Subscribe here for bonus content: https://axismundi.supercast.com/
In this first episode, Stacie Stukin and Philip Deslippe delve into the lives and legacies of Yogi Bhajan and Guru Jagat, as well as insights from former followers. They provide an overview of Yogi Bhajan’s Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO) and provide critical context for understanding Katie Griggs, also known as Guru Jagat.
The episode explores the historical and cultural appeal of Kundalini Yoga, tracing its roots back to the early ‘70s when many hippies were drawn to Yogi Bhajan’s teachings. Stacie and Philip discuss the complex relationship between Sikhi and Yoga, highlighting how Yogi Bhajan attracted a diverse following during a transformative era.
As they compare the influences of Yogi Bhajan in the 1970s to those surrounding Guru Jagat in the 2010s, they examine how gender, political unrest, and other societal dynamics shaped the reception of their teachings. This nuanced discussion sheds light on the evolving landscape of spiritual practices and the differing cultural contexts of each era.
More from Philip Deslippe and Stacie Stukin:
- “3HO’s Boarding Schools Were A Living Hell” for Baaz News (2024):
- “How ‘Siri Singh Sahib’ Yogi Bhajan Created An Empire” for Baaz News (2022):
- “Yogi Bhajan, yoga guru and founder of 3HO, ‘more likely than not’ sexually abused followers, says report” for Religion News Service (2020):
Stacie Stukin:
- “Yogi Bhajan Turned an L.A. Yoga Studio into a Juggernaut, and Left Two Generations of Followers Reeling from Alleged Abuse” for Los Angeles Magazine (2020):
Philip Deslippe:
- “From Maharaj to Mahan Tantric: The Construction of Yogi Bhajan’s Kundalini Yoga” for Sikh Formations (2012):
- Yogic Studies Course on Sikhism and Yoga with Jvala Singh
- Commissioned report from An Olive Branch 2020
Producer: Brad Onishi (@bradleyonishi)
Engineer: Scott Okamoto
Production Assistance: Kari Onishi