The Journey of Sadhguru: From Mystic to Global Influence

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.”