Chennai — The Madras High Court recently raised concerns regarding spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and his influence over women at the Isha Yoga Centre. The court’s inquiry was prompted by a petition from S. Kamaraj, a retired professor from Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, who alleged that his two educated daughters had been “brainwashed” into permanently residing at the yoga center, choosing a life of renunciation over worldly pursuits.
Court Proceedings and Allegations
During the proceedings, a bench comprising Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Sivagnanam questioned the rationale behind Sadhguru’s encouragement for women to adopt a hermitic lifestyle. The judges pointed out the apparent contradiction in Sadhguru’s teachings, noting that while he had married off his own daughter, he seemed to advocate for other women to tonsure their heads and renounce societal life. This led to a pivotal question: “Why encourage others’ daughters to live as hermits when he has chosen a different path for his own?”
Kamaraj sought the court’s intervention to ensure the presence of his daughters in court, alleging that their decision to stay at the Isha Yoga Centre was not genuinely voluntary but a result of undue influence. The two women, aged 39 and 42, appeared in court and affirmed their autonomy, stating they were living at the Isha Foundation by choice and were not being held against their will.
Background of the Case
This case is not new; it has been a decade-long legal matter involving Kamaraj’s family. The professor has consistently argued that since his daughters joined the Isha Foundation, their lives have drastically changed, leading to a breakdown in family relations. He described their current situation as having turned their lives into “hell” after what he perceives as their abandonment of familial ties.
Despite their testimonies of voluntary residence, the judges decided to investigate the situation further. They directed law enforcement to compile a comprehensive list of all cases related to the Isha Foundation, suggesting an increased scrutiny of the organization’s practices.
The Isha Foundation’s Response
In response to the court’s inquiries, the Isha Foundation firmly defended its position, asserting that the women choose to stay at the center out of their own volition. They emphasized their commitment to personal freedom, stating, “We believe that adult individuals have the freedom and wisdom to choose their paths. We do not impose marriage or monkhood; these are personal choices.”
The foundation noted that its community comprises a diverse range of individuals, including many who are not monks. While some embrace the path of Brahmacharya (monkhood), many others pursue their spiritual journeys without renouncing the world.
Judicial Concerns
Justice Sivagnanam articulated the court’s concerns, asking, “We want to know why a person who had given his daughter in marriage and made her settle well in life is encouraging the daughters of others to tonsure their heads and live the life of a hermitess.” This inquiry reflects the broader societal concerns regarding the influence of spiritual leaders on personal choices and the implications for family dynamics.
The judges highlighted the need for a clearer understanding of the Isha Foundation’s influence on individuals, particularly young women. This scrutiny is part of a larger conversation about the intersection of spirituality and personal freedom, particularly as it pertains to women’s autonomy.
As the Madras High Court continues to investigate the matter, the debate surrounding Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev’s teachings and their implications for women’s choices remains a focal point of public interest. The case raises critical questions about personal agency, familial responsibilities, and the role of spiritual leaders in shaping individual destinies. The outcome could have significant ramifications for both the Isha Foundation and the broader landscape of spiritual practice in India.
The court’s inquiry highlights a growing need to balance spiritual guidance with individual freedom, ensuring that personal choices—whether in pursuit of spiritual enlightenment or societal engagement—are respected and upheld.