Sexual Abuse in Yoga and Wellness

by Andrea Bobby · August 17, 2026

Yoga and wellness spaces are often associated with healing, compassion and personal transformation, making them places where people seek greater physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. While these communities provide meaningful benefits for countless practitioners, they are not immune to the abuse of power. Over the past several decades, allegations and confirmed cases of sexual misconduct involving prominent teachers, gurus and wellness leaders have revealed that exploitation can occur even within spaces that are founded on principles of non-harm, integrity and trust.

This article examines the dynamics that attract sexual abusers into yoga and wellness settings, identifies the tactics and methods that predators use, discusses practical steps that individuals and organizations can take to reduce the risk of harm and presents a documented list of prominent teachers and organizations with credible allegations, legal findings or admissions of sexual abuse or misconduct. By openly talking about sexual abuse and by recognizing what a serious global issue it is, practitioners can make more informed decisions, while helping to foster safer, more accountable communities.

Why do Abusers Target Yoga and Wellness Spaces?

Opportunities to Exploit

Sexual abuse occurs in wellness settings for many of the same reasons it happens in any environment where vulnerable and receptive students who are seeking guidance put their trust in a figure of authority. Yoga teachers, gurus, meditation guides and spiritual mentors are often viewed as compassionate, enlightened, neutral and uniquely qualified to facilitate healing and personal transformation. While the majority of wellness professionals take this responsibility seriously and act ethically, there are some individuals — mostly men — who exploit the open and trusting dynamics of these spiritual spaces to abuse others.

Sexual predators do not become yoga teachers, gurus and wellness leaders to genuinely help people, to live by the Eight Limbs of Yoga or to better the planet. They do it to have easier opportunities to abuse other human beings in twisted attempts to compensate for their brokenness and lack of self-worth. This is why predators in the yoga world are particularly insidious; they are outwardly skilled artisans of the very practice they failed in.

Absence of Governing Bodies

Unlike licensed professions like medicine or counselling, the yoga and wellness field is largely unregulated in most countries. Associations exist, but there is no universal licensing body with proper checks and balances, meaning bad actors can continue teaching with limited accountability. It also makes it easier for misconduct to continue and harder for victims to speak up without fear of disbelief or retaliation.

A Culture that Worships Gurus

Gurus are to be respected for their knowledge and guidance, but they are not gods.Walk into any traditional ashram and you will probably find large framed images of gurus draped in flower garlands and blessed with a myriad of sweets and candles. Gurus are not gods, and shouldn’t be treated like one. By placing spiritual leaders beyond question or criticism, you leave the door wide open for abusers to exploit people. Moreover, when a teacher is regarded as infallible, enlightened or divinely authorized, students may feel pressured to suppress their own instincts, overlook inappropriate behaviour or rationalize misconduct as part of their spiritual development. This imbalance of power can also discourage victims and witnesses from reporting abuse for fear of being ostracized or accused of betraying the community.

The Mind of a Predator

Yoga teachers who sexually abuse others are outwardly skilled artisans of the very practice they failed in.The motivation behind sexual abuse is less about sex, and more to do with entitlement and a desperate need for power and control. A sexual abuser is usually a very broken person who harbours deep feelings of insecurity and worthlessness. Rather than working on themselves and finding a life of dharma (personal and cosmic duty), predators look for ways to humiliate, break or inflict pain upon others who they perceive to radiate light, abundance and energy. Children and younger women are the most common targets, mainly because they are seen as innocent, naive, vulnerable and unsuspecting.

The Predatory Playbook

Abusers may deliberately blur professional boundaries by encouraging secrecy and fostering emotional dependency. They usually claim to have special spiritual insight and will suggest that inappropriate physical or sexual contact is part of a student’s initiation, duty or progress. Harmful conduct is often reframed as “spiritual growth” or “part of a healing practice.”

Predators can also isolate students from supportive relationships, dismiss natural protective responses as ‘overreacting,’ discourage questioning or use their reputation and status within the community to avoid scrutiny and accountability. Here are a few actual quotes by prominent yoga gurus, demonstrating the predatory tactics they used to manipulate, groom and sexually abuse their victims:

Your intellect is your greatest enemy. When you try to analyze my behaviour, you are stepping away from God.”
—Swami Rama

The guru is the window to God. If you see flaws in the window, it is because your own vision is dirty.”
—James Donald Walters

Your mind is given to you to serve me; your soul is given to you to love me; your body is given to you to obey me.”
—Yogi Bhajan

What Sexual Abuse & Misconduct Looks Like

Sexual abuse can happen in many ways and in any scenario. Most of the time, it starts with something small, such as unwanted staring, and then builds into something uglier. This is why it is very important to recognize exactly what sexual abuse and misconduct is, to trust your intuition and to never brush your discomfort under the rug, no matter how minor.

Here are some common forms of sexual abuse, harassment and misconduct:

Leering, ogling or staring in an unwanted, sexualized or intimidating manner.
Unwanted attention, including excessive friendliness or preferential treatment.
Following or stalking.
Inappropriate comments.
Sexually suggestive behaviour, such as gestures or uncomfortable proximity.
Inappropriate or non-consensual physical contact, including during physical adjustments.
Deliberating exposing the genitals or sending “dick pics.”
Abuse of authority.
Grooming behaviours disguised as mentorship.
Coercion, intimidation, slander, force, drugging or psychological pressure.
Threatening, blackmailing or extorting someone into sexual relationships.
Attempted rape.
Rape.

List of Prominent Teachers & Organizations

Below are notable individuals or establishments in the yoga, meditation and wellness world who have at least one of the following:

Arrests, lawsuits or convictions of sexual abuse.
Public allegations or documented claims of sexual misconduct, abuse or inappropriate behaviour.
Documented ties to known convicted sex offenders.

Although this topic is very unpleasant, it is extremely important for this information to be freely accessible to everyone, primarily for the safety and well-being of women, children and the community. To ensure transparency and accuracy, the content below includes footnotes and direct references to publicly available and factual journalism, news sources, official documents and third-party media.

THE FOLLOWING LIST OF PERSONS AND ENTITIES IS CATEGORIZED IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER. IT INCLUDES DESCRIPTIONS OF SEXUAL ABUSE THAT MAY BE UPSETTING OR TRIGGERING FOR SOME READERS. PLEASE USE DISCRETION.

Amrit Desai (Kripalu Yoga / I AM Yoga)

Amrit Desai famously enforced strict celibacy rules at his ashram, the Kripalu Center for Yoga & Health, but resigned after he himself admitted to having sexual relationships with female disciples over many years — relationships that occurred within a clear power imbalance between guru and student. The news led to a major crisis within the Kripalu community and prompted broader conversations about teacher accountability, boundaries and the risks of placing spiritual leaders beyond scrutiny.¹

Asaram

Asaram is a spiritual leader who was once followed by millions through his international network of ashrams and yoga schools. In 2018, he was convicted of raping a child under the pretext of “exorcising her from evil spirits,” and was sentenced to life imprisonment. In 2023, he and his son were both found guilty in a separate sexual assault case involving former devotees of his ashram.² Despite his crimes, he continues to have a large base of supporters consisting primarily of men.

The victim is as guilty as her rapists… She should have called the culprits, ‘brothers,’ and begged before them to stop… This could have saved her dignity and life. Can one hand clap? I don’t think so.”
— Asaram, about the 2012 Delhi Bus Gang Rape

Bikram Choudhury (Bikram / Hot Yoga)

Founder of the widely practiced Bikram Yoga or Hot Yoga, Choudhury has faced multiple lawsuits involving sexual harassment, assault and exploitation. His behaviour was the subject of the 2019 documentary Bikram: Yogi, Guru, Predator, in which former employees and students expose his criminal conduct and abuse of authority. With an outstanding arrest warrant in the United States, Choudhury is now a fugitive, but still teaches in places like Mexico and Spain.³

Why do I have to harass women? People spend $1m for one drop of my sperm. Are you that dumb to believe those trash?”
— Bikram Choudhury

Deepak Chopra

The Epstein Files have revealed that this celebrity wellness guru was quite close with the pedophile, Jeffrey Epstein. Disturbing emails include the 71-year-old married Chopra inviting Epstein (at this time, a convicted sex offender) to “bring his girls” with him on a trip. Chopra was never accused of or charged with anything and he denies any wrongdoing, but the evidence shows how men, no matter how spiritually superior they appear, collectively support each other to abuse women and children.⁴

Cells are human constructs. No such thing! Universe is human construct. No such thing. Cute girls are aware when they make noise. …God is a construct. Cute girls are real.”
— Deepak Chopra to Jeffrey Epstein, 2017

Gregorian Bivolaru

This Romanian yoga teacher manipulated female students into sexual acts by presenting his teachings as sacred tantric practices and necessary steps toward spiritual advancement, often using his authority to pressure followers. In 2013 he was convicted in Romania for having sexual relations with a minor, and in 2023 he was arrested in France during a large police operation investigating rape, human trafficking and exploitation linked to his yoga network. He is currently in prison in France.⁵

James Donald Walters

Also known as Kriyananda, this American teacher founded the Ananda spiritual movement. Over several decades, numerous former students accused him of sexual harassment, coercion and exploiting his position as a spiritual leader to pressure women into unwanted sexual relationships. In 1998, a California jury found that Walters had sexually harassed a former disciple, awarding damages as part of a broader lawsuit involving fraud and retaliation against the Ananda organization.⁶

My sexual needs are a divine burden. By helping me relieve this tension, you are performing a holy service that purifies your karma.”
— James Donald Walters, a.k.a Kriyananda

John Friend (Anusara Yoga)

The founder of Anusara Yoga, John Friend, became embroiled in multiples scandals in 2012, including inappropriate sexual relationships with students and members of his organization. Reports described a pattern of manipulation, abuse of authority and ethical misconduct, leading to widespread backlash and the collapse of Anusara’s leadership structure. Friend stepped down from his role before later attempting other barely successful yoga ventures.⁷

Kausthub Desikachar (Viniyoga)

Kausthub Desikachar, the son of TKV Desikachar and grandson of T. Krishnamacharya, has faced multiple accusations of psychological intimidation, bullying and sexually humiliating students during classes. He also subjected female devotees to intimate ‘spiritual massages,’ promising to grant them special powers if they have intercourse with him, then later attempted to silence them.⁸ Today, Desikachar continues to project himself as an inspirational “lineage holder” of the yogic tradition.

K. Pattabhi Jois (Ashtanga Yoga)

Disturbing photographs and public allegations by several former students against K. Pattabhi Jois, the founder of Ashtanga Yoga, reveal patterns of sexual misconduct towards both women and men during his ‘hands-on adjustments.’ The revelations shook the foundations of the international yoga community and prompted widespread reflection on consent, power and the normalization of uncomfortable physical contact in traditional teaching environments.⁹

He was not just the smiling guru on the yoga altar. He was also a man who violated women in full view of other people. I want the photos to be a call for everyone to examine whether they are dismissing or overlooking sexual abuse in any way.”¹⁰
— Karen Rain, survivor of K. Pattabhi Jois

Manouso Manos (Iyengar Yoga)

This American yoga teacher, a direct protégé of B.K.S. Iyengar, has been accused by numerous former students of sexual misconduct, including inappropriate touching, coercion and abuse of power. Many of the allegations describe incidents that occurred during hands-on adjustments and was then brushed off as if it never happened. After Manos finally stepped down, the Iyengar Association revoked his accreditation, but he continues to teach under its name.¹¹

Muktananda (Siddha Yoga)

Muktananda was the founder of the Siddha Yoga movement and a highly influential spiritual teacher who introduced many Western students to meditation and Kundalini Yoga. But following his death in 1982, several former disciples and close associates publicly stated that he inappropriately engaged in sexual relationships with female devotees, and even raped young women and children who filled subordinate positions within his organization.¹²

Osho & The Osho International Foundation

Osho (formerly Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh) did not teach yoga, but he did create his own controversial ‘dynamic meditation.’ Former followers have accused him of rape, sexual coercion, exploitation and severe abuse of authority. The acclaimed 2018 Netflix documentary Wild Wild Country examines the rise and fall of Osho’s Oregon commune, focusing primarily on the movement’s cult-like behaviour, criminal activities and sexually charged community culture.¹³

If a woman is raped, she is responsible. Somewhere in her unconscious, she wanted it. No woman can be raped against her will.”
— Osho

Pierre Bernard

Pierre Bernard was one of the earliest popularizers of yoga and Tantra in the United States, but was dogged by allegations of sexual exploitation throughout his career. In 1910, he was arrested in New York on charges related to the alleged abduction and sexual exploitation of a young woman. While no criminal conviction resulted, Bernard continued to promote a controversial and scandalous interpretation of Tantric practice that linked vulgar sexuality with spiritual development.¹⁴

Rodney Yee

In 2002, allegations surfaced that this well-known married yoga teacher had sexual relationships with many female students. When an associate confronted him, he fired her, leading to Yee getting sued for breach-of-contract. He was never criminally charged with sexual abuse, but the whole issue generated significant discussions about boundaries, professional ethics, abuse of authority and power imbalances.¹⁵ Yee went on to divorce his wife of 24 years and marry one of his students.

Russell Kruckman (Shiva Yoga)

Also known as Shankarananda, this American yoga guru had engaged in secret sexual relationships with female devotees and students within his ashram community. He acknowledged having inappropriate sexual contact with followers and knew of the harm it caused, but maintained that he had misunderstood the effects of his actions. The controversy led to the liquidation of the Shiva Ashram Organization and suspension of its accreditation by Yoga Australia.¹⁶

Sadhguru & The Isha Foundation

Serious allegations of sexual abuse, child sexual abuse and institutional misconduct have been made against Jaggi “Sadhguru” Vasudev and his Isha Foundation.¹⁷ Sadhguru has consistently denied these allegations, describing them as false and part of coordinated smear campaigns, even going to great lengths to have negative online content removed.¹⁸ In 2026, a U.S. Court dismissed his $10M defamation suit, deeming it an attempt to silence victims, and ordered him to pay hefty fees.¹⁹

Satyananda Saraswati & The Satyananda Yoga Ashram

Satyananda Saraswati, founder of the Satyananda yoga lineage and the Bihar School of Yoga, has been investigated for sexual abuse, including the abuse of children. His ashram in Mangrove Mountain, Australia was the subject of an official Royal Commission into institutional sexual misconduct, with multiple witnesses describing an entrenched culture of abuse under his leadership and that of his appointed ashram director, Akhandananda, who himself is another sex offender.²⁰

If you want your child to become a spiritual giant, you must give them to the guru completely. Do not ask what happens behind the ashram walls.”
— Satyananda Saraswati

Swami Rama (Himalayan Institute of Yoga)

Swami Rama, founder of the Himalayan Institute, was accused by numerous students of sexual abuse, coercion and exploitation. Several women alleged that he used his position to manipulate disciples into unwanted sexual relationships under the guise of spiritual instruction or initiation. In 1997, the Himalayan Institute paid a $1.9M settlement to a victim for rape and psychological manipulation. It was one of the first legal cases against a yoga guru for sexual abuse.²¹

I can cure cancer with a look, and I can destroy your life with a thought. You must never question the actions of an enlightened master.”
— Swami Rama

Swami Satchidananda (Yogaville Ashram)

Several former devotees have publicly accused Satchidananda of sexual manipulation, molestation, abuse, coercion and exploitation. Following the 1991 protests outside his hotel room in the United States, 12 senior members of the Integral Yoga Institute resigned from their positions. They formed the support group, Healing Through Truth Network, to demand accountability, help survivors and raise awareness about Satchidananda’s sexual misconduct.²²

Vishnudevananda & The Sivananda Organization

Allegations from former disciples of Vishnudevananda described sexual abuse and exploitation that had remained largely hidden for decades, with survivors criticizing the organization for silencing or overlooking the crimes. Vishnudevananda passed away in 1993, but the apple didn’t fall far from the tree – abuse from other senior male leaders of the organization, such as Swami Mahadevananda and Prahlada, were discovered, leading to the Project Satya initiative for survivors.²³

Vivekananda Saraswati & The Agama Yoga School

Swami Vivekananda Saraswati is Romanian yoga instructor (real name Narcis Tarcău) who is accused by multiple women of sexual assault, rape and inappropriate conduct during his leadership at the Agama Yoga School in Thailand. His “rape cult” is detailed in the Netflix documentary (Un)Well which exposes some of the worst abuses in the wellness industry. Survivors have described exploitative practices by him and several male senior leaders under a mask of spiritual guidance.²⁴

Yogi Bhajan (Kundalini Yoga)

Allegations by former followers of Yogi Bhajan (a.k.a. Harbhajan Singh Puri) described sexual abuse, coercion and misuse of authority within the Kundalini yoga community, prompting widespread scrutiny of his legacy. An independent investigation called An Olive Branch, was carried out into his sexual misconduct which consisted of rape, assault, non-consensual touching, showing pornography to minors, threats, slander, and sexually offensive language, among others.²⁵

If a woman is beaten by her husband, it is because she has failed to activate her divine, protective radiant body. She has allowed the negativity.”
— Yogi Bhajan

What Can People Do?

By acknowledging past harms, building robust safeguards and centering consent and accountability, we can all play our part in upholding yoga’s true principles of right living, non-harm, integrity and karmic action. Here are some practical suggestions that everybody — managers, studio owners, teachers, students and the community — can take to make their yoga and wellness spaces safer:

Trust Your Intuition: One great benefit of yogic practice is a heightened sense of intuition. Use it! If something does not feel right, or if you feel discomfort, fear or uneasiness around a particular person or situation, that’s an inner alarm sounding. Trust yourself and take action accordingly. Never apologize or feel guilty if someone makes you feel uncomfortable.
Stand Up, Speak Up: If you see something, hear something or experience something, call it out or report it right away. Not only will you be standing up for yourself and holding abusers accountable, you may also be saving someone else from being abused.
Don’t Enable or Normalize Abuse: Refuse to support establishments and teachers who have a record of sexual misconduct. Stand with the true teachings of yoga, not with abusers. The tremendous power in all of us to collectively reject abuse in any form is the best way to eliminate it in our social spaces and communities.
Recognize the Problem of Male Violence: As you probably noticed, the list above consists entirely of men. Not all men are sexual abusers, but sexual abusers are almost always men, and sadly, other men will usually enable, support or cover up for him. A lot of people today simply find that all-female spaces are safer and more conducive to yogic development. But, if you do decide to work with a man, do your due diligence.
Beware of ‘Guru Worship’: Avoid the dangerous practice of worshipping teachers and blindly placing them on a morally superior pedestal. Gurus are to be respected for their knowledge and guidance, but they are not gods. Healthy yogic traditions encourage discernment, humility, and personal responsibility rather than unquestioning devotion to any individual, recognizing that no teacher should be exempt from ethical standards or accountability.
Implement Proper Tools: If physical adjustments are part of a class, they must be fully optional, explicitly consented to, clearly explained and professionally administered. Dubious language such as “spiritual healing through intimacy” should never replace clear consent. By using simple tools like Consent Cards, students can feel safe and can fully focus on their practice, while maintaining their personal boundaries.
Leadership Accountability: In addition to enforcing preventable measures and zero-tolerance policies for misconduct, yoga businesses should fully vet teachers with proper background checks. Remember, abusers can target their colleagues, as well as their students. So it is important to also keep a safe workplace by consistently watching your team and quickly acting on any problematic behaviour.
Enforce Clear Policies, Reporting Mechanisms and Codes of Conduct: Every studio and teacher should have a written policy that prohibits sexual misconduct and outlines behavioural boundaries (especially around touch). Some organizations may want to establish third-party, anonymous reporting channels so that both students and employees can raise concerns without fear of retaliation or backlash.
Encourage Training & Community Dialogue: Workshops on ethics, consent, boundaries and power dynamics shouldn’t be rare — they should be regular parts of yoga teacher training programs and must be normalized within the culture of wellness communities.
Survivor Support & Healing Paths: Handle complaints right away and always believe the victim. If abuse has occurred, respond with empathy, trauma-informed counselling resources, transparent communication and no retaliation. Taking accountability, providing support and encouraging a safe space is crucial to healing and recovery.

A Word for the Disheartened

Discovering that a trusted yoga teacher, guru or wellness organization has enabled or committed sexual abuse can be deeply painful. For many people, the experience shatters not only their trust in a person or community but also their confidence in a practice that once brought meaning, healing and peace. But it helps to know that Yoga itself is so much bigger, so much older and so much more sacred than the perversion and misconduct of certain individuals.

At its heart, yoga is a journey of right living, self-awareness, discernment, compassion and personal freedom. In fact, the very concepts of Tantra (yogic rituals and practices) and Samkya (the theory of yoga) may have derived from the women of ancient India, but then ‘molded’ over time to align with harmful patriarchal structures. Today, healthy teachers will always encourage students to trust their own judgment, engage critical thinking, ask difficult questions and never surrender their autonomy or dignity in the name of spiritual growth.

By fostering transparent leadership, strong ethical standards, independent accountability and communities that prioritize the safety and well-being of every practitioner, the yoga world can continue to move toward a culture where abuse is neither tolerated nor concealed. Speaking the truth, supporting one another and insisting on accountability are powerful acts that help ensure that future generations can experience yoga as it was intended: a practice that nurtures genuine wholeness, spiritual wisdom and a beautiful flourishing of humanity.

If you or someone you know has experienced abuse in a yoga or wellness context, you are not alone. Healing is possible and your voice matters. It is okay to seek support, to report misconduct and to demand safer, more respectful spaces.

Footnotes & References:

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