World
The Journey of Sadhguru: From Mystic to Global Influence
Explore the transformative journey of Sadhguru, from his early mystical experiences to becoming a global spiritual leader. Discover how his insights and teachings have influenced millions worldwide, bridging ancient wisdom with modern challenges.
At the age of 25, a pivotal moment in Jagadish Vasudev’s life unfolded. As the story recounts, he rode his motorcycle up the serene Chamundi Hills near Mysore, India. There, he settled onto a stone and entered a profound meditative state. Tears of what he described as “indescribable ecstasy” streamed down his face, and when he finally emerged from this deep meditation hours later, he was transformed. This marked the beginning of his journey as a spiritual leader, with a mission to teach people from all walks of life how to attain the blissful liberation he had experienced in those hills.
This is the origin story of Sadhguru, the name he chose for himself, now a distinguished figure at 67. Over the years, he has emerged as one of the most influential spiritual leaders of the digital age. His organization, the Isha Foundation, established in 1992, has grown into a vast empire dedicated to yoga instruction and environmental activism. With tens of millions of followers across platforms like YouTube, social media, a podcast, and a proprietary app, Sadhguru’s reach is extensive. The foundation’s main center in Coimbatore, India, resembles a small town, complete with a school, ashram, and temple. Furthermore, Isha has expanded into the United States with the Institute of Inner Sciences located in McMinnville, Tennessee—a rural area chosen for its accessibility to major American cities. Sadhguru envisions developing the 17,000 acres of this institute into a thriving community of 20,000 to 30,000 residents.
In the spring of 2023, I had the opportunity to attend one of Sadhguru’s talks at the institute, which was tailored for celebrities, influencers, and writers—individuals who could amplify the message of Isha. Approximately 150 attendees eagerly awaited the doors to open, rushing to secure seats close to the stage. As Sadhguru entered, the room surged with adoration, creating an atmosphere almost electric with excitement. I noticed a child nearby clutching a colorful drawing of the guru, while a television actress radiated joy at being in his presence.
In person, Sadhguru was both impressive and humorous, exuding a charismatic charm reminiscent of a seasoned politician. However, when we shook hands later, I sensed no otherworldly vibe; rather, he appeared more like an accessible celebrity than an enigmatic cult figure. He has appeared on popular podcasts with the likes of Joe Rogan, Logan Paul, and Matthew McConaughey, and has provided counsel to notable personalities such as Will Smith and SZA. His online persona skillfully combines wisdom with a touch of sarcasm, effectively dismantling the stereotype of the overly serious guru.
Sadhguru’s rise in the media landscape mirrors that of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi, who pioneered Transcendental Meditation and famously interacted with the Beatles in the 1960s. The fame associated with yoga has roots tracing back to the early 20th century, thanks to figures like Swami Vivekananda and Paramahansa Yogananda, who played a crucial role in introducing yoga to Western audiences. Given the current prevalence of yoga, these early missionaries can certainly be credited with monumental success. However, the darker side of yoga cannot be overlooked, as American skepticism often arises from various scandals, including political bioterrorism linked to Osho’s followers and serious allegations of sexual misconduct against Bikram Choudhury.
Aware of the mixed history surrounding past yogic communities, Sadhguru has faced his own share of controversies, including inquiries into his wife’s yogic passing and accusations regarding encroachments on Indian forests. To mitigate the impact of these issues, he actively works to distance himself from the historical controversies that have plagued the yoga community, humorously insisting that “guru is a four-letter word.” He emphasizes that his name signifies a self-made guru without traditional lineage. Despite having authored numerous best-selling books, he downplays the idea of learning yoga through literature, asserting that his writings are intended for inspiration rather than instruction. “I do not give any teachings to anyone,” he shared with me. “All I am doing is trying to confuse the hell out of you.”
World
Dominique Pelicot Testifies in Harrowing Rape Trial
Join us as Dominique Pelicot courageously testifies in a harrowing rape trial, shedding light on the complexities of trauma and justice. Her powerful story raises crucial questions about the legal system and the importance of support for survivors.
Dominique Pelicot Takes the Stand in Shocking Rape Trial
In a courtroom drama that has captivated France and garnered international attention, Dominique Pelicot, the man at the center of a harrowing rape trial, finally addressed the court. With tears streaming down his face, he recounted how his wife had been instrumental in helping him cope with a tumultuous past marked by trauma. He revealed that he had endured a sexual assault at the tender age of nine while hospitalized, and he also witnessed a gang rape during his teenage years while working as an apprentice electrician on a construction site.
“She didn’t deserve this, I acknowledge that,” Mr. Pelicot stated, his voice barely audible as he struggled to convey his emotions. The gravity of the situation weighed heavily on him, and the courtroom fell silent, straining to catch his every word.
Now 71 years old, Mr. Pelicot faces serious allegations of drugging his wife, Gisèle Pelicot, whom he has been married to for half a century, over a span of nearly ten years. Prosecutors contend that he used drugs to render her comatose, allowing him to rape her repeatedly. Furthermore, authorities allege that he went so far as to invite numerous men into their home, facilitating a nightmarish scenario where they, too, engaged in the assault of his wife.
Overall, 51 men, including Mr. Pelicot, are on trial concurrently, primarily facing charges related to the aggravated rape of Ms. Pelicot. Among them, one individual has already pleaded guilty to similar crimes, admitting to drugging his own wife to assault her and inviting Mr. Pelicot to partake in the horrific act while she was incapacitated.
Mr. Pelicot’s unexpected testimony came after a tumultuous start to the trial. Just a week in, he was stricken with severe health issues that forced him to miss four consecutive days in court. The head judge ultimately decided to postpone proceedings, as Mr. Pelicot was diagnosed with kidney stones, a kidney infection, and prostate complications, adding yet another layer of complexity to this already harrowing case.
World
Meta Bans Russian State Media Outlets from Social Media Platforms
Explore the implications of Meta’s decision to ban Russian state media outlets from its social media platforms. Understand the impact on information dissemination and the ongoing battle against misinformation in the digital landscape.
Meta Imposes Global Ban on Russian State Media Outlets
In a significant move, Meta Platforms, Inc., the parent company of Facebook, has announced the prohibition of Russian state media outlets, including RT (Russia Today) and Rossiya Segodnya, from all its social media platforms. The decision stems from the company’s concerns regarding the deceptive strategies employed by these media organizations to execute covert influence operations across the internet.
Meta made this announcement on Monday, emphasizing that the ban will be enforced worldwide across its various platforms, such as Instagram, WhatsApp, and Threads. The rollout of this ban is expected to take place over the coming days.
Statement from Meta
A spokesperson for Meta elaborated on the decision, stating, “After careful consideration, we have expanded our ongoing enforcement actions against Russian state media outlets. As a result, Rossiya Segodnya, RT, and other affiliated entities are now banned from our applications globally due to their involvement in foreign interference activities.”
For further insights into this development, watch the video in the player above.
World
Trump Recalls Alleged Assassination Attempt While Golfing
Explore Donald Trump’s chilling recollection of an alleged assassination attempt he experienced while enjoying a round of golf. Delve into the tense moments and his reflections on safety, fame, and the unpredictability of public life.
In a recent interview on the social media platform X, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump recounted a harrowing incident he claims to have experienced while playing golf. Trump described how, during a peaceful Sunday morning round with friends, the tranquility of the day was abruptly shattered by the sound of gunfire in the air.
“It was a beautiful day, everything was just perfect,” Trump reflected. “Then all of a sudden, we heard shots being fired—probably around four or five in total.” He went on to explain that a Secret Service agent was the first to spot the suspect, who was allegedly armed with an AK-47, a powerful assault rifle.
“The agent saw the barrel of the weapon and immediately took action, returning fire at the barrel and aiming in the direction of the bushes,” Trump detailed. “I would have loved to have sunk that last putt, but we decided it was best to leave the scene promptly.”
Trump expressed his gratitude towards the agents and a vigilant civilian who aided in tracking down the suspect, who was eventually apprehended following a high-speed chase.
Suspect Faces Multiple Federal Gun Charges
The FBI has identified the suspect as Ryan Wesley Routh, accusing him of targeting Trump during his time at the golf club in West Palm Beach, Florida. According to an FBI report, Routh had allegedly hidden among the hedges of the golf course for an astonishing 12 hours. Authorities discovered an SKS-style assault rifle, a GoPro camera, and a bag of food at the scene.
The 58-year-old Routh is now facing two serious federal gun charges. If convicted on both counts, he could face a combined maximum sentence of 20 years in prison. Notably, neither of the charges is directly related to an assassination attempt. The first charge pertains to possessing a firearm despite a prior felony conviction, which carries a potential 15-year sentence, a fine of $250,000 (€225,000), and three years of supervised release.
The second charge involves possession of a firearm with an obliterated serial number, which could result in a five-year prison term, the same financial penalties, and also three years of supervised release. As the investigation continues, additional charges could be forthcoming.
While the motive behind Routh’s actions remains unclear, his digital footprint reveals strong political affiliations, particularly concerning issues surrounding Ukraine and China. Routh consistently expressed support for Ukraine across various social media platforms, even claiming to have orchestrated a recruitment scheme for international volunteers aiming to assist Ukraine in its fight against Russia’s invasion. This behavior has been denounced by Ukrainian soldiers and members of the International Legion, who disavowed Routh’s actions and motives.
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