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