Unveiling Exploitation in Yoga: BBC Podcast Investigates ‘The Bad Guru’

The BBC’s latest investigative podcast, World of Secrets: The Bad Guru, unveils distressing allegations of sexual exploitation, grooming, and human trafficking tied to a global yoga network. The investigation sheds light on connections between these claims and Gregorian Bivolaru, a 72-year-old Romanian spiritual leader and convicted sex offender.

This report delves into the findings, providing insights into how followers in the UK and beyond were drawn into a web of abuse under the guise of spiritual enlightenment.

Cover art of The BBC’s latest investigative podcast, World of Secrets- The Bad Guru

Contents hide

1 Key Findings of the BBC Investigation

1.1 Gregorian Bivolaru: The Convicted ‘Bad Guru’

2 The Tara Yoga Centre and Its Network

3 Miranda’s Journey: From Yoga Class to Exploitation

3.1 A Trust Betrayed

3.2 Alarming Incidents

3.3 Speaking Out

4 Allegations Against Atman and Its Affiliates

5 Voices from the Documentary

5.1 Cat McShane, Presenter

5.2 Daniel Clarke, Radio 4 Editor

6 The Impact on the Yoga Community

7 How to Protect Yourself in Spiritual Communities

8 The Podcast Series: A Call for Awareness

Key Findings of the BBC Investigation

Gregorian Bivolaru: The Convicted ‘Bad Guru’

Gregorian Bivolaru, founder of the Atman International Federation of Yoga and Meditation, has been a fugitive for years.
He faces charges of human trafficking, rape, and organized abuse of weakness in France, as well as aggravated human trafficking charges in Finland.
Despite these allegations, his teachings continue to attract thousands of students globally, including through the Tara Yoga Centre in the UK.

The Tara Yoga Centre and Its Network

The Tara Yoga Centre operates as a UK-registered charity with studios in London, Oxford, and Plymouth, and has hosted classes in major cities like Birmingham, Manchester, Leeds, and Dublin.
It is an affiliate of the Atman federation, which spans 29 countries and promotes Bivolaru’s teachings.
Allegations reveal that some teachers at Tara Yoga Centre facilitated trips for students to meet Bivolaru at undisclosed locations.

Miranda’s Journey: From Yoga Class to Exploitation

A Trust Betrayed

Miranda, an Oxfordshire University tutor, began yoga classes in 2017 to cope with life’s challenges. Her experience at Tara Yoga Centre near Old Street in London soon led her deeper into Bivolaru’s movement. Within two years, she found herself entangled in a network of sexual exploitation and trafficking.

Alarming Incidents

Sexualized Rituals: Miranda describes being drawn into rituals under the guise of spiritual practices.
Exploitation in Prague: She was misled into working in a live online pornography business for six months after being invited to a villa near Prague.
Blindfolded Journey to the Guru: Miranda recounts being driven blindfolded through Paris to meet Bivolaru, where she underwent a so-called initiation involving prolonged sexual intercourse.

Speaking Out

Now, seven years later, Miranda has come forward publicly. She shares her story in the podcast, stating:

“I wanted to believe that whatever they were doing, even if it seemed gross to me, and inappropriate and hyper-sexualized, was for some spiritual reason that I couldn’t yet understand.”

Allegations Against Atman and Its Affiliates

The series reveals that Atman’s affiliates worldwide have been involved in:

Organizing exploitative trips: Students were lured into international travel under the pretense of spiritual growth.
Grooming for profit: Vulnerable individuals were manipulated into activities benefitting the network financially.
Sexual coercion: Followers were subjected to abuse disguised as spiritual rituals.

Voices from the Documentary

Cat McShane, Presenter

McShane highlights the deceptive nature of these yoga practices:

“Yoga is the spiritual practice millions swear by – there is an expectation that it’s supposed to be good for you, so you let your guard down.”

Daniel Clarke, Radio 4 Editor

Clarke calls the findings “truly shocking,” emphasizing the importance of uncovering such hidden abuse:

“This series shows us how the promise of salvation can groom and condition people in truly frightening ways.”

The Impact on the Yoga Community

The allegations have rocked the global yoga community, challenging perceptions of spiritual practices and trust in yoga institutions. The BBC’s World of Secrets series highlights the urgent need for transparency, accountability, and safeguards within such organizations.

How to Protect Yourself in Spiritual Communities

Research the Organization: Verify credentials and background checks of yoga schools and spiritual guides.
Set Boundaries: Stay alert to practices that make you uncomfortable or seem inappropriate.
Speak Out: Share your concerns with trusted individuals or organizations.

The Podcast Series: A Call for Awareness

Series Title: World of Secrets, Season Six – The Bad Guru
Availability: Available to stream now on BBC Sounds.
Goal: To shine a light on the dark corners of seemingly benign spiritual practices and encourage victims to come forward.